As summer days come to an end, it’s time for a new term at BCIT. Returning students likely have a familiar routine to go back to, but first-year students might need some time to adjust.
For students taking classes at the Burnaby location, it may help to remember that the layout of campus is split up into four quadrants—northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southwest (SW), and southeast (SE). Buildings are named according to their location in the quadrants, followed by a number.
I still remember feeling quite lost during my first term, trying to navigate through or around all the buildings. Now, I know all the best places to eat, finish your assignments, hang out with your classmates, or just wait until your next class—keep reading to learn more!
Mi Chap Tukw: The Indigenous Gathering Place or Mi Chap Tukw, meaning “a home away from home,” is a welcoming and safe space open to everyone at BCIT, including families. Located at SW1 (room 1521), Mi Chap Tukw is here to celebrate the richness and beauty of Indigenous culture, as well as to nurture a sense of belonging for Indigenous students. You can also stop by the Indigenous Garden between SW1 and SW3, which was completed this spring. The new garden features plants important to Indigenous communities. These plants include sweetgrass, buffalo sage, wild tobacco, and the “three sisters”—a trio of beans, corn, and squash, commonly planted together and used to make traditional soup.
SE14: If you are looking for a quiet space to study alone or with your classmates, the library located at SE14 is one of the best places to do so. You can book any of the 14 Project and Study Rooms to work on presentations and group assignments without distractions. Rooms can accommodate groups of four to 10 people and may be reserved for at most two hours per day. Online bookings can be made through the BCIT study room booking system at studyrooms.lib.bcit.ca.
Habitat Pub: If you need a quick snack, Tim Hortons (at SE12) and The Stand (at SE2 and SE12) are popular picks. But if you want to have a more filling meal and a place to chat with your friends, have a date, or just enjoy a drink after a long day, I recommend the Habitat Pub, located on the lower floor of SE2 and open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm. My friends often grab the Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Habitat Burger, while I always prefer their Classic Caesar Salad.
Pavilion: Another great location for food is the Pavilion at the NE1 building, open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 4 pm. They offer breakfast burritos, pizza, salads, fruits, and many other fresh in-house items to make you feel right at home. You can shop for school supplies while waiting for your food, and if you’re craving dessert, the coffee shop has great options on their menu. There are also microwaves available nearby, in case you decide to bring your own lunch to eat in the lounge area.
Geared Up: To show your BCIT pride, the Geared Up store located at the Student Association Building (SE2) has a great selection of products to choose from. From essential school supplies such as backpacks and calculators to BCIT-branded hats, T-shirts, and hoodies (my favourite item to keep me warm during the fall and winter), you’re sure to find what you’ll need for a great school year!
Recreation Services: Trying to find a healthy balance between school, work, and friends can be challenging; it can often take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Regular exercise can help provide a positive boost.
The recreation centre at SE16 offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as squash, ping-pong, and frisbee. Outdoor sport facilities such as tennis courts, a soccer field, and a basketball court are located on the south side of the building, which can be booked for use. If you prefer solo workouts, check out the gym—open from early mornings to the evenings Monday to Friday. As some areas of the recreation centre may be available at different times, please visit bcit.ca/recreation for more information.
I hope this article encourages you to explore and enjoy all the perks our wonderful campus has to offer.
