Life at ECU

Campus + Community

Modern lounge with black armchairs, carved wooden art, and large windows overlooking an urban view. A person reads on a couch while others work at tables in the background.
Life at ECU

Campus + Community

CAMPUS life

The heart of our creative community.

In Vancouver’s arts district, our campus is surrounded by galleries, coffee shops and creative energy. Inside, open spaces connect studios, lounges and gathering spots where students study, make, collaborate and unwind. Every corner of campus is part of the creative conversation.

Busy university hallway during an exhibition, with students and visitors walking among displays of artwork and design projects. The corridor has wood-paneled ceilings and bright lighting.

Food + Drink

Stay fuelled with on-campus options and great coffee right outside our doors. On campus:

  • The Caf – bowls, burgers and burritos with a patio
  • The Tuck Shop – ramen and international snacks (closed in summer)
  • Vending machines – drinks and snacks for late nights

Steps away: Kafka’s Coffee and Nemesis Coffee, plus dozens more cafés and restaurants in Mount Pleasant and Olympic Village.

Student Spaces + Clubs

From lively commons to tucked-away corners, ECU is full of places to connect, study and recharge. Highlights include:

  • Student Commons on Level 2, the social heart of campus
  • Oasis Wellness Lounge for rest and care, with programming like dog therapy and mindfulness
  • Wellness Kitchen for cooking socials and workshops
  • Library, with swinging chairs, group tables and quiet nooks
  • Informal lounges and soft-seating areas throughout the building
  • Clubs and initiatives for all interests, plus events, opportunities and resources from the Emily Carr Students’ Union
We see a bright, airy exhibition space bathed in sunlight filled with pieces made of light coloured wood.

Galleries + Bookstore

ECU’s galleries connect creativity with community, offering spaces to experience contemporary art, design and media.

  • Libby Leshgold Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions and public programs with established and emerging artists
  • Michael O’Brian Exhibition Commons and RBC Media Gallery showcase student, faculty and staff work throughout the year
  • Urban Screen animates the Wilson Arts Plaza daily
  • READ Bookstore, located beside the Libby Leshgold Gallery, offers art and design publications, catalogues and unique titles

Aboriginal Gathering Place

The Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP) is a welcoming space for Indigenous students and community. It’s a place to gather, learn and share, with programming that includes:

  • Workshops and cultural events
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Collaborative activities that bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together
Modern university common area with high ceilings and exposed ductwork, furnished with black armchairs around low tables. A person sits reading on the right, while two people work at a large table covered with hides in the background. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal an overcast cityscape outside. Carved wooden panels and Indigenous art pieces decorate the space.

Shop ECU

Show your school spirit or find the perfect gift in our official merch store. Browse apparel, accessories and ECU-branded gear designed for students, alumni and friends of the university.

The full collection is available online at emilycarru.shop, with shipping across Canada and beyond. From hoodies and totes to mugs and sketchbooks, it’s a great way to take a piece of ECU with you.

Scenes Around Campus