St. Mary’s College, a public liberal arts college of 2,000 students, sits at the bend of the St. Mary’s River, just upstream from the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. The place has a quiet, pastoral beauty.
The campus architecture is styled in the tidewater tradition, largely brick and facing the scenic St. Mary’s River. Townhouse accommodations feature private rooms with shared bath and functional kitchen (including major appliances). Outdoor classes are a common occurrence at the waterfront, in the garden, or in a grassy patch outside most academic buildings.
Housing
Housing options on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland campus include Apartments (Waring Commons, private unit, single or double occupancy), Townhouses (The Greens, private unit, single or double occupancy), and Dormitories (private rooms on a shared floor), with separate dorms for Adult (Queen Anne) and Youth (Dorchester) participants.
Please note that these units serve as student housing and are lovingly lived in throughout the year. Although we offer a hospitable experience, a hotel service we are not. A list of recommended essentials is provided below.
For other types of lodging in St. Mary’s County, please visit the St. Mary’s County Tourism website.
What to Bring
Essential Items
- Toiletries (including soap and shampoo).
- Cookware and Utensils. As a part of your package you will have access to three meals a day in the dining hall, but if you prefer to cook in your suite, be advised that though there is a full kitchen, cookware and utensils are not included.
- Alternate method of communication. Unless you have Verizon, cell phone reception is spotty on campus. We suggest installing Skype on your computer.
- Money. There is an BB&T Bank ATM on campus; the surcharge is $3.00 for non-BB&T customers.
- Water bottle.
- Computer.
- Coffee maker.
Non-Essential Items
- Dish soap. If you plan to cook in your townhouse, you may want to bring dish soap to clean the dishes (see above about dishes and cutlery).
- Bedding. You are provided with a top and bottom flat sheet (for twin bed), blankets, a pillow, and a small towel. If you wish to bring your own blanket, pillows, or sheets, you may do so.
- Swimsuit
- Hiking Boots
- Sweater.
- Classrooms and dorms are kept cool; you may want to have a sweater along, even though it’s July in southern Maryland.
Food
The Great Room
The St. Mary’s College Great Room offers a wide array of culinary options, from pizza, salad bar, gluten-free, and grilled options, to home-style, vegetarian, and international dishes.
The Daily Grind
This Daily Grind, located a flight below the Great Room in the Campus Center, is a good place to grab a latte, a smoothie, or a quick snack.
More information on local restaurants can be found on the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism’s website.
Medical Emergency Information
For Emergencies
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD
(301) 475-8981
The nearest hospital to St. Mary’s College of Maryland is located on Route 5 in Leonardtown, Maryland, about 25 minutes to the north. Dial 911 for assistance. Before departing notify conference staff of the emergency.
Walk in Clinics
Breton Medical Group (Walk-in Clinic)
22576 Macarthur Boulevard, Suite 354
California, Maryland
(301) 737-0500
Fifteen minutes north on on Route 235, next to the CVS and across the street from the Kohl’s shopping center. You may arrange for immediate transport with any staff member.
Disability Accommodations
There is full wheelchair access on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland campus. That said, you should be aware that it is not a small campus, and there are a few hills to be negotiated, particularly between the housing units and the dining hall. (Conference staff are happy to provide help in getting around.) Also, wheelchair accessible rooms do NOT have a kitchenette.