There is free parking on 34th St. North of market, Free parking on Arch St. between 33rd and 34th, free parking on Race St., Filbert St. is a good spot right off of 34th. Powelton, like you said, and there is some free parking along Lancaster Ave.
Unfortunately there aren t any. Powelton Ave is the only place you can park. Unless you park in west philly parking lot and pay $2 a day - but then you would have to take the Lucy which, I am not sure if you have to pay or not-because you are a student. If you take notice-they are re-doing the pavements up market street. They are making market a two car lane street, so even the parking meters are being taken out and eliminated! There s always parking on Chestnut street but you would have to go to your car every 2 hours and pay via quarters or smart card which is sold at Wawa and 7 Eleven.Drexels parking garage is very expensive, as well as other parking lots in the area. I parked down at 30th street and pay $120 a month to park. It s insane- during the nicer months, I just take Septa and save myself some money.
If you really don t mind the walk, Spring Garden has open spots along the streets. It s a pretty long walk to campus though. I park in garage and yeah, expensive as hell and it s starting to get crowded. Of course, you can drive around and try to park up at 33th and 34th, but it s always full and rarely any spots.
Market Street has always been 4 lanes...the construction corresponds to the new athletic center.Powelton always had the best turnover for me. I d pass the block once and not see a thing, come back in 2-3 minutes and have plenty of spots...it just takes patience. 33-36th Street are all free parking up past Market (there are a few meters on 36th IIRC). Hamilton is also an alright street, though I don t know if I d hit it alone.