The SLC is a space where studying and socializing intersect. Located at the corner of Yonge & Gould Streets, it is a staple of Toronto Metropolitan University’s campus and a busy hub for students!
Each floor has a personalized name. The first floor is known as The Valley! It is the gathering spot where all students and visitors can come together to meet up, grab a coffee, take a break, and get work done.
“Its a unique environment, just walking in,” said Noor Gangi, an aerospace engineering student at Toronto Metropolitan University. “Just sitting here you see so many faces walking in.”
The Valley embodies the purpose of the SLC, which is to connect students and visitors to TMU. It serves as a front door to the rest of campus!
Upon entering the floor, there is a welcome desk where our wonderful team is ready to assist and guide visitors. This newly designed welcome area by TMU interior design students focuses on prioritizing operational and student needs.
With feedback and consultation from our student staff, the welcome desk has become more accessible, mobile, and storage friendly to make everyone’s SLC experience better!
The revolving doors located at the street entrance are also an important part of The Valley. They are integral to keeping the atmosphere of the first floor stable during extreme cold and warm weather conditions. They help maintain the elevators by reducing dust and air pressure from the outside. Be sure to use them!
A key aspect of this floor is its Amphitheatre. The casual tiered seating of this space is often filled by students who are working or catching up with friends. The ceiling is tiled with black triangles of acoustical fabric that absorb sound and prevent echo for better audio as well. It serves as the perfect place for gatherings and events.
This is where a lot of our key events like Shop the SLC and Taste of the SLC are held every year!
This free space can be booked out by Toronto Metropolitan University students, staff, and alumni. It seats about 100 people, and includes microphones, screens, speakers, and chairs and tables.
Have a neat idea for an event? Fill out a request form here four weeks in advance.
“I think it’s important for students and people involved in student groups to have the space to showcase what their group is about but also reach out to students who may not know a lot about student groups or events, as well as to have all of our resources,” said Preethi Suresh, an urban and regional planning student, and SLC student staff.
Starbucks is also located on this floor where students can grab a cup of coffee on-the-go or sit back and relax from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30AM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, and from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturdays.
The Valley houses one of our three green roofs. It is located along Yonge St., and wraps around to hug the seating of the amphitheatre.
It is important for students to have a place like this to relax, meet with others, and casually sit and work! This is why a floor like The Valley is so vital to the TMU ecosystem. It provides the much needed space for students to get together for events, or hang out in the comfort of their own campus. It is a great space that brings students, staff, and visitors together!
Additional cool facts:
- The Valley has digital signage detailing key events and announcements students may need to know about.
- There are beacons located on the first and second floor where students can find information as an alternative to the welcome desk!
- Touch screen information kiosks are located near the entrance to help guide visitors through the SLC, you can also find a complete schedule of events happening in the SLC.
- Charging stations are installed near the elevators for smartphone devices that students are welcome to use!