Hello, new students! Welcome to MacEwan University. Last fall was my first term at MacEwan, and I remember walking through the doors of Allard Hall thinking, “What the hell did I get myself into?” The first three months of my time on campus consisted of getting lost in Building 6 and questioning my sense of direction. If you’re in the same situation, fear no more! Here’s a map of all my favourite spots to explore around MacEwan. Go check them out!
Fourth-floor of Allard Hall
The couch area on the south side of the fourth-floor is my favourite place to hang out in between classes. Last fall, I often found myself mindlessly staring at the neighbouring buildings while tired students napped around me and lunch-time gossip took place.
In the winter semester, sunlight shines onto the couches, and the adjacent heat vents guarantee the warmest spot I’ve discovered at MacEwan. Because I’m always freezing, I’d usually be chatting with my friends on those couches, drinking a coffee from Deville while the cars sped by below us. Even if you don’t have classes in Allard Hall, I still recommend spending some time on those couches. Slip into your own little world and enjoy the chatter of your fellow students, or bask in the warm sunshine.
104th Ave. sidewalk
Is your roommate annoying you? Do you need some fresh air?. My go-to plan for either case is to walk the length of MacEwan along the 104 Ave. sidewalk. In the fall, when all the leaves are changing colours, and the air feels crisp, the city’s ambience is quite peaceful. Throw on a thick sweater, pop on your headphones, and stroll along the sidewalk from Residence to Building 5. It’s a good way to get thinking if you’re stuck on an assignment, but it’s also a nice opportunity to have a moment alone with our campus… I like to pretend I’m in an episode of Gilmore Girls.
MacEwan Library CD collection
I’m a music nerd, so I abuse the Library’s CD collection to the max. During my first week at MacEwan, I was scouring the school for things to do (that wasn’t my homework) and stumbled upon the Library’s expansive CD collection. Located in the back corner by the computer lab, I spent about two hours searching through all the shelves. I was shocked that they had some of my favourite albums (check out Hyperview by Title Fight!) Who knew MacEwan’s librarians were so based? I love finding random, cool-looking CDs and listening to them while I walk around. Not only does it help me kill time, but I find more musicians and bands! Because, you know, that’s what university is all about: learning.
The Griff contributor meetings
During my first semester at MacEwan, I was nothing short of horrified. I carried a whole lot of self-doubt, wondering if the journalism program was even right for me.
A professor told me about the Griff and their weekly contributor meetings, and I decided to check it out. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t. The community that the Griff has built for students is amazing. I met my closest friends at Tuesday contributor meetings, and made some of my favourite memories laughing with them. In addition to meeting some really cool people, I’ve been offered opportunities I couldn’t have dreamed of because of my contributions to the magazine. I’ve photographed events, spoken to musicians, and even met some directors! The first article I wrote was published in the Griff last October, and it was so cool to see my words in physical print; it was kind of surreal.
Well, there’s your amazing map of the best places to hit up around campus. I hope you find a new favourite spot from this quest, meet some cool people, and romanticize the student lifestyle as much as I have. Have a great term!
