Studying At CapU: A Student's Perspective

Discover the academics, support services, and campus experiences that make Capilano University stand out.

This article was written by Jasper Chu for Capilano University.

If you're looking at where to continue studying after high school, Capilano University is a hidden gem. I've been majoring in the Bachelor of Communication Studies program for three years now, and I can confidently say it lives up to its name.

A wide range of programs and perspectives

We teach arts, business, sciences, film, early childhood education, kinesiology, music, graphic design, animation, and more, and that's what broadened my professional understanding of the world. Of the over 10,000 students from across Canada studying here, myself included, some have gone on to win Academy Awards, Canadian Screen Awards, Emmy Awards, Governor General's Awards, Grammy Awards, and Juno Awards from their work in entertainment arts alone.

But studying in the hemlock forests at the foot of Lynn Range has helped keep me grounded during my time here. Even when learning and work start to feel overwhelming, being on a campus surrounded by towering forests is always calming and tranquil.

Small classes and hands-on learning

With courses averaging just 25 students, taught by instructors with years of experience, I've had the guidance and flexibility to make what I learn feel meaningful, not just for myself but for others. Regardless of your major, whether it's Business Administration, 3D Animation for Film and Games, or Health Care Assistant, everything is meant to start you off in an engaging, hands-on career that you can make your own.

Throughout it all, you can learn experientially through Work-Integrated Learning with co-ops, practicum placements, applied research projects, seminars, or work experience. As a Communication Studies major, I found it improved my abilities in popular media writing and content creation more than pursuing a journalism diploma did. It also gave me the skills, as a Student Recruitment Ambassador, to contribute to the Student Recruitment Team blog and build my professional profile as someone with media and cultural industry experience.

Financial and accessibility support

The 340 student awards offered were especially reassuring. They include needs-based bursaries, grants, and merit-based scholarships, all accessible through myCapU. When the situation with my family became emotionally and financially tenuous, it was Financial Aid and Awards who guided me. They pointed me to provincial aid I could apply for if I wanted to move onto campus while continuing my studies. They showed me how easy it was to apply for grants and bursaries.

As a neurodivergent student, I wouldn't have had the time I needed to invest in my assignments without Accessibility Services. With the accommodations I arranged with them, I've had the time and space to make my work personally meaningful, whether it's research papers, personal reflections, or presentations.

Experience CapU for yourself

Now, if you're interested in enrolling in Spring 2027 but want to get a personal sense of who we are, RSVP for our next Explore CapU Open House on November 28 at 10:30 a.m. Get a feel for where everything is on campus, including our state-of-the-art studios, talk with our faculty about our programs, and connect with students.

But if you don't have time, don't worry. You can book a tour of our campuses by yourself or with your family, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, except statutory holidays. And if you want to learn about a particular program, visit our Events page to see when we're hosting information sessions.

Get help planning your next step

If you need more information before deciding, https://capilanou.my.site.com/appointments/targetx_eventsb__AppointmentScheduler?reason=Future+Student+Advising+%28Domestic+Students+only%29&book a meeting with our Student Recruitment Advisors to review our programs and courses, admission requirements, credit transfer options, and any other support you may need. Our advisors have the knowledge to make your post-secondary transition seamless.

And if you have a specific question, feel free to reach out to our recruitment team. Depending on where you live in Canada, they can help you strategize your path as a student and determine which opportunities work for you, along with the best course to take based on your goals.