Why You Should Make it Down to Citizens Bank Park This Summer

The Phillies are back in business and you have to get down to South Philly to catch a glimpse. Here are some reasons to go to Citizens Bank Park (CBP) this summer: 

1. It's affordable. Phillies tickets are starting as low as $6 nowadays! 
2. It’s a social activity. Get drinks, dance, yell, celebrate with the fans around you, heck maybe even get on the jumbotron. 
3. Theme nights. Go on a specific theme night to get deals, free giveaways, or support a cause. Go to the last dollar dog night of the season on Sept. 21st, where hot dogs are only $1. 
   
   
   
   
   
4. See a united city. Whether the Phillies are winning, losing, or in a close one, the fans will be cheering, booing, or biting their nails in unison. 
5. They are on a winning streak. After firing their head coach, the Phillies have won 15 out of 18 and have a lot of energy and excitement around them. 
6. Bryce Harper. See the 2021 MVP and Philly’s heartthrob live!
   
   
   
   
   
7. Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries. Enough said.
8. Pass and Stow. Head to Pass and Stow, the stadium’s social hub, for a drink and a vibe. 
9. Nightlife around the ballpark. After the game, make your way to Penn’s Landing, South Philly, or other cool areas that are a quick Uber from the ballpark.
10. See the sunset. If you go to a night game this summer, you will see the sun set over left field as the sunny day makes way for a nice summer night.
    
    
    
    
    

Here are some of the best games to go to this summer:

• July 1st or 3rd: St. Louis Cardinals at Phillies  (Fireworks Night) 
• July 24th: Chicago Cubs at Phillies (Zach Wheeler jersey giveaway)
• July 26th: Atlanta Braves at Phillies (Tote Bag Giveaway)
• Aug 19th: New York Mets at Phillies (I Love the 90s Postgame Concert)
• Aug 20th: New York Mets at Phillies (Hat Day) 
• Aug 28th: Pittsburgh Pirates at Phillies (J.T Realmuto Cooler Bag Giveaway)
• Sept. 21st: Toronto Blue Jays (Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Night) 
• Sept. 24th or 25th: Atlanta Braves at Phillies

Philly on a Budget

There’s a ton to do in Philly, that’s no secret. Having a fun day downtown without spending any money though, that’s a challenge. Well, I’m here to help. Below are some great ways to enjoy Philadelphia without spending a dime.

If you want to spend a relaxing day downtown, head to some of Philly’s parks and piers. Make your way down to Spruce Street Harbor Park, find a hammock and enjoy the breeze off the water. Take a stroll in Rail Park or Valley Forge National Historical park and enjoy the fresh air and abounding greenery. You can even meander your way to Rittenhouse Square Park with nothing more than a blanket and a good book. There are many more relaxing, public areas in the city including Cherry Street Pier, Bardascino Park, John F. Collins Park, and Race Street Pier.

I am sure you have seen some of Philly’s iconic murals, but did you know that there are nearly 4,000 pieces of public art in the city? Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP) created a digital public arts map that makes it easy to plan out a self-guided tour of these public art pieces. This is a great way to check out different neighborhoods, get a feel for the city and connect deeper with the culture of Philadelphia, all without a cost of admission. 

If you’ve never done it, go and see the Liberty Bell. One of the most iconic symbols for the city of Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is a must-see for any Philadelphia resident and is completely free. The museum grants access on a first-come, first-serve basis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. It's a quick, free trip that will leave you feeling a little more connected to the history of the nation's first capital. And while you’re down in the historic district, take a stroll down America’s oldest continuously inhabited street, Elfreth’s Alley. There are many other historic sites to check out like The President’s House, Carpenter’s Hall, and Independence National Historic Park, to name a few. 

If your thirst for science is so great that a graduate degree in health sciences can’t even quench it, then you should visit a few of Philadelphia’s free science attractions this summer. The Franklin Institute offers highly interactive exhibits that are truly fun for the whole family. They have free admissions from 5 to 8 p.m. on community nights. The first hospital in the United States, The Pennsylvania Hospital has a 13,000-volume library, the nation's oldest surgical amphitheater, herb gardens, and more all for free. The Science History Institute and the Wagner Free Institute of Science both also have free admission and are worth a visit. 

The student schedule and budget can be very restricting so I hope that this will give you some ideas for free, fun things to do in your limited free time.

Jenkintown Named One of the Best Philly Suburbs for Young Professionals

The Philadelphia Business Journal recently named Jenkintown, Pa. one of the best suburbs for young professionals in the Philadelphia area for 2019.

Salus University’s Elkins Park campus sits on the edge of Jenkintown and is where many Salus students live during their time as students.  

So, how did Jenkintown, earn the 11th spot out of over 300 other cities in the Greater Philadelphia area? Jenkintown offers a variety of housing options, a low crime rate and a diverse community. Not only is it a train-ride away from the numerous restaurants in Center City, but it also has many local attractions to keep people of all ages occupied – including students.

Salus students have corralled just a few of the popular places in the area that keep them loving Jenkintown:

Food

• The Drake Tavern – come here with friends to enjoy drink and app specials while you watch the big game
• The Wet Whistle Bar and Grill – don’t miss Trivia Wednesdays, 50 cent wing Thursdays, live music on Friday evenings, and specials every day of the week
• Neshaminy Creek Brewing’s Borough Brewhouse – the cherry hibiscus wheat ale and the beer-can nachos are like nothing you have ever tasted
• Senior Salsa –the best frozen margaritas in town
• Sushi House – every type of sushi you can imagine
• Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe – the graham cracker ice cream won’t disappoint
• White Horse Coffee & Creamery – the perfect place for a study date
• Sweetly Scooped Ice Cream – the only place you can try four different flavors in an ice cream flight

Places and Activities

• Wissahickon Valley Park – take advantage of nice weather by going hiking on this nearby trail
• Tacony Creek Park – come here for beautiful creek views and native flora
• Willow Grove Mall – browse over 120 stores and restaurants
• Abington Art Center – take art classes, view the galleries, and enjoy free music concerts in the summer
• Hiway Theater – screen new releases and classics – and Bradley Cooper was known to frequent the Hiway during his childhood in Jenkintown 
• Tour Beth Sholom Synagogue – the only synagogue designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 
• Piazza on the Square – It’s Jenkintown’s downtown shopping and dining destination
• The Goldbergs Tour – Take the tour of Jenkintown and its surrounding communities based off of the childhood of  ABC’s The Goldbergs creator Adam Goldberg

- Maya is an optometry student at Salus University




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Summer Edition: Audiology Student Blog

Growing up, summer school was always for those who needed extra help with reading, writing, and/or math, or even the kids that didn’t have great conduct or behavior. Fortunately, in my 17 years of schooling I never had to go to during the summer. As a result, hearing that graduate school consisted of spring, fall, and summer semesters was definitely a bit of a shock to me. As a lifelong Philadelphia resident, the summer has and will always be my favorite season. I have been a hot weather, Jersey shore loving girl ever since I could walk. Every summer my family and I would travel down the shore to spend full days playing on the beach and nights on the boardwalk playing games and riding the rides. Now, the over 21-year-old Marisa has grown to love the adult night life. I have come to love the phrase “no shower happy hour.” Being able to go out and enjoy quality time with a big group of friends, all sunburnt and tan from the previous hours spent on the beach, not having to worry about school or work was what summer has always been about for me.

Going to school in the summer was and still is a huge adjustment for me. My days no longer start whenever I decide to roll out of bed. They start at 6/6:15 a.m. with 8 a.m. classes or clinic shifts at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute almost every day. In comparison to the spring and fall semesters, summer semester consisted of less classes, but increased classwork and hours in the clinic. We now have half day clinical shifts on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and full day shifts on Tuesday and possibly Thursday (if you get the morning and afternoon shift). The first week of the semester started on a Monday with class from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The next day I had my first shift in clinic which happened to be a full, seven and a half hour shift. My clinic partner and I were eager to start but nervous to be one of the first groups seeing patients. At this point in our Doctor of Audiology education and future careers, we were credentialed in more audiologic measures than before. This allows us to do and perform more during in-patient appointments. I was anxious but excited to start applying my knowledge and showing off my skills in appointments.

With proper time management and lighter weeks, I was and am still able to spend some weekends down the shore with my friends and family. During the weeks approaching a shore weekend, I am doing my best and working my hardest to get as much as I can done so I am able to fully enjoy my time down the shore. I don’t want to spend my time relaxing on the beach worried about everything I still have to get done or study for when I get home. I know I will always have work to do when I come back, but the less I have to do, the better. Summer session has taught me a lot about time management and sacrifice. Working and using my time efficiently during the week has given me the opportunity to spend some weekends with the people I love in the place I love. But, I can’t always be there when my friends are because school is my top priority. Being an audiologist has been my dream since I was a little girl. Everything I am doing now, all the time and effort I am putting into my school work, will benefit me in the long run. 

  -Marisa is a second year audiology student at Salus University

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Attractions in Philadelphia Feature: Magic Gardens

My name is Sonia Panchal and I am a first year student at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Living so close to Philadelphia means there is never a dull weekend. There is so much to explore--cool restaurants, interesting museums, historical sites, and the whole center city area to name a few things. This city is filled with many attractions that are perfect for college and graduate students. 

One of my favorite sites I have visited in Philadelphia is Magic Gardens located on South Street. It is an entire three city lot- span of unique artwork created by the mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The site consists of both an indoor gallery and a large outdoor mosaic “maze” with staircases, walls, and arches made entirely of various mosaic tiles and objects. I recommend going on a warm sunny day so you can appreciate how incredible the outdoor mosaic is put together. 

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Magic Gardens is a popular tourist site, especially in the summer when they host movie nights, socials, and lavish ticketed events with live bands and food. You could spend a good few hours here just looking at all of the mosaics pieced together with unique objects such as kitchen utensils, parts of bikes, dishware with Latin American art, and other colorful items placed on the walls. Many people come to take pictures in front of the art and look for hidden words and symbols on the tiles.

Another bonus of visiting this unique art exhibition is that Magic Gardens offers student discounts! ($8.00 admission if you present your student ID). I highly recommend checking it out!

- Sonia is a first year optometry student at Salus University

Summertime in Philly

Photo Credit: www.americantrails.org

Summertime on campus has been refreshing in comparison to the hustle and bustle of fall and spring semesters. The whole campus has seemed to quiet down, with everyone more relaxed and enjoying the beautiful weather.  Another great perk of being in the area are all the activities going on in Elkins Park and Center City, Philadelphia. Summertime is a great opportunity to get outside and truly explore your new home!

A new summertime favorite of mine has been exploring the parks and hiking in the area. Just last weekend, I was able to make a trip down to Delaware to Brandywine State Park. Fortunately we had great weather, and hiked both Saturday and Sunday for a total of 8 miles! If traveling to Delaware seems too far, it is always great to check out things we have in our own backyards like Valley Forge. In addition to learning about American history, there are running and hiking trails galore. The park is huge, and you can also explore by car. When I went, it ended up raining so I was able to tour around the park in my car while listening to a “cell phone tour”. It was a great activity for a rainy day. If you’re looking for something even closer to home, Elkins Park and Cheltenham have a great system of public parks for walking or running.

            
Another great aspect of summertime in Philly is all the wonderful concerts and talented musicians who come to town. Philly has great venues perfect for any genre of music. On my list to check out this summer are the Mann Center, World Café Live, and The Electric Factory. Each of these venues offers something unique and brings in great talent. The Mann Center for example is bringing Harry Potter to life at the end of July with the Philadelphia Orchestra. With lawn seating available, most concerts are reasonably priced and not to be missed!

Photo Credit:  http://www.visitphilly.com

                

Lastly, Philadelphia is a great city for beer lovers! Philly has a beer garden for everyone that each offers a unique experience. It’s a great way to be outside and enjoy a cold one. With so many options, there is always a new place to check out and explore with your friends.

No matter what you decide to do, the Philly area has something to offer to anyone. So take a break from school when you can, and get out there to explore!

-Elisa is a second year audiology student at Salus University

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Breaking Free!

Wissahickon Valley Park | Photo Credit:TripAdvisor

As we start to move into the month of April and the weather begins to warm up, so does the pace of exams, finals and practicals. As a student, it can be hard to get outside and enjoy the nicer days when there seems to be endless work to do. However, as stressful as school can be, one of the best ways to deal with it is to get active and exercise. Graduate school makes it a little tougher than college to do that since you’re sitting in class most days from 8-5 and then spending the night studying.  A weekly exercise routine is still possible and important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While some students find relief by hitting the gym before or after a long day of learning, it is understandable that others find the gym tedious or monotonous. Many of us have heard the spiel about the benefits of exercising regularly, both for a student’s mental and physical health. Luckily, the Philadelphia area (and Salus University) offer many different options to help students stay active throughout the year in ways that don’t involve a treadmill or weightlifting. And of course, many options that fall within the tight budget we have as students.

The flowers and trees are beginning to bloom again, making many of the areas parks a perfect place to walk off the studying blues. My personal favorite is the Wissahickon Valley Park in Chestnut Hill. The Wissahickon Creek flows throughout the park surrounding the 50 miles of hiking trails. The trails are offer gorgeous views as you make your way up the mountain. There is also a path for those who prefer to bike or prefer a flatter trail. Alverthorpe Park is only a 5 minute drive from the school, making it a good option when you need a break from the library or just can’t practice in the lab anymore. A quick search on google will reveal more parks and hiking trails in the area, giving someone lots of options when choosing where they would like to go depending on how far they are willing to travel.  

Students and Faculty attend a class in the Hafter Student Community Center 

For those who prefer to stay inside away from the bugs and heat, the Hafter Student Community Center on campus offers intramural sports and exercise classes to beat the monotony of working out. Intramural sports rotate throughout the year; basketball in the fall and volleyball in the spring. There is currently no school sponsored intramural sport during the summer. Even when scheduled games are not happening, you can often find a pick-up game in the Hafter gym of either volleyball or basketball. Workout classes are also offered five days a week, depending on the instructor’s schedule, and the classes vary each day. Pilates, yoga and cycling are just a few of the classes offered and attendance is included in tuition for students. If you want to get a break from campus and venture out, there are also several studios and gyms in the area that you can find on Groupon which make it affordable to branch out and try a new place within a couple miles of Salus University. Martial arts, rock climbing and kick boxing are just a few of the different activities offered in the surrounding area.

If you’re willing to splurge and treat yourself (and have access to transportation), there are a few more fun things I’d recommend trying for a study break. Last summer my friends and I ventured over to New Jersey where we went tubing along the Delaware River. Tickets and rentals came to about $50 for the day on a weekend, but this also included a lunch along the river. While tubing down the river, some of us ventured off the tubes and swam around while others just floated along. We enjoyed a day of sunshine and laughs as all 15 of us tried to stay together along the entire journey. Make sure to secure all your belongings along the ride so you don’t lose anything! It was an awesome way to get away from school and do something active together. Last winter we also took a break one afternoon and ventured to a trampoline park. For less than $20 we got a workout like no other (surrounded by a bunch of little kids and teenagers but we still had fun). While these activities require a little more time and money, they were awesome ways to get active and we enjoyed every minute of it!

Tubing along the Delaware River 

No matter what outlet you’re looking for to get physical, the Philadelphia area has it to offer. Each student has access to the gym on campus, but there are several ways to get creative if you can’t see yourself using it. One of my biggest pieces of advice for surviving graduate school is working small breaks into your routine to give your mind and body a break. I’ve found that it not only makes me feel better, but I’m able to focus and absorb more material while I’m studying. It also makes paying attention in class a little bit easier because I don’t feel so restless all the time. These daily habits not only help you get through the stress of school while here at Salus University, but help to set you up with a healthy routine for the rest of your life. 

-Kelsey is a second-year optometry student at Salus University

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Planning for the Weekend

Salus University Learning Resource Center

When you think of what a typical week at Salus University will look like, it may not be too different than what you’re experiencing in undergrad. There’ll be classes most days, labs that go a long with most of these classes and then you have time in clinic where you go from observing, to performing some of the skills you learn in lab, to finally performing full comprehensive exams. That’s the part of your schedule that usually doesn’t change a whole lot. Most days I bounce from class, to the library, to the café, to lab, back to the library before I crawl into my bed hopefully by midnight. It’s a long grueling week, but the time you have in the clinic and lab really help break up the monotony of lectures – so take advantage of them! The biggest difference in your schedule from undergrad/real world working life/whatever you have been doing until now is your free time on the weekends.

In undergrad I never had to organize or even think of what I would be doing on the weekends. It was always some combination of time lounging around my fraternity house during the day mixed with a little studying at the library. Nights were always reserved to unwinding with friends or going out on the town (which was in middle of nowhere Pennsylvania so it wasn’t much). However, when you start graduate school your weekends are a lot more valued because it’s the only time you have full days of uninterrupted free time. You don’t have to worry about trying to read an article before your next class or how much time you have to eat lunch before you need to rush off to The Eye Institute. That’s why I learned pretty quickly that planning out how you’re going to utilize your weekends is vital to maintaining self-care, catching up on the tasks you never got to during the week, and preparing yourself for the busy week ahead.

Salus students at Hafter

My biggest tip or advice for Friday nights might sound a little lame, but I’m telling you it’ll be worth it if you listen. Whether your last class on Friday gets done at noon, 3 PM, or 5 PM try to get in two or three hours of solid studying before you let your brain enter “weekend mode”. Chances are you have a test, quiz, or practical the following week, so why not get a jump start? That way, when you have time to relax later that night or that weekend, you can do it soundly with no guilt weighing on your mind. After some studying, I try to leave the rest of Friday night to unwind and give my mind a break. Whether that involves grabbing dinner with friends, catching a movie, or having game night I try to do something social. In the Salus optometry program we’re split into sections so our labs and clinic schedules differ among classmates. Friday nights are the perfect time to catch up with friends and hear about the interesting things they saw in clinic that week or you do what I do and try to talk about anything but school (leave that in the confines of Salus). Sometimes we have Saturday clinic that goes until the late afternoon, but if you’re lucky enough to have Saturday off try to start your morning with something productive that will jump start your day and get you in a positive mindset. For my friends and I that usually involves playing volleyball at the Hafter Student Community Center, or I’ll try and do some cooking to prep for the following week (because who has time to cook), or catch up on the mountains of laundry I have been avoiding. After that, hit the books! If you can commit a few hours of hard work during the day, with productive breaks in between, you’ll feel a lot better when you’re binge watching your favorite show you’ve missed later that night.

Kitchen Bar | Photo Credit: Kitchenbar.net

I’m sure you have all heard of the "Sunday scaries" and I’ll let you know they don’t end in graduate school. But hopefully you’ve been so productive all weekend that Sunday can be more relaxed and you can chase away those Sunday blues with brunch at Kitchen Bar, right down the road from school. Sundays are the day I save for getting all my lectures printed, quizzes studied for, and clinic outfits picked out for the week. I try not to stress myself out too much (unless I have an exam the next day) but get all of those tasks done that will make my week go smoother. And Sunday mornings are always perfect for the dreaded chore that is grocery shopping. If you commit to forcing yourself to get things done during the day you won’t have a worry in the world when you’re relaxing later on.

Weekends are always welcomed as a relief to the stresses of the week, and in graduate school they’re relished even more. By all means everyone’s weekend is going to look different and not everyone has quite the plan like I do, but I truly believe that if you think ahead to what your weekend goals are, it’ll make the next school week free of headaches. You may not think of it if you’re used to being on a meal plan, but trust me cooking takes far too long and is the last thing you want to do after being at school for eight hours. Thankfully weekends offer the hours you need to take care of yourself and your school work so you can continue to be the best student possible and get the most out of every day at Salus University. 

- Chad is a second year optometry student at Salus University

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School’s Out Forever! – Or Not…

Salus University AuD Class of 2020 

Five years after graduating from college, I decided to go back to school to study Audiology at Salus University. I was excited to start learning and move forward with my career but also pretty nervous. Transitioning to a rigorous graduate program would definitely take some adjustment. It’s not as if I had just been binge watching Netflix and going out to brunch every day but I certainly was no longer used to being a full-time student. It is natural to worry about going back to school after a few (or more) years away. Here’s a few of my pre-grad school worries and thoughts on how to make it through:

Adjusting to the schedule: Since my undergrad graduation, I have been relatively successful at keeping a schedule. I filled my time with plenty of full-time work and volunteer experiences, complimented by a healthy social life. Typically I had a “9 to 5” schedule, and at 5 o’clock I went home. When I was away from work, I was rarely thinking about work. I went on vacations for weeks at a time and I could leave town every weekend if I felt so inclined (who doesn’t want to go to Bermuda in February?). The decision to go back to school initiated a big change in lifestyle. There would be little to no “time off” and there would be homework, lots of homework. I had to learn how to manage my time in a completely new way. I had to organize my schedule for school but also try to fit in the other aspects of my life that keep me sane. Since I was no longer able to leave town on a whim to clear my head, I had to find little things that I can do on a regular basis to help me stay focused. For me that includes a part-time job, a religious community, and a regular yoga class. It is impossible to be studying all day every day. Remember that you are a person, not a machine!

Connecting with your classmates: First of all, going back to school in your late 20s (like me) is a totally normal thing to do. Going back to school anytime is an amazing thing to do and you should never feel like it’s too late to get an education! However, there are a whole lot of students who are driven/crazy enough to go straight from their undergraduate program into a graduate program. And because of this, you (like me) could be worried that they will think you are old and weird; maybe you feel out of the loop socially. Well, not to worry, everyone at Salus just happens to be really nice. Honestly, I was so surprised at how welcoming the other students were and how they did not care when they found out that I was born before 1990. I was also surprised to find that I was not alone. There were other students who were in a very similar point of life when they decided to go back to school. Now, maybe we don’t hang out on the weekends and I still go back to NY as often as I can to see my friends, but we have a solid bond in our class. I have also found my younger classmates to be a strength to me because they remember what they studied in undergrad biology classes, whereas I do not. And luckily they are more than happy to share their knowledge. I should really thank admissions for only letting nice people into this school. Remember to give people a chance to surprise you!

Being in “student mode” again: Right before I came to Salus I was working at a hospital as a hearing screener for newborn babies. I loved my job, which is how I ended up going back to school. I was nervous to go to lectures, take exams, to study from a textbook. It’s been several years since I did any of that. I was afraid my time away from school would be a disadvantage. But since starting this program, I have found that my experiences before coming back to school have really helped me to be a better student. I find that I am more motivated than I was in my undergraduate program. I have a much greater desire to learn everything and I am not afraid to ask questions. The material is difficult, but it’s also fascinating. It took a couple weeks to get used to sitting through several hours of lecture and to translate my notes into something I could study from. But the struggle was worth the effort. There are times when I feel like I ask a lot of questions, but it helps everyone in the end. Remember that you may come into a class with a completely different perspective–but that’s a good thing!

So just enjoy the opportunity to focus 100% of your energy on your given field. The transition will take some time, and when graduation rolls around it will be a whole new balancing act. Speaking for myself, I hope to take full advantage of the next few years and reap the benefits of the education I receive. Besides, I can always go to Bermuda some other time.

- Ellen is a first year audiology student at Salus University

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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

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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 

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