<p>you might have trouble finding parking spaces on campus. so it might be a good idea to have a bike that you keep around campus, and not carry with you going back home. or carry with you through the subway, whichever. You can also store the bike near the subway so that you can have easy access every time you get off subway.</p>
<p>Use craigslist to get a cheap bike. Do some research on the models so you don’t get ripped off. I recommend vintage road bikes. These bikes are mostly 70s-80s, but they’re better than the low end bikes made today. They usually come around $150 on a good sale, $100 if you’re lucky. These bikes will typically need a tune up. You will need to know how to take care of a bike, and it may initially seem like a b1tch, but it’s worth the investment, trust me. paying for gas sucks… and considering you’re commuting, I’m sure you’d understand. Also carry a spare tire and a patch kit with you. A couple of wrenches for brake adjustment can’t hurt either. Saddle bags and rack bags will do the trick of carrying them.</p>
<p>always have a night bike light if you bike at night. helmet is optional (I only say that because I don’t wear one). If you run into high traffic situations, DEFINITELY wear a helmet!</p>
<p>get a U-lock if you intend to keep the bike (if you go to walmart, buy the Kryptonite U-lock, NOT the Bell U-lock). Lock the front wheel and maybe the back wheel too, and maybe get a small lock for the saddle. Always take whatever’s easily accessible on the bike with you (eg. saddle bags, bike light, etc.) It really depends on the crime activity. Around here, it’s pretty quiet, but I can’t really speak for Wharton, or where ever UPenn is. I would try to find a place where there’s 24 hr surveillance.</p>
<p>Off the top of my head these are the things I can think of to prepare a bicycle newbie. If you find this useful, great. If not, then I’m heartbroken.</p>