Grant MacEwan University

I’m in the Professional Writing Program at Grant Macewan. I actually like the campus itself — althought the colour scheme isn’t my thing. But it’s nice to be at a smaller campus, where you don’t have to run 2 miles to another building outside in order to get to your next class. There’s a good vibe here, lots of art on the walls and music in the halls. The library is smaller than the downtown campus, but of course this campus doesn’t have as many programs. I actually like CFAC library better, it’s usually much quieter and easier to study. Plus the CFAC campus as a lot more Macs which is nice. They also have a PC lab.
The downside is the cafeteria. It isn’t horrible, they just have a really limited menu. I know there’s only so much space in the school, so I can’t see another food place opening at this campus. I’ll usually get a coffee in the morning, but I bring my own lunch. If you have a long enough break there are a few restaurants nearby.
The location may seem less than ideal. Sure it’s not in Edmonton’s nicest neighbourhood, but it isn’t horrible. I remember one teacher warning us about not going into the parkade during the day… uhm never had a problem. There isn’t a big parking lot, and the LRT doesn’t come this far west, so there’s a good chance if you commute you’ll be taking the bus. For me it takes around 2 hours to get to school. Not ideal, but with the U-​Pass it saves me a lot of money, especially now that gas prices have gone up again.

This campus is meant to house all the arts students that belong to MacEwan which is a very interesting concept. The success of this concept is something I am sometimes unsure about. I am in a communications program, so apparently I am lobbed in with arts students. This school is filled with art displays and music; if you need to study in a quiet place, you will have to find a chair in the back of the library or go off campus.
The school has a very open and airy feeling. The glass ceilings let in all the light, and you can see all the way up to the fourth floor from any one of the landings on the second floor.
The cafeteria here is horrible. The same bottle of Coke that you can buy in a vending machine for $ 2.00 is $ 2.50 in the cafeteria. They also have a really crappy selection. If you are trying to eat healthy, you might as well avoid it all together. There are only two or three small healthy options (like yogurt, apples or oranges) and there are no healthy meal options.
Thumbs Down!
Other than the crappy food situation, I really like this campus. It may be a little louder than my liking, but that is what makes this campus unique and exciting.

This campus is the Centre for the Arts and Communications. It is home to drama, music, art, dance, design, and writing programs.
Once you get past the hideousness of the outside (it’s a big bright orange building), you go inside to a labyrinth. There are 4 floors, connected by numerous staircases. Some of the staircases lead to nowhere.
Something that I really love about this campus is the art that is constantly on display. The walls are always full of different paintings, sketches, and photographs. It gives the school a sense of culture. The atmosphere is very artsy and it really is a hub for creative energy.
As far as the gym goes, it is atrocious. I guess that art students are into fitness — or at least that’s what MacEwan believes.
I also have a bone to pick with the cafeteria at this campus. It is awful. It’s even worse if you’ve seen the City Centre Campus cafeteria. The Centre for the Arts and Communications Campus cafeteria has stale, grease-​soaked pizza, dry, disgusting sandwiches, and. .. that’s about it. Everything is overpriced too. I’m not a fan.
I am currently attending this campus and it really is a love/​hate relationship.