Women at NAIT find their happy place
By Kelsey Kliparchuk on April 24, 2025
There are very few “girl-coded” places on the NAIT campus. Luckily, these exist, and there is hope for us lady-ooks. Here’s a list of my favourite things, from bottom to top, that NAIT has to offer women:
4. The sense of serenity with our student benefits.
The benefits package in our student plan is an off-campus feature and is better than nothing. The age-old adage, “use ‘em or lose ‘em” rings true. It’s surprising how few classmates use their benefits for things other than prescriptions. Maybe it’s an “I didn’t even know” thing, but they’re there.
As a woman who loves massages and acupuncture (covered under chiropractor), using my benefits significantly adds to my overall wellbeing. Taking care of our bodies when we’re young makes life easier when we’re old, and as women, this means easier menopause.
3. Period Equity: free hygiene products at NAITSA main office.
I’m sensing a theme here… but have you ever been stuck in a pinch, tampon-less, peace-less, in a room full of guys because we go to a technical college? Ya, me neither! Thankfully, NAITSA has everything you may need in their main campus office. If you ask the kind person at reception, they will gladly help you as it is an underused resource amongst students. I guess that’s a good thing. Either way, NAIT has made it possible that no one is left without.
2. Sauna sessions sans men in the fitness centre.
Bye-bye stress. Hello, sauna. Did you know there’s a sauna in the fitness centre change rooms? It made a bit more sense in the NAIT pool days but, with the rising popularity and awareness of the benefits of saunas, it’s making a slow and peaceful comeback. There are few things better than a few rounds of sauna, a cold shower, and rest, after a workout or even just after class. This is a “bio-hack” worth getting behind. Just be extra mindful to drink plenty of water before and after, especially if it’s that time of the month.
1. Little treats from the Artisanal Food Market.
Whoever said diamonds were a girl’s best friend maybe hasn’t had a pain au chocolat from NAIT’s Artisanal Market… yet. Located in the Central Building of the Main Campus, beside the Common Market, you can find the exquisite work of the culinary students and alumni.
What better way to get you through the first day of your (insert blood emoji here) than a four-dollar bag of brown butter miso chocolate chip cookies? And studies show you deserve it. Not only do they sell baked goods, but also freshly prepared meats, charcuterie, ice cream, to-go meals and products from the Culinary Program Alumni.
There is no rhyme or reason to their stock, as prepared food is put on the shelves based on the class schedule in the program. Despite their spontaneity, every visit is an adventure and helps me find the glimmers in the school grind. Life is about balance, and that’s what all of the above is there for. So, treat yourself, queen.
For the female student trying to catch a break at NAIT, check out some of these resources to make everyday a little easier in a man’s world.