St. Francis Xavier University: student life on campus

The 411

If I wrote the school motto:“Social learning, social fun”Best place for a nap:Wellspring Centre. Right between Meal Hall and Mini Moe’s. A hidden gem.Best cheap lunch:Kenny’s Pizza. Delicious sandwiches, flatbreads and appetizers.Best hangover breakfast:Justamere CaféFavourite campus food:Buffalo chicken grilled cheese at the KMC CaféBest bar for hanging out:Dooly’s. Old-school pub style, with pool tables and dart boards.Best pizza:The Wheel. Cheese overload and an irresistible crust. Perfect for those late nights.Where to live:On campus: Riley Hall. Off campus: Church Street.Best place to study:Coady LibraryWeirdest campus tradition:Flying down a Jell-O slide during frosh weekBest campus event:Homecoming football game!Best giveaway:Raffles to win your X-ringBest live music venue:The Townhouse Brewpub and EateryIf I could change one thing about the school:Make it more accessible to students who have mobility issues

PROFILE: St. Francis Xavier University | Antigonish, N.S. | Founded 1853

I first set foot on StFX’s campus on Welcome Day, the first day of school. My jittery nerves about finding friends and fitting in were immediately dispelled. Within the first month, I had bonds with other students that remain four years later. With an enrolment of 4,000, the school may seem small, but it is perfect in size. It’s situated in Antigonish, a town that doubles in population when students are here.

The school is rapidly growing, as shown by the numerous construction sites around campus. Our main sports building, the Oland Centre, is in the midst of a three-year upgrade, adding a new fitness centre and gymnasium. And this coming year will unveil two of StFX’s most recent projects. The first is the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, a brilliant new lecture hall that supports the creation of a new degree in public policy and governance. Secondly, human kinetics students and athletes will have the opportunity to use a wonderful new physical therapy space.

In the classroom, it is common to have classes with as few as 30 people. This creates a positive learning environment where everyone is involved, and the professors truly see you as more than a number.

The famous X-ring is how many know the school. On Dec. 3, getting the ring represents a culmination of learning, friendship and growing as an adult. Every time I glance at my right ring finger, I swell with pride for the institution that made me.

After ClassHouse Hockey Cups are the lifeblood for the first- and second-year students. Every winter, each student paints their face with the colour of their residence and heads to the ice rink to cheer on their peers as they take on a rival residence. If hockey isn’t your thing, StFX is a hot spot for alumni and other intellectuals to share their experiences with the students. From former prime minister Brian Mulroney to holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger, there will be something for everyone throughout the year.

Local VibeTake advantage of the numerous beaches that surround Antigonish. They are only a short drive away and you will be sure to find other students sunbathing and jumping off cliffs. Within Antigonish, the town has a vibrant arts scene replete with a film festival, live jazz nights and a craft beer fair.

More InfoA must for all incoming students is Xaverian.ca, the website of StFX’s student newspaper. TheU.ca is the website for the student union, and it is vital for health resources and society information.