University of Malta

Entryway to the University of Malta

University of San Diego ranked number one in the list of Most Beautiful College Campuses by Profascinate (a play on the word procrastinate). This list should not to be confused with Profascinate’s list of the ten Most Gorgeous Colleges You Need To Visit. While I am a little suspicious of the website, I do miss my morning runs up to the USD campus and gazing out from the gardens behind The Peace and Justice Building onto the San Diego Bay and Mission Bay below with the Pacific Ocean connecting the two fields of blue water.  It is nice to run along the fortress walls here in Valletta. I have the sea on my right side for most of the run. I pass a few horse drawn carriages (tourist attractions) which makes my jog memorable.  But, I do miss the greenery of USD, the color and fragrances, especially the sweet smell of the citrus tree blossoms and the light yellow pittosporum blossoms. Valletta is an urban setting with few gardens.  On all of Malta I have yet to see a manicured grassy expanse. I don't think lawn mowers are sold on the island as there is no demand for them.

The Campus Fountain

Campus Building

Despite being located on a bluff, I don’t think the University of Malta would make either of those lists.  In the University of Malta’s defense, a university education is free to Maltese citizens.  Additionally, the students receive a stipend.  As compulsory education ends at the age 16, I think the students are a bit younger than those in the States.  I hear that homesickness is a major issue for retention of the students that come from the northern island of Gozo—a 45 minute bus ride and 20 minute ferry ride away.

Andrew on the University of Malta Campus

Andrew near the entrance to the Economics Department. There is a "real doorway" behind the arch to the left.