Photo Essay | Penn's once bustling campus, now vacant

Over a month ago, members of the Penn community were evicted from campus in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Once overflowing with students rushing to class, Locust Walk remains eerily vacant. On-campus hotspots now lack the Penn spirit they once championed. Crowds that used to assemble during Spring Fling, Hey Day, U-Night, and numerous senior celebrations are no longer present. 

While campus has remained empty, its natural qualities have continued to shine through its stillness. The Daily Pennsylvanian sent its on-site photographers to capture the physical transformation of Penn since students and other members of the Penn community left campus.

College Green, a landmark spot for students to play frisbee, study, or converse with friends, remains quiet. 

The iconic Penn Commons shield is where prospective students and their families would take photos and share meals together during Quaker Days.  

The tables and chairs next to the ARCH on 36th and Locust once served as a common area for students to study during the day. 

The large green space outside of Lauder College House was once populated with Hill and Lauder College House students relaxing under the sun and clear skies. 

The plaza in front of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design was once crowded with innovative Penn students and faculty. 

Hey Day, a spring Penn tradition that officially honors the advancement of the junior class to the senior class, was supposed to take place on April 28 of this year. It will be celebrated when it is deemed safe to return to campus. 

Many students used to enjoy the Perelman steps that offered extra seating from the nearby and often packed Houston Hall.

The seating area by the compass located near Huntsman on 37th and Spruce offered a location for students to study outdoors.

Once bustling with students, Locust Walk is now hauntingly empty with the exception of a few joggers completing social distancing workouts. 

The Huntsman Pavilion, outside of Pret a Manger and Huntsman Hall, used to provide shade and comfort. 

Although 1920 Commons is the only dining hall that remains open, the long lines for the hot meals have been replaced by shorter and sparser ones.

The open area near the high rises once connected upperclassmen together as they relaxed after a day's packed schedule. 

The tables and benches outside of Starbucks and 1920 Commons Dining Hall were previously a refreshing conversation hub.

Restaurants like Panera Bread, located on the corner of 40th and Walnut, now only have delivery or to-go options due to business closures. 

In the last few weeks, the Penn community has undergone a major transition. But for many, campus still represents their home away from home. It is a place associated with lasting memories, important relationships, and instilling purpose and meaning in life.