Elon Musk, the enigmatic billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and a host of other groundbreaking ventures, has always been known for his eccentricity and ambitious vision. However, his time as a student at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers fascinating insights into the young Musk before he became a household name. Recently, a former classmate and girlfriend shared stories of Musk’s college years, painting a picture of a man whose quirks and brilliance were evident even then.
#### **The Setting: Penn in the Early ’90s**
In the early 1990s, Musk attended Penn, where he studied physics and economics. Even as a student, he stood out for his intense focus and unusual ideas. Those who knew him during this time describe him as both brilliant and peculiar, often engaging in behavior that was unconventional, even by college standards.
#### **The “Strange Things” Musk Did at Penn**
1. **Renting a House for Parties**
According to Musk’s former girlfriend, he and his roommate rented a large house off-campus. However, Musk’s motivation wasn’t entirely social—he saw these parties as a way to make money. They charged attendees for entry, turning their house into a profitable venue for college gatherings. Musk, typically not the life of the party, would often retreat to his room to work on personal projects after ensuring the event was running smoothly.
2. **Constant Talk of Space and the Future**
Even in college, Musk was captivated by space exploration and the idea of colonizing other planets. His former classmate recalls him sketching ideas for rockets and satellites during lectures. While others were focused on immediate goals like exams and internships, Musk was already talking about humanity’s survival on Mars.
3. **A Diet of Caffeine and Hot Dogs**
Musk’s intense work ethic often meant he neglected basic needs like sleep and nutrition. His girlfriend recounted how he subsisted on a diet of hot dogs and caffeine for days while working on projects or studying. This relentless focus was a precursor to the tireless drive he would later exhibit as an entrepreneur.
4. **Obsessive Reading and Learning**
Musk’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He was known to spend hours in the library or holed up in his room, devouring books on diverse topics ranging from physics to philosophy. His girlfriend described him as someone who could talk passionately about any subject, often losing track of time in deep discussions.
5. **Building a Homemade Video Game**
Musk’s interest in technology was evident even during his college years. He created a rudimentary video game and shared it with friends, showcasing his knack for coding and innovation. This early experimentation foreshadowed his later success in the tech industry.
#### **Relationships and Social Life**
Musk’s girlfriend during his Penn years described him as both charming and intensely driven. While he was caring and attentive in their relationship, his ambitions often took precedence. His focus on his future and big-picture goals sometimes made him seem distant, but it was clear that he was deeply passionate about creating something meaningful.
#### **Reflections from Classmates**
Classmates who interacted with Musk at Penn recall him as a mix of genius and oddball. He was often seen as a loner, spending hours working on personal projects or engaging in philosophical debates. Despite his unconventional behavior, many recognized his intelligence and predicted he would achieve great things.
#### **Legacy of His College Years**
Musk’s time at Penn laid the foundation for his future endeavors. His unusual habits, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and visionary mindset were already evident. The stories shared by his former girlfriend and classmates highlight how these traits shaped him into the trailblazer we know today.
Elon Musk’s college years were a microcosm of the qualities that would define his career: ambition, eccentricity, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. The tales from his time at Penn remind us that even the most extraordinary individuals start somewhere—and often, their quirks are the seeds of their greatness.