April 1, 2024

UCalgary Admissions and Recruitment

The Best of Calgary - 2024 Edition: Hear it from students!

As a prospective student, knowing all the best spots for hanging out, eating, and even napping, can take time. If you are going to be new to the city or campus, you might not even know where to start. That’s why we’ve created a guide for you – hear it from Arista, Nicole, Samara, Nghi, Ryan, and Paulina! 

Arista

Favourite study spot on campus: The Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) is considered a favourite study location. A desk on the first floor near Good Earth is a preferred spot, while bookable study rooms provide a quieter space for individual work or group projects. TFDL also offers designated quiet study floors on the upper levels for those looking for a more focused environment. 

Top recommendation for food on campus: For food, the preferred options are The Stor and Fresh Eats. The Stor offers convenient snacks such as chips, candy, energy drinks, and soda, making it a good stop for study breaks or a quick energy boost. Fresh Eats is a go-to choice for healthier, grab-and-go meals, including soup and chili, which is especially appreciated as a comforting and affordable option during the winter months. 

Preferred area to live in Calgary: When it comes to living arrangements, Brentwood and on-campus housing are both recommended due to their convenience for commuting, as well as the variety of nearby food and shopping options.

Best place to rest on campus: For a quiet place to rest, the sixth floor of the Arts building is recommended. It features comfortable couches and is generally a low-traffic, quiet area, making it an ideal place to take a break or have a short nap. 

Favourite day trip destination: On a day off, Banff National Park is a favourite destination for a day trip, with the mountains providing a great opportunity to get away from campus. Within Calgary, the trails along the Bow River and the downtown area are also recommended for spending free time outdoors.

Nicole

Favourite study spot on campus: The Gallagher Library is a favourite study spot because it is not as well known on campus. It offers space to study with friends on the main floor, while the basement provides a quieter environment for silent studying. 

Top recommendation for food on campus: Bake Chef is the top recommendation for food, with plenty of Vietnamese sub options and other snacks to get through a long day. The cheese bun is a personal favourite. 

Preferred area to live in Calgary: Kensington is recommended as a great place to live because there is plenty to do in the neighbourhood, and it is also close to campus. 

Best place to rest on campus: For a nap, the cubicles in Speaker's Corner in MacEwan Hall are a personal favourite.



Samara

Favourite study spot on campus: The Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning is a favourite study spot thanks to its quiet atmosphere and unique features, including the floating study pods. 

Top recommendation for food on campus: For food, Alumni Sandwiches on 17th Avenue is a top recommendation, with the chorizo torta being a favourite. 

Preferred area to live in Calgary: Bridgeland is recommended as a great place to live because of its lively atmosphere, events, and cafés. 

Best place to rest on campus: The lobby of University Theatre is a favourite place for a nap, with its secluded couches providing a comfortable place to rest. 

Favourite day trip destination: For the best view of the city, Tom Campbell's Hill Natural Park is highly recommended.

Nghi

Favourite study spot on campus: Favourite study spots include the desks in the ICT Building near Good Earth and the tables by the social stairs in the EEEL Building.

Top recommendation for food on campus: FuwaFuwa in the University District is a favourite place to eat, especially for the fluffy pancakes with hot chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. 

Preferred area to live in Calgary: Kensington and Sunnyside are recommended places to live because of their many shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The neighbourhood left a strong first impression while exploring it.

Best place to rest on campus: For quiet study, the basement of Gallagher Library in Earth Sciences or a private room in the TFDL are preferred. For a nap, the best spot is their room since they live on campus. 

Favourite day trip destination: T&T Supermarket in Harvest Hills is recommended for its selection of Asian groceries and handmade bread.

Ryan

Favourite study spot on campus: The fifth floor of TFDL is a favourite place to study because it is quiet and a great place to get work done.

Top recommendation for food on campus: The Last Defence Lounge is the top recommendation for food, with great prices, excellent food, reliable seating, and friendly service. 

Preferred area to live in Calgary: Olympus Hall is recommended as a great place to live based on their experience living on campus. 

Best place to rest on campus: For a nap, the Neurodivergent Centre is a favourite spot thanks to its comfortable seating, low lighting, and quiet atmosphere.

Paulina

Favourite study spot on campus: Hunter Student Commons (HSNC) is a favourite place to study because of its natural light, fresh air, and variety of seating options, including quiet booths, long desks, and sound-proofed pods. It also offers spaces for studying with friends and unique features like life-size chess. 

Top recommendation for food on campus: The Den and Black Lounge in MacEwan Hall is a favourite place to eat, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a casual-fusion menu.

Preferred area to live in Calgary: Kensington is recommended as a great place to live because of its proximity to campus and Sunnyside CTrain Station, with easy access to shopping, parks, river pathways, and downtown. 

Best place to rest on campus: The Science Collaborative Space in Science Theatres is a favourite place for a nap thanks to its quiet atmosphere and comfortable armchairs and futons. It is open to all students, although it may occasionally close for faculty-specific events. 

What We Collectively Agreed On

One of the most unique UCalgary traditions involves the sculpture in Science Theatres known as the Zipper. According to campus legend, giving it a spin before an exam brings good luck and a successful grade—except for engineering students, for whom it is said to bring bad luck. The rest of the story is best discovered on a campus tour. Favourite campus events include Orientation, with its games and opportunities to meet other students during the first week, as well as sporting events like the kick-off football game and the Crowchild Classic hockey game. These events are great examples of school spirit and bring the student community together.

Bake Chef in MacEwan Hall is the top recommendation for food on campus, with something for everyone. Off campus, the Rocky Mountains make for a great day trip, while Calgary's downtown pathways and trails along the Bow River offer plenty of opportunities to explore, with or without a car.

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