Salve Regina University is an extremely small school. It’s so small that when people ask where I go to school, I have to add, "It’s in Newport, R.I." for them to have a general gist of where it is. However, don’t let the small size scare you off. It adds to the charm here. While being home over break, I found that most friends hated their schools or were already in the process of transferring. This made me realize how lucky I am to have a school that I continue to fall in love with each and every day for countless reasons.
The Buildings and History:
Salve has an array of buildings. While Miley is a more modern development, we also have buildings such as Wakehurst, which was modeled after a mansion in England, and Ochre Court, which was donated to the Sisters of Mercy. There are numerous other buildings such as the Watts-Sherman House, Founders, The Young Building and many more. These buildings are all masterpieces of their time and rich in history. As you walk around this campus, you become astounded by the architectural beauty that surrounds you.
The Ocean View:
The ocean views are a given whenever someone says Newport. One immediately thinks of Ocean Drive or the Cliff Walk, which are two astounding beauties. Having the Cliff Walk in our backyard and Ocean Drive less than 10 minutes away from my home is a wonderful thing. I love being able to walk 500 feet and have an ocean view, especially at sunset.
RIPTA:
No matter how many jokes are made about the bus, it’s actually a luxury for first-year students. While we are stuck car-less and need groceries/to go out, we find the bus a blessing. We have free access to the RIPTA all four years and it teaches us to learn how to rely on the bus system and how to navigate times.
The Town:
With help of the RIPTA, we are able to explore the charming town where Salve is located: Newport. This town is a quaint and active nautical town that is absolutely beautiful. This town has something for everyone and at times, I can’t even begin to put into words how lucky I feel to have this town as my second home.
The Home Feeling:
While it is hard being away from your actual home, from the second I stepped on campus, I immediately felt as if it was my home. The smiling faces, people asking how your day is going and going out of your way to hold a door open for someone are all charming features of this school. This campus also just gives off a home feeling, making me almost never want to leave.
Small Classes with Personable Professors:
I’ve always been used to small schools and having my teachers know me. However, Salve’s professors have taken it to a new level. They don’t ask the typical questions; they genuinely want to know you and not just how you’re doing. These professors look into the little things about you and genuinely care. In my first few weeks, I had an issue with my major and a professor I didn’t even have class with took time out of his schedule to meet with me and help me plan what to do. It just goes to show that they don’t even have to be your actual professor. Salve Reigna's professors still care, which is a special quality to have.
Salve Regina University has so many aspects that contribute to its ambiance. I truly feel lucky and privileged to call this university my second home. This university has such special qualities that I couldn't find elsewhere.
