The countdown to the first day of classes has begin! You've probably started to imagine your new life at PAFA as A BFA or Certificate student. Maybe you're thinking about walking on the footsteps of some notable alumnus through the HLB (the Historic Landmark Building) or envisioning yourself in class drawing Godzilla (he's a horse).  To bring some color to those daydreams, here  are 
6  things to know about your future academic life at PAFA!
1. Being a full-time PAFA student is a full-time job! 
First year students have 6 courses and are in studio classes Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m & Friday, 8:30 am - 11:20 am. There is also an open studio drawing & painting session on Fridays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.. Just be aware of this now so you don't over commit yourself by adding too many hours at a part-time job, internship, etc. Your Fall schedules will be available on the Student Portal, so check there for the details! 
2. Your track = your Hogwarts House
First year students are grouped into what we call tracks. This cohort of students is your tight knit  learning community that takes classes together. We often joke that PAFA is the Hogwarts of art schools and your track is your Hogwarts house. Our sorting hat doesn't place you according to personality or ability, but we try to balance the tracks so each has a diverse group of students based on gender, age, and transfer credits. You'll be seeing a lot of the people in your track and you'll get to know them--and their work--really, really well.
3. Your teachers are superstars
PAFA has an AMAZING group of distinguished, professional working artists that will be your teachers. They are looking forward to meeting you in the fall and extended these words of welcome and wisdom:

Welcome to PafA!
Printmaking ways,
challenges imaginations,
to make image replications, 
and brings multiple satisfactions.
Welcome to the Printmaking Department!  -Tony Rosati


Bring as much energy to learning as your teachers are bringing to teaching. Show up ready to work and to be an active and engaged member of the classroom and the community at large.  - Peter Van Dyck


My motto is, "Courage, patience, and hard work." Even though you may feel scared or unsure, remember that all artists feel this way. Even when we are older and more experienced.  - Al Gury








Find your instructors in the  Faculty Directory to see their work, and read about the exciting things they are doing in the  PAFA Faculty News.
4. NO laptops required
PAFA does not require students to purchase or have a laptop, tablet, or other technology. There is wifi all over campus, we have computers and printers for students in the library, and a room full of Macs loaded with creative software in the new  digital lab on the 5th floor.
5. We're here to help make learning accessible for every student 
PAFA is committed to ensuring that our programs, policies, and procedures comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and/or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities. We encourage any student requiring academic accommodations during the school year to contact us at [email protected] or call 215-972-2199. We can walk you through the process and send you the necessary forms.
6. Just bring yourself--a sketchbook and a pencil, too!
Lots of incoming students ask what to buy for the first day of class. I nstructors recommend that students come that first day with basic drawing supplies--something to draw on and something to draw with! Instructors will distribute specific supply lists on the first day of class or throughout the semester.
Once you get those supply lists it will probably be helpful to know where to go get them! Here are some places to buy supplies listed by proximity to PAFA:

PAFA Blick Store
Right here on PAFA's campus on the ground floor of the Hamilton Building!

The "big Blick"
1330 Chestnut Street

A.C. Moore
100 S Broad Street

Artist and Craftsman Supply
307 Market Street

Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing
  3200 Chestnut Street

The Resource Exchange
for reclaimed art, building, and craft supplies
1701 N. 2nd street
That's all for now. We're looking forward to seeing you in the fall, and hope you're having a great summer!  

Got questions? Ask us!