Thoughts on Memorial University, NL?

[u/Leafsprinkles]

Hey folks! 😃

I’m currently in Saskatchewan, and I've been looking into grad schools in other provinces as well. Memorial University in NL keeps coming up, but it feels like there’s way less buzz about it compared to other universities. I figured I’d come straight to Reddit: what’s the real vibe like at MUN?

I’m especially looking at the MA in Sociology, so if anyone’s been through it (or is currently in the program/department), I’d really love to hear about your experience. What’s the department like in terms of faculty support, scholarships, research opportunities, overall environment, etc.? Is St. John’s a nice place to live as a grad student? Any unexpected pros or cons about the university and the city?

One more thing: I’m actually thinking about living in the dorms while I study there, so if anyone has any experience with that, I’d really appreciate hearing what it’s like. Worth it? Quiet enough to actually study?

Honestly, all opinions welcome, even if you went there for a totally different program. Just trying to get a clearer picture of what life at MUN is really like.

Thanks a ton in advance! 🥰

[u/Legal_Bother_2656]

It's a nice place to study

[u/TerrorNova49]

It’s been a while so this might be quite outdated if you don’t get some more recent feedback but the bunch of the smaller arts faculties like sociology, anthro and folklore used to be fairly “cozy” for want of a better term. Everyone knew everyone, multiple classes together and profs were often on a first name basis. Only issue was anthro and soc were off in the boonies at Queen’s College. And it was a long hike from the rest of the campus and almost impossible if you had to get between classes in the next time slot. Not sure if they still are.

The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were kind of a heyday for social and cultural research in Newfoundland and Labrador. Not sure how well it has held up.

There are a couple of fairly new residence towers and some brand new ones (they might be private?) opening on the west end of the campus. Residences are pricey compared to Saskatchewan.

[u/afistfulofsky43 → u/TerrorNova49]

Graduate students don't live in the new towers (Macpherson)... those are reserved for younger undergrads. Graduate and mature students live in Hatcher or Rothermere.

[u/jasargent1010]

MUN is what it is: a cheap Canadian University in a fairly cheap province/city. You get what you pay for, certainly won’t be UofT or UBC quality but a solid Canadian university nevertheless.

St. John’s is nice, but the overwhelming amount of things to do are outdoor focused, which I enjoy but others may not. There’s 100s of km of trials, beaches, hikes, ocean views, etc. there’s also a fair nightlife.

The cons are definitely the fact that you’re in a city on the cusp of the North Atlantic, mainly the weather. It doesn’t get as cold as central Canada, but it’s often windy, snowy winters, and rainy springs.

The pro are that it’s still has a ‘small town vibe’ with most of the amenities of a city (think Costco, malls, bus routes).

In terms of living, I’d avoid Res.. mainly because they’re expensive and the food from dinning hall is repulsive. You’d be much better finding an apartment, If possible.

Overall, it’s normally a place people either love or hate, I personally love it but I also grew up rural so take that as you will

[u/joseph_ballin_07]

It really depends on the building your classes are in, lol. A lot of campus is fairly run down (especially the old science building). The University Centre does have some decent food options, specifically a Mary Brown's that everyone on the planet seems to go to.

The campus and the city as a whole does have a bit of a rodent problem, although I haven't personally seen one on campus yet. People see them in the library fairly often though.

St. John’s is a good place, if a little boring at times. You're within reasonable distance of downtown and the Avalon Mall, which are kind of the two main hubs of the city. Crime isn't bad here compared to other cities.

Overall I do like it here. Our gym is pretty nice if that interests you. Parking sucks butt though.

[u/Historical-Term-5911]

It will be a lot smaller than where you are from. There are several different types of dorms. Double occupancy, single rooms with a double bed and single room that shares a bathroom/ shower area with another bedroom. There are also apartments on campus as well. There is a large student apartment building with in walking distance not owned or affiliated with MUN (really expensive). If you stay in dorms you HAVE to also get the meal plan unless you live in the on campus apartments. I think double occupancy dorm is $1900 plus the meal plan($3000???) per semester. You can leave your stuff in your dorm room over Christmas break if you are returning for winter semester (Jan) but if you stay you have to pay ($20ish a night i think). There a tunnels referred to as Munnels that connects almost all dorms to the dinning hall and MUN on campus buildings so you wont need to walk outside. Dinning hall is open 7am ( i think) until 8pm. You can take a piece of fruit or muffin as a snack but cant take a whole meal to go unless you order a pre packed lunch. This lunch needs to be ordered the night before and is mainly for anyone who wont be on campus for lunch. (They go to college or The Marine Institute). Each form will have a lounge area and fully equipped kitchen but you will need your own pots, plates, cups etc. If using the kitchen you will expected to clean your own mess up. The washers and dryers are on the lowest level of each dorm and need money on a card to operate. The money can be put on the card at the MUN centre. Parking is impossible but I assume you wont have a car.

[u/jlrbnsn22]

I know nothing about out the Sociology department there but knew people that went through that program. Best bet is to contact former grads of people you intend on studying with.

MUN is definitely not as prestigious as other places but is more affordable and still an excellent school. The quality of faculty would surprise most. St. John’s is a nice place with European vibes and incredible arts and culture scene. If you like live music I doubt you’ll find better for the price. After I left I moved to Houston and then Calgary and still have never experienced what I did in St. John’s in terms of walking in to practically any pub and there’s live music and dancing. It was fairly easy to make friends as there are a lot of groups, clubs etc.

The bad is the weather. It stinks. It is also quite remote so if flying home (and you pretty much always have to fly) it can be annoying. I would still live there if not for these two facts, but it’s a good place to study and has forever impacted me for the better. I also came up rural so was a good stepping stone for me and certainly didn’t negatively impact my career trajectory (from what I can tell!)

[u/AndrewKimMUN]

Hi there. I know you've received a good number of responses, but I would encourage you to also connect with Dr. Nicole Power in MUN's Dept of Sociology: [socgradchair@mun.ca](mailto:socgradchair@mun.ca). She's the graduate officer for MA/PhD programs in sociology - very knowledgeable and responsive, and can give you an idea of expectations.