As business students, our school life often revolves around the West Mall Complex as our home away from home. You might have found all of the secrets of the West Mall Complex but SFU has many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Here are some to start with:
Sunroom (Academic Quadrangle)
Concrete walls have you feeling down? Tired of the bright glare of the library? Try the glass room in the Academic Quadrangle. Accessed from the staircase next to the Gallery in the AQ, this room has a large glass windows looking onto the AQ pond. To fully appreciate this room, come by on a sunny day.
Djavad Mowafaghian Atrium (Blusson Hall)
Found at the bottom of Blusson Hall, this is a great place to study if you want a change in pace. When you need a break, a walk in the garden outside can be a great way to clear your mind. A microwave nearby means that you can spend the entire day down here. Remember to clean up after yourself and leave the microwave spotless!
Interactive Periodic Table of Elements (Shrum Science Center)
A little hard to find but worth the effort, SFU’s interactive periodic table of elements is hidden within the chemistry hallways of the Shrum Science Center. At 10 feet long and six feet tall, this table is hard to miss once you walk into the right hallway. Each element includes a sample of how it is used. When an element is touched, a wall display comes to life with information about the element and a video about its uses. A definite must see for any chemistry enthusiasts.
Learning Hub (Education Building)
Whether you enjoy studying in groups or on your own, this space offers something for everyone. Open lounge space and individual study desks are available. The variety of brightly colored desks and chairs makes this a great place to take a break. If you are working on a group essay or presentation, a screen is also available to easily share work. The area does close early though(4:30 PM Mondays to Thursdays and 4:00 PM on Fridays) so make sure you go early.
SFU Trails
When talking about the natural sights of SFU, trails are often a popular topic. Instead of the usual stroll through the woods to Burnaby Mountain Park, try the more extensive trail network on the east side of the campus. For interesting sights, take the Water Main Trail down to see the water pumping station and eventually Gaglardi Way. If you are looking for an exercise heavy trail, a hike up Cardiac Hill will have your heart pumping. With some luck, you may even run into the tree houses built by past students. To find out more about SFU’s trails and to practice trail safety, visit https://www.sfu.ca/students/recreation/facility/trails.html.
Jessica Chung is a fourth-year business student concentrating in management information systems and operations management. Having had a variety of great experiences at SFU through involvement with the Pathways Conference and InTech case competition, she decided to give back to her peers through her involvement. Jessica is currently a Business Career Coach and part of the BASS Mentorship Program. When on campus she loves to explore, and finding hidden gems is a favorite pastime.