So You’re Going to Savannah State University? Here’s What You Need To Know.

If you’re picking (or already picked) SSU, it’s time to get your bearings! Let’s see what Savannah State University is all about and how to make the most of your time here!

Savannah State University is the most storied institution of higher education in the Savannah area. The Historic Black College was founded in 1890 as the first public black college in the state of Georgia. The 201-acre campus is filled with sweeping oak trees adorned with moss, a vast marshland, and rich historical architecture collectively form a magnificent and serene ambiance. 

Savannah State is home to many diverse academic programs, captivating lectures, progressive research, strong student-faculty interactions, and a supportive setting characterize the campus. 

The campus is situated east of the Harry Truman Parkway, near the Thunderbolt township. The location makes a Saturday afternoon trip to the beach a breeze while also being close to southeast amenities like grocery stores, parks, and museums. 

Grocery Stores Nearby Include: 

  • Food Lion 
  • Walmart SuperCenter 
  • Kroger

Affordable Off Campus Housing

If you’re looking for a place to live near SSU but want to make sure you don’t break the bank…but you also want to be close to the fun things to do- then here’s where you should live:

  • Ascend Midtown Apartments: First thing to say is that comes very highly recommended by residents of the apartments in this East Savannah apartment. While these apartments are not student housing, the complex is rented out majoritively by SSU students. Clean, well managed and maintained and close to Island ExpressWay which makes it super easy to get to the Islands or get to Downtown. 
  • The Retreat at Savannah: Also, located in East Savannah, you are walking distance to parks and water and just a short drive to campus and Thunderbolt! The property has recently undergone renovations and improvements which has left the complex looking and feeling fantastic. 
  • The Duplexes at Victory: Heading west of campus, across the Harry Truman Parkway, you will find a different style of living. Still close to school, you are close to the happenings of Midtown. These duplexes are newer, so they are beautiful and well maintained rented by other college students like yourself. 

Parks

Those located near Savannah State have access to some of the greatest green spaces Savannah has to offer. These include places like: 

  • Bacon Park is really more of a neighborhood than it is a park, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth mentioning. The area features a golf course, public pool, and a sports complex with space for football and baseball games with plenty of bright lights to make sure you can enjoy your games well into the night. 
  • What doesn’t Lake Mayer have? There’s seriously so much here that we have to list it. There’s: 
    • Lighted tennis and basketball courts
    • 1.5 mile jogging and bike path littered with physical fitness stations
    • Fresh water lake, full of fish
    • Boat ramp
    • Baseball and softball fields
    • Playgrounds
    • Volleyball courts
    • RC car race track
    • Skatepark 

Museums

Sure, downtown might have the most when it comes to museums and such. But the area near Savannah State has its own little museums, curated by dedicated professionals devoted to preserving the legacy of the city. These include: 

  • Pin Point Heritage Museum is housed in an old crab and oyster factory. Visitors can expect to learn all about the Gullah/Geechee culture and unique lifestyles, from daily life to religion, language, and food directly from residents who grew up in the small, close-knit community.
  • The Thunderbolt Museum is small, but it came about from vigorous community support, preserving the history of the small township that serves as our gateway to the islands. 

We are so excited to have you here in the city, whether this is your first semester, your last or you’re planning your college decision. We want you to wish you the best of luck on your journey, wherever it takes you! Most importantly, be safe, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and have fun. It goes by all too fast.