5 fun hangout spots near KPU campuses
From cozy cafes to outdoor activities, take a break and enjoy these local gems
Visiting spots around campus in between classes is an integral part of student life. (Sarah Nelson)
Spending long hours on campus to attend classes is a part of university life — but so is spending time with friends.
When class ends early or you’re just in need of a productive reset, exploring the neighbourhood around campus can be a perfect way to refresh.
Whether you want to grab a bite or exercise to release some of that extra caffeine you had in your morning coffee, there are plenty of places to hang out near Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Here are five must-visit spots close to KPU’s Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Civic Plaza campuses. Who knows, one of them might just become your favourite!
1. Chaiiwala of London
The Newton location of this cozy, little cafe is just a five-minute walk from the KPU Surrey campus. There, you can order a variety of flavoured chai and unique frappés. If you’re in the mood for a spicy sandwich or a cold-brew mousse cake, this place has it all.
KPU students can also get 10-per-cent off by presenting their student ID at the location. You could choose to stay and enjoy your order at the café, or do what my friends and I like to do — head further down the street to the church with a big grassy lawn and small hills and soak in the sun.
2. Cineplex Cinemas
An eight-minute transit ride — or a 15-minute walk — from the KPU Surrey campus will take you to the big screens at Cineplex’s Strawberry Hill location. At this theatre, grab some popcorn and tickets to your preferred movie and enjoy. If you’re going on a Tuesday, then you have even better luck as tickets are offered at discounted prices! If you’re not in the mood to watch a movie, you can also have fun playing the location’s arcade games.
3. Douglas Park
If you’re looking to either burn some calories or your boredom, head over to Douglas Park to do some fun activities. About a 15-minute transit ride or 20-minute walk from the KPU Langley campus, this public park has something for everyone.
You could let the breeze blow through your hair as you hit the park’s swings or the outdoor fitness equipment. For sports, the park is equipped with basketball hoops, pickleball courts, and a bowling green, among other attractions and amenities.
There are plenty of restaurants within a five-minute walk of the park, too, so you could even order takeout and have a picnic at the many tables or on the grass.
4. Sharetea
The Surrey Central location of this cute boba spot is only a five-minute walk from the KPU Civic Plaza campus. It offers a range of different teas, including fruit and boba milk teas, as well other beverages.
You can also indulge in yummy bubble waffles and ice cream. Students also get 10-per-cent off, so don’t forget your KPU ID. You and your friend group can hit up this budget-friendly and aesthetic spot any time after class until 10:00 pm.
5. Lansdowne Centre
With more than 120 shops, this mall, which is nearly five decades old, is just a five-minute walk from KPU’s Richmond campus.
From fine dining and fast food to clothing, cute accessories, and even stationery at Miniso, there’s a wide variety of things to explore at Lansdowne Centre.
You can gaze at the aesthetic products of HomeSense, thinking about how you would decorate your home 10 years from now, and leave the discount furnishings store with a study lamp in the meantime.
Regardless of if you’re looking to shop or just stroll, this mall is a great spot to unwind between classes.
