Salem University (reviews)

I had a rough start at the beginning because I resumed late in my first semester, making it difficult to catch up. However, it eventually became a smooth experience. Coming from a very humble home where peace and quiet were the norm, the serene environment of the school gave me that same sense of calm. My set was the first group of students in the school, so we enjoyed all the basic amenities—everything was new, and I truly appreciated it. The libraries, laboratories, quality of teaching, and school management were fantastic. From the Vice-Chancellor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, chaplains, even down to the porters and cleaners, everyone was absolutely amazing.

One challenge, however, was the rule against cooking. Since it was a private university, some of us enjoyed cooking our own meals, but unfortunately, that was prohibited. I personally prefer making my own meals and didn’t like the restriction. On the positive side, our lecturers became like family to us, treating us like siblings, which made learning enjoyable. Although we didn’t have many extracurricular activities when we first arrived, by our second year, a variety of options were introduced.

I also benefited greatly from the school’s counseling services. The chaplains, guidance counselors, and other support staff were always there to listen, especially for students like me who had never been away from home for long periods. It was comforting to have someone to talk to when feeling homesick.

The opportunities for growth were significant, especially when I took an entrepreneurial skills course. I learned decoration and counseling, and earned a certificate in decoration, which was really helpful. Overall, campus life was good. Though I struggled at first with being away from home for weeks at a time, I had great roommates throughout my time there, which made things easier. All in all, it was a good experience.