Salem College
A historic women's college fostering leadership and community, set on a beautiful campus with dedicated faculty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant campus life and events
Salem College
Best Time
Vibrant campus life and events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic women's college fostering leadership and community, set on a beautiful campus with dedicated faculty.
"Salem is the first women’s college in this country, and it continues to provide innovative and exceptional education."
🗣️ Connect with Faculty
Many reviewers highlight exceptional professors like Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio. Engage with faculty for a richer academic experience.
🚶 Explore the Campus
The campus is described as gorgeous and historic. Take time to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio's English Classes
English Department
An unforgettable professor whose brilliance and compassion provide a strong academic foundation.
Historic Campus Architecture
Throughout the campus
A gorgeous campus with a rich history, offering a beautiful and inspiring environment for learning.
Leadership Opportunities
Student organizations and academic programs
Salem fosters leadership development, empowering students to take on significant roles and build confidence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Campus Vibe
Navigating Traditions and Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Connect with Faculty
Many reviewers highlight exceptional professors like Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio. Engage with faculty for a richer academic experience.
🚶 Explore the Campus
The campus is described as gorgeous and historic. Take time to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.
❓ Ask About Traditions
Inquire about unique traditions like the 'senior wakeup call' to understand campus life fully.
💬 Seek Student Perspectives
Reach out to current students or alumni for unfiltered insights into campus culture and student life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Connect with Faculty
Many reviewers highlight exceptional professors like Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio. Engage with faculty for a richer academic experience.
🚶 Explore the Campus
The campus is described as gorgeous and historic. Take time to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.
❓ Ask About Traditions
Inquire about unique traditions like the 'senior wakeup call' to understand campus life fully.
💬 Seek Student Perspectives
Reach out to current students or alumni for unfiltered insights into campus culture and student life.
🛠️ Check Facility Updates
Some reviews mention aging facilities. It's wise to ask about recent upgrades and maintenance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Salem College receives mixed reviews, with many praising its beautiful historic campus, strong faculty like Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio, and emphasis on leadership. However, some past students have reported negative experiences with campus culture, cliquishness, and aging facilities. The college's traditions and commitment to empowering women are recurring themes.
"I attended my freshman year here in 2002–2003, and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I sincerely hope the school has changed since then, because what I lived through was toxic and traumatic. The student culture was viciously cliquish—steeped in classism, cattiness, and exclusion. Professors often carried themselves with arrogance and disdain. And my roommate? Diabolical. It was my first taste of what it means to live with someone who can twist reality, make you look unstable in front of others, and leave you questioning your own sanity. My first gaslighting. I still don’t know how I survived it and it has impacted my ability to trust others to this day.
The larger campus environment wasn’t much better. In the Rat, most if not all, member of the wait staff was African American, serving an overwhelmingly affluent, white student body. That imbalance was impossible to ignore, and it left an impression that something was deeply off. Hazing was another nightmare. I can still see myself hiding under my bed in the dark, shaking and sobbing, as students beat on the door so violently that light flashed through the cracks with each blow. I thought the door would splinter and collapse. That night is seared into my memory as pure fear.
I eventually escaped and transferred to the Florida university system, which felt like coming up for air after drowning. But even in that dark, suffocating year, there was one light: my English professor, Dr. Rose A. Sackeyfio. She was brilliant, compassionate, and unforgettable. Her teaching gave me the foundation to write countless A+ papers and, later, a graduate thesis that was returned with the rare note that it “need not be defended.” That kind of influence changes you forever. Anyone who has the privilege of experiencing her teaching is truly blessed. She was the single bright spot in an otherwise devastating chapter of my life."
Misty
"I graduated from Salem in 2009. The campus is gorgeous and the student-teacher ratio is awesome. I did have my own personal challenges while I was there, but ultimately Salem gave me all the tools and resources I needed to continue on with a successful career. Salem’s goal of building strong women, though seen as a positive to those of us in the “adulting” world, has had its challenges within the institution. Being a small school, a small voice within the student body can gather traction quickly. Some issues from the past year (2017/2018) I would agree with, others I would not. Please do your research and remember that the loudest reviews are going to be the most negative. I’m looking forward to seeing how Salem evolves in the next 10 years. Proud alum here. 😊
Edited to add: the review about the “hazing” is dedicated to one night of the entire year, the same night, every year. It is a “senior wakeup call”. There is plenty of notice given to the student body and students may plan to leave the campus during this time (classes are canceled the entire next day for the greatest event of the year, Fall Fest!)."
Brittanie G
"This school has sucked the life out of me. This school has left me feeling sick and tired (quite literally, as they didn't fix the mold and water damage above my bed for months). I completely regret my decision to attend this institution. I do not believe that Salem College has the student's best interests in mind. I have seen this institution show more care for it's white alumna from 1967 than the current students. The facilities are falling apart, the hot water is sporadic at best, the only available food causes sickness, racist action on campus (from students and faculty alike) is swept under the rug, administration has not created a trans policy, claiming that policies 'take time', yet they were able to complete an extremely limiting protest policy after a week of demonstrations. My choice to attend Salem College was the biggest mistake I made in high school."
Zoe Dempsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Visitors can typically fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), which is about a 30-minute drive away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car to reach the campus. Driving directions can be found on the college's official website.
Visitor parking information can usually be found on the Salem College website. It's advisable to check for designated visitor lots or inquire with the admissions office beforehand, especially if attending an event.
Winston-Salem has a public bus system, but it may not be the most convenient for reaching the college directly or for exploring the city extensively. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and often a preferred option for students and visitors.
While formal tours are recommended, you can often walk around the exterior of the campus to get a feel for its historic architecture and grounds. However, access to buildings may be restricted.
For exploring Winston-Salem beyond the immediate campus area, a car or rideshare services are most practical. Public transport exists but might be less frequent or direct for tourist activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to walk around the campus grounds is usually free. However, if you plan to attend specific events, performances, or guided tours, tickets or reservations may be required. Check the Salem College events calendar for details.
The campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building hours, such as for the admissions office or library, vary. It's best to check the official Salem College website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
Campus tours can typically be booked through the Salem College Admissions office. Visit their website to find available dates and times, and to submit your tour request.
There is usually an application fee for prospective students applying for admission. Information on application fees and deadlines can be found on the admissions section of the Salem College website.
Yes, Salem College hosts various events throughout the year, such as open houses, academic fairs, and cultural performances. These can be excellent opportunities to experience the campus. Check the events calendar for details and any associated entry requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Salem College is known for its small class sizes and a favorable student-teacher ratio, which allows for more personalized attention from faculty. This is often cited as a significant benefit by students and alumni.
Student life at Salem College emphasizes leadership, community, and personal growth. While some past reviews mention challenges, many alumni recall a strong bond and supportive environment. There are various clubs, organizations, and traditions.
Yes, Salem College has several traditions, including the 'senior wakeup call,' which involves seniors making noise to wake underclassmen. While some find it disruptive, it's a long-standing event. Fall Fest is another significant campus event.
The campus is described as gorgeous and historic. However, some reviews mention that facilities can be aging and may have maintenance issues. It's advisable to inquire about recent upgrades and ongoing projects.
The historic architecture and the beautiful grounds make the entire campus a great spot for photos. Look for picturesque buildings, scenic pathways, and any notable landmarks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Salem College typically offers on-campus dining facilities, including a dining hall and potentially other cafes or eateries. Meal plans are usually available for students. Some reviews have mentioned issues with food quality, so it's worth checking current student feedback.
Winston-Salem has a diverse culinary scene with many restaurants located a short drive from Salem College. You can find everything from casual eateries to fine dining options.
Yes, with rideshare services or a car, accessing off-campus dining in Winston-Salem is quite convenient. This offers a wider variety of choices beyond the campus dining hall.
Campus dining halls usually offer a variety of options, including standard cafeteria fare, vegetarian choices, and sometimes themed meals. Specific menus can often be found on the college's dining services website.
Most college dining services strive to accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. It's recommended to speak with the dining services staff directly to discuss specific needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture, manicured gardens, and scenic pathways offer numerous picturesque spots for photography. Look for iconic buildings and charming corners of the campus.
Generally, you can take photos on the campus grounds. However, for professional shoots or in specific buildings, you might need to seek permission from the college administration.
While casual photography is usually fine, be mindful of privacy and avoid intrusive photography, especially of students without their consent. Check with the college if you plan extensive or commercial photography.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – often provide the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the historic buildings still photograph well.
Keep an eye out for the most architecturally significant buildings and any unique garden features or statues that contribute to the campus's historic charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you have younger children who might visit, the historic campus offers pleasant walking paths. However, the primary focus is on higher education for young women. Ensure that the college's mission and environment align with your family's values and your student's aspirations.
🎓 Prospective Students
We highly recommend attending an official campus tour, speaking with current students and faculty, and asking direct questions about student life, traditions, and campus improvements. This will help you make an informed decision about whether Salem College is the right fit for your academic and personal goals.
👩🎓 Transfer Students
It's essential to thoroughly research the current campus climate and speak with transfer admissions counselors about credit transfer policies and support services available for new students. Understanding the college's evolution and current student body will be key to a successful transition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Salem College Experience: A Closer Look
Despite some criticisms regarding aging facilities and past traditions like the 'senior wakeup call,' the college's commitment to building strong women remains a core tenet. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus, speak with current students and faculty, and research recent developments to get a comprehensive understanding of the modern Salem College experience.
The campus itself is often described as beautiful and historic, providing an aesthetically pleasing environment for learning. The small class sizes and student-teacher ratio are consistently praised, contributing to a more personalized and engaging academic journey.
Navigating Traditions and Campus Life
Beyond traditions, student life is geared towards developing leadership skills and fostering a close-knit community. The college offers various opportunities for involvement in clubs, organizations, and campus events. While some reviews have noted challenges in the past, the emphasis remains on creating an environment where students can thrive and build lasting connections.
When considering Salem College, it's beneficial to understand how these traditions and the overall campus culture align with your personal preferences and expectations for a college experience. Engaging with current students can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of campus life.
Facilities and Infrastructure
However, some reviews have indicated that certain facilities may be aging and could benefit from updates or ongoing maintenance. Issues such as mold and water damage have been mentioned in some critical reviews, alongside concerns about sporadic hot water and the quality of available food.
Prospective students are advised to inquire about the current state of campus facilities and any planned renovations or improvements. Understanding the condition of dorms, academic buildings, and common areas can help set realistic expectations for the living and learning environment.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit