University of the Fraser Valley: student life on campus

The 411

If I wrote the school motto:
“May the forest be with you”
Best place for a nap:
The library’s second floor because it’s quiet
Best cheap lunch:
Fair Grounds. With lunch items starting from only $3.50, you can’t beat it.
Best hangover breakfast:
Tim Hortons, if you’re broke after a fun night
Favourite campus food:
Margarita Bistro from Fair Grounds. It’s only $3.50 and absolutely delish.
Best bar for hanging out:
Townhall Public House
Best fancy meal:
The Keg has a real fancy setting and dishes. You’ll have a great time there.
Best pizza:
Papa John’s is less than five minutes away from the Abbotsford campus.
Best place to live:
Baker House, especially if you’re a first-year. It’s impossible not to make friends in the dorm.
Best place to study:
Definitely the second floor of the library.
Best campus event:
Bob Ross Paint Night, with proceeds going to a student refugee program
Best giveaway:
Definitely free food. You can’t miss free Waffle Wednesday.
Best live music venue:
Abbotsford Centre
Weirdest tradition:
Yoga Rave, where you can meditate and get lit at the same time
If I could change one thing about the school:
Parking availability. The struggle is so real.

PROFILE: University of the Fraser Valley | Abbotsford, B.C. | Founded 1974

The University of the Fraser Valley is diverse, both in terms of its locations and students. It has campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, B.C. It also has one in Chandigarh, India, aimed at providing a bridge to Canada’s education system for international students. There are many other study abroad and exchange programs, which is why it attracts students from across Canada and around the world.

As its green logo suggests, UFV is nestled in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver. Its main campus in Abbotsford is just 10 minutes away from the U.S. border, which makes it easy to take weekend road trips to the States.

Since the majority of students at UFV commute, the school has shuttles circulating between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, as well as Abbotsford and Langley. Those who don’t like commuting—or come from out of town—have the option to live in Baker House, a student dormitory. Living there, you have the luxury of waking up late and still making it to class.

The institution’s small class sizes help you better connect with profs and fellow students. You’re exposed to more research, work study and co-op opportunities. Indeed, opportunities are endless here.

After Class
The most exciting building on the Abbotsford campus is the Student Union Building. Here you can find the student life office, which organizes orientation, along with a ton of fun clubs. If you’re passionate about journalism and writing, the Cascades, our campus newspaper, is always looking for contributors and writers. If you’re simply after a place to hang out or mingle, check out the Canoe study lounge. I also recommend exploring the Indigenous art all over campus, because we’re situated on the land of the Stó:lō (people of the river).

Local Vibe
My best advice for anyone attending UFV is to explore the nature here. Take a hike up the mountains and I guarantee you will be in awe of the breathtaking scenery. In the spring, you can experience the Tulip Festival in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. In the winter, go snowboarding in Whistler and at Sasquatch mountain.

More Info
The Cascade, the student-run newspaper of UFV, releases their weekly issue online and in print every Wednesday. They act as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. They cover a range of topics, from UFV and local news to culture and sports.