Dec. 5, 2019

Get to know the UCalgary campus

Take a tour, take a hike, and explore
UCalgary Rock
Get to know the UCalgary campus

There is no better way to get to know the University of Calgary than to go on a campus tour.

On a Future Student Tour, you can explore UCalgary with a current student as your guide. You'll get a feel for the campus, facilities, classrooms and student services. A university staff member will be available to answer your questions afterwards.

Ahead of the fall semester, it's a good idea to do the Incoming Students Tour. Get acquainted with the main campus and have your UCID number handy so you can pick up your Unicard.

You can also take advantage of one of the many custom tours UCalgary offers based on your interests. As an example, you can get an insider's perspective on what it's like to study at the Schulich School of Engineering. Led by a current student, you will get a look at the Canadian Natural Resources Limited Engineering Complex, some of our research labs, classrooms and state-of-the-art amenities.

Some campus landmarks you may want to explore are included here:

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
This state-of-the-art centre focuses on making the teaching at UCalgary as good as it can be. It also provides students unique opportunities to gain research, professional development and work experience.

MacEwan Student Centre & MacEwan Hall
We call this building Mac Hall. It’s the hub of social activity on campus and the home of many student services, including Student Wellness Services, Writing Symbols Lodge, Career Services, the Bookstore and much more. And if you’re hungry, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy at the 20+ food outlets and restaurants. MacEwan Hall is also home to one of Calgary’s premier concert venues where a number of big-name bands such as Ellie Goulding and Tegan and Sara have played some of their first shows.

Kinesiology B
Swim, climb, run, shoot hoops and much more with UCalgary’s athletic facilities. And when you’re ready to get outside, visit the Outdoor Centre for all your equipment needs. With more than 10,000 items for rent, it’s the largest facility of its kind in North America.

The Olympic Oval
Home to the fastest ice in the world, the Olympic Oval was built for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Many top Canadian and international athletes train and compete in this world-class facility. You can catch a speed skating competition, play hockey, or just go for a leisurely skate or run.

Residence buildings
UCalgary’s first year residences are tied for the largest traditional style residences in Canada. Enjoy a five-minute tuck-and-roll from your dorm room to your classes with a multi-year residence guarantee for incoming UCalgary students. Also, be sure to check out the Landing, which is the main dining centre for UCalgary students. The Landing features a variety of meal options and UCalgary offers a dedicated dietician to make sure you are well-fed while you study.

The Rock
As you tour campus, you’ll find three rocks, which were once part of one single rock unearthed during construction of campus in the 1970s. It was split into three in a failed attempt by a rival school to steal it using explosives. These rocks are now used for artistic expression, voicing opinions and advertising events.

Taylor Family Quad
With its central location, it’s no wonder the Taylor Family Quad has become the heart of campus. It looks like a typical green space, but its water feature is actually a green-building initiative that doubles as a storm water-management pond.

Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) & the Nickle Galleries
TFDL is one of North America’s most technology- and information-rich facilities. Some of the building’s highlights include a state-of-the-art visualization studio, specialized research areas, the Makerspace, and Canada’s largest video game collection.

The Nickle Galleries, found near the main entrance of TFDL, highlights the best of contemporary art in Western Canada, as well as intriguing art and artifacts from the Nickle and the library’s extensive collections. Explore its exhibitions free of charge.

The Atrium
This indoor space in the Administration Building can feel like a tropical getaway. The modern furniture, natural light and an array of greenery make it one of our students’ top-ranked secret study locations.

Energy, Environment, Experiential Learning (EEEL)
Created around the concept of “science on display,” EEEL’s open design encourages curiosity and helps students learn. EEEL is also one of the most energy-efficient laboratory buildings in North America, and is renowned for its pioneering architecture, innovative instructional and study spaces, and platinum-level LEED certification.

Register to see your future campus today!