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Student Experience
See what it's like to be a student at SFU – one of Canada's leading research universities and a world-class learning environment for innovation and excellence. You'll be part of a vibrant community of passionate students, forward-thinking faculty and researchers, dedicated staff and proud alumni.
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See yourself at SFU
Explore SFU’s three campuses and experience life in one of Canada’s largest cities.
#KnowYourSFU
Get to know your SFU by exploring the student resources and support available to you.
Experiential learning
Learn how to make the most of your educational and professional growth at SFU.
Campus experiences
Discover why SFU is the perfect place to learn, live, play and dine as a student.
Student finances
Develop financial planning strategies and find financial aid options to fund your education.
SFU is in the top 1.9% of universities in the world* and is Canada's #1 comprehensive university†
†Maclean's University Rankings 2025
SFU is one connected university with three distinct campuses, ten faculties, hundreds of academic programs, extensive student supports and more than 60 research institutes. Each campus is located in a different city within Metro Vancouver, with its own character, opportunities and possibilities. You can take courses at all three to shape your degree, expanding the ways you learn, make lasting connections and explore new experiences.
Burnaby Campus
Burnaby Mountain is the site of our original campus, with a university environment surrounded by incredible natural views and miles of hiking trails. There are over 30 academic buildings, research labs, residences, athletics facilities, central library, student union building, observatory, Indigenous cultural and ceremonial space, and soon, a new public art museum – that all deepen the university experience.
Surrey Campus
Located at the heart of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, our Surrey campus is an innovative, hands-on environment where technology, design and entrepreneurship meet. Within our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll discover an inspiring hub for new ideas and projects that can make an impact in people’s lives. It's also the future home of SFU's new School of Medicine!
Vancouver Campus
SFU blends dynamic urban life with immersive learning, spread across nine locations in downtown Vancouver. These collective spaces will help spark your creativity, talent for business and entrepreneurship, and interests in community engagement and collaboration. It’s home to our School for the Contemporary Arts, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Charles Chang Innovation Centre and much more.
Campus tours & events
Experience SFU
Connecting with current students and SFU representatives at campus tours and events will give you valuable insight into university life and the student experience at SFU.
- In-person and virtual tours are the best way to see if SFU is the right fit for you. Immerse yourself in our learning environments and see what it's like to be an SFU student!
- Ask our student ambassadors questions about joining the SFU community, as they share their firsthand experiences with student life at SFU.
- Learn about our programs and faculties, on-campus facilities, student services, support resources, application process and more.
SFU's diverse and inclusive community that brings together students, faculty and staff from across Canada and around the world. It's a dynamic environment where you'll find a sense of belonging through academic, professional and personal connections. Learn more about the SFU community and the ways you can find support at every stage of your student journey.
37,000+ enrolled students in 2023
8,200+ international students from 130+ countries
200,000+ alumni all over the world
International student community
International students will have many opportunities to build intercultural connections within our diverse community! Across SFU, you can access student support through transition, academic, career and wellness advising, English conversation groups and much more. You'll be invited to events hosted by the Global Student Centre throughout the term, where you can also hang out and make new friends from all over the world.
Indigenous student community
SFU fosters an environment for students to participate, learn and share in First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural traditions. On campus, you'll find safer spaces including the Indigenous Student Centre and the newly-opened First Peoples' Gathering House, a place for Indigenous members of our community to hold ceremonial events, celebrations, cultural learning, workshops and classes, and much more.
Alumni community
Students who graduate from SFU never really leave our community—our global network of alumni stay connected, get involved in our events around the world and acknowledge the value of an SFU education by networking with, mentoring and hiring the next generation of SFU graduates. Future students—and someday, future alumni—can look forwad to continued support and connection.
Openness and belonging in SFU
Our community is made up of diverse insightful voices. If you're wondering what it's like to study and be here, listen to what actual SFU students have to say about their experiences!
Watch as Winslow, Emma, Jo and Hannah reflect on how SFU helps create a culture of openness that allows for creative solutions to issues we face and greater diversity in the voices that deserve to be heard.
“Having these opportunities... to create an environment that's inclusive, that makes people feel safe... feel valued, and then... be able to contribute and affect things in a way that wouldn't have been possible 20 years ago.”
Campus & community events
SFU's dynamic campus culture has a lot to offer students outside the classroom. You'll have opportunities to expand your network through the friends you meet and to broaden your experience by pursuing your interests and exploring new ones. Campus-wide events during Month of Welcome kick off each term in a big way, and there are plenty of other SFU, faculty and student-led activities and events to enjoy throughout the year.
Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)
The SFSS is a student-led organization and support network that advocates for the interests and well-being of undergraduate students and is committed to improving the student experience at SFU. You’ll find many SFSS student spaces, support services, activities and events across all three campuses, including in the 113,000 sq ft Student Union Building on the Burnaby campus.
Student clubs
Student-led clubs and groups are a great way to connect with your peers over shared hobbies, interests and causes. They're also a way for you to try new and exciting things you're curious about or depeen your knowledge of certain topics. There are hundreds of active clubs for you to choose from, and if there’s a club you’re interested in that doesn’t yet exist at SFU, we’ll help you start it!
Recreation
SFU has many sports clubs, intramural leagues, recreation and fitness programs, and drop-in activities for you to join. Stay active with competitive team sports or keep your mind and body in shape with martial arts and fitness classes. At SFU Burnaby, you'll find a 182,000 sq ft recreational complex, stadium, climbing wall, full-sized gyms, outdoor playing fields, fitness centre and studio, and more to keep you busy!
Residence & Housing
SFU's living-learning environment will help you make friends with neighbours from around the world, easily access on-campus facilities and supports, and make the most of your university experience in convenient ways. More than 2,100 undergraduate students live on our Burnaby campus and enjoy meal plans at the 24/7 all-you-care-to-eat Dining Commons, while being just steps away from classes.
Community engagement and cultural spaces
There are many cultural spaces on our campuses where the public outside of the University can engage with our community.
These include the Trottier Observatory, where you can go stargazing on clear Friday nights; the newly-opened Gibsorn Art Museum, where you can view exhibitions from the vast SFU art collection; the Lorne Davies Complex and Stadium, where you can catch the Red Leafs play soccer, basketball, volleyball and track events live; Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, a diverse hub for arts and culture; and many others!
Getting to know your SFU means exploring the network of resources and supports meant to adress your student needs. You can access them at any time during your studies—learn how they can help you achieve success in your academic, professional and personal goals and enhance your student experience at SFU.
Academic Advising
SFU’s academic advisors can help you plan your degree and make progress towards your educational goals. Advisors within your faculty provide further guidance to ensure you meet program requirements and keep up with the pace of your studies.
Black Student Centre
The Black Student Centre is a culturally-appropriate safe and thriving environment for Black-identifying students at SFU. This new space will become a source of support, community and connection for SFU’s diverse Black community.
Financial Aid & Advising
SFU’s Financial Aid and Awards office works with students through advising and opportunities to fund your education, including scholarships, awards, bursaries and more. Our goal is to help you develop healthy financial habits that will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Indigenous Student Centre
The Indigenous Student Centre is a welcoming and supportive community space for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students. Find support and guidance, develop cultural connections, access counselling services and wellness, and take part in the Peer Cousins Mentorship and Elders programs.
Multifaith Centre
The Multifaith Centre provides students an environment to freely express and practice their beliefs, and learn about other faiths. You can seek support for your spiritual well-being through prayer spaces, faith gatherings, activities, discussion groups, interfaith dialogues and more.
Safety & Security
SFU Safety & Risk Services is committed to ensuring a safe, secure and comfortable learning environment for all members of the SFU community, especially students. You can request public safety services and programs like Safe Walk, which will give you access to a Campus Security escort 24/7, and more.
SFU Library
SFU Library can be found on all three campuses, with an extensive catalogue of books, articles, and other reading materials and resources, plus a range of services for student use, including research and citation guidance, computing and printing services, quiet study areas, group collaboration spaces, and more.
Women's Centre
The SFSS Women's Centre provides students a safer environment for education and services, regardless of your orientation or identity. You'll be able to seek peer support and crisis referrals, safer sex and women's supplies, food support, access to feminist literature, and more.
Accessible Learning
We're committed to supporting equitable access to academic life. The Centre for Accessible Learning offers disability-related services and accommodations to ensure that the accessibility needs of students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions are met.
Career & Volunteer Services
SFU's career advisors help you plan for your future beyond SFU. Through career exploration, skill-building, workshops, career fairs and more, you'll develop job search strategies, interview skills, and insight to give you the experience needed to develop your career path.
Health & Wellness
SFU offers a range of medical, mental health and counselling services to support you throughout your studies. You can see doctors, nurses and counsellors, and even join support groups to connect with other students who have shared goals. You'll also have access to self-guided resources, health apss and more.
International Services for Students
Through the International Services for Students office, you'll find non-academic advising services and support for immigration and other concerns, join social activities throughout the year at the Global Student Centre (GSC) and access other resources that can help you adjust to university life in Canada.
Out on Campus
Out on Campus provides students an inclusive, nonjudgmental environment where LGBTQIA2S+ students and allies can freely express their sexual and gender identities. You'll be able to seek peer support and crisis referrals, safer sex and sanitary supplies, social, cultural and educational programs, and more.
Sexual Violence Support & Prevention
The Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office offers confidential support for students who have been impacted by sexual violence, assault, or harassment, regardless of when or where it occurred. Students of all gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome to seek SVSPO's services and information.
Learn more about the Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office (SVSPO)
Student Learning Commons
The Student Learning Commons is our collaborative academic writing and learning hub, located within each SFU Library branch. You can find peer support for academic writing, learning and study strategies, receive feedback on writing assignments, join workshops to improve skills, and more.
#2 in Canada & within the top 100 universities in the world for International Outlook
Including students, staff, and research | Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Undergraduate research opportunities
At SFU, you can be part of the research that drives our university towards innovation, solutions and discoveries. You'll have opportunities to learn and work alongside skilled researchers as an undergraduate student, and help make an impact in the community even before you graduate. Over 60 research institutes and centres at SFU can provide opportunities to deepen your understanding and broaden your experiences, as you explore today's global challenges.
“I love research, but I also want to make sure my research is changing the world in a small way.”
Co-operative education
Through SFU's Co-operative Education (Co-op) program, you'll have the opportunity to apply your classroom learning to gain hands-on professional work experience and develop real-world technical skills. By alternating between academic studies and paid work terms you'll be empowering yourself and elevating your education.
Flexible Co-op Options
SFU gives you the unique flexibility to choose Co-op placements that either align with your degree program or allow you to try something entirely outside your area of study. This helps you expand your industry prospects and explore new career paths, as you build a strong, interdisciplinary foundation that positions you competitively in the job market after you graduate.
Study Abroad & Field Schools
See the world, immerse yourself in other cultures, learn new languages and create memorable moments, all while earning credit towards your SFU degree. Studying abroad at one of 130+ exchange partner institutions or joining a field school taught by an SFU instructor in another country or region can lead to invaluable life experiences and lasting opportunities and connections!
Study in French
Deepen your knowledge of the French language with bilingual programs, elective courses taught en français and Francocentric social groups. You can enrich your university experience in French through services and opportunities, activities and events, and exclusive bursaries and awards through the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) and its partners.
Subscribe to the Vie étudiante” Newsletter from OFFA to get the latest updates on events, professional opportunities, and more!
Financial planning
Planning how to fund your university education is an important skill to learn. Understanding student costs, which also include living and personal expenses outside of tuition, will help you work out a budget and can make a difference in your student experience. Know that there are ways to help fund your undergraduate studies that you may be eligible for — take some time to explore options that can help you navigate your future financial needs.
- Learn about financial aid options available to SFU students
- Consider different income opportunities you'll benefit from through SFU
- Try out our cost calculator to determine an estimate of your costs each academic term
Financial aid and awards
SFU offers opportunities that can help fund your education, should you need the assistance, through a variety of scholarships, awards, bursaries and other means to eligible undergraduate students. There are also financial aid programs to help accommodate international students, Indigenous students, students in French language programs, and students with disabilities, as well as entrance scholarships, awards and bursaries for incoming new students in their starting term.
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