What Defines Social Life at CapU Squamish?

Build friendships, explore new passions, and find your community in the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

Continuing your post-secondary journey in the Sea-to-Sky corridor is about more than just earning a credential—it’s about personal well-being, outdoor adventure, and building lifelong connections. At CapU Squamish, social life is designed to help you explore new passions, feel supported, and thrive in an inclusive community.

“CapU Squamish is a place where you can try new things, experiment, and pilot novel approaches that are truly creative and innovative. I can’t think of a better place to stimulate imagination and new ideas.”

— Paul Dangerfield, Former CapU President

A vibrant, student-centered community

From your first day on campus, CapU’s Student Life team focuses on leadership development, mental well-being, and engaging campus events where every student feels a sense of belonging.

Building strong friendships is at the heart of the student experience:

“Creating a vibrant community where friendships flourish drives students’ long-term success.”

— John Umunna, Student Housing Director

Local partnerships and community activities

CapU Squamish connects students directly with the rich culture, outdoor recreation, and local businesses of the Sea-to-Sky community. Here are just a few ways you can get involved off-campus:

Arts, culture, and creativity

• Squamish Public Library: Join or launch your own student book club at no cost! Connect over shared literature available in print, ebook, or audiobook formats (or pick up physical copies at local shops like Gather Bookshop and Book Mountain). You can also attend unique community workshops, such as Getting Started with Mason Bees.
• Create Makerspace: Express your creativity with self-paced pottery classes. If you’re enrolled in Business Administration 340 or 440, you can even complete a full-semester Work Integrated Learning internship with the Makerspace to gain real-world business experience.

Outdoor and active life

• Airhouse: Stay active with daily drop-in training sessions where you can build skills in skiing, snowboarding, or skateboarding.
• Ground Up Climbing Centre: Experience rock climbing, bouldering, and tread walls. CapU partners with Ground Up to host competitive student events, offering full access to their gear shop, cafe, community room, showers, and Wi-Fi.

Tabletop and gaming

• Arrow Wood Games: Unwind with friends in their dedicated Game Room featuring over 250 board games (tables available for $15/hour). They also host inclusive social events, game meetups, and open sessions for Dungeons & Dragons, Casual Commander, and Sword and Sorcery.

Lead the way: Start your own student club

Have an idea for a group or activity that doesn’t exist yet? CapU encourages students to take initiative and build the campus culture they want to see through the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU).

Starting an official student club is simple:

• Gather a team: Connect with two trusted friends to form your club’s leadership core.
• Define your goal: Draft a brief mission statement and club constitution outlining your purpose.
• Apply: Submit your application to the CSU for official approval and funding support.

Exceptional growth in nature

Whether you’re climbing, gaming, or starting your own student initiative, CapU Squamish offers an experience unlike any other post-secondary institution.

As Dangerfield highlights, studying here prepares you for the future: “If you are connected to nature and really want to do something exceptional, these experiences will make you a better leader and a better contributor to the community.”