SFU: The no-fun school.

As of this writing, I have attended three, count em three, post secondary institutions. I have gone to Douglas College, The University of Wales Trinity Saint David in the UK and I currently go to Simon Fraser University. This post is going to be predominantly about SFU. SFU is the least fun school I've been to. And let me be clear, when I say that I don't mean it's the school I personally have had the least fun at. It is the school that has far and away the least fun. This is something I've been trying to put my finger on for a while now and I think I have some grasp on it. 

When I went to Douglas and Trinity I was in an atmosphere that didn't take itself 100% seriously, less gravitas maybe. There was a sense of having a good time while you're there. SFU not only lacks a clear sense of community, which people have talked about before, blaming it on the school's "commuter school" label, but also lacks the self-deprecating sensibility that makes people feel comfortable. Douglas is 100% a commuter school and has much more fun. The school has a proud reputation and history as being a forward thinking, liberal place and that pride is rightfully placed. But it's possible that this attitude has stymied the schools ability to have fun. SFU is so busy being socially conscious that they've forgotten that you can have fun while you do it. 

What am I suggesting? That's a good question. I think SFU can afford to loosen its tie a bit and celebrate. Events are shared via scattered posters or in the student news paper, why not have an idiot with a megaphone telling you about things you may enjoy like themed pub nights or sports games? 

And I have yet to come across an event that attempts to create a sense of community via integration and participation. When I was at school in the UK I was involved in planning and executing a student union "speed dating" event which was designed specifically so more people knew more faces as they walked around on campus. Something like that would be a welcome addition to the atmosphere here at SFU. Because the school's impersonal buttoned up attitude affects the students as well. I'm writing this during an hour long break in a room with tables and chairs. I haven't heard anyone speak to anyone else in an hour. That isn't normal and it sure as hell isn't welcoming or fun. 

Are there pockets of community, sure. Are there clubs where people socialize and make the kinds of lifelong friendships you statistically make in your college years, I'd be surprised if there weren't. But we ALL go here, we are all in one big club. It'd be nice to feel like it.

But I've only been here for a little while so, what the hell do I know?