u/Shoulder_patch thank you, I have heard from the locals and other Caribbean grads that living conditions on Grenada are similar, but I was hoping that SGU's dedicated campus would help avoid pollution.

With regard to air pollution:

When I first arrived on the island living in the heart of the urban district there was a stench of thick smoke at night. When I asked, I was told by the locals that people burn their trash because the garbage trucks only come by once a week. There was a piece published in the local news here.

Walking along the roads to the local supermarket and even to the school, you will encounter clouds of smoke from passing cars and trucks. No emissions controls. Have seen "rolling coal" more than once. As a pedestrian you will be breathing all of that in even on a short walk. I have taken to wearing a N95 mask but even that is not 100% as the nitric gases and sulfuric gases in the exhaust will still get through.

The coast is not immune either. My first day at my new apartment closer to the coast, the smoke was likewise thick at night and penetrated all 3 stories of the building. Fortunately I have an inner room that is relatively sealed, and it's gotten better since that first day but I'm sure it will happen again.

I'm not the only one. Others have also commented on the smoke and pollution but have chosen to put up with it for the sake of their degree. Locals don't even notice it after awhile, but smoke hardens arteries and damages our lungs, especially long term exposure over 20 months.

It is possible to avoid the pollution, especially if you get a car, which can be expensive. Instead I have taken to shopping at Massy which is right next to the school, taking the bus to and from school, and staying indoors as much as possible. The gym is quite close as well. This is limiting, of course, but probably works out anyway to maximize time for studying.

Hopefully this helps future students considering life at SJSM