Life on Campus

When students arrive on Grenada, they are transported to a place of serenity, cultural diversity, and warmth. Home, at least for the time being, is the pastel-tinted architecture of the SGU campus, a modern $250 million campus that includes cutting-edge teaching facilities, labs, library, research institute, and more. Their backyard is the breathtaking lapis blue waters and extraordinary reefs of the Caribbean Sea.

With over 65 student-sponsored organizations catering to a wide range of interests, students actively take part in creating a lively and diverse campus community. In addition, the island of Grenada in the Caribbean affords students a wide array of activities and events to participate in. In one day, a student could dive the crystal clear waters or hike the Grand Etang Forest in the morning and return to campus for a hands-on lab on exotic and wildlife species.

Students are captivated by the unique blend of African, English and French cultures of Grenada. They can immerse themselves in Grenada’s rich history, dining at a local restaurant in the picturesque capital of St. George’s, as native music fills the air. Though many languages are spoken, English is the national language.

The Grenadian community has proudly embraced the University and its students. For more than 40 years, students and community members have lived in peace, with a mutual respect that is genuine and admired. In turn, SGU has been a vital contributor to the island through both financial and humanitarian means. SGU is proud that its students, graduates, and faculty are dedicated to improving the lives of both old and young on the island.

The first thing you notice when arriving in Grenada is its temperate climate and rich topography. Approximately 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Grenada is 133 square miles of some of the most varied terrain in the Caribbean – from mountains and rainforests to stunning mangroves and dwarf forests.   With average temperatures that range from 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to 30ºC) and tempered by steady, cooling trade winds, you’ll find that Grenada is the perfect place to study, forge new friendships, and enjoy a variety of activities both on and off campus.

An independent nation within the British Commonwealth and part of the Windward Islands in the southern Caribbean, Grenada is known as the Spice Island. Well known for its nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla, there are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world’s supply.

Out and About – St. George’s and Beyond
Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, is a picturesque city with red-tiled roofed shops and homes dotting the hillside of an old volcano crater. Its beautiful horseshoe-shaped harbor and yacht lagoon are unforgettable sights, and the town is a favorite port-of-call for cruise lines from all over the world. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, St. George’s is filled with beautiful examples of French and British Colonial architecture.

There are numerous options for dining– from casual restaurants and take out to higher end restaurants featuring a variety of international cuisines. While traditional intercontinental fare is available, you wont want to miss the creative local cuisine which includes Grenada’s national dish, Oil Down, a one pot meal featuring salted meat, chicken, dumplings, breadfruit, and callaloo, made from young dasheen leaves and other vegetables, as well as a mélange of fresh local seafood, fresh produce and meats prepared with true West Indian flare. Nutmeg ice cream is another must-not-miss treat.

For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking and swimming abound in Grenada. Concord Falls offers three waterfalls, one of which can be reached by car with the others requiring a hike to access, but all three offer great swimming. In addition, hikes to Grand Etang National Park and Mt. St. Catherine, the highest peak in Grenada, should not be missed for the magnificent vistas, wildlife, and stunning flora and fauna with many specimens unique to the Caribbean.

The waters around Grenada support a vibrant array of sea life. Exploring the reefs just off the coast, snorkelers and scuba divers are treated to colorful tropical fish and other sea life. In addition, the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park showcases sculpture reflective of Grenada’s culture in addition to acting as an artificial reef and playing host to a stunning array of varied marine life. Rentals are available for sailing, parasailing, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling to further explore the beautiful Caribbean waters surrounding the island.

Hotels and Resorts
Grenada offers a variety of accommodations ranging from private villas, all-inclusive hotels such as, Sandals La Source and Spice Island Beach Resort, to boutique resorts and self-catered apartments. More information is available in our Visiting Campus section.

Consistently voted one of the UK’s favorite student cities, Newcastle is a great place to start your studies – and you’ll be in great company, with a cosmopolitan community of university-goers from across the globe. The city is known for its exciting knowledge, great local and high street shopping, iconic landmarks, friendly locals and rich history. Newcastle is a truly iconic city in the North of England, with a contrasting blend of industrial heritage and stunning Georgian-era architecture:

• Cosmopolitan city with a bustling atmosphere and friendly locals
• Mix of industrial heritage, Georgian architecture and modern touches
• Rich arts scene with countless museums, theatres, galleries and live music venues
• Compact city center that is easy and safe to explore

Whether you prefer to unwind by walking across stunning countryside or by getting friends together for an escape room, you can enjoy:

• The Northumbrian coastline – with unspoilt beaches, areas of outstanding natural beauty and historic sites like Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle.
• Shopping – from top high street brands in the Eldon Square shopping center to independent retailers and Tynemouth’s weekly market .
• World-famous nightlife – from top-class theatre and concerts at the Sage to some of the UK’s best bars and clubs.
• Harry Potter’s castle and gardens – many of the Hogwarts scenes were filmed at nearby Alnwick Castle, which is a great day out for fans of the films.

For more information about everything Newcastle has to offer, check the latest updates on the Newcastle Gateshead Tourism website.

What are the main festivals and events in Newcastle?

Newcastle is home to some great festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• Mouth of the Tyne Festival – a varied mix of musical acts.
• Tipping Point Live – a small music festival taking place in multiple venues in Ouseburn Valley.
• Winter Festival – an annual celebration featuring New Year fireworks and an ice skating rink.
• The Great North Run – The world’s largest half marathon in September.
• Newcastle Poetry Festival – celebrating some of the best poetry from around the world.

What is the best way to travel in and around Newcastle?

Newcastle is a compact city, so making your way around on foot or on a bike is often a great option.
The Tyne and Wear Metro rail system (much like the London Underground) is one of the best ways of getting around the city – it services the city centre, airport and railway station, and there are stations close to the campus. If you need to travel a little further, the central train station offers quick connections to London, Scotland and the UK’s major cities.

The Metro has over 60 stations across Newcastle for easy access to a host of locations, including Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland. A bus ticket will cost you around £3 and Metro tickets range from around £2 to £4. You can use your Newcastle University Student ID to buy tickets and travel around the city on the Metro. Prices start from £26 for four weeks.

For further information about living in Newcastle, visit the Northumbria University website here.

St. George’s University is not only a center for global education but also where students from all corners of the world, from all walks of life, come together for a common cause – to make an impact on the community, whether it’s health care, veterinary medicine, business, or another chosen field. SGU and the island offer an array of enriching extracurricular activities that strengthen the bond between students.

In its history, SGU has welcomed students from more than 140 countries, creating a campus that provides an international education even outside the classroom. Their cultural immersion begins during Orientation Week with the popular Bazaar, which allows students to sample food available at local restaurants, and to watch Grenadian cultural performances. In addition, they can find out about and meet representatives of our more than 50 student organizations, which capture all aspects of student life: cultural, religious, social, academic, professional, and community service.

For families, the Student Family Network (SFN) is comprised of spouses and significant others of students and faculty who have relocated to attend SGU. Its mission is to facilitate the transition of the significant others and their families to Grenada, to provide social and recreational activities for significant others and their families, to act as an informal support group for significant others and their families, and to participate in and organize philanthropic activities for the Grenadian community.

Each spring and fall, families are also welcome to visit Grenada for Beyond Spice Family Weekend. Our guests can expect a full schedule of events designed to give them a glimpse of what life is like as a student at St. George’s University, including campus and island tours, cultural extravaganzas, and more. In addition, families of first-term medical and veterinary medical students can witness the White Coat Ceremonies, their loved one’s official entry into their chosen profession.