FAQ about UD, housing and the like

University of Delaware SELI REU – frequently asked while in session 

Transportation 

How do I travel to the University of Delaware by air or car?

Arriving via Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) or Philadelphia International (PHL) airports will be equally convenient.  PHL is approximately one hour north and BWI one hour and 15 minutes south of the I95 exits to campus.   Choose travel to/from the airport that best suits your flight times and finances.   Amtrak train service runs full service to Wilmington, Delaware with limited service directly to Newark, DE.

For travel from the airports or train stations, we suggest Delaware Express at 800.648.5466 or www.delexpress.com.  Delaware Express’ one-way shuttle from PHL ($45 without tip) is significantly less expensive than the shuttle from BWI ($138 WITH tip and tolls) due to their expanded fleet for the PHL-UD run.   Mention that you are a UD student for an approximate 5% discount.  You do not need to show an ID to get this discount.

There are several rental car companies located near campus.  Hertz and Enterprise

Do you recommend having a car while on campus? 

Cars can be helpful for things like larger grocery store shopping, department and mall shopping and weekend trips; otherwise, all essentials can be found within walking distance.  There is plenty to do on Main Street so you shouldn’t feel the need to escape to find entertainment.  The UD fitness center and pool are available on campus for a fee ($10.00 per day); and tennis and basketball courts are also close by.

For those living on campus, parking is available near the dorms on Laird (North) Campus.  While it is about a 15 minute/1.25 mile walk to, participants may choose to purchase a permit which would allow you access to lots closer to the venue you will be using.  Please go to the Parking Services Website to obtain parking passes.

Visit Parking Services at http://www.udel.edu/transportation/parking/permit-prices.html  to view lot locations and other types of available permits and pricing. Summer Programs are not eligible for Grey Passes.

Bikes

If you are interested in biking while on campus you can find affordable options at the Newark Bike Project, a not for profit organization.

https://newarkbikeproject.org

Taxis 

Uber is a good choice. For transportation to the airport, the Delaware Express may be more cost-effective.

University of Delaware Summer Shuttle

UD has free shuttle buses that run from the various locations on-campus
It leaves from Christina Commons

NorthSouth will get you to the UD creamy for a good ice-cream ( Townsend Hall/UDairy Creamery)
and the main campus close to Chemistry (Morris Library)

The Evening loop (After 6 PM) will get you from campus (Perkins) to Christina Commons

For a map see the interactive shuttle map

Other Public Transportation

We also have a local DART bus system that provides transportation between

Newark and Wilmington including transportation to the Christiana Mall with plenty of shopping, theaters, restaurants, etc.

Health Services

Unfortunately, the University of Delaware Student Health Services located in Laurel Hall on the South end of the mall is only for matriculated students. Our REU students cannot receive health services because they are visiting students.

The Student Health Center recommended for you is either the STAR campus http://sites.udel.edu/nmhc/

A very good urgent care center nearby is the Christiana Care Medical Aid Unit at STAR Campus

550 South College Avenue

Suite 115, Newark, DE 19713

(302) 533-7148

The Christiania hospital is nearby

An additional option is the Newark Urgent Care 738-4300

 Food

All programs have the option of purchasing dining hall meals through their summer housing manager or event manager.  We also have the POD (Provisions on Demand) available with limited hours on Laird Campus in the Pencader Building.  Please ask for details.

Main Street also offers a vast array of dining choices as well as a small grocery, convenience, and drug stores within walking distance.

The closest grocery store within walking distance to the independence dorms is the Lion Food on 401 New London Rd, Newark, DE 19711

Rite Aid is next door to the Lion food (399 New London Road Newark, DE 19711

Local Phone:

(302) 731-4400
Located at 399 New London Road At The Corner Of London Road (Rt896)And Country Club Drive)

The Acme Grocery store is on the summer shuttle bus stop

And don’t forget the UDairy Creamery which is on the shuttle bus route!

If you have a car try the nearby woodside creamery.

Gym and all

Carpenter Sports Building houses facilities for student use such as a gym, indoor pool, workout areas, etc. An additional fee of $50 for access for the summer is required. You can load this access to your ID card with payment once you are on campus if you are interested in using the facility.

The University also has an outdoor pool that you can enjoy (it is on the shuttle bus route next to the creamery).

Mail Service

If you wish to receive mail, it must be sent to the address below. It is imperative that guests use this address verbatim:

(Guest Name), (Guest phone number)

REU SELI Program

1 Christiana Drive

Newark, DE 19716

All mail during the summer is delivered to the Christiana Commons – USPS will not deliver to residence halls.

 

Helpful Links 

A link to an interactive campus map appears below.

http://maps.rdms.udel.edu/map/index.php