Guided by a UBC student ambassador with knowledgeable insights, our diverse group of newcomers visited educational and recreational facilities located in the northern part of this famous university. The Campus Tour allowed newcomers to be immersed in the histories of the campus as well as its interesting architecture.

 

The highlights of our tour included:

  • The Longhouse, a program and service hub for Aboriginal students at UBC that pays homage to the unique architectural traditions of the Pacific Northwest indigenous communities
  • The Asian Research Centre: its roof had been originally transported from a building that appeared at the 1970 World Exposition in Japan and has been a beloved feature ever since.
  • The C.K. Choi building known for its excellence in building sustainability; the nearby Nitobe Memorial Garden also brought delight to the newcomers
  • The famous Rose Garden outside of Chan’s Centre for the Performing Arts.
  • Two of the biggest libraries on campus (Koerner Library & Irving K. Barber Learning Centre)
  • Other state-of-the-art buildings that support students’ learning experience and their life on campus.

Newcomer parents were initially curious about campus facilities and services, envisioning what post-secondary education might look like for their children. Many were surprised to learn about the varied and fascinating histories associated with the places they visited as part of the campus tour. Even for those who live close to the campus community, the tour was an eye-opening experience that brought them closer to their neighbourhood.