What is your journey? What is your path? Why TRU?
In the heart of British Columbia’s Interior, nestled in the hills of Kamloops, with stunning views overlooking the vast river valley situates Thompson Rivers University (TRU). With its rustic roots as a vocational school and college, TRU offers a wide diversity of programs from trades to traditional academics & certificates, to bachelor and graduate degrees, versatile for any student’s journey, path, or circumstances. Its unique attributes attract students from over 85 countries in on- campus, online, and distance learning avenues. TRU is constantly expanding with a future vision of a university village.
The Heart of TRU – Campus Commons
Past-Find Your Path. TRU was founded in 1970 as Cariboo College and amalgamated with Kamloops Vocational School in 1974. It became a University College with Bachelor Degree programs commencing in 1989 with a name change that followed in 1991 to the University College of the Cariboo. The 1993 Canada Summer Games encouraged campus expansion with the addition of the Campus Activity Centre and the Arts & Education buildings.
The next 20 years saw the campus further expand with four additional buildings prior to the incorporation of Thompson Rivers University with BC Open Learning in 2005. The University designation enabled several national and international partnerships with global universities, research and funding bodies, providing profound experiences for its students.
Trades & Technology (1997), & TRU Residence (2006)
Present-Find Your Passion. Since incorporation, the TRU Residence building (2006) and the House of Learning building and Law School (2011) opened. With the most recent transformation, revitalizing the Old Main Building with over 40,000 square feet of learning space was added, and is the new home of the TRU Law School. It’s magnificent and innovative design echoes the local Kamloops mountainous landscape.
The 250 acre campus encompasses over 25 buildings, each with its unique architecture; on campus housing, conference spaces, and 40 acres of picturesque park-like grounds and gardens – perfect for a walking friendly atmosphere. The culture, opportunities, and atmosphere of the campus are just one of many unique qualities of attending Thompson Rivers University.
TRU Student Street – Admissions, Registrar, and Starbucks
Uniqueness-Find Your Connection. Thompson Rivers University diversifies itself from other Canadian universities through its landscape, student body, class sizes, campus, programs and its ample opportunity for growth. Sitting amongst the unique, beautiful, semi-desert backdrop of Kamloops BC, Thompson Rivers campus is easily of one the most beautiful in the country.
For recreational enthusiasts, the campus is on the footsteps of nature, allowing students easy access to world class mountain biking, fishing, skiing and hiking, something not every university can provide. A highly regarded international student program allows for a diverse student population from all around the world, in turn giving the campus a more cultured and diverse feel. As a relatively young university, Thompson Rivers prides itself in smaller class sizes. This allows students a more intimate learning experience, where they can be on a first-name basis with their professors and take full advantage of their educational goals.
Modern New Student Spaces in the Law School
Future – Find Your TRU. Thompson Rivers has big plans for the future. Introduced to the public in the Fall of 2016 was “The Reach” development plan. To counteract the ‘commuter school’ reputation, The Reach plans to change that by creating a vibrant community on campus. This would include amenities such as more students residences, retail shops, residential housing, restaurants, offices and gathering places for students. This type of plan is inspiring to the community as well as current and prospective students and staff.
The future looks bright for Thompson Rivers University for its 13,000 on campus student population including 2,900 international students, with 12,000 more students embracing the Open Learning concept. Students have access to over 140 on campus and 60 open learning programs with more on the horizon. In its 12th year, TRU is still in its infancy with bright and exciting opportunities ahead. The Reach development is encouraging greater creativity and student engagement for the next generation of Alumni. TRU is “Reach”ing for a sense of place connecting the city’s culture to its campus enriching the lives of locals and students for years to come.
