Do you regularly wear slim pants and dark-rimmed glasses? Or are you concerned about the environment and its long-term viability? If this is the case, you’re certainly curious about what Canadian institutions are doing to cultivate and sustain hipster cultures.
University was evaluated in 55 different areas, one of which was a ‘environmentally and hipster-friendly culture.’ Check out the list below to discover what institutions are doing to attract young, progressive students, such as serving locally produced cuisine and fostering a green student culture.
10. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser universitySFU’s sustainable student culture is thriving, which has positioned the university well for a green and clean future. Wondering how you can get involved? Peer education is a great start. As a sustainability peer educator or coach, you can share your passion with others and gain hands-on experience working on real campus initiatives. If you’re the type of hipster who enjoys pouring your heart out through words, get involved in The Writer’s Studio for a chance to be published in the annual anthology emerge.
9. Queen’s University
From The Tragically Hip to Bedouin Soundclash, Queen’s University has produced some noteworthy hipsters in the Canadian music scene. If that isn’t enough, Queen’s has one of the most environmentally friendly tea rooms on any university campus. In addition to a delicious variety of locally sourced goods,
Since 2011, it has been a zero-waste enterprise, which means that all of the items used by consumers can be recycled or composted. The Queen’s Project on International Development (QPID) may be for you if you want to get involved in community development projects in Ghana, Nicaragua, or Peru.
8. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie’s University is a sustainable initiative that reaches beyond the university’s campus. From sourcing sustainable seafood to its climate change plan, the school has named itself on the east coast. Together with the St. Mary’s University Environmental Student Society, the two schools organize the Halifax Dump and Run, a glorified garage sale to recycling unwanted goods and raise money for charity. Don’t forget to stock up on the Pabst Blue Ribbon because it’s often sold out before the weekend.
7. McGill University
Foodies who appreciate the farm-to-table movement support the McGill Farmer’s Market, a collaborative project in 2008. The weekly market has been an educational outlet for students, administration, faculty and the surrounding university community to learn about eating healthy and locally while promoting sustainable food choices. Always go early because it’s one of the most well-attended University farmers’ markets in Canada.
6. Ryerson University
At Ryerson, sustainability is a byproduct of everything that happens on campus and is a significant component of the student culture. Sustainability Matters, which debuted in 2013, is a one-stop-shop for all things green, from online sustainability news and events to volunteer opportunities.
Ryerson’s urban forest, which sequesters 9,890 kilos of CO2 per year, was one of the school’s key achievements. If you’re a food activist, The Good Food Centre and Rye’s Homegrown recently hosted an Eat Think Vote: The Politics of Hunger speaker series as part of DisOrientation 2015.
5. University of British Columbia
The three S’s of UBC student culture are studying, socializing, and sustainability. Students have the option to participate in programs such as the Student Sustainability Council both within and outside of the classroom.
The Annual Sustainability Fair celebrates sustainability activities and invites the community to make their mark, appealing to the hippy in all of us. Hipsters have infiltrated campus, and they can be seen riding their bicycles to and from class, eating Sprouts’ famous vegan brownies, or getting ready to surf with the UBC Surf Club.
4. Bishop’s University
Don’t be surprised if the bulk of men’s facial hair looks like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Bishop’s bristly hipster beard has become identified with him, and it appears to be here to stay. With a strong hipster culture and an enthusiasm for all things green, the institution takes pleasure in being a leader in the Quebec university sustainability scene. Join forces with like-minded students through the Bishop’s University Environmental Club and the Sustainable Development Action Group.
3. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a living, breathing model of sustainability, reflected in the student culture. The school’s Arboretum, which houses large plant species and Monet-like botanical gardens, is a unique learning environment for students in programs such as Plant Science.
Even if you’re not studying botany, the Arboretum provides a peaceful escape if you want to feel more connected to Mother Earth. You’ll see plenty of Mason-jar toting, granola munching yogis on campus, too.
2. University of Victoria
Situated in a city known for its environmentally-conscious lifestyle, UVic breathes plenty of fresh air into its campus and culture. Victoria’s mild climate and cycling infrastructure that puts other cities to shame make it easy for students to get from A to B without leaving a carbon footprint.
Calling all nature lovers: the school’s Parks Club participates in restoration, education and conservation activities around Vancouver Island and plans their adventures and hikes. Don’t forget to pack that trail mix!
1. Mount Allison University
Mount A’s tight-knit community and non-mainstream culture make it an attractive school for nature lovers and hipsters alike. Did you know that 40% of the food offered on campus comes from local providers?
The university even has its own farmers’ market through the Mount Allison Farm Initiative, where students can harvest their produce. If this sounds like your thing, put on your ripped skinny jeans and sow some seeds.
