Dianne

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: For a favourite casual study spot, it would have to be the Hunter Student Commons while the favourite ‘lock-in’ spot would be on the sixth floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library or the Law Library! Studying requires fuel, so preferably a Jarritos (Mango) from the Stör paired with a Donair pizza slice from Canadian Unlimited Pizza is the way to go.

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: When it comes to success in classes, the secret is to utilize professors' office hours and taking advantage of student services and resources such as the PASS from Student Success Centre or the amazing library in the Women’s Resource Centre among many others!

Most underrated area on campus: Some underrated areas around campus include the benches/green area behind Craigie Hall F/ University Theatre or the little nook behind the bear statue in the Quad — perfect spots to take a breath of fresh air or enjoy a quiet break with a good book while the wind chimes serenade you! 

Favourite event on campus: One of the favourite events on campus is the UCalgary Strong Festival, which stands out as a fun and engaging way to celebrate the university community.

Best advice for making new connections and getting involved on campus: When it comes to meeting new people and making friends, joining student clubs or volunteering through the Students’ Union or TriMedia—including the Gauntlet, CJSW, and NUTV—is highly recommended, as these opportunities help students build connections while getting involved on campus.

Favourite item at the UCalgary Bookstore: A favourite item from the University of Calgary Bookstore is the Sandstone Classic Heritage Pullover Hoodie, a timeless piece of UCalgary apparel.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Off campus, Kensington is a favourite Calgary neighbourhood thanks to its charming local coffee shops, bookstores, and independent theatres, with the added bonus of being able to enjoy a walk along the Bow River. 

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: One of the most memorable aspects of UCalgary's campus culture is the tradition of spinning the Zipper or Leon the Frog in the north concrete stairwell of the Social Sciences building, a unique campus ritual that adds to the university's sense of community and character.

Kaylee

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: A favourite place to study casually is the sixth floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library on the mountain-facing side, while Mathison Hall is the go-to spot for a focused study session. When it comes to study snacks, a Rice Krispies Square from the vending machine or a slice of donair pizza from Express are top choices.

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: The secret to success in classes is to review course material a little each day, or at least each week, to make studying for midterms and final exams feel less overwhelming. Making friends and forming a study group is also recommended, as it provides both academic support and motivation. 

Most underrated area on campus: One of the most underrated spots on campus is the running track around the Olympic Oval, where the ice helps keep the area cool.

Favourite event on campus: A favourite UCalgary event is the Crowchild Classic hockey game against Mount Royal University, which takes place at the Scotiabank Saddledome. 

Best advice for making new connections and getting involved on campus: For meeting new people and making friends, living in residence during first year offers a great sense of community with others in the same stage of university life. Attending open gym sessions through Active Living Services in the Red and Gold Gyms or joining an intramural league as an individual are also great ways to connect with others while staying active.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Some favourite hidden gems in Calgary include Confederation Park, Nose Hill Park, Seniore's Pizza Restaurant, and El Furniture Warehouse. The University District is a favourite neighbourhood thanks to its convenient location next to campus and its wide variety of amenities, including restaurants, Five Guys, a skating rink, a 24-hour walk-through McDonald's, grocery stores, running trails, spin classes, housing, and school and office supply stores. 

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: One of the favourite aspects of UCalgary's campus culture is its entrepreneurial spirit, with resources that help students turn their ideas into real ventures through mentorship, funding opportunities, and a community that encourages innovation.

Adrian

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: For a casual study session, the sixth floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library by the windows is a favourite spot, offering some of the best views of the city. When it's time to really focus, the Geology Library is the preferred "lock-in" location thanks to its comfortable atmosphere and quiet environment. No study session is complete without a snack, and the Bake Chef hotdog bun or chicken bun stands out as an unbeatable combination of affordability and great taste. 

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: The simplest secret to succeeding in classes is also one of the most effective: just show up. Although it may seem obvious, consistently attending lectures makes it much easier to stay on top of course material and avoid falling behind.

Most underrated area on campus: An underrated place on campus is the Math Sciences Building, where there is almost always space to settle in and enjoy a relaxed place to study or unwind.

Best advice for making new connections and getting involved on campus: Outside the classroom, joining a student club is considered one of the best ways to meet new people and build lasting friendships, creating opportunities to connect with people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. 

Favourite item at the UCalgary Bookstore: When it comes to showing UCalgary pride, the Rex plushies are a favourite item from the bookstore.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Beyond campus, the Reader Rock Garden is a favourite hidden gem in Calgary, with its beautiful gardens, scenic city views, and charming café. Kensington also ranks as a favourite neighbourhood for its lively atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and variety of places to explore.

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: One of the most memorable parts of UCalgary's campus culture, however, is the painted rocks. From club advertisements to messages of activism, they showcase the creativity, expression, and sense of community that make campus life unique.

Dani

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: The Hunter Hub in the Hunter Student Commons on the fourth floor is a favourite place to study and spend time on campus. Its peaceful atmosphere strikes a balance between being quiet without feeling isolated, and being surrounded by students working on exciting projects creates a motivating environment to stay productive. 

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: One of the biggest keys to success in classes is not being afraid to ask questions, whether they are directed to professors, teaching assistants, or classmates. Building those connections not only supports academic success but can also lead to lifelong friendships and valuable career opportunities.

Most underrated area on campus: While there are plenty of popular spaces across campus, the Dining Centre is considered one of the most underrated. Many of the best university memories were made there through shared meals, hours of conversation, and plenty of laughter with friends. Whether enjoying a bowl of sticky toffee pudding or simply spending time together, the Dining Centre fosters a strong sense of community and reminds students of the unique way food can bring people together. 

Favourite event on campus: A favourite UCalgary event is Residence Welcome Week, a time filled with excitement as hundreds of new students move into residence and begin their university journey. The week is packed with activities, opportunities to meet new people, and an infectious sense of energy that helps build a welcoming community from the very beginning.

Best advice for making new connections and getting involved on campus: For those looking to make friends, orientation is highly recommended. It provides an opportunity to connect with other students who are navigating the same new experience, and many of those early friendships continue well beyond first year. 

Favourite item at the UCalgary Bookstore: A simple UCalgary sweater is the favourite piece of bookstore merchandise, offering a classic look that's easy to wear anywhere.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Off campus, Kensington stands out as a favourite hidden gem thanks to its lively streets and inviting cafés, restaurants, and entertainment. Whether it's grabbing late-night ribs, visiting a board game café, spending time at a cat café, or catching a comedy show, there's always something to discover. Closer to campus, the University District and Brentwood are favourite neighbourhoods for their vibrant atmosphere, convenient amenities, and easy access to both the university and downtown. 

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: Above all, the strongest part of UCalgary's campus culture is its welcoming sense of community, where students are encouraged to build friendships, support one another, and create lasting memories together.

Prithul

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: The atrium is a favourite spot for casual studying and catching up with friends, offering a bright and welcoming space to spend time on campus. For more focused work, the first-floor cubicles in the Taylor Family Digital Library are the go-to choice, with double monitors that make long study sessions much easier. A study break isn't complete without a stop at Bake Chef in MacHall for one of its popular chicken buns. 

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: Success in classes comes down to staying connected by actively communicating with professors, building friendships with classmates, and sharing notes and resources along the way. These simple habits can make coursework more manageable while creating a supportive learning environment. 

Most underrated area on campus: Some of the strongest friendships were formed at the Dining Centre during first year, making it a favourite place to meet new people and build lasting connections.

Favourite event on campus: One of the highlights of the academic year is Clubs Week, where students can discover the wide variety of communities and organizations on campus. Beyond learning about different clubs, it's also a fun opportunity to collect stickers, grab some candy, and connect with fellow students. 

Favourite item at the UCalgary Bookstore: When it comes to UCalgary merchandise, the Rex plushie is a clear favourite, alongside the "University of Calgary Dad" sweatshirt.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Off campus, the basement of Pages Bookstore in Kensington is considered a hidden gem, filled with an impressive selection of second-hand books waiting to be explored. Inglewood tops the list of favourite Calgary neighbourhoods, with Kensington, the University District, and Marda Loop earning honourable mentions for their unique character and vibrant atmosphere. 

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: One of the most charming traditions of UCalgary's campus culture is the appearance of snow ducks each winter, bringing a touch of creativity and fun to the colder months.

Karah

What is your favourite casual study spot, along with your favourite 'lock-in' spot: Whether it's a relaxed afternoon of studying or a focused work session, there are a couple of favourite spots on campus for getting things done. The first floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library near Good Earth is the ideal place for casual studying, making it easy to grab a coffee whenever a mid-study boost is needed. For uninterrupted concentration, the basement of Craigie Hall is the preferred "lock-in" spot thanks to its quiet atmosphere and the fact that it's still relatively undiscovered by many students. 

What is one secret when it comes to success in classes: When exam stress starts to build, a stop at Jugo Juice is the go-to study break. Staying organized is also considered one of the biggest secrets to academic success, with a consistent weekly study schedule helping to make reviewing course material feel more manageable throughout the semester.

Most underrated area on campus: One of the most underrated places on campus is the pool deck, where the warm, humid environment creates an unexpectedly comfortable setting for a casual study session with friends.

Favourite event on campus: Although this isn't on campus, a huge highlight is the Crowchild Classic, which brings students together to cheer on the Dinos and celebrate school spirit. 

Favourite item at the UCalgary Bookstore: A favourite item from the University of Calgary Bookstore is any of the scuba hoodies, known for their incredibly soft and comfortable material.

Favourite off campus location in Calgary: Beyond campus, Riley Park in Kensington is a favourite hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the city, especially in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. Kensington also earns the top spot as a favourite neighbourhood, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of places to explore. 

Most relevant piece of culture/tradition at UCalgary: Above all, one of the best parts of UCalgary's campus culture is the welcoming student community, where people are always willing to lend a hand and the positive energy around campus is hard to miss.