The five best places to hang out near KPU campuses

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It’s finally the start of the fall semester and Kwantlen Polytechnic University students are filling the campuses as they head to their classes, grabbing a coffee at Tim Hortons, or catching up with old classmates on how their summer was. 

For many, the fall semester is a time for change in their lives, like beginning their studies at a brand new school or moving to a different city or country. 

Exploring the campuses and areas nearby will not only help you know your surroundings, but also help you find your new favourite place, try something new, and discover the best spots to hang out with classmates. 

Being a KPU student since fall 2019 after moving from Ontario, I have traveled throughout the Lower Mainland to find my top spots. These are my top five recommendations for the best places to hang out near each KPU campus. 

1. KPU Langley — The Raving Gamer Bistro 

Not too far from the Langley campus is the Raving Gamer Bistro, a board game restaurant where you can play anything from Scrabble and Trivia Pursuit to Cards Against Humanity. This place is great to hang out with classmates since you can play unlimited board games while also grabbing a bite after class. It is only a 10 minute transit ride or a 20 minute walk from the campus. The atmosphere is welcoming, and their menu has something for everyone like burgers and pasta in addition to multiple vegan options. They also offer a wide variety of drinks like coffee, milkshakes, and local beer from KPU, so you’ll feel like you haven’t gone too far from the Langley campus.

2. KPU Surrey — Newton Athletic Park 

Before the cold weather kicks in, Newton Athletic Park is a great place to hang out near the Surrey campus. The park has basketball and tennis courts if you want to get some exercise outside with classmates or friends. It’s also a nice park for walking and chatting with its walking track and picnic tables. I find the park is a nice place for everyone if you want to play a sport with friends or read your textbooks in the grass while sharing a snack. Only being a seven minute walk from campus, this is one of the best parks in the area. 

3. KPU Civic Plaza — Trees Organic Coffee & Cheesecake 

There are so many things to do around the Surrey Central area, but one of my favourites is the Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee spot that recently opened. Trees is only a three minute walk from the Civic Plaza campus, making it a good place to grab a slice of cheesecake and coffee with a classmate to study or talk. The coffee shop has unique decor and a patio outside. Trees also has good hours, opening at 7:00 am and closing at 11:00 pm, making it a great place to study or chat without feeling rushed. I recommend trying the blueberry cheesecake and their iced lattes. 

4. KPU Tech — Museum of Surrey

The Museum of Surrey is a great place to check out if you’re looking to learn something with classmates. The museum is free and always has new exhibits for people to check out, including a LEGO exhibit starting next month, and an Indigenous Hall where the Semiahmoo, Kwantlen, and Katzie First Nations govern the space for gathering and sharing exhibits with the community. Weaving Cultural Identities and Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures are two of the exhibits currently featured at the museum. Given how it’s only a 13 minute bus ride from campus and you’re able to see art from the community, the Museum of Surrey is a great place to relax after class. 

5. KPU Richmond — CF Richmond Centre 

Visiting Richmond Centre is always a good idea if you’re looking to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat after class. The mall is only a five minute bus ride away with a bus stop near the campus, making it easy to commute with classmates. Richmond Centre has tons of shops to navigate through, where you can easily spend hours walking around and learning more about your classmates’ favourite movies, stores, places to eat, and hobbies.