Philly Adjacent

Philadelphia Skyline | Photo Credit: Jack Ramsdale 

Everyone knows that when it comes to prime real estate, it’s all about “location, location, location.” And just like the overzealous couples on House Hunters want to find the perfect colonial style home near the best shopping and schools (all while staying in their budget), choosing a graduate school is no different. After determining which program has the academic and clinical program that you’re looking for, the next step is determining which school is located in an area that suits all your needs.

Is it close to shopping, grocery stores, and restaurants? Are there fun things to do nearby on the weekends? When you need to get away from civilization for a day and become one with nature, can you get that escape? If you’re used to the bustling streets of New York City or Los Angeles, can it even compare? Well look no further, because no matter what you’re looking for, Elkins Park has it all.

Salus University is located in the quaint town of Elkins Park, Pa. With a population of around 20,000 it provides the small town community feel while only being about 8 miles from the heart of Philadelphia. It’s the perfect transition between the busy city with five-star restaurants, pop-up boutiques, and museums full of rich history and culture and the vast green space of the Pocono Mountains and state forests to the north.

King of Prussia Mall | Photo Credit: Simon.com

Surrounding the campus are all the conveniences in life you’d ever need. Whether you like to shop for bargain groceries at Aldi or get organic, free-range eggs from Whole Foods, it’s all within arm’s reach. If you just can’t bring yourself to do laundry because you have a huge midterm the next day and need to run to Walmart for more socks, it’s only a mile from school! And then when you ace that midterm and want to treat yourself to a new Burberry trench coat, King of Prussia Mall with eight department stores and 400 boutiques is only a quick 30-minute drive down the turnpike.

Guaranteed no matter what area of the United States—or beyond—you come from, the restaurants around Elkins Park will serve you well. From Italian, Indian, Chinese, to classic pub food, there’s bound to be a new favorite nestled in the neighborhoods of Elkins Park.

Hailing from Dover, Del. – a state that has more chickens than people – and having gone to school in what seems to be a deserted Gettysburg, Pa., I was worried about transitioning to the city life of Philadelphia for graduate school. However, after touring Salus and taking a leap of faith, I couldn’t be happier with life in the suburbs of such an awesome city. Montgomery County is full of young, working families that give the area a safe, close-knit feel that I wasn’t expecting. Old stone homes full of craftsmanship line the streets and neighborhoods around school, making it seem impossible that you’re living in a bustling city. And if I ever need a break from the traffic, crowds, or just want a space to think, there are tons of parks, trails and hiking all situated within miles of campus.

Old City, Philadelphia | Photo Credit: Philaculture.org 

On the flip side, students who are used to big city life may at first be hesitant with the transition to suburbia, but there’s no need! The city life is only a short train or Uber ride away with train stations within walking distance of school. There are always student events, concerts, or attractions that are occurring in the various neighborhoods in Philadelphia for free weekends or nights away from the books. With tons of other colleges located in the area like Temple, Arcadia, and Drexel, you are never at a loss for meeting new people and gaining new friendships.

This town is one of the few places where you can go from being surrounded by tons of people walking the city streets to alone exploring trails along tranquil streams within minutes. So if you’ve narrowed it down to schools with great academic preparation and a clinic setting that offers a diverse patient base, no doubt Salus University is on your list. So just like on House Hunters, when you’re coming up with all of the “must haves” of the new area you’d be living in, I think you’ll find that Elkins Park has it all. It’s a safe, friendly and inviting town situated on the cusp of one of the biggest U.S. metropolitan cities and the tranquil life of small-town Pennsylvania.

- Chad is a second year optometry student at Salus University

Learn More About Salus University 

No Car? No Problem!

When you visit the lovely campus of Salus University, you will see it is nestled in beautiful Elkins Park, a northern suburb of Philadelphia. The Eye Institute, which is the University’s optometry teaching facility, is located about three miles south in the Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. During the optometry interview, shuttle transportation is provided to interviewees to give them the opportunity to tour the  facility. But once enrolled, it is the student’s responsibility to provide his or her own transportation to the clinical facility at the assigned times.

At first this may sound daunting, especially for those who travel long distances to attend Salus. Not to mention, there are also the regular tasks that need to be accomplished, such as grocery shopping and setting up a home before classes and clinical begins. Additionally, one may want to explore the area to see what it has to offer. The first semester of the first year of the traditional optometry program is very manageable without a vehicle.  

There is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) system that includes not only buses but also regional trains and subways. One way on the bus is $2.25. To pay for the ride back, one can pay an extra dollar at the time of the first fare for a transfer pass, which can be used anytime the same day. One way on the bus is $7 between Elkins Park and downtown Philadelphia. For a roundtrip, the fee is $10. There is also a great money-saver known as an Independence Pass. For $12 one can ride SEPTA that day for no additional charge. The only stipulation is that it must be purchased after 9:00 a.m.  This is a great option for transportation to and from the airport, downtown Philadelphia, or The Eye Institute.

There are also Uber and Lyft driving services. Both can be accessed through apps downloaded onto any mobile device. Both require the user to share his or her location and to enter a credit or debit card for billing purposes. This is great for door-to-door service for out of town friends visiting,  grocery shopping, or safe traveling after dusk. Fees may vary based on distance and availability.

The most helpful and underrated form of transportation is with a classmate. Reaching out to the rest of the class is necessary for this method. This can be done while meeting classmates during Orientation Week or shortly after classes start. The class Facebook group will also be a good place to find a classmate with a similar schedule. One does not have to limit him or herself to one person to ride with every day.  Due to the fluctuation of the University or program schedule, more than one friend with a car will be an added benefit. One classmate can be a ride to class while another can be a ride to clinic. Although riding with someone else does not directly cost the passenger, one can still offer to pay for gas as repayment.

Drake Tavern - Jenkintown | Source: VisitPhilly.com

Additionally, some apartment complexes offer shuttle services around the neighborhood. Most have stops at the local grocery store, Walmart and Target. Be sure to check wherever you plan to rent. The schedule is usually posted. Also, nothing is wrong with taking a walk once in a while to learn the Elkins Park/Jenkintown area. During the warmer months, it is nice to walk around to become more familiar with the area that will be called home for the next few years. One can get a more intimate knowledge of the hidden treasures that can be found in the neighborhood. The best part - it’s absolutely free!

Finally, Google Maps is an especially helpful tool to help navigate all methods of transportation, especially to new locations. This can help with directions for drivers, show a given route via public transportation, estimate the cost of a driving service, and help the student determine if the distance is walkable in decent circumstances or nice weather. This takes a lot of  pressure off of the first year so the main focus can be grades and adjusting to the new climate or area The Christmas break, spring semester, or summer break can also be used to find a vehicle suitable for the rest of your career at Salus. So take a deep breath and relax. You got this!

- Annie is a first year optometry student at Salus University 

Learn more about Salus University