Each year we reach out to grads (59 of them this year!) for our Meet the Class stories. Many offer tips and suggestions for living your best student life – including the best places to eat, study, catch up with friends and sneak in a quick nap before your next class. Here, we make our way across campus, starting in Building 5 and sharing our newest alumni's favourite spots along the way. 

The clock tower

"My mother studied here. She was a single mother who went to school while also working two jobs. I have memories of my grandmother and I dropping her off on campus at the clock tower entrance. I can remember how it felt to see the clock tower reaching up so high it seemingly broke through the clouds – I felt so proud knowing my mum studied in such a magical place. Even now when I see the clock tower I feel that twist of wonder and pride for her and her accomplishments, and smile to myself for how far I have also come." – Danielle McDow-York, Bachelor of Design ’24

"I loved sitting in the window of the clock tower in the library. It’s a quiet little nook with lots of light that was a great place to study – especially early in the morning when everything is quiet. In the winter, the staff put up a beautiful Christmas tree there. Coming from out in the country, this space gave me peace to engage with my work."  – Ava Brooke Buchsdruecker, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences ’24

Building 5

"The School of Business tutor rooms in Building 5 (Room 5-238) were safe and comfortable spaces for me!"  – Wesley Tang, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Legal Studies in Business ’24

"Every morning, my younger sister and I would swing by the Bean’s List and grab Vietnamese iced coffees and muffins. Then, we’d find a table and sit together, enjoying our morning treat while filling each other in before our classes. I’m going to miss that tremendously."  – Houda Choukair, Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business ’24

Towers

"My favourite place on campus was Towers! I have many great memories there with my friends and Griffins teammates. From debriefing our days over chicken fingers while playing Uno, to singing karaoke at the Athletics Christmas party, Towers was the place!"  – Mila Roo Verbicky, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and former member of the Griffins Women’s Hockey team ’24

The cafeteria

"During my first week of school, I saw a class being taught in the little lecture seating area outside of the cafeteria. It felt so organic and different from my past experiences of school. Every time I pass it, I remember that."  – Ivy Phuong Ho, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management ’24

Building 6 and the Library 

"Outside the library, on the second floor, the table close to Room 6-291 is a great place! There is an outlet, desk, sunlight and a washroom close by! Honestly, what more could you need?"  – Harkaran Kaur Singh, Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business ’24

"I became quite attached to a spot at the west end of the library – it’s peaceful, quiet and has a great view through the windows. I would spend hours studying and working there without any distractions."  – Anett Ferenczi, Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing ’24

"I love studying in the library’s quiet section. With a coffee, I could spend hours there between classes, and sometimes studying until late at night."  – Marium Sheikh, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology ’24

"My favourite place on campus was a rotation of several study rooms in the library with a group of friends! If there is such a thing as productive and supportive chaos, we achieved it! So much productivity came from these study dates, as did comfort. I remember many times where tears of frustration quickly turned into tears of laughter!"  – Shannon Alexandra Walters, Bachelor of Arts, Honours Psychology ’24 

"During the first two years of the pandemic I almost always had the whole third floor of the library to myself, especially in the mornings, and I would sit somewhere where I could see the sun rise through the bookshelves and windows. I would frequently walk up and down the aisles and randomly discover things to read or think about or incorporate into my assignments."  – Nevin Janzen, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science ’24

Building 7

"I loved to sit on the chairs in the pedway between Buildings 7 and 8. So many friends would walk by and stop for a second to catch up while on their way from point A to B."  – Connor Matthew Kapty, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing ’24

"The pool viewing area was always warm and quiet and, with the crazy winters, it was an escape to a warm getaway. Bonus points when you realize that there’s even more seating below the deck!"  – Ivy Phuong Ho, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management ’24 

SAMU

"I always loved grabbing a hot caramel latte from Deville and walking over to the silent study rooms in the SAMU building. I made significant breakthroughs on tough physics theories there and would leave that study room feeling smarter and satisfied."  – Kahlo Vincent Goodhope, Bachelor of Science, Physical Sciences ’24

The Robbins Health Learning Centre

"In the past, I enjoyed spending my time in the Robbins to study – it has comfortable seating, windows and food sources close by."  – Victoria Hoang, Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration ’24

"My favourite place on campus is anywhere in Building 9, where I made new friendships that will last a lifetime, and where I had the most laughs! The labs especially were where I really was able to practice nursing skills – essential to me in my clinical practice!"  – Dawson Warren Hartman, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’24

"The Takam Market in Building 9 is quiet enough that you can study, but loud enough that you aren’t distracted by the silence. They also have the best snacks, which makes studying a lot easier. It was also a really easy place to meet up with friends and hang out together."  – Kailin Ames-Gagne, Music Theatre Performance Diploma ’24

kihêw waciston

"I attended a few beading events at kihêw waciston, and it was really nice to learn a new skill and connect with others. I didn't have to speak – I just got to listen and be there."  – Ashley Stoltz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’24 

Allard Hall

"I used to absolutely love going to the fifth floor in Allard Hall and lounging on the couches by the window. It was quiet and comforting and sometimes the sun would shine just right through the windows to make for the perfect nap spot." – Majida Makki, Paralegal Studies Diploma ’24

"My friends and I often would be found in Building 11 on the comfy couches and in the sun." – Karalyn Mouly, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care ’24

"The open areas of the main floor of Allard Hall were my go-to places to work with my thoughts." – Yaseen El-Hakim, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology/Psychology ’24

"I'm right at home in Building 11, Allard Hall. The wonders of sunlight and windows in each classroom can't be overstated. I've also enjoyed the presence of the other arts students. I love that I can hear music students practicing their instruments or theatre students rehearsing. That kind of background current creates a sense of community – a village of creatives!" – Vik Chu, Bachelor of Design ’24 

"The creative energy in the design students' workroom in Building 11 was contagious." – Jennifer Onwudinjo, Bachelor of Design ’24

"The print centre on the fourth floor of Allard Hall and the design students’ workroom hold memories of new friendships, late nights and a lot of first-time experiences." – Paul Porras, Bachelor of Design ’24

"My personal studio or my program’s 3D studio gave me spaces to engage with peers and work on projects. It was always a surprise to see the different projects students were working on throughout the year." – Mary Escano, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts ’24

"Getting to take classes in the dance studio on the third floor of Allard Hall, which has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, was so delightful." – Eli Yaschuk, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music Theatre Performance ’24

"Wengers are little practice rooms in the Allard Hall, and I probably spent most time there. Practicing can be lonely, but knowing my colleagues were doing the same thing on the other side of the wall made me feel somewhat less lonely." – Tae Kim, Bachelor of Music, Performance ’24  

"The studios in the basement of Allard Hall are pretty important to me. I’ve had times in those studios where everything went right and where everything went wrong, and the learning experiences were crucial." – Dylan Anderson, Bachelor of Music, Recording and Production ’24

And, of course…

"Wherever I cross paths with the PAWSS pups!" – Jenina Neriz Mangahas, Bachelor of Social Work ’24

Luckily, no matter where you are on campus, there’s always a chance to see the PAWSS animals .