I will be starting at St. Jo's next year, and need to find out more about the area. I haven't visited downtown Philly, but the area around the school seems nice. What is the area near St. Jo's called (e.g. University City around U of P & Drexell)? What should I see in Philly outside of the usual tourist trek?

Welcome! You have certianly come to the right place. Look at the neighborhood forums to find out what is going on around you. I think that the U. City and Manayunk forums would be a good place to start, as they are not far from campus.

St Joe's is technically in Philly, but it might be considered Bala Cynwyd or Overbrook. Its right near the city limits. You wont be that far from Center City(15 mins drive) and you will be close to Bryn Mawr, which has a lot of shops, restaurants and bars. Right near St Joes there isnt much to do. There is one local bar called the Muddy Duck that some kids go to (I think).

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I know you said you wanted something outside the tourist Trek, but I'd suggest doing some of the touristy things, at least once. Especially the Museums and the Franklin Institute. It can get a little bit expensive, especially if you're on a college budget, but makes a nice outing for a small group of friends.

Going to Rittenhouse Park near 18th and Walnut can be fun in the summertime. Dozens/hundreds of people are out and if you're into people watching it can be fun.

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Be aware of your surroundings in that area. The St. Joes campus and the neighborhood immediately around it are relatively safe, but if you follow Lancaster Ave. or Haverford Ave too far into West Philly, it can get a bit sketchy. Bala Cynwyd, on the other side of City Ave. is an upscale community so you should be OK there.