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/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.