MENU

Student Experience

See yourself at SFU where you can get an interdisciplinary university education and be part of an entire community of engaged students, passionate faculty and researchers, supportive staff and proud alumni.

Your student experience extends beyond the classrooms and lecture halls—it covers all the parts of your entire journey at SFU!

Jump to these sections →

Your SFU Student Experience

SFU isn’t just a place of higher learning, it’s also a dependable network of services and supports that can help you achieve academic, professional and personal success. Lean on the resources below to meet your needs as a university student and to enrich your student experience.

Find Co-Op Opportunities

Co-op at SFU is available to all undergraduates interested in developing skills and gaining work experience, no matter their field of study. Positions are available throughout BC and all over the world. Try out a potential career path while financing your education!

Visit Co-operative Education

Student clubs allow you to socialize with other members of the SFU community who share similar interests. There are 100s of clubs you can join, with focus on academics, arts and culture, social justice and charitable causes, sports and activities, pop culture, hobbies and more.

View directory of registered student clubs

Join Student Clubs

Join Student Clubs

Student clubs allow you to socialize with other members of the SFU community who share similar interests. There are 100s of clubs you can join, with focus on academics, arts and culture, social justice and charitable causes, sports and activites, pop culture, hobbies and more.

View directory of registered student clubs

Study in French

We offer diverses possibilités for anyone with an interest in the French language and francophone cultures. Whether through bilingual programs or elective courses taught in French, you'll have opportunities to deepen your knowledge in Canada’s second official language.

Visit the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)

What else can students expect?


Don't be afraid to explore these other resources to round out your student experience at SFU:

Academic Advising

Meet with advisors for academic guidance to help you plan your degree, and personal, professional and educational goals.

Visit Academic Advising

Financial Aid and Awards

Explore awards, bursaries, loans and scholarships, and find available funding sources to help minimize financial stress.

Visit Financial Aid and Awards

International Services for Students

Find peer-support programs, social activities, and dedicated advising services for adjusting to life while studying in Canada.

Visit International Services for Students (ISS)

Simon Fraser Student Society

Student-led organization and support network that advocates for the interests of undergrads to make your student life better.

Visit Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)

Accessible Learning

Secure equal participation by arranging reasonable academic accommodations and services for students with disabilities.

Visit Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)

Health and Counselling

Find a wide range of medical, mental health and counselling services, and workshops to inspire community connections.

Visit Health and Counselling

Multifaith Centre

Express your beliefs and find support for your spiritual well-being through activities, discussion groups and interfaith dialogues.

Visit Multifaith Centre

Student Learning Commons

Discover resources for academic success like workshops to improve study habits, research assistance and writing feedback.

Visit Student Learning Commons (SLC)

Career Services

Learn about workshops, job postings, career fairs and information sessions for personal and career development.

Visit Career and Volunteer Services (CVS)

Indigenous Student Centre

Seek cultural and holistic programs, advising, tutoring, peer cousins, an Elders program, and on-campus student spaces.

Visit Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)

SFU Recreation

Try out fitness and martial arts programs, drop-in and intramural sports, a climbing gym, fitness and aquatic centres, and more.

Visit SFU REC

Study Abroad

Travel the world and earn credit towards your degree! Study at a partner institution or join a field school abroad.

Visit Study Abroad

Academic Advising

Meet with advisors for academic guidance to help you plan your degree, and personal, professional and educational goals.

Visit Academic Advising

Accessible Learning

Secure equal participation by arranging reasonable academic accommodations and services for students with disabilities.

Visit Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)

Career Services

Learn about workshops, job postings, career fairs and information sessions for personal and career development.

Visit Career and Volunteer Services (CVS)

Financial Aid and Awards

Explore awards, bursaries, loans and scholarships, and find available funding sources to help minimize financial stress.

Visit Financial Aid and Awards

Health and Counselling

Find a wide range of medical, mental health and counselling services, and workshops to inspire community connections.

Visit Health and Counselling

Indigenous Student Centre

Seek cultural and holistic programs, advising, tutoring, peer cousins, an Elders program, and on-campus student spaces.

Visit Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)

International Services for Students

Find peer-support programs, social activities, and dedicated advising services for adjusting to life while studying in Canada.

Visit International Services for Students (ISS)

Multifaith Centre

Express your beliefs and find support for your spiritual well-being through activities, discussion groups and interfaith dialogues.

Visit Multifaith Centre

SFU Recreation

Try out fitness and martial arts programs, drop-in and intramural sports, a climbing gym, fitness and aquatic centres, and more.

Visit SFU REC

Simon Fraser Student Society

Student-led organization and support network that advocates for the interests of undergrads to make your student life better.

Visit Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)

Student Learning Commons

Discover resources for academic success like workshops to improve study habits, research assistance and writing feedback.

Visit Student Learning Commons (SLC)

Study Abroad

Travel the world and earn credit towards your degree! Study at a partner institution or join a field school abroad.

Visit Study Abroad

Simon Fraser Student Society

Student-led organization and support network that advocates for the interests of undergrads to make your student life better.

Visit Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)

Student Learning Commons

Discover resources for academic success like workshops to improve study habits, research assistance and writing feedback.

Visit Student Learning Commons (SLC)

Study Abroad

Travel the world and earn credit towards your degree! Study at a partner institution or join a field school abroad.

Visit Study Abroad

West Coast living

Greater Vancouver is a culturally-diverse city of 2.6 million. Consistently ranked one of the most livable places in the world, with mountains, and salt or fresh water just a drive away.

Each of SFU’s three unique campuses gives you a different taste of the West Coast, from the mountain greenery of Burnaby, to the urban sprawl of Surrey, to the vibrant day-to-day of Downtown Vancouver.

Why not book a campus tour and see it all for yourself?

Book a campus tour

Hear from SFU Students

The SFU community is made up of insightful, diverse voices who come from different backgrounds and all walks of life. If you're wondering what it's like to be a student here, listen to what actual SFU students have to say about their experiences!

Hear from more SFU students

OPENNESS, DIVERSITY AND PARTICIPATION

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.”

Designing to destigmatize: Justin Yu

Justin transferred to SFU specifically for the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, recognizing that “It’s one of the only university programs in Canada that provides... the necessary skills to become an amazing designer in today’s digital media industry.”

He wanted to maximize his experience at SFU, so he put his design skills to use by destigmatizing mental health during a co-op position with SFU Health and Counselling.

Justin also expanded his student experience through our many opportunities to connect with other students on campus, outside of class. He's an executive of SFU’s popular Anime Club and a member of several others. He appreciates that by doing what he loves, he can find his people.

“Joining clubs is a great way to meet and connect with people who have similar hobbies, niches, and interests... [it's] helped me make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.”

Designing to destigmatize: Justin Yu

Justin transferred to SFU specifically for the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, recognizing that “It’s one of the only university programs in Canada that provides... the necessary skills to become an amazing designer in today’s digital media industry.”

He wanted to maximize his experience at SFU, so he put his design skills to use by destigmatizing mental health during a co-op position with SFU Health and Counselling.

Justin also expanded his student experience through our many opportunities to connect with other students on campus, outside of class. He's an executive of SFU’s popular Anime Club and a member of several others. He appreciates that by doing what he loves, he can find his people.

“Joining clubs is a great way to meet and connect with people who have similar hobbies, niches, and interests... [it's] helped me make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.”

Financial Planning for Students

Understanding and planning for the costs of a university education is an important skill for students to learn. Budgeting for these costs, which include living and personal expenses beyond your tuition, can make a crucial difference in your student experience. Try out our cost calculator to plan ahead!

No matter your costs, you should know that there are different ways to finance your undergraduate studies, including financial aid options, income opportunities through SFU and advising support. We've put together some resources to help you know and navigate your financial path! Take some time to explore the best options for your needs.

Visit our Financial Planning page

On-Campus Dining and Meal Planning

SFU has numerous dining options and food-related initiatives on campus with convenience and affordability in mind for students. There's also the Dining Commons, a 28,000 sq ft hall offering a 24/7 all-you-care-to-eat dining experience with nearly a dozen food stations that cater to different palates and dietary requirements. Students can save big on their meals through various value packs and meal plans options, each of which give you better value with each bite!

We've also recently introduced Rooted, a program that brings Indigenous food and flavours on regular rotation at the Dining Commons, which complement the diverse cuisine optiions already on the menu. Where else can you sample duck tacos, bison bourguignon, elk pot pie, or braised rabbit in the same meal as Thai coconut chickpea curry, Carribean beef pepperpot, or North African baked cod?

Visit the SFU Food

See yourself at SFU in Fall 2024

Download our viewbook to find more information about the student experience waiting here for you!

Download our viewbook

Be in the Know!

Sign up to our mailing list to learn more about your student experience. Even if you’re not yet ready to apply to SFU just yet, connecting with us will keep you informed about upcoming events and timely information that’ll help you get started on your SFU journey, when the time comes!

Did you know?

SFU has been ranked the #1 comprehensive university in Canada for 15 of the last 16 years and the #1 innovative university in Canada

SFU has a 19:1 student to faculty ratio, with more intimate class sizes contributing to your quality of education and overall student experience

Over 2,350+ students from 80+ different countries live in SFU residence

Learn more about living at SFU

You can use our cost calculator to estimate your expenses each term, so you can follow a budget throughout your studies

Use the cost calculator

SFU campuses rank in the top 10 worldwide for sustainable cities and communities