WAWA

Students swear by Wawa, even those from out of town who initially mock its name  (the company has its roots in nearby Wawa, PA).  Perhaps the only convenience store to develop a cult-like following, Wawa overwhelms the competition with made-to-order hoagies, inexpensive homemade products, and ATMs that never give surcharges. Best of all, they’re open 24 hours a day. Still not convinced it’s worth a write-up? Then you clearly haven’t been.

Urban Outfitters

The now ubiquitous clothing retailer got its start on a quiet street in West Philadelphia, now the site of a popular bowling alley. The company, which also owns Anthropologie, keeps its corporate headquarters in the city, and operates multiple stores in student-friendly zones like Walnut Street, University City, and King of Prussia.

La Colombe

Served at some of the nation’s finest hotels and restaurants,
La Colombe is quickly becoming a household name in the
world of gourmet coffee. Philadelphians have known about it for ears, however, thanks to their hugely popular cafes in Rittenhouse Square and Manayunk, where a cup
of joe costs only a dollar and change.

Water Ice

In a city not always known for its healthfood, it’s surprising to find that everyone’s favorite summer treat contains no fat or cholesterol. Water Ice, pronounced ‘wooder ice’ by most locals, now operates across nine states, offering a variety of water ices and gelati in outrageous flavors at unbeatable prices!