Campus Life
Engineering Science is based at SFU’s mountaintop Burnaby campus. Here’s a quick insider’s guide to what you can expect as an undergraduate.
Burnaby, on top of the world
As well as its modern facilities and amenities, students frequently comment on the great atmosphere of the Burnaby campus. There are many places to socialize, hang out and share a meal – plus plenty of nooks for quiet study time. Outside, there is just as much variety: from secret rooftops with amazing views to towering trees and wide open green spaces.
FROSH
Attending university for the first time can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. FROSH eases you into student life with a weeklong agenda of fun and informative events across campus. Our student societies organize their own FROSH events to help you transition into your new life. You’ll meet senior students, gather information about academic and other services and learn how to successfully navigate your way around the campus and through your program.
Sustainable living
SFU takes sustainability seriously, including zero-waste solutions, low carbon transport options, sustainable and local food programs and energy management initiatives. There’s also UniverCity, a sustainable residential community on Burnaby Mountain. It’s being developed to allow the university to grow and increase student services and amenities – without damaging our environment.
Where are you?
SFU’s Burnaby campus is on Burnaby Mountain, east of the City of Vancouver. With views of the Pacific Ocean, it’s surrounded by hiking and biking trails and includes more than 60 academic buildings.
Getting here
It’s easy! Four major bus routes (#R5, #143, #144 and #145), plus the #N35 night bus, connect to SkyTrain stations, downtown and different parts of Metro Vancouver – it’s always easy to schedule classes around transit if needed. Many students also cycle to campus: bikes can be taken on the bus if you don’t want to climb the hill!
Discounted travel
All SFU students qualify for the U-Pass, giving discounted access to bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain transit services throughout Metro Vancouver.
Support for study
W.A.C. Bennett Library
Burnaby’s recently renovated library has seven floors. It’s a learning hub, providing study spaces, help with writing and other learning skills through the Student Learning Commons, research assistance, equipment loans and technical support.
Student Learning Commons (SLC)
SLC is there to help you throughout your time at SFU. Their friendly teams provide you with everything you need to succeed academically. This includes improving your writing skills, helping with library services and providing guidance, workshops and practical help on everything from improving your exam performance to utilizing better study habits.
Support for living
Student Services
SFU’s Student Services offers a range of support. As well as academic advice – including helping you plan your academic program and succeed academically -- you can receive help with health issues or worries, information about financial aid, career advice and other guidance.
Housing
SFU offers places in a number of residences (view all residences), as well as advice for students already in residence through ResLife. This team of professional and student staff work to ensure that residences are safe and inclusive for everyone.
International students
SFU is an incredibly diverse student community. Student Services offers a range of programs, events, workshops and general advice for international students to help ease your transition to a new country and make the most of your time at SFU.
Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD)
The CSD provides disability related information, support and counselling to the SFU community as well as campus visitors. We also act as liaisons between students and faculty in the implementation of disability related services and accommodations.
Health and Counselling
SFU's Health and Counselling offers a wide range of services to maintain your physical and mental health. Their health clinic (doctors and nurses), counselling, psychiatrist, and health promotion team are here to collectively and positively influence your health and well-being.
They also offer weekly events aimed at improving your well-being, including Mindfulness Meditation and free yoga classes.
More campus highlights
Pub nights
The Highland Pub hosts regular Wednesday and Friday special nights, when you can enjoy cheap wings, unwind and socialize with other students. There are numerous TV screens and faculties often hold their own themed pub nights here.
Hiking and biking
As you’d expect from a mountaintop campus surrounded by parks and forests, Burnaby offers lots of recreation opportunities, especially along the many hiking and mountain biking trails that wind up, down and across Burnaby Mountain.
Eating
The campus boasts a 24/7 dining hall, including an eat-all-you-can buffet menu. There are also several cafes and Tim Hortons, Starbucks and Triple O’s locations. Food trucks also make their way up the mountain on select days, offering everything from Canada’s unique poutine dish (fries and gravy) to Thai, Chinese, Greek and other options. There are also microwaves available for students to use in the campus.