Carlisle STA - Questions Answered

Below are some questions we received from CityMouse (Hi!) who we "met" so-to-speak via the PumpkinDriver.com forums. She had a few questions about the Carlisle STA and said that maybe it would be smart to post them so that other folks with similar questions can get the info.

1. Do you have both a fridge and microwave in your room?

In the HOJO we stayed in, in Carlisle, PA, there was a mini-fridge in the room and a microwave down the hall. There was also no coffee maker in the room like in other motels I've stayed in. When we head back on Monday, we plan to stop at Wal-mart and pick up a little 4-cup coffeepot for about 10 bucks because Grey is really grumpy without his morning java.

2. What is the provided breakfast, cereal and coffee? Or eggs and fruit and juice?
The continental breakfast at the HOJO was pretty lame. The Schneider students are placed in a seperate, old building off the main motel and we have our own breakfast spread there. Its two kinds of cereal (fruit loops & cheerios), 2% milk, assorted mini-muffins, assorted instant oatmeal, eggo toaster waffles, apple or orange juice, powdered sugar or plain doughnuts, bagels, or apples and bananas. Not as "nice" as I've experienced elsewhere. We're taking our own cereal this time, just for variety, but its not really necessary.

3. What is the provided lunch? Where do you eat it?

Schneider provides you with lunch coupons worth 6.00 at the cafeteria. There is a list of student options (to show what you can get w/out having to spend your own money) seperate from the main list, but you can always get more/other things if you're willing to pay the difference between the cost & the 6.00 they give you.

The options change from day-to-day, and some things are better than others. Fried chicken breast or grilled chicken breast sandwiches served me pretty well, with a side salad or steamed veggies. They include a fountain drink as well with the student options. Its not like, world-class cuisine, but its not terrible either. Filling enough.

There are vending machines too, but they seem kinda of pricy. Grey and I bought string cheese and granola bars to keep in our backpacks for a snack and I took a bottle of water too, because I tend to get thirsty.

As far as where, there's a cafeteria where truckers, employees and students all eat. Fold-out-style tables and decent chairs.

4. What are the choices for dinner?

Well, you're on your own for dinner. The HOJO does breakfast, the STA does lunch and dinner is up to you. We went to Wal-Mart (two exits south on I-81) the first night and got lunch meat and bread and a few other basic things. That did us well but then we ran out and were too tired to go out the night we ordered in.

There are a few fast food restaurants around like Arby's and McDonalds. Several pizza joints that deliver to the HOJO. Palumbo's was recommended to us. And the Chen's Chinese, which we suspect was the cause of our illness. We both had the same dish that night. It could have been something else though - but I can't imagine it was the STA food because no other students caught it.

5. Are the classes at the OC? Carlisle has a cafeteria and exercise equipment. I know the focus is on class, study and sleep, but a shortwalk on the treadmill may help me keep my brain cells revved up.

Yes, classes are at the OC. There is a cafeteria, yes and you can go back there to buy dinner if you like, or to do laundry or exercise as you like. We took a couple quick walks around the big parking lot, but it was pretty chilly and we're wussies ;)

That's it. I apologize for typos or other silly mistakes because I was typing very quickly. Hopefully, this will help someone else who is getting ready for Carlisle (or, probably, any STA).