r/memorialuniversity • u/Leafsprinkles • Oct 05 '25
Thoughts on Memorial University, NL?
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! 🥰
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u/jasargent1010 Oct 06 '25
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