As more students from Africa explore opportunities to study in Grenada, West Indies, many have questions about life on the island. As the southernmost island of the Windward Islands, Grenada consists of Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The island is roughly 100 miles north of Venezuela, with an approximate population of 126,000.
From safety and accommodations to local culture and activities, this latest guide by St. George’s University (SGU), School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies provides five key information to help prospective students make informed decisions.
How safe is campus life in Grenada?
Grenada is considered a safe destination for students, with a level-one rating from the US Department of State, which simply advises students to exercise normal precautions, as they would anywhere. In addition, SGU’s security officers patrol the university grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.
SGU has implemented several safety measures on campus, including surveillance cameras, smoke detectors, and sprinklers in all buildings. The campus also has a command center, established in 2016, serving as the emergency response hub. Students can also access the ‘SGU Safe’ app, providing location-based emergency assistance.
What are accommodations like in Grenada?
Medical students must live on campus during their first term. SGU’s residence halls provide central air conditioning, internet access, laundry facilities, and regular cleaning services. Rooms are furnished with twin-sized beds, desks, chairs, closet space, and bookshelves. Kitchen facilities include a refrigerator, cooktop stove, and microwave.
After the first term, students may choose to live off campus. Many off-campus accommodations include air conditioning, and some even have pools. Most housing options are within a five-mile radius of the university and conveniently located along the bus route.
What should students know about shopping?
Grocery shopping in Grenada is convenient, with several supermarkets accessible by bus or private vehicle. Students can also visit local markets, such as St. George’s Market Square on Saturday mornings, for fresh produce, gifts, and specialty items.
Many essentials can be purchased locally. It’s also common for students leaving Grenada to sell their belongings at affordable prices for freshmen.
What are the most popular holidays in Grenada?
Major holidays celebrated in the US, such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day, are widely observed in Grenada. Additionally, the island has its own unique festivities, the most famous being Spicemas—Grenada’s Carnival—held annually on the second Monday and Tuesday of August. The event features vibrant music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.
What are some fun things to do in Grenada?
With over 80 student clubs, SGU’s campus life is just as vibrant as its academics, offering students plenty of ways to connect, unwind, and explore their passions. Among the most dynamic cultural groups on campus is the African Student Organization (ASO), one of the largest and most active cultural clubs at SGU. It serves as a home away from home for students of African descent and those interested in African culture. The African Cultural Students Association (AFCSA) is another group that promotes Afrocentric activities and facilitates interaction between African students at the university. Both organizations host a series of colorful celebrations of African music, dance, and traditions. They also organize annual festivities like Independence Day celebrations for different African countries, Afrobeats parties, jollof cooking battle, and themed parties that vary each semester, providing a slice of home for African students and a unique cultural experience for all.
For sports lovers, ASO and AFCSA also organize football tournaments, drawing enthusiastic participation from interested African students on campus. Outside the campus, students can explore hiking trails through lush rainforests or enjoy water sports such as snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. Many students earn their dive certification and visit Grenada’s famous underwater sculpture park. The island also boasts distilleries, chocolate factories, and vibrant marine life, offering immersive tours for those interested in local culture.
For more information on SGU programs/tracks, visit SGU’s website.
