University of New Brunswick 411: Where to live, eat, study and more

The 411

Best place for a nap: Third floor lounge in the Harriet Irving Library

Best cheap lunch: Anything from the Fredericton Boyce Town farmers’ market

Best hangover breakfast: Isaac’s Way

Favourite campus food: Crunchy chicken burger topped with BBQ sauce

Favourite watering hole: Cellar Pub & Grill

Perks of living in this town: Small population, so there  is more opportunity to shine; Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

Where to live: Hartt Shoe Factory apartments

Best place to study: Law library in Ludlow Hall

Worst place to study: Student Union Building

Coolest elective: Images and Insights (Renaissance College)

Best campus event: Wellness Week’s Dog Room

Unofficial school motto: ‘Most entrepreneurial school in Canada’

Weirdest tradition: Harrison House Great Pumpkin Sacrifice

Best spectator sport: Woodsman Competition; Hockey

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PROFILE: University of New Brunswick | Fredericton and Saint John, N.B. | Founded 1785

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University Insider: Dylan Renouf, 21, Interdisciplinary Leadership

The University of New Brunswick is located on a hill in the heart of Fredericton, which is the leading cause of phenomenal calf muscles in the student population. Other than well-defined legs, other breathtaking views include downtown Fredericton and the Saint John River below. UNB has a well-established student union, a celebrated entrepreneurial program, and the only law school in the province, among other attractive features.

UNB likes to say it is the most entrepreneurial school in Canada, after the accolade was bestowed upon it in 2014 by the networking group Startup Canada. But this is not completely accurate: the school is part of one of the most entrepreneurial communities in Canada. Having said that, the area gets a big boost from the university, particularly from the diploma in technical management and entrepreneurship, open to anyone from any program; Enactus UNB, of which I am co-president; the Pond-Deshpande Centre for entrepreneurship and innovation; as well as the International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre’s Activator program.

I came to UNB three years ago from Campbellton, N.B., because I was drawn to Renaissance College and its bachelor of philosophy in interdisciplinary leadership studies. It has been the most formative experience of my life, and the opportunity to shine is unmatched. Imagine trying to stand out at a school with tens of thousands of students. Had I gone to a larger university, I honestly don’t think I would have had the same opportunity to be part of the student union, Enactus, Rotaract, the Liberal party, and the campus newspaper, and had a community of professors who cared so much about my well-being.

Extras
Renaissance College is a hidden gem and its leadership program counts doctors, lawyers, politicians and business people among its alumni. Each cohort has 30 students, which creates an intimate environment with a focus on experiential learning through internships. The program provides students with tangible skills and allows them to follow their own path. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a less rigid learning experience. It does means you have to squeeze a few more dollars out of parents or the bank to cover travel for that 10-week international internship. But Mom, I need it to graduate!

Local Vibe
If I had a nickel for every microbrewery and alternative rock show in this town, I’d probably have enough cash to buy a pair of second-hand overalls. From the hipsters hanging at the HIL (Harriet Irving Library) to the politicians at the Ledge (provincial legislature), Fredericton welcomes all kinds of people. As a place to live, it’s the perfect mix of a big metropolis and a small town.

The Skinny
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