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Dalhousie engineering students trading lecture hall for movie theatre

The increased number of students and lack of space is forcing the school to be creative

A portable on the school grounds may be one thing, but some Dalhousie engineering students are taking classes in a much different location.

They aren't going on a field trip, but are going to a nearby movie theatre, reports The Chronicle Herald. The growing number of students and lack of classrooms is forcing the school to be creative with where students can learn and is paying the theatre $54,000 per year to use it during the daytime.

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"Subconsciously, you want to be watching a movie but you're not," said student Josh Jobin to the paper. "It's not a horrible idea. I like it."

The large padded seats may make it easier for students to fall asleep, but the instructor's voice gains authority when his or her mic is plugged into the Dolby surround sound system.

However, not everyone is liking the idea. Pemberton Cyrus, the engineering school's associate dean of undergraduate studies, said students have complained about the makeshift desks (which attach to the cup holder) and the large screen that forces them to twist their necks.

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The first year class has grown by more than 50 per cent in the past four years, so even if they hire more teachers, there still aren't any classrooms where they can teach.

For the theatre it was an easy decision because its unused during the day, therefore it's just extra revenue.

Plans are in the works to build a new engineering building with larger classrooms, but the school is still working on raising the $20 to $30 million to build it.

It's unclear if the theatre sells popcorn and candy to further increase revenue. However, we're betting they don't sell soft drinks in those massive cups that require to hands to hold. Professors hate it when students take bathroom breaks.