Marlie Snider Collegia Program
A Home Away from Home
Launched in 2001, the Marlie Snider Collegia Program was founded on the belief that community and connection is essential to student success. For over 20 years the program has expanded to three collegium spaces and a commons area while still continuing to create spaces where students experience a home away from home.
Initially, visitors of the Collegiums are attracted to the warm ambiance, microwaves, study spots, and dining areas. However, it is the richness of interaction with each other in these campus hubs that leaves a memorable imprint on the student experience at TWU. These spaces tell each commuter student that this is their campus.
Each year, student leaders host our spaces, organize events, plan rhythms during the week, and take on new opportunities to hold space for students to connect.
Testimonial
"I first discovered the Collegium right after the Covid years. I found that the pillar of Collegia program is practically aligned with what Jesus wants us to do. The Collegium Assistants set the example of hospitality by making sure that everyone walking in was seen, heard and loved - even if they didn't seem to need it at times. It was beautiful to observe how God puts the right person, at the right time, in certain spaces, allowing incredible conversations to happen that allow us to grow in community. I found the conversations life-giving and spiritually fulfilling. The Collegium was there for various people from various backgrounds, requiring nothing from the commuters but themselves, just like how God loves us."
- Jessica S., Nursing student
Our Spaces
West Coast Collegium
As the original Collegium space, West Coast combines a study-friendly layout with space to socialize and connect with others. Its spacious design provides ideal settings for concentration and group projects alike, all while enjoying the ambiance of the floor-to-ceiling windows. With its centralized location on campus, the West Coast becomes an ideal gathering place for commuters and it is located within close proximity to students taking the Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Human Kinetics, and Business courses.
The Marlie Snider Collegium
Known affectionately as “The Marlie,” this space has beautifully exposed beams and study nooks. Making it an ideal spot to eat lunch, read, and spend time in lively conversation. With its cozy fireplace as a natural gathering point, students find warmth and connection, making it an ideal spot for shared moments and relaxation. Nestled near the Fine Arts, Science, Communications, and Education buildings, The Marlie draws students from various faculties—including Natural and Applied Sciences, Arts, Media, Culture, and Nursing—who appreciate its inviting lounge atmosphere and proximity to key academic spaces.
Graduate Collegium
Tailored specifically for graduate students, the Graduate Collegium offers a balance of quiet focus and collegial support, designed to help students thrive. Here, you’ll find students connecting over lunch, deep in study, or unwinding in a cozy corner. The Collegium’s array of windows brings inspiring natural light into the lounge and dining areas and the study rooms ensure quite study sessions or calls while on campus. It’s a place where rainy winter days feel warm, and sunny days feel all the brighter.
Trinity Commons
Added to the Collegia Program in 2020, Trinity Commons is an open-concept space that encourages collaboration and individual work alike. Its flexible layout includes study zones and project spaces, perfect for solo work or group study sessions. Conveniently located near the Bookstore Cafe, it’s a favorite spot for students to grab a warm drink, settle into a nook, and dive into their work, with community and convenience around every corner.
Testimonials
"When I first moved to Canada, the Collegium was the only place that provided serenity and sense of belongingness. It rid me of my homesickness really quickly as it gave me new friendships and relationships plus the free cup of coffee always gets me through my day, and for some reason it just tastes better than any other coffee on campus!"
- Hadayatullah M., MBA student
"The Collegium provides me with a place where I can study alone in any of the study rooms, hold effective group discussions, print materials, eat hot meals & interact with the globe, all in one place! …I call it AMAZING!!"
- Adesola A., MA Leadership student
"For me, the Collegium is a place where I get to meet a lot of new people and make impactful relationships. I enjoy making new friends and widening my network which I consider to be the most wonderful experience in my University life.. also, the coffee and snacks are always the cherry on top!"
- Jocin M., MA Leadership student
