Given this new hybrid environment, I have noticed it can be tricky to find places around campus to have Zoom meetings and maybe you have too! Therefore, I have compiled a list of suggestions with my fellow Chapman Learning Commons Assistants for places to have these Zoom meetings. I hope you find this list helpful and makes your transition to hybrid learning just a bit easier.
If you’re a first-year student, you may have some special access to places upper-years do not. Living in residence gives you quite a few extra places that are often relatively quiet where you can also talk.
First-Year Residence Floor and House Lounge
If you live in first-year residence, the best place for you to have a Zoom call may just be your dorm room! Although, if you have a roommate or have a difficult time focusing in your own room, you may want to consider venturing outside and into one of the many available spaces within your residence.
If you are in residence with a floor or house lounge, this is a great place to have a Zoom meeting. Although, it might be smart to test your floor lounge for wifi ahead of time as in my first year, the second floor of Salish did not have a connection.
First-year residence Commonsblocks also have an assortment of study lounges, lobbies, and music rooms. Music rooms are first-come, first-serve and can be used for two hours, just walk up to the front desk of your Commonsblock to check if it is available!
If there are no events going on in the Commonsblock lobbies, there are usually tables and chairs available to have a Zoom meeting at. The group study rooms’ noise levels differ throughout the day, so they may not be a dependable choice.
First Year Commuter Collegia
If you are a first-year commuter student, don’t fret, there are still spaces unique to your status as a first-year here at UBC! Collegia provides a space for you to relax between classes, studying, or meet new people! If you haven’t already, you can sign up for access to a Collegia here (please note this is available as of time of posting, it may not be available in the future). Your UBC Collegia has a space available for you to host a Zoom meeting.
Once in a blue moon, Vancouver has a sunny day. On these occasions, it’s best to soak up the sun as much as possible, so you might want to have your Zoom call outside. There are a few options for this.
Buchanan
Buchanan has a courtyard with some tables and benches that are great for a sunny day. There’s a bit of shade in case the sun gets into your eyes and the wifi connection is relatively steady. Be quick though, this area fills up fast when the weather clears up.
The Nest
The Nest has an assortment of tables and benches outside that provide a nice spot for a Zoom call, although I would recommend using your phone for a steadier wifi connection if you have the data to spare.
Sometimes, being on campus 24/7, especially if you live in residence, can get monotonous. You want to leave, but you don’t want to go too far. If so, maybe go to one of these spots that could work for Zoom calls.
Starbucks in University Village
The Starbucks in University Village has some seating both indoors and outdoors. It is usually not too loud, but depending on time of day, seating may be limited.
Wesbrook Cafes
There are numerous cafes in Wesbrook village that offer wifi and seating. I personally recommend Blenz or Sharetea.
University Bus Loop Cafes
If you don’t want to technically go off campus, but still be in a different environment, check out JJ Bean or the Boulevard! They both have wifi and a nice coffee shop environment.
Image by UBC Brand and Marketing via Flickr
The Chapman Learning Commons in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC) is a collaborative space where you are free to chat! Although we encourage you to feel comfortable speaking in this space, there are some other more private options in the UBC libraries where you might feel a bit more at ease hosting a Zoom call.
IKBLC Open Classrooms
There are some classrooms in IKBLC that you can use while not in use, but if a class is starting, you will need to exit the room. On the first floor of IKBLC, these are rooms 156, 157, and 158. Although these rooms are free to use as long as the building is open and a class is not being hosted, please note that anybody else may also use the room while you are in it. If you’d like to check if a room will not be in use, you can check the timetable for it here. Just go to general teaching spaces, add the IKB rooms, and select the time/date you would like to check.
Bookable Library Study Rooms
The libraries at UBC have numerous study rooms, but they book up quickly, so it is important to schedule the room in advance. You can book some rooms up to three weeks in advance. Here is the link for where to book a room. To look through study rooms in different parts of UBC, make sure to change the “Location” option at the top left hand corner. Our libraries have various types of rooms suitable for many purposes, so be sure to check out the room description before booking!
Image by UBC Brand and Marketing via Flickr
Inside Nest
Especially in the morning or evening, the Nest is a great place to engage in a Zoom call as it is usually not too loud or too quiet. There is seating available on all floors, but I especially recommend the area on the first floor near the microwave across from the Grand Noodle Emporium.
Inside Life Building
Similar to the Nest, this might be the place for you if it is morning, but it can get quite loud in the afternoon and evening. I highly recommend grabbing a seat in the little area next to Starbucks as I find that to be the most “coffee shop”-like environment.
Henry Angus
The top and main floor of the Henry Angus building has a decent amount of seating available, but during class changeover times it might get a bit noisy.
Buchanan
Buchanan is riddled with mini-study areas, tables, and empty classrooms. The cafe in Buchanan A is my recommendation for a Zoom call as there is the perfect amount of chatter, but it is not too loud.
Image by UBC Brand and Marketing via Flickr
UBC Bookstore
The top floor of the UBC bookstore may be an option for you, although it might be a bit too quiet depending on the time of day.
Buildings Specific to Major/Faculty
Lastly, I want to mention that depending on your major/faculty, you might have access to a specific building with your UBC card. For example, music students have access to the School of Music building (which has some great and, depending on the time, often empty rooms for Zoom calls) and sciences students have access to Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre.
Thank you for reading through the Chapman Learning Commons’ suggestions for where to Zoom around campus. For some extra suggestions, feel free to check out the Informal Learning Spaces list or the Study Spaces compilation by the Chapman Learning Commons. I hope they assist you in your quest to find the best spot. Comment below on your favourite place to have a Zoom meeting!
Great overview of options – especially love learning how I can check classroom availability! Makes planning ahead for zoom job interviews a breeze :):)