St. Joe's? (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Penn: home, dorms, neighborhoods)

[ibydkwtlsf2]

What's the area around Saint Joseph's University like? Is it safe and fun for a college student?

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by ibydkwtlsf2

What's the area around Saint Joseph's University like? Is it safe and fun for a college student?

Honestly, it's like most college campus' in Philly. The campus itself is safe but the surrounding area can be tough. However, if you keep your guard up and walk with others you'll be okay. Don't turn down a chance to attend St. Joe's because of the neighborhood. The campus is close to the Main Line that has a number of sports bars and clubs geared toward college students.

[JHG722]

St. Joe's is a joke in every facet possible.

[orrmobl]

Fun but a bit on the vanilla side, like the middle class version of Villanova. And not safe at all. But fun, yes, it's fun if you're looking for a small school with a Jesuit tradition, in a fun city. Bit of commuter campus though.

[Synergy1]

The area around St Joe's is a place most do not find secure but if living in the new dorms on the corner, I would stay in at nights. Since downtown Philly is about 30 minutes away most go there or Manayunk for fun but each can be expensive.

Just across the street from the main campus is Bala Cynwyd and a few blocks or ten across the street from Philadelphia side there are places that can be enjoyable but not for newbees....

[akorosdc]

Originally Posted by ibydkwtlsf2

What's the area around Saint Joseph's University like? Is it safe and fun for a college student?

Like others said, the campus is pretty safe, but some of the area around it is not. Just watch yourself and you should be fine. I had several friends go there, and they loved every minute.

[IZthe411]

St Joe's is stuck right between the hood and the main line. The school is in 2 counties. Staying within the campus grounds is safe, but when you venture out you run the risk of getting in trouble. But that's only if you look like a 'victim'. It's a matter of having your street smarts, meaning don't use the ATM at 2am or look like you are lost if you find yourself in the wrong neighborhood.

A lot of those kids like to get their (recreational) drugs from the hood. If they choose to do that, they have to remember that it's a business transaction. Don't get too comfortable with their supplier. Just give the handshake and keep moving.

[thesixth]

Saint Joe's is more residential as a campus than it was before. Freshmen and sophomores must live on campus unless they are commuters. And the vast majority of freshmen & sophomores want to live on campus regardless of where their home address is. More kids move home or to off-campus housing as juniors or seniors.

Generally, the overall community is pretty safe. Part of the campus is in Phila. county and part is in Montgomery Co. City Ave. is very commercial from I-76 up to SJU, with office buildings, shopping centers, TV stations and apts. along the route. But within one block walk either side of City Ave., you are in residential neighborhoods. So it is pretty quiet immediately around the campus; not the same hustle and bustle that being in the downtown section of Philadelphia gives to Drexel or Penn's campus.

Still students have easy access to CC Phila for fun & other activities, as well as out the other direction to the Main Line for movies, resturants, bars and shops, etc.