Graduate Education

Graduate Education

Did Someone Say Shopping?

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Written by: Nicki Sanchirico Exsc/Kines ’18, DPT ’21

A wide variety of shops are available to students within walking distance or a short drive of campus!

Shopping in Downtown Scranton

In the downtown Scranton area, just a few blocks from campus, there are plenty of stores where you can find beauty supplies and cute clothes. Some stores even offer a student discount! Many of my friends enjoy getting beauty products from Lavish Body & Home as well as from Alexander’s Salon & Spa. Students are sure to find the latest styles at Freedlove and The Daisy Collective.

For students who are looking for unique or custom products, The Marketplace at Steamtown is a great place to explore.  If you are a fan of the TV show “The Office”, be sure to stop by the store Phyl Your Bags. The store is filled with hand designed products made by local artisans, and you are sure to find something that references Dunder Mifflin. The Scranton Public Market is also located inside The Marketplace at Steamtown and features a wide variety of local venders on weekends from 11am – 4pm, who sell beautiful hand-crafted jewelry and delicious foods.

Shopping in Near-by Towns

Within a short drive from campus, there are a lot of other stores for students to explore. Ten minutes from campus is Dickson City, where students can find a larger mall with stores such as Ulta, Yankee Candle, Express, JCPenny, Macy’s and Forever 21. In that same area, you’ll also find a Wegmans, Walmart, Target and other large chain stores.

Even more stores can be found at The Shoppes at Montage, which is also just a 10-minute drive from campus. I would frequently shop at The Shoppes at Montage on my way back from snowboarding or after a trip to get my hair done at The Sapphire Salon & Spa (also located at The Shoppes). Some of my favorite stores in this shopping center include Loft, DSW, The Christmas Tree Shop and The Guitar Center. In both the Dickson City and The Shoppes at Montage shopping centers are restaurants such as Panera, Chipotle and Pancheros, where students often hold fundraisers for school clubs and trips.

For students who don’t mind driving a bit farther, great deals can be found on brand-named items at The Crossings Premium Outlets. The outlets are located just 35 minutes away from campus. On weekends, many of my friends would take day trips there as a fun escape from schoolwork.

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for someone, just making a quick run to pick up a shirt for an upcoming interview, or want a day long adventure with friends, the greater Scranton area has something for you!

 

Hike It Out! – Hiking Trails Around Scranton

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Written by: Rachel Kosty Exsc/Kines ’18, DPT ’21

One of the best ways to de-stress is to get some exercise! Going outdoors in the beautiful sunny weather, and adding some movement into your day, is a great way to relax! One activity that you’ll never tire of around Scranton is hiking and walking! There are so many great hiking and walking trails in and around Scranton, here are a few of my favorites!

1. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

If you like to run or go for walks, Lackawanna County has some beautiful trails, but my favorite one is right in Scranton! The trail follows the Lackawanna River and will be over 70 miles once completed! The section located in Scranton is beautiful, paved and perfect for exercising! My dog and I spend hours here most weeks. My favorite place to start is right at the University’s new “Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Athletics Campus,” as the trail follows past the baseball field for a little over two miles. You can also walk in the other direction past the softball fields for a bonus few miles!

2. Campbell’s Ledge

If you’re new to hiking, the trail at Campbell’s Ledge is a great place to get started! The trail is very wide and clear that you’ll be sure to stay on the path! There is a nice waterfall, a reservoir and a gorgeous view at the top! The trail starts in Duryea, PA and is approximately 3.6 miles. If you go on a sunny day, be sure to bring water and sunscreen! The view from the ledge overlooks neighboring towns, and you can see all the way to Wilkes-Barre, PA!

3. Lake Scranton

The trail around Lake Scranton is absolutely stunning any day of the week! The paved walking/running trail follows the shore of Lake Scranton for about three miles. The views from the bridges are stunning with the light reflecting off of the water. It’s a great place for a walk or run with friends, not very far from campus at all and a great place to take some nice photos!

4. Keystone Trails

Another great trail system for new hikers and trail walkers is the Keystone Trails behind Keystone College! If you follow the paved paths to behind the sports fields, you’ll find nature trails. There is a beautiful creek, a rope bridge and beautiful trails through the wooded area. There are usually other students walking the trails as well, so it’s a great place to get out in nature without being very far away!

5. Delaware Water Gap

Just about 45 minutes from campus is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! The trails at this site are stunning and definitely ideal for a first-time hiker! It’s a great place to explore with a few friends. There are two mountains forming the gap that you can hike: Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi. The world-famous Appalachian Trail even runs through this recreation area! Wear your best hiking shoes, bring the sunscreen and take in the amazing views!

Take Your Studying Outdoors (On-Campus Spots)

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Written by: Nicki Sanchirico Exsc/Kines ’18, DPT ’21

Dionne Green: Lawn & Amphitheater

Spring is officially here, and warm weather is quickly approaching! This means that my favorite season for studying is finally here. Sitting in the sun with a Starbucks’ Refresher in hand always makes studying more enjoyable.

Last week, my friend Rachel posted our favorite off-campus spots to catch some rays while studying. This week, you will get to read about our favorite outdoor study spots located directly on The University of Scranton’s (the U’s) campus.

The Dionne Green and the tables by the Weinberg Memorial Library are two of the most popular outdoor study spaces on campus. Both areas are in the central hub of campus, right near the student center (The DeNaples Center). The atmosphere of these study spots is perfect for grabbing a snack while completing some light work or group studying. In this area, students have a variety of places where they can sit. Students at the U know that when the tables with the purple umbrellas are in these areas, warm weather is here to stay. Despite the ample availability of tables, many students, including myself, will still opt to sit on a blanket or towel in the grass. There’s even an amphitheater with cemented areas for students to sit at!

Jacob and the Angel Sculpture

For students who want to study outside but require a quieter environment, one of the best spots to study is in a grassy area right near one of the sophomore residence halls, Gavigan Hall. This area has cemented spots so that students can be on the ground without having to sit directly in the grass. My favorite time to study in this area is leading up to sunset. From this location, you can watch the sun slowly lower behind campus’s Jacob and the Angel statue. After long hours of studying, there is something magical about watching the colors fill the sky behind the statue!

Another great spot for students to study is Alumni Memorial Green! It is quiet area tucked behind The University of Scranton’s Office of Admission’s building (The Estate), which makes it ideal for completing assignments that require minimal distractions. One of the best parts about this area is the big trees where I can set up a hammock. Often, I can be found rocking in a hammock while reviewing flashcards for upcoming tests.

If I’m not found in Alumni Memorial Green, I’m usually studying on the 4th floor Therapy Garden in Edward Leahy Jr. Hall. When this area is not being used for occupational therapy classes, all students can use this area. It provides a beautiful view of the downtown Scranton area for students to observe when they need a break from looking at their notes. As a graduate student in the health sciences, this area is the most convenient outdoor study space for me since it is part of my academic building and has readily available outlets to charge laptops. I never had to worry about my laptop dying during the many study sessions that my friends and I have spent there!

Pantle Rose Garden

At the U, we are lucky enough that campus wifi reaches all of the amazing on-campus outdoor study spaces, so students aren’t limited in the type of work they can do outside. I have written research papers, studied online notes and met for group projects, all while sitting in one of these locations. I have even had the opportunity to have class outside in the Dionne Green’s amphitheater and in the Therapy Garden!  Although these study spots are some of my favorites, I also have studied in many of the other study areas offered on campus with my friends. Two of my friends love studying at the picnic tables in the Pantle Rose Garden or spreading out on a blanket on the Founder’s Green. Once you get to campus, you can explore the U’s many options to find a place that best fits your needs!

Study Spaces in Scranton’s Backyard

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Written by: Rachel Kosty Exsc/Kines ’18, DPT ’21

Scranton is such an amazing city to attend graduate school in! There is so much to do, but the city still has a feeling of home that accompanies it. There is one thing you’ll definitely be doing in graduate school no matter which of the University’s excellent programs you choose: studying! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy student, I have done a lot of studying, so from an expert, here are some of my favorite off-campus spots and places to study around the beautiful city of Scranton!

  1. Northern Lights Espresso Bar

If there’s two things that go together, it’s coffee and studying! The Northern Lights Espresso Bar is located right in Downtown Scranton, just two blocks from Leahy Hall (home to DPT). The place has both indoor and outdoor seating available (weather permitting), which makes for a great study spot! They serve coffee, espresso, many other drinks, snacks, breakfast and lunch! You’ll find many students studying inside with you. It’s a great place to be!

  1. Adezzo Coffee Shop and Lounge

Another coffee stop located right in Downtown Scranton is the Adezzo Coffee Shop and Lounge. This spot is a little more hidden, making it a great place to study when you need less noise! Adezzo has two lounges, one inside and one outside on their patio! Sitting outside on a nice day is amazing with the decorations and string lights they have set up! You can even bring your pet with you for fun study distractions and breaks.

3. Lackawanna State Park

If studying outdoors is something you’re interested in, the Lackawanna State Park is a great option! The park has many picnic tables spread throughout and around the beautiful lake where you can sit and study while watching the kayakers and fishermen. I spent most of my summer at these picnic tables during our Gross Anatomy course! Getting some sunshine while studying is a great two for one that can’t be beat!

4. The Lackawanna County Courthouse Square

The square in Downtown Scranton is the center of the city, one block from Leahy Hall! The public works department is kind enough to upkeep this little downtown park throughout the year. They decorate it with lights for the holidays, place flags out for memorial day and also put out some very nice picnic tables, which are perfect for studying in the sunshine! During the warmer months, you’ll find many picnic tables spread out in the square, perfect for sitting with a friend and getting some studying done!

5. Frances Slocum State Park

Another great outdoor study location, a bit further from campus, is Frances Slocum State Park! Located about a half-hour from Scranton, this park is great for grabbing a friend and some lunch to take with you when studying! Also, don’t forget to bring a blanket with you!  I’ve spent many Saturdays laying in the sun by the lake while studying. It’s truly like being on vacation, right in Scranton’s backyard!

 

Never Go Hungry at Scranton

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Written by: Nicki Sanchirico Exsc/Kines ’18, DPT ’21

The University of Scranton offers a wide variety of food options for its undergraduate and graduate students! There are a few main areas for students to grab a bite to eat: “3rd floor” (The Fresh Food Company), “1st floor” (1st Floor DeNaples food court), “big P.O.D.” (the Mulberry Street P.O.D. Market and food court) and “Einsteins” (Einstein Bros. Bagels).

The 3rd floor of the DeNaples Center is considered the main dining hall on campus.  This provides students with an “all-you-care-to-eat” style of service for a single meal swipe or price. There are many different stations with meal choices changing at each meal and individual plates made to order. This provides students with an ever-changing variety of choices and the ability to customize their meals. There is always one station that is for students who require a gluten sensitive diet and a station for students who are vegetarian. Fan favorite meals include the raspberry chicken and the chicken parm sandwich. Two of my personal favorite meals are their poke bowls and chicken enchiladas! At the beginning of fall 2020, a new option called “Fresh Food Co to Go” was introduced. Through this option, students pick up food through a to-go line and can enjoy the food outside or back in their residence halls.

The 3rd floor isn’t the only food area on campus that introduced new to-go options! The 1st floor food court, big P.O.D. and Einsteins were always known as areas where students could grab a quick bite to eat, but now it is even more convenient for students to order food. Students now have the option of ordering via a mobile app! This is a convenient way for students to order and pick up food quickly on busy nights. The 1st floor food court includes Which-Wich, Chick-fil-A, Zoca, Oath Pizza, a pasta station and Grill Works. My go-to meal on 1st floor is always a Zoca bean burrito bowl! In big P.O.D., you will find a sandwich station, a salad station and a station called Road Trip America.  Road Trip America offers students a taste of food from various regions! My personal favorite place to grab a quick bite to eat is at Einsteins. Nothing beats grabbing a warm bagel sandwich or a breakfast burrito between classes.

As a graduate student, you can pay for meals as needed, or you can participate in a meal plan. Full meal plans and commuter meal plans are offered. There are three options for the full meal plans: 10 meals per week, 14 meals per week or unlimited. There are two options for the commuter block meal plans: 30 meals per semester or 60 meals per semester. During my graduate school experience, I opted for the 60-block meal plan. This allowed me to get a couple of meals a week on campus with friends and grab a couple of quick meals on busy test days! Whether you decide to get a meal plan, or just pay for meals as needed, you’ll always have plenty of options available on campus!

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