University

University of Manitoba 411: Where to find the best watering hole and more

A University of Manitoba insider’s perspective on campus life

University of Manitoba University of Manitoba Insider

Unofficial school motto:

‘Bison pride runs deep’

Best place for a nap:

The arts students lounge in the Fletcher Argue building

Best cheap lunch:

UMSushi

Best hangover breakfast:

The Rise ’n’ Shine at Degrees

Favourite watering hole:

The Hub Pub

Perks of living in this town:

Great arts and music scene

Best place to study:

Elizabeth Dafoe Library

Weirdest tradition:

Faculty of architecture’s annual ditchball extravaganza

Best campus events:

Frosh Music Festival; Visionary Conversations

Best giveaway:

Bisons tickets giveaways by the Manitoban and the campus radio, UMFM

Best live music venue:

The Park Theatre

University Insider Report: Tobi Nifesi, 21, Biological Sciences

Here at the University of Manitoba, we like to toot our own horn. Our university may not be highly ranked, but we have so much to be thrilled with. The satisfaction kicks in as you drive down Chancellor Matheson Road, which provides a glimpse of the Fort Garry campus’s rich architectural history. That includes the iconic 1912 Administration Building, which, like several others on campus, has an awe-inspiring design. It was one of the first buildings constructed when the university replaced the Manitoba Agricultural College at the Fort Garry site. Beside it is the University Centre—the campus hub. It houses the glitzy Campo Food Court, the bookstore, the Hub Pub, the Gallery of Student Art, a mosque, and other facilities catering to the daily needs of students.

PROFILE: University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, Man. | Founded 1877

On weekdays, the centre is bustling as about 29,000 students navigate their way through the open areas and head for the underground tunnels beneath the campus. The walls in the tunnels are decorated with colourful murals designed by students. The student community here is culturally very diverse, with international students making up more than 13 per cent.

The campus is home to a wide range of events, and there is almost always something going on. All you need to do is show up. The student union facilitates a large number of groups, giving students an opportunity to come together and pursue their non-academic interests­, such as photography, travel and writing. There is even a group focused on performing magic tricks.

MAC_RANKING BUTTONS_MD14

Over the years we have made groundbreaking strides in science and technology. Smartpark, our on-campus science and technology facility, fosters collaboration between the university and a host of research companies. So keep your lists and rankings; we have something deeper to hold onto. Our pride stems from our campus’s beauty, our vibrant and diverse community, and our research breakthroughs.

Extras

In the past seven years, the university has seen many structures either renovated or newly opened, the most recent being the Active Living Centre, a 100,000 sq.-foot facility that includes a 12-m climbing wall. In 2013, Investors Group Field, home to to the University of Manitoba’s Bisons football team and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, opened its doors.

Local Vibe

The Fort Garry campus has a pretty chill vibe, but not-so-far-away downtown Winnipeg has lots to offer. The city is known for its arts scene and the musical and theatre talents that have been cultivated here. Leading performing arts venues include the Park Theatre, the Good Will Social Club, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Prairie Theatre Exchange. And don’t forget the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

The Skinny

Check out the U of M’s student newspaper, the Manitoban, for the latest news (themanitoban.com).

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