CAMPUS FAQs

What is the campus like?

SOLO sits on 300 acres near the top of a hill, and we have a main classroom building, an administration / dining building, a 40-person dormitory, and other assorted buildings. All are within a short walking distance of each other (as is a stunning view of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains from the top of the hill). The campus is hilly and set into the forest, with a mix of northern hardwoods and conifers. 

What is the food like?

Amazing, the SOLO kitchen staff offers consistently delicious, high-quality food made with fresh ingredients and care. If your course include meals, you’re in for a treat. We have a chef on campus who provides three, wonderful, all-you-can-eat meals on class days. Between meals there are leftovers, as well as an endless supply of fruit, bread for sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, etc. available for students while they’re on campus.

Is there Internet available?

Wi-Fi is available in the main building. Additionally, a desktop computer and printer are accessible to students on the third floor of the main building. 

What is the student dorm like?

Toad Hall, our 40-person dormitory, is a two-story building featuring sleeping rooms and eight individual bathrooms (four per floor, each equipped with a shower). Most students will share a room with one or two roommates. The rooms are clean and simple, designed to accommodate only your essential belongings. Please note that there is no additional storage available on campus.

Is public transportation available?

Concord Coach Lines offers bus service from Boston's Logan Airport to Conway, New Hampshire. 

• Concord Coach Lines

If you plan to arrive in Conway by bus, please call the SOLO office ahead of time to arrange a pickup.

Other, in town public transportation in Conway is limited to taxi services, but it's generally easy for SOLO students to carpool, as most students have vehicles. 

What about laundry and groceries?

For your laundry needs, there are several laundromats conveniently located near Conway Village:

• Acorn Wash & Dry: Located at 175 Main St, Conway, NH 03818. This 24-hour laundromat offers well-maintained machines that operate on quarters, providing a clean and well-lit environment with amenities like a restroom.
  MapQuest

• Seavey Street Laundromat: Situated at 60 Seavey St, North Conway, NH 03860. This facility features a solar-heated water system and an Easycard system for cashless transactions.
  Conway Laundromats

Regarding grocery shopping, several stores are within a short drive:

• Shaw's: Located at 1150 Eastman Rd, Center Conway, NH 03813. Shaw's offers a wide selection of groceries, including a bakery, deli, and pharmacy.
  Shaw's

• Hannaford: Found at 32 Mountain Valley Blvd, North Conway, NH 03860. Hannaford provides a comprehensive range of products, including fresh produce, meats, and a pharmacy.
  Hannaford Stores

• Market Basket: Located at 80 Barnes Road, North Conway, NH 03860. Market Basket offers a variety of groceries at competitive prices.
  Market Basket

Carpooling among students for essential shopping is common, facilitating easy access to these amenities.

How is the weather in Conway, NH?

Conway, New Hampshire, experiences a classic interior northern New England climate, characterized by four distinct seasons:

• Winters: Long, cold, and snowy, with average January highs around 29°F (-2°C) and lows near 10°F (-12°C). Snow typically covers the ground from early December through early April.
  WeatherSpark

• Summers: Short and warm, with average July highs reaching approximately 80°F (27°C) and lows around 58°F (14°C). Extreme heat is uncommon.
  WeatherSpark

• Spring and Autumn: Spring brings blooming flora and occasional biting insects, while autumn offers stunning foliage.

What are the recreational activities in Conway, NH?

Conway, New Hampshire, offers a diverse array of outdoor recreational activities across all seasons:

• Hiking and Trail Running: Explore over 1,200 miles of trails in the White Mountain National Forest, suitable for all skill levels.

• Rock and Ice Climbing: Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge in Echo Lake State Park are renowned spots for both rock and ice climbing enthusiasts.

• Mountaineering: The White Mountains provide challenging terrains for mountaineers, including the Presidential Range.

• Swimming: Enjoy swimming at Echo Lake State Park and the Saco River, known for their clear waters and sandy beaches.

• Boating and Fishing: The Saco River offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with services provided by local outfitters like Saco Bound.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Cranmore Mountain Resort provides downhill skiing and snowboarding, while the surrounding areas offer cross-country skiing trails.

• Road and Mountain Biking: The region features numerous biking trails, including the North Conway Recreation Path, suitable for both road and mountain biking.

What is Conway, NH like and why is it such a special location?

Conway, New Hampshire, is a quintessential New England town that seamlessly blends modern amenities with classic charm. The town offers a variety of conveniences, including major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot, as well as numerous gear shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Healthcare needs are met by a local clinic and a local hospital, ensuring residents and visitors have access to essential services.

In November 2024, North Conway, a village within the town of Conway, was named the "Best Ski Town" in North America by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. This recognition highlights the area's rich skiing history and its appeal as a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.  For more information about North Conway's recent accolade and its offerings, you can visit the article on InDepthNH.org.

• InDepthNH