Landmarks
It's December 12th, 2030, and you're cramming for your MATH 700 final. Desperate for a study spot, you wander around campus, but every space is packed. Earlier that day, a friend mentioned an iconic building, one of the very first at UBC, describing it as a massive two-story structure with a basement, all made of British Columbia granite. You’re certain it's a great place to study, but the name escapes you. All you can recall is that its architecture reminds you of something straight out of "The Tudors" series, with a distinct late-Tudor vibe. What building is this?
IRVING K. BARBER LEARNING CENTRE
There’s this spot that always splits the Ambassadors team, and tastes are all over the place. That one time, Kristen somehow knew exactly who was picking what. Whether it was the Marbelous, the Smarties, the Ranger, or the classic Chocolate Chunk, she guessed them all perfectly. What’s the place that caused all the fuss?
🔷🍪CAFE
It’s October 1922, and UBC students are on a mission to improve their campus. Rallying hundreds of supporters, they march from Downtown Vancouver to Point Grey, pushing for more classrooms and facilities. With their voices and a petition of over 50,000 signatures, they present their case to the Cabinet in Victoria. The outcome? he new campus construction at Point Grey gets the green light.
The Great Trek
Our campus is undoubtedly the best of them all,
however, when it comes to the most popular filming locations around the world,
where does UBC fall ? (from 1-10)
9th
Once upon a time, this library was a mere branch of IKB until 1981. today, the beautiful library lives under the cherry blossoms and holds 729, 000 volumes in 10+ languages. this library also has a stunning next door neighbor. 👀👀👀
The Asian Library
Imagine this: "you've just left a *social gathering* on campus. it is quite late, not many places are open, but you need food. something greasy, something cheap there it is, like an angel dawning on you. a man with a black hat, his name written in bright orange, glowing in the moonlight.
Uncle Fatih's (Half a point for Uncle Faith)
It’s February 23, 1951, and the doors of a new building on campus swing open for the first time to a crowd of excited Thunderbird supporters. This building stands as a living memorial to British Columbians, especially UBC students, who died in the two World Wars. Funded by students, the community, and the government, it quickly became a hub for sports, dances, and even high school basketball championships. Every November 11th, it hosts UBC's Remembrance Day service, with a plaque on the east wall honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in WW2. What is this building?
War Memorial Gym
Sometimes, more than just UBCs beautiful campus is featured in the film industry. Sometimes, our supernaturally-skilled professors help develop entirely new languages for adventure movies- specifically in the Superman movie Man of Steel?
Kryptonian Language
Imagine it’s May 23rd, 2029, and it's your graduation day at UBC. You walk into an iconic Hall shaped like the inside of a Cello. As you take your seat among fellow graduates, you marvel at the stunning wooden architecture and prepare for the ceremony that marks the end of your academic journey. This place is where you and countless others have celebrated the milestone of graduation, while also attending various performing arts events and concerts. What’s the name of this memorable venue?
Chan Centre for Performing Arts.
You’ve been to almost every bubble tea store on campus, but this one stands out, perched above an underground food court. Whether you’re craving a slush, a smoothie, or a customizable tea, they have it all — and at just the right price.
Bengong's Tea
Ah, yes, it’s 1920, and you’ve just moved into the very first student residence at UBC. You quickly get astonished with the charming (read: creaky) floors, the towering, staircase-filled halls, and the distinct absence of elevators. Every trip to your room feels like a mini workout—but hey, you’re building character, right? Fast forward over a century, and this historic residence is still standing... but not for long! Most of it’s set to be demolished by 2050, except for a couple of survivors. Where are you living?
Place Vanier
Imagine the vibrant energy in the Chan Centre as Josie and the Pussycats take the stage. The audience is buzzing with excitement, the anticipation palpable in the air. As the lights dim, a spotlight shines down, illuminating the trio as they burst into their first song, their voices harmonizing perfectly against the stunning Chan Centre wooden backdrop. Which CW/Netflix show was filmed at this UBC location?
Riverdale
It's 9 a.m. on a Thursday, and you have a class in this building. As you walk through its old, gleaming hallways, the red, green, yellow, and blue windows cast colorful reflections on the floor. You continue toward your classroom, but you can't stop thinking about that beautiful rainbow of colors. Which building is this?
The Chemistry Building
A now relic of the past. but a cornerstone in many of our university experiences. It is where you might have debriefed the morning after a *social gathering*, or had dinner with a first-year roommate for the first time on Lower Mall. Came for the cheap breakfast, stayed for the good company <3
The Point.
WW2 left a historic mark everywhere- even right here at UBC!!! Did you know that one of our famous university buildings sits on the very foundations of a military base from back then? Which building is that?
MOA
Ok let’s set the scene (literally- get it, scene, movie scene haha): classic 2000s rom-com, featuring Channing Tatum & Amanda Bynes, the character Viola drops the iconic line …“end of discussion” “fine, end of relationship”. Which spot on UBC Campus was this She’s the Man scene filmed at?
UBC Thunderbird Stadium
Imagine this: you walk into a museum, and at the end of a dark, low-lit hallway, you see a cutting-edge piece of technology that brings real-time weather, ocean currents, and plate tectonics to life in a stunning, immersive way. What is that, you ask yourself with curiosity? It is Canada’s very first interactive spherical display. Watching the Earth’s dynamic systems in action, you might even start to spark an interest in geography or geology. Where are you on campus?
The Omniglobe of the Pacific Museum of Earth
On-campus, but kinda not? this is where you might find the breakfast on campus, not only because the food is great, but the menu list is endless. afterwards, you might grab a chocolate bar at the dollar store for dessert or go for a quick workout at the only quiet gym near campus.
ONLY U CAFE
In 1995, this structure was built on UBC’s Vancouver campus to honor a man whose service to the university and community earned him the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 and an appointment to the Order of Canada two years later. Known for its echo chamber effect, what is the name of this plaza?
W. Robert Wyman Plaza
Lets cut straight to it (another director pun lol.)- You’re a time traveling pilot. After a dangerous mission in the future, you (Vancouver’s sweetheart- hint hint) accidentally crash-land in 2022, where alongside your younger self, you embark on a thrilling adventure to confront your late father and fix the past, all while dodging enemies from the future (sound familiar so far?). In this particular moment, the dialogue (with your younger self) is both heartfelt and humorous. UBC campus serves not just as a backdrop but as a character itself, enhancing the film’s perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia, framed by the unique setting of one of Vancouver's most picturesque spots. Where on campus are you whilst having this moment?
Main Mall (Chem Building and Sauder); Adam's Project Movie