<p>I want to know more about Villanova's location. I know it located in an upper-middle class suburb but what does it feel like and how close is it to Philadelphia? and about how much time would it take to travel there, I've hear a lot of different numbers. Also, do people regularly leave campus to go places outside villanova or just stay there? Is it easy to use public transportation and to walk places or do most people prefer cars? I've heard a lot about the mainline but what is located there? is it easily accessible from campus? and is there a variety of shops and restaurants? And finally the cost, is it expensive to live there? and is shopping and eating out expensive?</p>
<p>I come from a small town. I really want to explore what the city has to offer and I just want to try a different lifestyle. Sorry I asked a ton of questions but I need to make a decision soon so any info will help, thanks! :)</p>
<p>My D and I were just at candidate’s weekend and, wow, what a great location. We spent the day before in Philadelphia and there is so much to do in the city: shops/dining around UPenn, South Street, a new Piazza area north of Market Street, art museum, zoo, you name it. Right on Villanova’s campus is a train station and it’s the R5 train line that goes right to 30th street station and suburban station in Philly (roughly 20 min. in). My D has a friend at UPenn and he told her that many of the Villanova students come out for activities and frat parties, etc. My D also had lunch with a current senior who told her that students will go to the city, or maybe rent a car together (the Univ has some car program) and drive to NJ shore. That being said, there’s a lot to do on campus and there are shops, dining and bars in Bryn Mawr and Ardmore (accessible by the same train line). Someone also said something to my D about parties at The Mansion (not sure what this is). There’s also a weekend shuttle that makes frequent runs to the King of Prussia mall for shopping. My D will not have a car because the public transit is so good and upperclassmen may have cars for other excursions.</p>
<p>In terms living expenses, freshman and sophomores live on campus, and there are junior apartments on campus. So, it seems like it’s mostly seniors that have to deal with local rent, etc. Rent is expensive relative to a small town, but if multiple students are pitching in it seems like it’s manageable. Shopping and dining seems typical to metro areas.</p>
<p>Some students complain (on this site anyway), saying there’s limited things to do. But, with 250 student organizations, on campus activities, a nice fitness center, Div 1 sports, that seems like it could be students who aren’t as involved. Maybe others will post and give you their perspective.</p>
<p>I must also say that my D was deciding between Villanova, Univ of Miami and Univ of Richmond. She found the programs, professors, study abroad program, and other offerings to be fantastic at Nova. We found the students and faculty to be very friendly and positive. She has decided to go to Nova. Good luck!</p>
<p>Alright Im a freshman and I have a car and run marathons competitively so I get around the area. If all you see is lancaster ave like most kids then it might be kinda lame. If you go about 2 miles in any direction the whole area changes and it is probably the most beautiful area in the country. The houses that surround the area could actually be considered castles with most houses actually having a gatehouse. Between mainline, Philly, and KOP you can get whatever you want. Getting into Philly by train is doable but I can never figure out the schedule so good luck, and it is expenive</p>
<p>Mainline is very traffic heavy so having a car is a little bit of a hassle but still easier than a train and everything in mainline is expensive son, get used to it</p>
<p>orangehat, here’s a link to Septa. Click on the link for the Paoli/Thorndale line (R5). There are more trains mid-week, with express trains that run from Bryn Mawr to 30th street or suburban. On weekends, they typically run on the hour from the Villanova station and it’s a quick 25 min in, even with all the stops on weekends. Look at schedule, but I think last train back on a weekend is around 1:15 am. if you want to go to the Penn area, get off at 30th street station and either walk around 7 blocks or take a taxi. If you want to go to South Street or center city, get off at Suburban. When we were there last weekend, my D took the train to 30th street (first time) to see a friend at Penn; that way she’ll be ready next year.</p>
<p>[SEPTA</a> | Regional Rail Schedules](<a href=“Routes – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority”>Routes – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)</p>
<p>This sure beats driving on the Schukyll Expressway!</p>
<p>The location is a hassle via car - everyone who grew up around here will exaggerate how long it takes to get from one place to another. When I’m told “Oh, we’re 10-15 minutes away from campus”, I budget 20-30 minutes- last time I was told 10-15 minutes, it took 27! Having a car is awesome, but it’s nice that you’re not out in the middle of nowhere. Getting to nearby towns via train is not a big deal. You can actually take either the R5 (renamed the “Paoli-Thorndale line”, traditional commuter train, near west campus) or R100 (renamed the “Norristown High Speed Line”, a one car light trolley; cheaper and often faster) to get into Philly; I took the R100 to the city and then took the Market Frankfurt Line to where I needed to be for an interview last week.</p>
<p>King of Prussia is close and there’s hourly shuttles on weekends (Friday/sat from 6PM to 10PM). You can ALSO get there by hopping on the R5 and getting on a bus; don’t ask me the specific stops, I did it once with Google maps. It was flawless, though.</p>
<p>It’s nice to have these options, especially as a freshman/sophomore. You get the nice quiet campus feel without being in the middle of nowhere, and you can easily get to the city if you want to.</p>
<p>Seniors have to live off campus. Places near public transport tend to be a lot more expensive, but it depends. If you really HAVE to you can beg and beg and beg res life, and they’ll stick you in a random room in august if you’re going to be a senior, but it isn’t guaranteed and sucks as an option regardless.</p>
<p>FYI: The R5 train numbers, etc. are being eliminated. The trains will be known by the final destination.</p>
<p>Yeah, I mentioned that they were renamed. Technically that change occurred in September 2009, but all the students/profs on campus and everyone on the trains still calls it the R5/R100. </p>
<p>Apparently it was done to “increase customer service”. For me, if I had to get directions, “R5” is easier than “Paoli-Thorndale Line”.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for your input! I do like the idea of having both the suburban aspect and the city. My other option is Northeastern so if anyone has any comparisons go ahead. </p>
<p>Also could anyone elaborate more on the surrounding areas within walking distance of campus? is there much to do, or do you have to go further? Thanks again!</p>
<p>Northeastern is smack-dab in the city, like Penn is in Philadelphia, so very different than Villanova’s Mainline location. Limited services right off campus at Villanova (pizza, a couple nice restaurants, nail places, gas station, banks, Staples), but all you can want within 5 min in Wayne or Bryn Mawr</p>