Starting college at Penn can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it as the first in your family to do so. The good news: Penn has a wide range of resources designed to support your academic journey—you just need to know where to find them and how to take advantage of them.
1. Tutoring and Academic Support
- Weingarten Center for Student Success offers free tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic coaching. You can sign up for one-on-one appointments in subjects like math, chemistry, or economics, or join group sessions for collaborative learning. Additionally, through workshops, Weingarten’s learning specialists will support you in developing effective learning habits and strategies. Learn more about the signature series below and check for current programs on the Student Events Calendar.
2. Writing Center
- Whether you’re polishing a research paper or drafting your first college essay, the Marks Family Writing Center is a fantastic resource. Trained tutors help with brainstorming, structure, clarity, and grammar. Click here to make an undergraduate Writing Center appointment using the online scheduling system (upenn.mywconline.com).
- With over a dozen libraries across campus, Penn’s library system is more than just a place to study. Librarians can help you track down scholarly articles, learn how to cite properly, or use specialized databases for research. Check the library website to see which one specializes in your field (e.g., Van Pelt for humanities, Lippincott for business). Don’t be shy about asking librarians for help—they love questions. For a full list of services, check out this page.
For more information about FGLI services at Penn, check out the Penn Career Services community page.



