Carleton University Tunnel System

I love that Carleton’s tunnels are Unilocalable!
I owe a lot to them. I don’t think I’d have stayed in Carleton’s residences for as long as I did without these tunnels. And, I don’t mean this in an insulting way, but Carleton’s tunnels factored into my decision to go to Carleton big time. They’re such a wonderful feature during Ottawa’s crappy winters!
There are days that I wish the incline between the University Centre and the hallway to the library wasn’t so sharp, but without it, the ol’ calves wouldn’t get as good of a workout, so it’s fine. As well, there’s a corner in the maze towards Athletics that always makes you think your skin is melting off because it’s so hot, but this is actually a nice feature in the winter.
The tunnels also have emergency phones located throughout in case anything bad happens. While recently attending a focus group session on Carleton’s emergency services, I learned that these phones are tested regularly, which is reassuring. That said, I’ve never felt sketched out while traipsing through the tunnels, and I’ve walked many miles through them at all hours of the day.

I have a lot of complaints filed under carleton administration, carleton registration process, carleton course options and more…
But the TUNNELS are hands down the coolest thing a student hope for. Whether dodging spring showers or that –20 morning, you can slice across the campus and into classrooms and residences without surfacing above ground in most cases. I can’t get over it. Check it out if ever on campus and make sure to pick out your favourite wall art/​graffiti.

I really, really love the Carleton Tunnels, and as far as I know, this kind of system is unique to Carleton. When I was a student there, I really appreciated them when I was living in residence and when it was cold and windy outside. It’s also great for students with mobility difficulties. The whole campus is interconnected through these tunnels, which are mostly underground. It might take a little longer to get to your location, but it’s an extremely convenient option to have. The tunnels are heated during the winter, which is nice, but it can get pretty stuffy, especially with all the students, professors, and staff walking through them.
They have study areas, places to buy coffee, vending machines, washrooms, lockers, and even classrooms at Tunnel Level. Each floor of the many residence houses even paint murals on the tunnel walls every year. Some people do still get cellphone service, while others don’t. They do, however, have emergency points where you can speak to the campus security or call for help, in which case they have tunnel carts to drive you in. They also have lighting, mirrors, maps, and signs in case you get lost.