On Campus Third Places: Qualitative Research on Impacts to SFU Students' Perceived Social Interaction and Sense of Belonging

Abstract

A growing concern among students at SFU is a lack of social scene. Student accounts of social isolation and an unwelcoming social environment make studying SFU’s campus infrastructure critical in working toward change. Third places such as cafés, libraries and gardens provide a space for social interaction and place creation that is outside academic settings (Lee, 2022). These spaces can give students a flexible place to study, decompress, or chat with a friend. This project is informed by geographic theories of third places (Banning et al. 2010; Goosen and Cilliers, 2020), which helps interpret how third places can influence students’ attachment to and feelings of inclusion. This research observes the physical design of third places and behaviours of use. Through semi-structured interviews, SFU students report on the relation between use of third places, perceived sense of belonging and social interaction. This research provides insight into the extent SFU’s third places counteract commuter-campus challenges and support students’ desire for social connection outside the classroom. Additionally, this project may influence future planning centered on improving the student experience.