The Ubyssey acknowledges we operate on the traditional, ancestral and stolen territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.
EDITOR’S NOTE
My first weeks on campus were characterized by aimless wandering, cramped classes, lonely lunches and an inability to speak to people.
However, you don’t need to make the same mistakes in your first year. This guide, compiled by The Ubyssey’s editorial board, is full of tips on navigating courses, finding housing, dealing with transit, handling immigration and more. You’ll also find things on the more fun aspects of student life, like the best food spots, Vancouver nightlife and good hiking trails.
UBC is full of people trying to make friends, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if you’re nervous — to find people with similar interests, join a club or student group (like The Ubyssey)!
Even when you may feel tired, overwhelmed or homesick, there are always places and people you can turn to for support. We hope UBC becomes a place where you can learn and grow, like so many others have before you.
Before you know it, you’ll be in your final year and wondering how there was ever a time you were new to campus.
Welcome to UBC. U
Aisha Chaudhry Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief
Aisha Chaudhry eic@ubyssey.ca
Managing Editor Saumya Kamra managing@ubyssey.ca
Deputy Managing Editor, Opinion Editor Spencer Izen deputymanaging@ubyssey.ca opinion@ubyssey.ca
News Editor Stephen Kosar news@ubyssey.ca
Arts and Culture Editor Julian Coyle Forst culture@ubyssey.ca
BUSINESS
Business Manager Scott Atkinson business@ubyssey.ca
Account Manager Ben Keon advertising@ubyssey.ca
Lead Developer and Website Strategist Sam Low samuellow@ubyssey.ca
Web Developer Nishim Singhi nishimsinghi@ubyssey.ca
President Ferdinand Rother president@ubyssey.ca
LEGAL
The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is published every second Tuesday by the Ubyssey Publications Society (UPS). We are an autonomous, democratically-run student organization and all students are encouraged to participate.
EditorialsarewrittenbyTheUbyssey’seditorial board and they do not necessarily reflect the views of the UPS or UBC. All editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the property of the UPS. Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of the Ubyssey Publications Society.
The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP’s guiding principles.
The Ubyssey accepts opinion articles on any topic related to UBC and/or topics relevant to students attending UBC. Submissions must be written by UBC students, professors, alumni or those in a suitable position (as determined by the opinion editor) to speak on UBC-related matters. Submissions must not contain racism,
Illustrations and Print Editor Ayla Cilliers illustration@ubyssey.ca
Photography Editor Sidney Shaw photo@ubyssey.ca
CONTACT
Editorial Office: NEST 2208 604.283.2023
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sexism, homophobia, transphobia, harassment or discrimination. Authors and/or submissions will not be precluded from publication based solely on association with particular ideologies or subject matter that some may find objectionable. Approval for publication is, however, dependent on the quality of the argument and The Ubyssey editorial board’s judgment of appropriate content. Submissions may be sent by email to opinion@ubyssey.ca. Please include your student number or other proof of identification. Anonymous submissions will be accepted on extremely rare occasions. Requests for anonymity will be granted upon agreement from seven-eighths of the editorial board. Full opinions policy may be found at ubyssey.ca/ pages/submit-an-opinion It is agreed by all persons placing display or classified advertising that if the UPS fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS will not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value or the impact of the ads.
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Academic
BEING AN ADULT
Navigating off-campus housing
Finding a job
Financial responsibility and budgeting
Financing your education
Nutrition and staying active
HEALTH AND SUPPORT
Accessing medical services
Health insurance
Mental health resources
Accessibility resources
Resources for Queer students
Indigenous student services
Resources for Black students
Legal resources
Consent, safe sex andUBC sex shop
Responding to sexual assualt
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
After you arrive in Canada
International student resources
Staying in Canada after graduation PARTIES
UBC
LETTER FROM THE UBC PRESIDENT
Bienvenue! Welcome to UBC!
The fall is a very special time of year, filled with great energy and anticipation as a new academic year begins. Whether you’re joining our community for the first time or returning after the summer, we are so glad you are here.
UBC is one of the best universities in the world — and that’s because of the great people who chose to come here to study and to work. Now that you have also chosen to join our remarkable academic community, you will be part of shaping our bright future.
At its heart, UBC is a place to learn, grow and make an impact. The university offers outstanding academic programs, world class research, dynamic student life and meaningful commitments to Indigenous reconciliation, climate action and inclusion. These aren’t just words — they embody who we are and what we do every day.
From the ocean and mountains of Vancouver to the lakes and rolling hills of the Okanagan, UBC offers inspiring places to live and learn — both within and beyond the classroom. Here, students study with internationally renowned faculty, gain handson experience through co-op and other experiential learning opportunities, take part in global exchanges at more than 200 partner universities, and build connections with peers from around the world.
Whatever your path or program, I encourage you to get involved by joining a club, volunteering, or simply exploring the
campus. Some of my favourite spots on the Vancouver campus include the First Nations Longhouse, Nitobe Memorial Garden, the Museum of Anthropology, Beaty Biodiversity Museum and the Chan Centre.
Be sure to visit the brand-new Recreation Centre North, which features four levels of fitness space, including three gymnasiums, cardio and weightlifting areas and an indoor run, roll, walk track. Staying active and engaged — whether through recreation or campus life — is not only fun but also supports your overall wellbeing.
We know that today’s world can be challenging, more than when I was a student. Many students face pressures related to costs, mental health or uncertainty about the future.
Whether you need academic support, wellness resources, career guidance, or anything in between, UBC staff are here to help you throughout your university experience. More information on available supports can be found here: https://www.ubc.ca/community-supports/.
Everyone, I hope you enjoy your time at UBC. You have made the decision to invest in your own mind and in your future; I am so excited for each of you as you start this journey.
Wishing you a great start and a rewarding year ahead!
Benoit-Antoine Bacon President and Vice-Chancellor The University of British Columbia
LETTER FROM THE AMS PRESIDENT
Every great chapter starts somewhere — and yours begins right here at UBC.
I’m Riley, your president of the AMS — UBC’s student union. As a UBC student, you’re already a member of the largest student union in Canada. From the U-Pass and Health & Dental Plan to our student-run businesses and free support services, we’re here to help students. Every year, we provide over $700,000 in student bursaries, and over time, have invested more than $100 million in major campus projects like the new Recreation Centre North — all thanks to students like you. You’re now part of a community that not only shapes this campus but builds it.
But enough about us — what I really want you to know is there is something at UBC for everyone.
I’ve learned to ski with classmates, skydived and scuba-dived with UBC peers, published research that began from a hallway conversation and found community in unexpected places. Whatever you’re into, UBC is full of opportunities to push your limits and explore new passions.
It all starts by getting involved! Be it with your undergraduate society, a sports team or one of the AMS’s 350+ student clubs. And don’t be afraid to go beyond your faculty. Some of my closest friendships started at Interfaculty Cup, where students from every discipline come
together for fun and connection. You might be surprised by how much you have in common.
University is a life-changing experience — especially at one of the world’s best universities on one of its most beautiful campuses. That said, it can easily feel overwhelming. That’s normal. You’re not alone. Like anything in life, there are ups and downs, but perspective is everything. The AMS is here to support you — from academic advocacy and free tutoring to food security programs and community-building initiatives, we’re here to make your experience better.
Set habits that support your growth — academically, professionally and personally. But also set aside time for yourself! Head down to Wreck Beach, walk through Pacific Spirit Park or just breathe. This campus has a way of bringing you back to yourself.
Lastly (and most importantly): have fun. Meet new people. Say yes to something unexpected. The late nights and deadlines will fade, but the memories you make will last. UBC is massive. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. Make the most of it.
Your UBC story starts now — make it one worth telling.
See you around,
Riley Huntley AMS President
CAMPUS HISTORY
The land that UBC’s Point Grey campus now occupies is within the ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. Oral histories refer to this area as a stronghold called q ̓ə l əχə n led by qiy ə plen ə x ʷ , an important hereditary name anglicized as “Capilano.” According to these histories, qiy ə plen ə x ʷ the second launched a famous retaliatory strike against northern Salish raiders from this outpost.
The century following the arrival of Europeans saw the city of Vancouver grow from a small colonial trading outpost located in modern-day Gastown to a rail-supplied metropolis, the economic capital of Western Canada. In 1908, BC passed the University Act establishing the University of British Columbia and in 1910, Point Grey was selected for the location of the campus. The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people were not consulted.
Construction of the first building began in 1914, but was halted at the outbreak of World War I. A temporary university headquarters was set up in Fairview with limited academic operations. By the war’s end in 1918, the student body had outgrown the provisional headquarters’ capacity — classes were given in tents and local churches — but the construction of the Point Grey campus had yet to resume.
In 1922, over 1,000 fed-up students embarked on a trek through downtown Vancouver to Point Grey, demonstrating for the completion of campus construction. Student activists presented a petition of 56,000 signatories to the provincial government, who authorized a $1.5 million loan. Construction was completed and the campus was opened in 1925.
By the 1940s, UBC was host to over 2,400 students, including Frank Calder of the Nisga’a nation, the first Indigenous person to study at UBC. Calder would go on to enter politics as the first Indigenous member of the BC legislature and pioneer activism for Indigenous land titles.
The 1940s also saw the internment of 76 Japanese Canadian UBC students as part of Canada’s racist wartime internment policy. These students, along with tens of thousands of Japanese-Canadians, most of them citizens, were forced from their homes and imprisoned in abandoned mining towns in eastern British Columbia. Only one member of UBC’s faculty spoke in defense of these students.
Today, UBC is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Canada, with a history studded by progress, technical innovation and a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. So too is it stained by complicity in systems of colonial violence and exploitation. This history permeates through our classrooms and residences, resonating throughout the present and the future. U
UBC GOVERNANCE BODIES
With two campuses and thousands of students, it takes a lot to keep UBC running smoothly. In March, students vote in AMS Elections to pick student representatives that sit on various governance bodies at UBC. Here’s a quick glance at how these governing bodies work and who your representatives are.
AMS EXECUTIVES
The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is UBC Vancouver’s student union. Students pay a $51 AMS membership fee in their tuition, which you can’t opt out of. There are six elected student executives who run large operations in the AMS and around the Nest.
The president — currently Riley Huntley — focuses on the broad strategic direction of the AMS and is the face of the organization.
The VP academic and university affairs — currently Zarifa Nawar — focuses on advocating for student priorities to UBC administration; they often push the university for more funding.
The VP finance — currently Gagan Parmar — works on all things financial, like the annual budget and club reimbursements.
The VP administration — currently Dylan Evans — oversees all Nest operations and clubs.
The VP external — currently Solomon Yi-Kieran — advocates for student priorities to all levels of government outside of UBC.
The VP student life — currently Kevin Heieis — is in charge of student engagement, events and overall student experience.
An important non-elected position is student services manager — currently held by Kathleen Simpson — who runs initiatives like the AMS Food Bank, Safe Walk, AMS Tutoring and Peer Support.
The AMS also oversees the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan, processes U-Pass opt-outs and runs the Welcome Back BBQ and Block Party. It’s also important to note that graduate students on campus are represented by the Graduate Student Society (GSS) and have their own executives, who often work with the AMS to advocate for their interests.
AMS COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES
AMS Council is composed of the six elected executives in addition to representatives from faculty constituencies (like the Arts and Science Undergraduate Societies). Council is where a lot of big motions are voted on like the annual budget — Council is also where executives are meant to be held accountable to their goals.
Committees are where a lot of work happens before going to Council. Councillors serve on committees, but there are seats for students-at-large (like you) to join them. Keep an eye on
ams.ubc.ca for applications in September.
VANCOUVER SENATE
The UBC Vancouver Senate is the chief academic governing body and makes decisions on new courses, curriculum changes and AI policies. It’s composed of 85 members, including 18 elected student representatives — one per faculty, two from graduate and postdoctoral studies and five student-senators-at-large.
Student senators work as an informal voting bloc called the Student Senate Caucus. You can follow their Instagram, @ubc. ssc, to receive updates on what they’re up to.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors (BoG) essentially runs UBC. It approves everything from the annual budget, strategic goals for the university and construction projects.
BoG also votes on tuition each year, and despite student protests over the past few years, still votes to increase it. There are 21 BoG members, 11 of which are appointed by the province. There are three elected student governors on BoG, one from UBC Okanagan and two — Jasper Lorien and Cade Desjarlais — from UBC Vancouver. U
T-BIRDS & SPORTS
“Go sports!” you say. “But, what sports? Who’s playing? When are they playing? Why are …” We get the gist — perhaps you’re excited to cheer on the home team, but before you do, you have plenty of questions about the highest levels of sport on campus. That’s okay! Here’s what you need to know.
All of UBC’s 26 varsity teams — both men’s and women’s — play as the Thunderbirds, originally taking on that moniker in 1934. Before then, UBC’s sports teams didn’t really have a name, often being referred to as simply “Varsity” or “Blue and Gold.” Needing something a bit more creative, an open poll was held among students in 1933 to determine a new name.
The overwhelming winner of the name poll was the “Seagulls,” a name not listed on the ballot, instead being pushed through as a write-in. That result was tossed, with staffers from The Ubyssey as well as the school’s Pep Club eventually settling on “Thunderbirds.”
While that name has held for more than 90 years since, it is also important to recognize that the history of the Thunderbird extends far beyond then. The Thunderbird is considered a powerful, sacred spirit to many of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Despite that long history, no Indigenous groups or people were consulted before UBC co-opted the name for itself. While the name would eventually be sanctioned by Chief William Scow and the Kwakwaka ʼ wakw people in 1948, it is still crucial to recognize the name’s origins.
Now, when do these teams actually play? The vast majority of these teams get their season started right as the semester does, with most beginning to play sometime between late August and late October. However, baseball, softball and track and field don’t start until the spring. When you see these teams take the field (or
ice, or court), you’ll likely see some common opponents across sports. This is because a large portion of UBC’s teams compete in Canada West, a conference in U SPORTS, Canada’s national university sport governing body. The Canada West conference is composed of — you guessed it — teams from Western Canada. A few other teams, such as baseball and golf, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), another sporting body mostly based in the United States.
And, when those teams do compete, sometimes they even win! Just looking at last season, the T-Birds had plenty to celebrate, from both the men’s and women’s swimming and soccer teams winning U SPORTS national championships, to the NAIA championships for men’s and women’s track and field, as well as women’s golf. In addition, the UBC women’s rugby team won their first-ever national championship last year!
Speaking of which, when the T-Birds women’s rugby team goes to defend their national championship this year, you can be there to cheer them on. The national women’s rugby championships are being hosted here, on campus, from October 29 to November 2. While that is a fantastic opportunity to watch the ‘Birds, it certainly isn’t the only one. Here’s a few notable events/games you should be sure to attend this year:
• Homecoming | Football | September 19 at 6 p.m. vs. University of Calgary Dinos
• Courtside | Basketball | late November
• Winter Classic | Hockey | mid-January
• Pride Night | Volleyball | at the end of January or early February
Whether you’re going to homecoming or a random baseball game in March, you’re now fully equipped to cheer on your T-Birds. Just don’t forget to wear blue and gold. U
107 THINGS TO DO AT UBC
1. Get lost looking for The Ubyssey's office
2. Find the climbing wall instead
3. Successfully locate The Ubyssey
4. Write for The Ubyssey!!!!!!!
5. Go to clubs day
6. Collect free buttons and pens
7. Lose them all
8. Open and close the Gal
9. Stand in line at Pit Wednesday
10. Ponder the age old question: "Where the fuck the function?"
11. Realize the real function is Uncle Fatih's at midnight
12. Swim at Wreck
13. Skinny dip at Wreck
14. Regret going to Wreck halfway back up the stairs
15. Swim in the fountain
16. Skinny dip in the fountain
17. Undie run!
18. Stare wistfully into the sunset at the Rose Garden
19. Buy a journal to appear introspective
20. Use journal to write about TA you have a crush on
21. Post to the UBC Crushes Facebook group
22. Go on a Hinge date at Browns
23. Delete all apps (all of them)
24. Touch grass at Nitobe
25. Walk above grass at the Greenheart Treewalk
26. Experience more grass at UBC Farm
27. Re-download Canvas. You need that app
28. Add a class
29. Drop a class
30. Drop another class
31. Declare a major
32. Change your major
33. Say "I'm locking in this time I swear"
34. Go to Homecoming
35. Leave five minutes in after taking your Homecoming selfie
36. Go to Winter Classic
37. Embrace your inner jock and join an intramural team
38. Bask in the glory of the new Rec North
39. Discover a niche silent study spot
40. Be pissed af when a campus influencer leaks it on Reels
41. Speaking of influencers... Ride Scooter Dom's scooter
42. Spend an unexpected amount of money on a Loafe latte
43. Go to Sprouts
44. Develop a deadly hatred for someone in engineering
45. Get mobbed by r/ubc
46. Swear off emails, conceptually
47. Get a candy from a student politician campaigning
48. Get oddly obsessed with AMS elections
49. Become disillusioned with all forms of government
50. Vote for a joke candidate during AMS elections
51. Develop a campus opp
52. Make friends with upperclassmen
53. Go through the five stages of grief when they graduate
54. Get hit in the head by a stray frisbee when walking by the Nest
55. Fall over
56. Stay down. Realize MacInnes Field is a great place to suntan
57. Get kicked off the turf by the quidditch team
58. Spend an hour in line at Tims
59. Discover Great Dane
60. Become a Jeremy Sandwich fiend
61. Avoid that one person from high school
62. Join LinkedIn
63. Delete LinkedIn
64. Send Polar Plunge for LDOC
65. Throw down at the campus-wide snowball fight
66. Forget your sensible footwear
67. Take your campus crush to Mercante in February for heart-shaped pizza
68. Fall in love
69.
70. Visit the Wellness Centre instead
71. Head to the frats (71.5: immediate regret)
72. Get kicked out of IKB at closing by security
73. Miss the last bus home
74. Let out a coming-of-age YA scream from the rooftop of a parkade/a cliff/the middle of a lecture hall
75. Be subjected to a tiny mic interview
76. High-five Thunder
77. Unironically say "Tuum est"
78. Buy a trinket from a campus craft fair
79. Fall asleep in a really, really boring class
80. Realize that nobody knows if there's vodka in your Redbull
81. Smoke in Pacific Spirit Park
82. Bar hop from the Gal, to Browns and then to the Fringe
83. Study all night at Breka (it is a part of campus to me)
84. Be featured on a UBC fashion TikTok, let the fame go to your head
85. Go on exchange (ok this isn’t at UBC but idfk)
86. Watch a guy throw up from eating too many peas (but it was for charity so it's chill)
87. Have someone impersonate you to get an interview with the pea man
88. Obsess over a 6'7" basketball player
89. Visit every library (we have a lot of 'em)
90. Attend a concert at Doug Mitchell
91. Use a student discount
92. Overshare in a discussion post
93. Curse Workday
94. Mourn the SSC
95. Spend minimum $100 on UBC merchandise
96. Lose at least six umbrellas
97. "Wait? There's a quiz today?"
98. Turn up at Koerner's
99. Wish you had ear plugs at Block Party
100. Accidentally-on-purpose stumble onto a live film set
101. Befriend a campus animal (raccoon, seagull, squirrel, etc.)
102. Reinvent yourself
103. Realize you were actually pretty great all along
104. Realize you don't know what to do with your degree and apply to grad schools
105. Attend your first office hour in your final year
106. Wish you hadn't left completing this ‘til the very end
107. Graduate
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CAMPUS ATTRACTIONS
UBC’s campus is huge and trying to navigate it all, especially in your first year here, can be incredibly intimidating. If you’re wondering where to go, don’t worry — here are some of the standout activities and attractions across campus that you should check out.
RECONNECT WITH NATURE
One of UBC’s biggest draws is its natural beauty, and for good reason — our campus is home to awe-inspiring natural views. Perhaps the most obvious place to take advantage of this is one of UBC’s most famous locations, the clothing-optional Wreck Beach. If you can manage to make it back up those stairs alive, it’s a fantastic place to catch the sunset.
Another classic postcard-esque spot is the UBC Rose Garden. Right at the end of Main Mall, it’s a tranquil place that opens up into the ocean view behind it. It’s not the only garden on campus, though. Both the UBC Botanical Garden and the Nitobe Memorial Garden offer beautiful curated vistas as well. Nitobe is an authentic Japanese garden, and the Botanical Garden offers both history — being the oldest university botanical garden in Canada — and thrill, hosting the Greenheart Treewalk, a trip through the forest 23 metres above ground level. All of these gardens are free for UBC
students.
MORE LEARNING, BUT COOL THIS TIME
If you get tired of basking in those gorgeous views (strange, but okay) — retreat back inside to one of UBC’s many famous museums. Perhaps the most well-known is the Museum of Anthropology (MOA). Having re-opened a little over a year ago after a major closure for seismic upgrades, the MOA boasts an impressive array of objects and artifacts from across human history — nearly 50,000 to be exact.
Another impressive number is the over two million research specimens in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, showcasing various bugs and fossils from across history like the 26-metre-long blue whale skeleton that hangs at the top of the museum.
If you’re looking for even more fossils, check out the Pacific Museum of Earth, which includes multiple dinosaur fossils, including a 75-millionyear-old Lambeosaurus. Or, if you’re looking to get away from a science-oriented perspective, you can also check out the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, with more than 5,000 works of art in their collection. Aside from the Pacific Museum of Earth, which requests a donation in lieu of admission, all these museums are free for UBC students.
be sure to check out Jordan Wilson’s book on the Musqueam house posts scattered across campus. It’s a guided tour of both the art created by the Musqueam people, as well as an analysis of UBC’s relation to the unceded land the university operates on — you can find it for free on the Belkin website.
GET MOVIN’
Maybe something a bit faster-paced than a museum is more your speed. Well, there are plenty of options available for you to be active on UBC’s campus — starting with the Doug Mitchell Thunderbirds Sports Centre. A three-rink facility, the Doug Mitchell doesn’t just host concerts and varsity hockey games — it can also host you, with the arena often being open for public skating, as well as hockey. If you’re curious, you’ll have to first register on the UBC Rec website.
You can also check out the UBC Aquatic Centre, a facility with three pools, a hot tub, a steam room and a sauna. Similarly to Doug Mitchell, the Aquatic Centre will hold public swimming hours, but these are usually dropins only. Both the public swim and skate don’t cost anything for UBC students (unless you had to rent a helmet and/or skates).
There you go — some UBC bucket list items to go check off
ACADEMICS
NAVIGATING MAJORS + COURSES
Maybe you’re looking through course listings happily, excited for all the new areas you have the chance to explore. Maybe the million course codes, lecture types and unfulfilled prerequisites terrify you. Either way, here’s your guide to navigating courses and majors at UBC.
KEEP REQUIREMENTS IN MIND
When picking courses, take a look at your degree requirements first and foremost. Some majors have schedule templates that outline which courses to take in your degree semester by semester. Ensure you’re considering how many credits you need in each required category as you choose your courses.
Majors will also require specific courses at each course level, so be mindful of what you should take at different points in your degree. Otherwise, you may need to take LING 140 in your third year (I learned this the difficult way).
PICKING YOUR PROFS
RateMyProf is an infamous indicator of a professor’s reputation — however, it can’t really give a sense of how you’ll fare in a course. Some professors might be rated poorly but have great classes that just didn’t work for those students, and some might be great online but not in person. If you really want good professors, you should look into their areas of interest listed on department websites, as those interests will likely shape
their courses. Take what piques your interest. Sometimes you can find past syllabi online, which will give you an idea of how professors structure their courses and if it works with your learning style.
WHEN YOU DECLARE (OR CHANGE) YOUR MAJOR
Students often declare their majors at some point in second year. Majors can generally be declared through Workday, but others, like honours programs, require an application — check your department website so you don’t miss any dates or deadlines. You can have up to two specializations, and you can mix and match — major and minor, double major, double honours, dual degree or just a major.
Chances are, you’ve gone into university with some idea of what you want to major in and what you want to do with it. However, there are a lot of subjects to explore, and you might find yourself more interested in a different area of study. That’s okay — whether you’re questioning your major or not, talk to an advisor about planning your course load to accommodate your goals.
One tip if you’re unsure about your major is to ask professors or students in that major for advice. Academic advising is there for more general inquiries, but may not be able to answer specific questions you have about getting into your major, if it’s the right choice for you, the career opportunities available and more. U
UBC students get 10% off*
Build your own salad to go, grab a fresh poke bowl, a gourmet sandwich or pick up one of our many delicious, chef-prepared meals.
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INTERACTING WITH PROFESSORS AND TAS
Interacting and building relationships with your professors and teaching assistants (TAs) is not as daunting as you may think. Not only will you be seeing them everyday, but making a connection with them can help with your professional and academic career.
ASKING QUESTIONS AFTER LECTURES
Most professors are available to answer questions after lectures and many students will approach them as they pack up. If you just need to ask a quick clarifying question, this is a great time to do it. But if you have a more complex, foundational question — office hours might be a better option.
WHAT ARE OFFICE HOURS?
Office hours are dedicated times when professors are available to discuss course content with students. They are indicated on course syllabi and occur every week or by appointment.
Office hours are also a great opportunity to get to know your professors in general. Curious about their research? Office hours. Wondering what courses in the department might suit your interests? Office hours. Book recommendations or extra study materials? Professors will probably be able to talk to you about that in office hours, too.
Typically, depending on how big the class is, office hours tend
to get busy around midterms and finals when many students have questions, so be strategic about when you visit!
WHAT IS A SYLLABUS?
A syllabus is a guide to a particular course. Academic policy requires that syllabi contain information about course scheduling, textbooks and equipment, assessment, contact information and learning resources. Every class requires a syllabus — and make sure to double-check that a question you have for your professor or TA isn’t already answered in the syllabus.
EMAIL ETIQUETTE
You may need to email your professor or TA about any number of things like scheduling a time to meet outside of office hours, asking a question or seeking an extension.
Give your email a conventional subject line, and if you’re in a big class, put the course code in there to help the professor organize your communication. They receive a lot of emails from students, so try to put yourself in their shoes and make the interaction as easy as possible.
Some other things to note about emailing professors: First, do not overshare. Professors likely do not need to know particular details about your personal life. They are usually not interested in collecting “evidence” of anything, so don’t share traumatic experiences
with them. This is a professor, not a personal relationship. That doesn’t mean professors don’t care about your well-being, but only tell them what they need to know.
Second, greet them. Do not start an email immediately going into the subject, like you would in a text message. Always start with “Hello,” “Hi,” or something along those lines and make sure you’re still being respectful throughout the email (i.e. don’t use slang or email them like they’re your friend).
WHAT DO I CALL MY PROFESSORS?
This is a constant source of (very mild) stress for all students. The answer is that it depends on the professor. Some professors take pride in their role as learned scholars of the academy and take being referred to as “Dr.” or “Professor” as a necessary sign of respect. Others do not hold the same view and will ask to be referred to by their first name.
To figure this out, look for clues: how do they refer to themselves in the syllabus? How did they write their name on the whiteboard or in emails? How did they introduce themselves? Most professors will make this known early on. Keep in mind that not every instructor holds a PhD, so the title “Dr.” might not work for them. When in doubt, “Professor” works just fine — but the safest, most reciprocal option is simply to ask. U
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
For most people, university is when the world begins to feel like endless open doors. However, the number of possible volunteer activities, jobs and club experiences can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some popular options.
WORK LEARN AND CO-OP
UBC offers experiential work placements through various Work Learn and co-op programs to enrich your education, give you the leg up in job hunts and even make some cash. Work Learn sets students up with part-time positions most often in research and administrative roles while co-ops, overseen by individual faculties, places students in full-time work terms and helps develop course content into resume-building experience. Work Learns are generally on-campus while co-ops can be located anywhere in Canada or even internationally.
Learn more at coop.ubc.ca and students.ubc.ca/ career/ubc-experiences/work-learn-program/.
GO GLOBAL
Go Global allows students the opportunity to study abroad. There, you’ll take courses at a partner university and gain unforgettable experience in a new culture and country. Regardless of your degree,
there are options for you to take your learning outside of the classroom and have an internationally rewarding experience. Some programs cost the same as UBC tuition, while others are more pricey — but even those often have funding options if you do some digging. Learn more at global.ubc.ca/go-global
HAIDA GWAII SEMESTERS
Study ecological and social systems with Indigenous knowledge holders and community leaders in Haida Gwaii. You’ll live there for a semester or a summer, during which you’ll complete fieldwork and projects in the natural environment to further your learning.
PEER LEADERS
If you enjoy helping your fellow students, peer leader positions in the AMS or undergraduate constituencies might be the right choice! Whether you want to help your fellow students with their health, academics or finances, there is a position for you. You can also volunteer as a Jump Start or Imagine Day leader to help introduce new UBC students to university life.
Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Try to take advantage of these opportunities — you won’t regret it! U
ACADEMIC AND LEARNING RESOURCES
It’s a big jump from high school to university — juggling classes on top of exploring a new environment. Everyone needs help managing that transition. If you want support, here are some resources to make your courses a little easier.
OFFICE HOURS
If you ever have questions about class material or just want to chat about s course, professors and teaching assistants (TAs) are more than happy to talk to you during office hours. Usually held weekly, office hours are a great way to gain insight on difficult concepts and even get to know your teachers. While it can be scary at first, professors and TAs love to help and are a great resource for opportunities in your field and for letters of recommendation.
WRITING SUPPORT
Need feedback on an essay? The Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication offers free writing consultations in-person and online for undergraduate and graduate students. These sessions are facilitated by doctoral writing consultants
who provide feedback to strengthen your writing skills. If consultations are not your thing, the centre’s website is also full of information that will strengthen any paper.
TUTORING
AMS Tutoring provides free, drop-in group tutoring sessions for popular first and second-year-level courses (such as MATH 101 and BIOL 112). It also offers online study materials for popular classes if you want to learn at your own pace. If you want a one-on-one experience, AMS Tutoring also provides $36/hour tutoring with an approved tutor.
FACULTY-SPECIFIC SUPPORT
For more general academic support, every faculty has advisors that can help you with your degree. From course planning to academic goal-setting, faculty advisors can help you navigate the complex world of university degrees and support your path to success, putting you in touch with faculty-specific services. They can even help you with logistical issues, like how to deal with Workday or get an academic concession. U
WORKING OUT WORKDAY
Workday is UBC’s student portal where you’ll be able to do everything, like registration, paying tuition, checking grades and voting in student elections. Here’s how to navigate the system.
THE BASICS
Workday is organized into “apps” that can be viewed from the upper-left “menu” tab. Academics, Finances and Personal Information are aptly named portals, while Favourites lets you create a shortcut dashboard; make sure to circle back in a month when you know which pages you visit frequently.
Though the site features a search bar, pages aren’t always clearly-titled and are easier to identify within each app.
REGISTRATION
You’ll likely spend the most amount of time on Workday registering for courses. After clicking the Registration & Courses tab in the Academics app, you’ll be
prompted to select an academic level, term and campus.
You can then surf through current offerings or seek out specific courses in the smaller search bar (tip: search by the four-letter departmental code). You will be given the option to register for courses individually or add them to a saved schedule. You can also view your saved classes in the calendar view to get a better visual of your schedule.
It is important to note that saved schedules do not automatically register you in the courses. You need to go to your saved schedule and click the “register” button in order to enrol in your courses once your registration time begins.
FINANCIALS AND PAYMENTS
On Workday, you can pay your tuition and housing fees by accessing the Finances app. Here, you can set up your banking information for direct deposit and electronic funds transfer.
To view how much tuition you owe, you need to click on your account activity. This will show you your total account balance (which are funds you need to pay in the year) and your due now balance (which are the sum of charges you need to pay by a deadline). You can also see your transaction summary under the same tab.
Through the Finances app, you can also access and view UBC awards you have received.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Another important feature of Workday is that it tracks your academic progress through the Academics app. It’ll tell you how far along into your degree you are and which credits or requirements you have met or still need to.
This is especially useful when making your course schedule for the year. You can also declare your major(s) or minor and apply for graduation using Workday. U
FINDING YOUR PLACE AT UBC
CLUBS AND STUDENT GROUPS
There are over 400 clubs, societies and organizations at UBC, covering every area from disco to disc golf. Finding the right ones can be the first step to finding out what you really want to do with your life and making new friends. No pressure!
Imagine Day and AMS Clubs Fairs can give you a sense of your options. Imagine Day is held every September at the start of the academic year and Clubs Fairs are held at the beginning of each term. Groups from all walks of campus life set up booths outside the Nest and along Main Mall and Wesbrook Mall, hoping to recruit new members.
AMS CLUBS
Many clubs at UBC are affiliated with or administered by the AMS. These aren’t your only options, but they often boast greater resources, including funding or reserved spaces, thanks to support from the student union. AMS clubs include the UBC Pottery Club, which enjoys studio space in the Life Building basement; Blank Vinyl Project, which organizes live music at UBC and has a jam space beside the pottery studio; and the UBC Film Society, which hosts screenings at the Normand Bouchard Memorial Theatre.
STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
UBC hosts a wide variety of student associations, some affiliated with the AMS, some independent. Groups like the faculty undergraduate societies provide students with academic support and discipline-based community events, while cultural societies like the Chinese Students’ Association help international students connect with cultural resources and community at UBC.
PUBLISHING AND BROADCASTING
Hey, that’s us! There are plenty of routes for student writers, journalists and reporters to get their work seen by the community. The Ubyssey is one of them — we’ve been the main source of news on campus since 1918, covering everything from sports to arts to student government. For aspiring music writers and radio hosts, CiTR, the campus radio station, and its magazine Discorder cover local music, culture and more. There are also dozens of academic journals that publish student work operating out of campus. U ADVERTISEMENT
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
University is a time of change, and you may find yourself looking for or losing your faith — no matter which direction you’re headed in, UBC has support available on campus.
One way to explore your spirituality on campus is by meeting with a chaplain — an individual representing a religious, spiritual or philosophical belief, often ordained by their religion. The Multifaith Chaplains Association’s office is in LIFE 1303. It includes chaplains who are Roman Catholic, Sikh, Anglican, Presbyterian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish and more.
You can find more information including contact information, programming and places of worship at: https://students.ubc.ca/campus-life/religion-spirituality/chaplains/
If you prefer to meet in a larger group setting, there are several spiritual spaces on campus:
• Tenth Church UBC Point Grey (CIRS Building, 2260 West Mall)
• Drop-in Zen Meditation (UBC Life Building, room 2214)
• St. Anselm’s Anglican Church (5120 University Boulevard)
• University Chapel (5375 University Boulevard)
• Chabad Jewish Student Centre (1867 Acadia Road)
• Hillel House (6145 Student University Boulevard)
• St. Mark’s Parish (5935 Iona Drive)
You can also meet other students through faithbased student groups. Several major religions are represented by student associations, and some host community meals and similar events for students. There are also multifaith prayer rooms available in the Wesbrook Building, West Mall Swing Space, Marine Drive Residence and the Nest.
Various courses — like ASIA 110 (introduction to religions in Asia) or PHIL 347 (philosophy of religion) — explore dynamics and questions of faith from an academic perspective. If you’d rather explore your spirituality privately through reading, then librarians and UBC Library research guides can help you out. U
ROOMMATES
Whether they’re your childhood best friend or a total stranger, living with roommates can be challenging for many reasons. It can also be pretty great. Here’s how to try for the latter.
FIGURE OUT YOUR BOUNDARIES
Before you can draw them, you have to find out where your lines are. Do you need a quiet environment to relax after class, or are you okay with your roommate bringing some friends over to hang out? Can they touch your stuff? Can they use your mini fridge? Take some time and really think about what you need from your living space.
SET AFOREMENTIONED BOUNDARIES
As soon as you can, sit down with your roommate and discuss your boundaries. If you clash on certain things, find a compromise. For example, if your roommate likes a social environment but you need quiet to sleep, try a system where they can have people over until 9 p.m. on weekdays. Or get earplugs, if you really don’t mind.
Recognize that you’re two people with different lifestyles living together, so you’ll have to accommodate each other’s behaviour when reasonable. However, don’t minimize your preferences for theirs; both of you should feel comfortable in your space. Having a written agreement can be helpful in drawing clear lines.
FRIEND OR FOE…
Building a friendship with your roommates can make the whole situation more pleasant — now there’s a permanent person in your house to chat, watch movies and hang out with. It can also be a little more awkward to confront them if they do something that crosses a line for you, but remember to prioritize kindly advocating for yourself.
It may not all be sunshine and rainbows. You guys can just be neutral toward each other, and that’s great too — try your best to get to know one another, as you’ll be around each other a lot, but being besties is not required. Sometimes, a roommate is very unfriendly or you guys don’t gel. Though not ideal, this is actually okay, as long as you are respectful of each other’s boundaries.
However, if you have a roommate who doesn’t respect your boundaries, be firm. Talk to them and make yourself clear, and if that doesn’t work, seek support.
If you’re living on campus, talk to a resident advisor (RA) to try for mediation. If that doesn’t help and the situation is really affecting you, look into switching rooms at vancouver.housing.ubc.ca/ moving-in/switch/.
If you don’t live in student housing, this can be a little harder to navigate. Try to be respectful throughout the process and communicate your needs. Retaliation will probably just create more animosity between you and should probably be avoided, regardless of how karmically satisfying it may be. U
ON CAMPUS
BEST EATS AND CAFES ON CAMPUS
Looking for a place to eat? Look no further. We’ve got your next munch, bite and nosh sorted.
CAMPUS STAPLES
Sprouts is a must-visit spot: volunteer-run, vegan and located in the basement of the Life Building, their affordable menu rotates based on seasonally -available produce. Agora Café (also volunteer-run) serves up affordable vegetarian and vegan dishes as well and is located in the HR MacMillan building. The International Food Court is also a mustknow place on campus for a variety of Asian eats — it’s located down the stairway tucked in between H-Mart and McDonald’s. After dinner, head to Rain or Shine Ice Cream by the bus loop, everyone’s favourite spot for a sweet treat.
QUICK EATS
If you’re cursed with an all-too-brief half-hour lunch break between classes (or, heaven forbid, no lunch break at all), there are tons of quick-serve places to hit up on campus. We swear by spots like DownLow Chicken Shack (insider tip: ask about their secret menu), Steve’s Poké Bar, Jamjar Canteen and Chipotle.
If you’re craving pizza, Uncle Fatih’s (conveniently open until 1 a.m.) or Mercante are two options we’re
convinced you can never get sick of.
SIT DOWN AND LATE NIGHT
Gallery Patio + Lounge (affectionately known as “The Gal”) is always busy and bumpin’. Find cool events here like karaoke and jazz nights, and be sure to check out their awesome patio and beloved cocktail pitchers. Conveniently located on the top floor of the Nest, this is a great spot for casually bumping into your campus crush, if your campus crush is me (I’m there every Tuesday).
Koerner’s Pub is another iconic campus spot with plenty of weekly events and special promos. They serve up some of the best burgers, tacos and beer on campus. UBC also recently got its very own Big Way Hot Pot — whether you’re a longtime Big Way lover or unfamiliar with its game, you’ve got to check it out.
COFFEE, MATCHA, CHAI — YOU NAME IT!
UBC does not come to play when it comes to cafes. Blue Chip Cafe in the Nest is busy but worth the wait (we can’t get enough of their matcha lattes) and Great Dane Coffee has delicious drinks and sandwiches that we at The Ubyssey dream about. JJ Bean and Bean Around the World are two Lower Mainland coffee joints that we also absolutely love. U
STUDY SPACES
Finding a good space to study is a key part of success in university. Here are five places you might find yourself locking into exam prep or writing that essay.
IRVING K. BARBER LEARNING CENTRE
The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, often referred to as “IKB,” is a dedicated space for coursework, among other things, like serving as the host building for the Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology, the Emerging Media Lab and Rare Books & Special Collections.
IKB is a popular study spot with expansive spaces like the Chapman Learning Commons and Golden Jubilee Room, with seating available on all four of the building’s floors.
KOERNER LIBRARY
The Walter C. Koerner Library — also where the UBC President’s office is located — is the university’s humanities and social sciences library. It has four bookable study rooms, and its lower levels have dozens of tables and chairs near library stacks for silent study. The whole building has nearly 1,000 study booths.
THE AMS STUDENT NEST
The AMS Student Nest has hundreds of seats across its five floors. Close to the bus loop and in the heart of campus, it’s a popular spot for many students, which means it also fills up quickly after 10 a.m. There are both tables and study rooms to support group work, as well as ample rows of seating on several floors throughout the building. The building also hosts several food spots, so you can easily grab a bite between your studies. If you can get there a little earlier in the day, you’ve secured a convenient study spot for as long as you need.
WOODWARD LIBRARY
The Woodward Library is located on Health Sciences Mall and is a quiet and spacious spot with tons of cubicles and empty classrooms to work in. It’s also an excellent alternative to Koerner or IKB, as those libraries tend to be busier.
STUDENT RESIDENCE COMMONSBLOCK
Each residence has a commonsblock with open and closed study spots. They tend not to be very busy — except during dinnertime — and are a short walk away from your dorm room. Most commonsblocks are also open 24/7. U
CAMPUS HOUSING
Moving into residence at UBC might just be your biggest first-year adventure, one that comes with awkward icebreakers, instant noodles and figuring out how thin dorm walls really are. If you’re entering your first year, you’ll generally be placed in one of four residences: Place Vanier, Totem Park, Orchard Commons (OC) or Ritsumeikan (Rits).
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT HOUSING SITUATIONS?
Each residence has its own flavour. Vanier and Totem are full of energy, floor bonding, late-night chats and maybe a few too many fire alarms. Rits is smaller and comes with kitchens, which is a game-changer if you love cooking or just want to skip the dining hall chaos. OC is the most modern and newest of the bunch. The single-connected rooms offer a bit more privacy (and distance from your roommate’s 2 a.m. TikTok doomscrolling).
That being said, don’t get too hung up on which residence you’re placed in. We’ve all met people who didn’t get their top choice and still ended up having a good year. Housing might not give you what you want, but it can give you what you need. Sometimes that random roommate becomes your best friend. Sometimes that not-so-ideal building teaches you patience (and the importance of earplugs).
Living on a floor with dozens of other students teaches you a lot about boundaries, sharing and
definitely about noise. Quiet hours are a thing, and for good reason. Read your residence contract (seriously), and don’t be that person who ignores the rules everyone else is trying to follow.
If you’re ever feeling lost, overwhelmed or unsure, turn to your Residence Advisor (RA). They’re not just there to enforce rules; they’re students too, and they’re often the glue holding the floor together. Show up to the events, even the awkward ones. You might end up loving them. Or at least getting free pizza!
THINKING AHEAD? UPPER-YEAR HOUSING LOOKS DIFFERENT
After first-year, UBC offers year-round housing options like Marine Drive, Thunderbird, Exchange, Ponderosa Commons and Brock Commons, which come with apartment-style units, more independence and no dining halls. They’re popular for a reason, so set reminders and apply early. If you don’t land a place, off-campus housing becomes a real option — just start your search well in advance.
Whether you’re applying for winter session housing (September–April) or a year-round lease, don’t wait. The moment the portal opens, jump on it. Getting off the waitlist can take months or never happen at all. If you don’t land one, off-campus housing is an option. Just start your search well in advance. U
FIRST-YEAR RESIDENCE
Want some tips on living in firstyear dorms? Then you’re in the right place.
THE DORMS
There is a lot of variation when it comes to which dorm you get — Place Vanier, Totem Park or Orchard Commons, shared or solo, in a new building or an old one. This can all affect how big your room is and how well you can economize your space.
Residence beds are designed to extend in height so you can fit more things underneath — like a mini fridge (these aren’t a necessity, but you can avoid dealing with food thieves in the communal floor lounge fridges).
Basics to pack include clothing fit for sun, wind and rain. Waterproof shoes are a must. Also, make sure to bring multiple towels and a twin XL sheet set. The beds come with mattress protectors, but you can also bring your own.
Some more recommended items for your room are wet
wipes, a laundry bag/hamper, a power strip, a steamer/small iron and snacks. There is a surprising lack of 24-hour food spots on campus, and you will get hungry at 1 a.m.
More can be found on UBC’s Residence Life website on the “What Should I Pack” page.
THE COMMONSBLOCK
This is a very important space for first-years: it’s where you get the paddles for the ping-pong table. It’s where you sign out the vacuum. It’s where you rent a building key card for 24 hours after losing yours and can buy another after accepting that your previous card is lost forerver.
The dining hall is also in the commonsblock. For first-year students living in residence, a meal plan is part of the deal — this means unlimited food access to all three first-year dining halls, as well as $500 in Flex dollars to spend on certain food places across campus (or on printing).
There are different meals in each hall, so check the Nutrislice app for info on the menu before you walk from Vanier to Totem in the rain just for them to have the wrong kind of pizza.
THE BATHROOMS
The truth is, they aren’t as bad as people say they are. Yes, sometimes there is a monstrous wad of hair threaded into the shower drain. It’s okay. Just don’t make eye contact with it.
In all seriousness, things you need for the communal bathrooms include a bag, basket or other vessel to carry your toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries, as well as a good pair of shower shoes. Water-resistant stuff is key. A robe is recommended so you don’t need to hold up a towel as you walk down to your room.
Make sure not to forget anything when you leave the bathroom, wipe up any water you spill on the counter and please flush. U
INTRAMURALS
Do you have dreams of expanding your athletic potential but weren’t quite able to make a varsity team? Does a competitive fire burn deep within you with no way to let it out? Fear not — for those looking to play sport on a more casual level, intramurals are for you.
Run year-round by UBC Recreation, intramurals provide the opportunity for students to play organized sport, such as flag football, basketball, soccer, more unconventional sports like pickleball or roundnet and much more.
But how does one actually start playing intramural sports? The first step is to go to UBC Rec’s website, where you can sign up for any of the many intramural leagues and events. Be sure to check the website for the registration date early though, as spots, especially in popular leagues, fill up extremely fast.
If you manage to beat the sign-up rush, be mindful that when you register, you are registering a team, not just yourself. So, going into registration day, it’s advised that you have already put together a group.
You’ll also have to determine what kind of league you want to play in, as you will have to choose to play in either a competitive league or a “Just for Fun” league.
In a “Just for Fun” league, the atmosphere is more
relaxed, with no playoffs, championships or referees. In a competitive league, however, you’ll self-assign into tiers based on your team’s experience, with tier 1 being reserved for those who have played the sport at an organized level before and are confident in their skill, down to tier 3, which is more suitable for absolute beginners.
However, if you don’t have a team, don’t fret! There’s still a way for you to get involved in the intramural fun. Most leagues have the option for you to join a team as a free agent.
You can try to find and join a pre-existing team yourself, whether through posting on the free agent Facebook page or by discovering a team through UBC Rec’s online free agent database. If that doesn’t work, you can also attend a free agent meeting, where you can meet other free agents, form a team with them and register on the spot.
In addition to the intramural leagues, popular campus events like Storm the Wall, Day of the Longboat, Gladiator and more are all run through intramurals, using essentially the same registration system as the leagues while requiring a significantly shorter time commitment.
No matter the sport you play or the level of experience you have, there’s a spot for you in intramurals. So, what are you waiting for? Go get ‘em, sport! U
CHEAP PRICES AND STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Being a student in Vancouver is expensive. Tuition, rent, groceries — all of these can drain your bank account, and fast. Small respite comes in the form of student discounts. With your UBC ID in hand, many businesses will offer slightly lowered prices. There are also many cheap — or even free — food security resources on campus.
FACULTY/SCHOOL-BASED DISCOUNTS
The Arts, Science and Commerce Undergraduate Societies all offer slates of student discounts on various affiliated services to members studying in their respective undergraduate disciplines. Applying for these can get you cheaper prices from places on campus like Koerner’s Pub and Freshslice Pizza, as well as global businesses like Amazon and Staples.
FOOD SECURITY
The AMS Food Bank offers free food to students struggling to make ends meet. Students can access the food bank up to 16 times per term, and it can be a lifesaver when the account balance gets down to the wire. The Sprouts Cafe in the basement of the Nest also offers 30 free meals to students each day.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Many museums and galleries on campus like the Museum of Anthropology and the Helen and Morris Belkin Art Gallery offer free admission to students. There are also frequent free events and live music at the Gallery and Koerner’s Pub. Plenty of non-UBC local venues, cinemas and museums throughout Vancouver also offer respectable student discounts. U
OFF CAMPUS
TOUCH GRASS (GETTING OUTSIDE
BC is dotted with rocky beaches and eerie peaks where the summer sun turns arbutus leaves to gold. You can find spots for hiking, skiing and camping — and it’s all within hours of your door … if you have a car, that is. But not to worry! There are ways to touch grass without burning gas, and we’re here to tell you all about them.
HIKING
The North Shore Mountains are a perfect training ground for eager hikers to cut their teeth (figuratively) on short-to-medium length hikes of various challenge levels. Grouse, Fromme and Cypress Mountains offer views of the city, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast in return for a few hours of sweat and burning muscle. More remote trails require a car to access trailheads, but taking transit to the North Shore or hiring a rideshare is a viable (if expensive) option.
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
So you want to spend some money? Vancouver has some of the best skiing in North America, but they’ll make you pay for it. The Whistler-Blackcomb mountains are the pinnacle, both of powder and of price. Cypress and Grouse are smaller and lower, but more accessible on a student budget. Buses go from downtown Vancouver to the slopes regularly throughout the winter.
PARKS
Vancouver’s local parks can be a great way to see the sights on a budget. All are free and accessible by transit. Queen Elizabeth, Pacific Spirit and Stanley Park are the big three, located in Little Mountain, West Point Grey and downtown Vancouver respectively. Queen Elizabeth offers curated groves and water features alongside expansive views of the city. Pacific Spirit and Stanley Park are oriented toward the hiking crowd with simple trails snaking through dense woods.
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
Dining hall dinners aren’t cutting it? Here are some much-loved off-campus gems to get you started on your foodie adventures.
BREKA
Open 24/7, Breka is always just what we need. From espresso drinks and sandwiches, to pastries and smoothies, this is a go-to spot for all-night studying sessions or post-clubbing eats.
KOI SUSHI
Known for their big portions and affordable combos, this is a UBC student favourite. Only a 10-minute bus ride off campus, getting here is easy and worth the reward.
LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY KITSILANO
With multiple locations around the city — our favourite of which has a huge patio steps off Kitsilano beach — LOCAL is a chill place with ample beer options for, well, locals to hang, nosh, watch the game or catch up.
THE EATERY
Serving sushi with a funky twist since 1983. Head here for creative eats, wacky vibes and great cocktails that definitely belong on your Instagram story.
JAM CAFE
The quintessential Vancouverite brunch spot serving up stacks of pancakes, gorgeous bennies and more. Come early because this no-reservation spot is popular (for good reason)!
ZAPOTECA
A real ideal night is Zapoteca and a walk to Jericho beach. Zapoteca’s dishes (including an epic Taco Tuesday platter) are rooted in Oaxacan culinary tradition in a warm environment that we love.
CRAFT BEER MARKET FALSE CREEK
A happy hour that truly makes my wallet happy in a space that’s perfect for big groups. Whether you’re celebrating an actually successful group project
or drinking to recover from a particularly bad one, check them out in Olympic Village or hit up their other location at English Bay.
BURGOO
Two words: comfort food. Check out their UBC-student-approved “After School Special” and be sure to try their famous mac and cheese.
FABLE KITCHEN
Finally made it out of the situationship stage? Looking for a romantic spot to eat? Fable Kitchen balances swanky with cozy and serves great food, making it a perfect special occasion spot.
SALMON N’ BANNOCK
Amazing Indigenous food and a welcoming environment make Salmon n’ Bannock a favourite for many across the Lower Mainland. If you’re looking for a wonderful night out and a delicious menu, look no further! U
VANCOUVER TRANSIT
Vancouver has a world-class public transportation system operated by TransLink. The UBC Exchange — the official name for the group of 13 bus stops at the “Bus Loop” and along University Boulevard — is the site where thousands of students arrive at and depart from campus each day, taking riders across Metro Vancouver. To help you identify where each specific bus line stops, TransLink has a helpful map: infomaps.translink.ca/system_maps/exchange_maps/ ubcloop.pdf
If you paid your AMS student fees and are taking classes, you’re eligible for the U-Pass, which provides access to TransLink’s services at an affordable rate. The fee for the U-Pass is included in your tuition, $184 per winter term and $46 in summer terms. If
you already have a Compass Card, you can link that to your U-Pass, too. Find more information about the U-Pass BC program on the AMS or UBC websites. While using TransLinks services, the agency asks that riders keep noise to a minimum, remember that seats are for people (as opposed to feet or bags), respect personal space and allow riders exiting a bus or train to do so before entering. Make sure to take off your backpack and hold it during rush hours to make room for more people and ensure you’re not accidentally hitting anyone with it. Riders should be especially observant to leave priority seating available for those who need it — people with disabilities, pregnant people, older people and people with injuries. U
BEING AN ADULT
NAVIGATING OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Brace yourself — Vancouver’s housing market is notoriously not great. Set your expectations around $850–$2,000 a month depending on location and living situation. Searching for housing can be soul-crushing. Nothing hurts worse than falling in love with a modestly-priced basement suite on Craigslist only to have the landlord hike the rent when you arrive for a viewing. But chin up: here are some important things to keep in mind when house-hunting.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Rent tends to climb the closer you get to campus, so a readiness to commute can save you some cash. Wesbrook and Point Grey can bleed you dry, but nearby neighborhoods like Kerrisdale and Mount Pleasant boast sub-hour transit trips to campus and the downtown area for middling price tags. Further flung East Van, Burnaby and Richmond offer lower rents for those willing to bite the bus ride. But remember, campus isn’t everything — proximity to parks, urban centres and transit lines can boost quality of life as well as rent.
ROOMMATES
Finding roommates to split the rent is a great way to manage costs. Some of the lowest rental rates in large houses with six or more residents. If you’re able to move in with friends, that’s great, but it won’t be an option for everyone and many students find themselves moving in with strangers. These scenarios can be scary, but they can also get you out of your comfort zone and connect you with new and exciting people.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Although websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be great places to search for rentals, they remain riddled with scammers despite half-hearted efforts at moderation. And scammers aren’t the only ones after your wallet — many ostensibly legitimate landlords won’t blink at the opportunity to neglect maintenance responsibility or tack on filler charges to your bill. Getting informed on your rights as a tenant is the best response to predatory tactics. The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre offers free information and services to BC tenants. U
FINDING A JOB AS A STUDENT
A lot of students seek jobs during their time at UBC for a variety of reasons — some want to work somewhere that complements their studies and gain experience, while others may need a way to pay their tuition and bills.
Whatever your reason may be for wanting a job, it’s important to remember that while employment is a more formal commitment, it’s not different from any other obligation in that it needs to be managed to suit your individual priorities as a student. You’ll have to be diligent in ensuring you make the time for both work and study in a routine that works for you — calendars will become your best friend. Finding a job is its own challenge, though. The
UBC Career Centre provides a host of services and resources for students looking for work, and more information can be found on their website: students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/ubc-career-centre/.
UBC’s student services webpage has additional information about programs like Co-op, Work Learn, undergraduate research and other on-campus jobs: students.ubc.ca/career/.
Your fellow students are an underrated resource for finding work. Asking your friends if they know of any opportunities or to keep their eyes out for ones that might interest you is always worth doing. U
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND BUDGETING
It can be hard to figure out your budget now that you have more freedom in how you spend your money, but also a lot more expenses to keep in mind like tuition and housing. We’ve got some tips below on how to ensure you can enjoy campus life and not break the bank.
IT’S TIME TO LEARN EXCEL
Making a predetermined budget is the easiest way to oversee your finances as it’ll help you decide what your priorities are and how much money you can allocate to certain things.
You can use everything from google sheets, excel, apps or just good old fashioned pen and paper. There are a lot of apps that can be helpful — Splitwise is great for tracking and splitting common expenses between friends or roommates and PocketGuard is a free budgeting app which can show budgets in your preferred currency.
It’s helpful to divide your
budget into different categories like rent, food and entertainment. Allot money to each category to ensure you can meet your immediate expenses and hit any financial goals you were aiming for. After some time, you can also see where you think you want to move money whether that’s spending more on something, spending less on something else or putting away more for savings.
BARGAINS
Take advantage of student discounts while you can! You can find reduced admission prices, save on premium plans and get the famous Student Price Card. Saving a buck here and there can really add up over time, especially if you ever run into an emergency in the future. Some faculty societies, like the Arts Undergraduate Society and the Science Undergraduate Society, have discount cards that give their students more savings. Keep an eye out for grocery
flyers or use a second hand shop when you can. But don’t buy something simply because it’s on sale if you won’t use it.
FINAL FINANCIAL HACKS
Always, always, always pay your credit card on time. If possible, try to always pay the full amount and not the minimum so you don’t have to pay interest. Credit cards help build your credit score and history, which you’ll need in the future for large purchases or rental agreements.
Don’t feel like you’re missing out. It’s okay to say no to some purchases, like those new shoes you’ve been eyeing and maybe later down the line that means you can say yes to concert tickets.
UBC also has some aid for students like the UBC Tax Assistance Clinic who can help you file taxes in April and your Enrolment Service Advisor can support you with allocating money for tuition. U
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Everyone thinks that the BC in UBC stands for British Columbia, but it actually stands for Bring Cash. Everything from housing to textbooks is expensive, but scholarships, bursaries and loans are great ways to help you finance your education.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
UBC scholarships are awarded primarily through academic achievement or community involvement. Although some scholarships are application-based, UBC students are automatically considered for most major awards, including faculty-specific scholarships.
To find eligibility requirements for scholarships, you can use UBC’s Award Search tool at legacy.students.ubc.ca/award-search.
The UBC Bursary Program provides needsbased funding and must be applied for during the winter and summer application periods. To be eligible for bursaries, you must have a full-time course load and be receiving Canadian student loans. Additional awards are available for specific groups such as Indigenous, disabled or international students. To understand the full range of options available to you, take time to review application criteria before applying.
Both scholarships and bursaries do not need to be paid back.
LOANS
Student loans are offered by the provincial and federal governments for full and part-time students. Canadian students can apply for student loans through their provincial student aid centres.
Terms and eligibility vary based on residency requirements and financial need. To secure funding, make sure you meet the requirements and the deadlines for applications.
If you are a BC resident, you can get student loans through StudentAid BC. BC loans are interest-free, but must be repaid after graduation. When applying for BC student loans, students will be automatically considered for government grants, which do not need to be repaid.
If you need help with navigating loans and financial aid, you can contact your enrolment services advisor in-person or online. Assigned to all UBC undergraduate students, advisors help with loan applications, tuition payments and responsible financial management during your time at UBC. U
NUTRITION AND STAYING ACTIVE
It’s easy to get caught up in the new school year without remembering to treat your body with the respect it deserves. Fortunately, first year is also the easiest time to kick off your adult life with new healthy habits.
STARTING AT YOUR PLATES
Healthy-living always begins with how you fuel yourself. Though everyone’s needs are different, there are a couple golden rules which can keep your diet wholly nutritious:
• Make sure each meal includes a carb, protein and a fat, like oil.
• Try new things and incorporate variety.
• Eat regularly and eat when you are hungry.
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables. If you’re having trouble meal planning, consider consulting a registered dietitian on campus. They are an informative resource for learning about nutrition, navigating food restrictions and more.
Still feeling overwhelmed by the all-you-caneat options? Remember to prioritize variety, eat
what’s fresh and don’t overthink too much!
MOVEMENT THAT MATTERS
If you don’t like exercise, it’s because you haven’t found what speaks to you yet. Go for a run along Marine Drive. Swim in the Pacific at Wreck Beach (added plus: nature’s StairMaster on the way up). Lift weights at the new Recreation Centre North gym. Come together in sport with an intramural team or slide right into a pick-up match at the Student Recreation Centre. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore — otherwise, you’ll probably find yourself skipping it.
PRIORITIZE YOURSELF
No matter the advice we offer, healthy living is never prescriptive. Follow your intuition and own judgement to find what’s right for you — rarely does this look the same for two people. Rest when you need to. Don’t feel like you need to eat what your friends do… but also remember to live a little! Balance is the key to consistency. U
Balancing books, life and a budget is hard. We get it.
We’re here to help in any way we can. Whether you’re looking for sound advice or budgeting tips, we’ll help you with life on and off campus.
Money matters: Workshops and seminars on topics relevant to you and your money. We’ll cover making your money last the school year, how you can save and more.
Life after school: Get access to career advice, networking and skill-building opportunities. We can help connect you to relevant work experience and mentorship programs.
Come visit us at the Nest
Psst…we’ll also have contests, student-only experiences and giveaways throughout the year. Don’t miss out!
HEALTH AND SUPPORT
ACCESSING MEDICAL SERVICES
There are many on and off-campus medical services you can access when deciding whether you just need a prescription or need to seek emergency help.
HEALTH CLINICS
UBC Student Health Services can provide assessments and treatment for acute and chronic health conditions and referrals to specialists. Registered students residing in BC can book in-person or virtual appointments. There are two student health clinics on campus at the Koerner Pavillion and Orchard Commons for in-person appointments.
Finding a family doctor, however, can be a bit trickier. UBC Health Clinic is not currently accepting any new patients, but students can add themselves to a waitlist or go to neighbouring clinics off campus.
The Pathways Medical Care Directory can be a good spot to be able to search for health care providers in specific areas. Try asking a doctor at a walk-in clinic if they could take you on as a new patient or ask friends or family if they could refer you to their family doctor. Similarly, the MediMap website also provides
healthlinkbc.ca
LABORATORY SERVICES
At UBC Hospital Lab, you can receive a full range of services, from blood work and urine tests to colon cancer screenings and more. A spot can be reserved using the Outpatient Laboratory Online Booking System.
Off campus, you can also get lab work done at LifeLabs. Using the Save My Spot app can help you get an appointment at your location of choice and can send updates on estimated wait times.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMACIES
Shoppers Drug Mart and University Pharmacy are both on-campus spots where you can fill a prescription, get a flu shot or pick up dietary supplements.
Pharmacists can also prescribe certain medication for minor ailments like UTIs and can prescribe contraception. They can also renew certain prescriptions.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are experiencing life-threatening injuries or illnesses, including mental health emergencies.
The UBC Hospital E.R. admits patients from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but at night head, to Vancouver General or Saint Paul’s Hospital. You can check to check which has a
HEALTH INSURANCE
Unless you are covered under another province’s health insurance plan, you must sign up for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). This is the most basic health insurance plan available to students and covers medically necessary doctor visits, surgeries, diagnostic services (like X-rays) and more. A few additional services are also covered under MSP like acupuncture and physical therapy. To see the full list of covered services, visit the MSP website.
You can apply for coverage online on the MSP website or by sending in forms through the mail. MSP is free for domestic students, but costs $75 per month for international students — payments are due at the end of each month.
Students should apply for MSP as soon as possible, as there is an up-to-three-month waiting period for coverage to start. While students are waiting, they can access alternative health insurance options: iMED for international students and Global Campus Health Plan for
domestic students.
The plan can also be used for some gender-affirming care services, including some hormonal therapy and surgeries. The Trans Care BC website has more information on this kind of coverage.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Along with MSP, students are also automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan. It’s included in your tuition and fees and costs $388. The plan covers several things the MSP does not, like vision and dental care, prescription drugs and mental health services.
Students can also use the plan to cover some gender-affirming care services. You can opt out of the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan if you have similar coverage through your parents or work at the start of the school year. Students can also opt back in if they opted out before, or check what is covered under the plan by visiting studentcare.ca.
You need to make claims through Pacific Blue Cross to be reimbursed for covered medical costs and more information on making a claim can be found at pac.bluecross.ca
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan covers up to 80 per cent of most prescription drug costs. You have to register for BC Fair Pharmacare to access this coverage.
Fair Pharmacare offers coverage of prescription medications and some medical devices based on income: the less you earn, the more coverage you are entitled to. Many prescription drugs and medical devices are at least partially covered. You can search on the Fair Pharmacare website for all covered medications.
International students must sign up for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), then use their SIN and an estimated income from the previous year to enrol. U
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out how to live independently and balance classes. So, it’s important to be conscious of your mental health — here are some tips and resources if you need them.
LEAVE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
It can be hard to check in on your well-being when you’re juggling essays, a job, a group presentation and the other million of tasks you have to do to stay afloat. Still, do your best to set aside some time for yourself to do what makes you feel relaxed and replenished.
Some low-intensity ways to practice self-care are by going on walks (campus has some very scenic routes), painting, exercising, hanging with friends or watching a TV show. Even just laying in bed and taking a nap or watching YouTube videos can help you decompress. While we wouldn’t encourage skipping classes a lot, sometimes missing one here or there when you’re feeling really stressed is okay.
Also, everyone’s “me time” looks different — you and your friends may have different ideas of what relaxation is and that’s okay! Figure out what you like and do it.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR BACK
Being overly hard on yourself does not really help
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anyone, especially not you. There is no point in comparing yourself to others or beating yourself up for something you could have done differently.
Be kind to yourself. Everyone is figuring things out right now and even people around you who may look like they have it all together are dealing with something.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT FOR HELP
There might be times where you won’t be able to manage everything by yourself. It’s okay to ask someone for help like a friend, family member or even your roommate.
You can also seek help from a mental health professional. Campuslightbox.com is an easy way to find mental health resources on campus and you can filter the suggestions to suit your specific needs.
UBC Counselling also offers a range of services, from shorter wellness appointments to both group and private longer counseling appointments. They can be reached Monday to Friday at 604.822.3811.
UBC Counselling can sometimes have long wait times, so if you’re able to, you could also find a counsellor off campus — many counsellors and therapists offer sessions online now if you can’t make it in-person. U
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ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES
No one should be left behind due to circumstances beyond your control. Fortunately, UBC offers support systems and communities to mitigate disability-related barriers.
CENTRE FOR ACCESSIBILITY
The Centre for Accessibility (CFA) facilitates inclusive learning, living and working environments for students with disabilities. Partnering with other UBC organizations, the CFA ensures students have the accommodations they need to best succeed at UBC. Among other things, they provide support for ongoing medical conditions such as mental health conditions, neurological disabilities, chronic health conditions and physical disabilities.
The Centre is guided by UBC’s Disabilities Accommodation Policy (LR7), which outlines the principles and processes of disability accommodation on campus.
To register with the CFA, you should start by applying early if possible. First, confirm your eligibility. Then, you will have to provide medical documentation to support your disability and complete the intake form on their website. Lastly, meet with an accessibility advisor to discuss your accommodation options. Accommodations include assistive technology, ASL interpretation, class note-takers, extra time for exams or classwork and more.
DISABILITIES UNITED COLLECTIVE
The Disabilities United Collective (DUC) is an AMS resource group dedicated to supporting and advocating for students with disabilities. They provide helpful guides on navigating UBC with a disability and hold events such as study sessions and movie nights in an accessible environment. You can visit DUC in room 2107 of the Nest or through its Instagram @ubcduc. U
RESOURCES FOR QUEER STUDENTS
University is a time for self-discovery, and maybe that means you’re questioning what gender and sexuality mean to you. You don’t have to go through that process alone — there are groups at UBC (and beyond) that are here to support you.
THE PRIDE COLLECTIVE
The UBC Pride Collective is a student-run resource group for queer students that facilitates inclusive events and directs students to on-campus resources. They run a food bank that prioritizes marginalized students, as well as a gender empowerment store, which helps people safely access gender-affirming clothing items, like binders and packers, free of charge.
UBC TRANS COALITION
UBC Trans Coalition advocates
for trans, non-binary, & gender non-conforming UBC students. They facilitate an annual UBC Trans Mentorship Program and regularly update a guide on accessing gender-affirming care on campus.
TRANS CARE BC
Trans Care BC is a provincial clinical program operated by the Provincial Health Services Authority that helps trans and non-binary patients navigate BC’s health care system and find services and resources related to trans health. Learn more at transcarebc.ca.
GEARS AND QUEERS
If you’re a queer engineering student, Gears and Queers is the club for you. The group hosts events like study nights, arts and crafts, trivia and more, so it’s a great place to meet new people going through similar
things and build up your support system.
EQUITY & INCLUSION OFFICE (EIO)
Should you face anti-queer discrimination or harassment at UBC, the EIO can help you file a complaint and advise you on the next steps you’ll need to take. They also have an online gender diversity hub that provides information on UBC’s systems and policies pertaining to the experiences of Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people.
QMUNITY
QMUNITY is a non-profit resource centre for BC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, helping people access free counselling services, support groups, social events and educational workshops. They also run Angles, a publication featuring writing on connections between queer identity and politics, arts and culture. U
INDIGENOUS STUDENT SERVICES
COMMUNITY GROUPS
The First Nations Longhouse describes itself as the “home away from home” for Indigenous students on campus. There, you can find student lounges and a kitchenette where you can hang out and build community. Other resources include student meals, wellness events and student nurses and counselors.
The šx ʷ ta:t əχʷə m collegium at the Longhouse is a peer-run spot for Indigenous students to connect with one another. The collegium holds social events, tutoring and has opportunities to connect with elders and UBC professors. For event and activity updates you can register on their website or follow their Instagram page, @ubcindigenouscollegium.
There is also the Indigenous Student Society (ISS) which advcoocates for Indigenous student priorities and holds a variety of events. They run the Indigenous Student Lounge in room 2131 in the Nest. To keep up to date with what they’re doing you can follow their Instagram, @issubc. Indigenous Leadership Collective is supported by the Arts Indigenous Student Advising team
(AISA) and is a chance for students to develop leadership skills, community and friendships at UBC.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Next to the Longhouse is the Xwi7xwa Library. Students can come by to ask librarians for guidance on Indigenous informational resources. Whether you have specific questions about heritage, need help with a school project or want to learn more about a general area of interest like music or activism, this is a place for you to ask those questions.
If you’re unsure about degree requirements or want to learn about things from volunteering to grad school, talk to a program supervisor. You can find a list of advisors available to help Indigenous students at indigenous.ubc.ca.
The AISA team is available for Indigenous Arts students seeking academic advising and the office also runs social events with peer volunteers throughout the year. It has a lounge located in Buchanan D140, where students can speak to advisors or just relax. U
RESOURCES FOR BLACK STUDENTS
COMMUNITY GROUPS
The UBC Black Student Union (BSU) is a student-led organization that aims to improve representation and support for Black students on campus by hosting social events. You can find more information on their Instagram, @ubcbsu. Graduate students can join the Black Graduate Student Network, an affiliate organization of the Graduate Student Society dedicated to fostering connections between Black graduate students.
The Black Muslim Collective at UBC is a space for Black Muslim students to connect. More information can be found on their Instagram, @bmcubc.
All students, staff and faculty on UBC campus who identify as Black can join the UBC Black Caucus, which aims to support all Black community members and improve anti-racism initiatives at UBC. You can find more info at blackcaucus.ubc.ca.
Started in 2002, the UBC Africa Awareness Initiative (AAI) aims to improve discourse surrounding and including Africa at UBC. They host events and activities throughout the year and you can keep up to date by checking their Instagram, @ubc_aai.
The UBC Black Law Students’ Association also organizes networking, social and academic opportunities for Black students at the Allard School of Law. This group hosts a Pre-Law Conference in partnership with the law school annually in the spring — you can find out more on their Instagram page, @ubcblsa.
OTHER RESOURCES
Black students can attend Black student orientation on in early September to learn more about resources available at UBC, run by organizations including the Black Caucus and Black Graduate Student Network. You can find more information on the Black Caucus website.
The Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) hosts equity events and training. It can provide conflict advising for those looking for help addressing discrimination on campus. More information can be found at equity.ubc.ca.
If you’re having an issue with a professor, a student or a staff member, the UBC Ombudsperson is an independent, impartial and confidential resource for students. You can learn more at ombudsoffice.ubc.ca. U
LEGAL RESOURCES
LEGAL AID BC
Legal Aid BC is a provincial Crown Corporation that provides legal advice, representation and resources to primarily low-income individuals that face barriers accessing justice in the province. They provide legal services for a wide range of issues, from criminal to immigration law, and can be contacted online, in-person or on the phone at 604.408.2172.
UBC OMBUDSPERSON
While the UBC Office of the Ombudsperson for Students does not provide legal resources, it can help students navigate university policies, plan strategies and ensure procedural fairness when you find yourself having an issue, from exams and accommodations to academic misconduct accusations.
TENANT RESOURCES
Renting can be scary at first, with many students figuring out how to live on their own for the first time. It is important to know what is and isn’t allowed when renting out a space. The Tenant
Resource & Advisory Centre has ample online resources detailing your legal rights as a tenant and even provides helpful templates for advocating your rights to landlords.
STUDENT LEGAL FUND SOCIETY (SLFS)
The SLFS is a non-profit, student-run organization that supports litigation, advocacy, and lobbying for improved access to education at UBC. While the SLFS does not directly provide legal advice, it provides funding for cases of concern to UBC students. Learn more at studentlegal.org.
AMS ADVOCACY
The AMS Advocacy Office offers confidential support to UBC students in formal disputes with the university. Students facing academic and non-academic misconduct allegations, having issues with student housing, discrimination complaints or other problems can come to the advocacy office, where law students can provide non-legal advice, support and referrals to fight on your behalf. U
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CONSENT, SAFE SEX AND UBC
SEX SHOP
There are a lot of ways you can explore your sexuality, whether that’s by yourself, with a friend or with a partner — but there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe while doing so.
CONSENT
Always treat yours and others’ needs and desires with respect and acknowledge limits. Consent must be freely given, clear and unimpaired — especially when consuming drugs or alcohol. If someone isn’t able to communicate well or they appear to be ‘out of it,’ it’s important to stop, even if they express their desire to have sex in the moment.
Consent is ongoing. It’s never implied and isn’t a one time ‘yes.’ Someone can revoke consent at any time, so make sure you’re checking in with your sexual partner(s). You should look for both verbal and physical confirmation. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries — no one is entitled or allowed to pressure you into doing something you don’t want.
STI PREVENTION AND CONTRACEPTION
There are many ways to reduce your chance of getting an STI. Some key things are to make sure you are up to date on your immunizations, to be aware of the signs of STIs, to get tested if you’re sexually active and use condoms or oral dams to reduce the risk of transmission.
On campus, you can get free condoms in the Nest at the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) or the Wellness Centre in the Life Building. You can also buy them from your local drugstore. Oral dams can be a bit harder to find, but you can still buy them at stores like Walmart or the Wellness Centre Sexual Health Shop in the Life Building.
UBC Student Health Services offers free and confidential STI testing, and there are other testing sites throughout the Vancouver area if you’d rather go off campus. You can book a test in BC at getcheckedonline.com.
Many types of prescription contraceptives are free in BC and can be prescribed by a pharmacist. This includes birth control pills, copper and hormonal IUDs, injections, implants and Plan B. While these contraceptives may reduce your risk of becoming pregnant, they do not prevent STIs.
If you’re at risk for getting HIV — for example, if you have a sexual partner who has HIV or if you take injectable drugs and share needles — talk to a health care professional to learn if HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is right for you. PrEP can reduce your chance of getting HIV.
THE WELLNES CENTRE SEXUAL HEALTH SHOP
The Wellness Centre in the Life Building hosts the Sexual Health Shop. While somewhat limited in selection, you’ll find budget-friendly toys and other sexual health products, such as menstrual cups, oral dams and pregnancy tests (for $2). U
RESPONDING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT
If you or someone you know ever needs support after experiencing sexualized or gender-based violence, then there are a few resources on campus that can guide you through the process of seeking help.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE OFFICE (SVPRO)
SVPRO — run by UBC — provides information and confidential support for people impacted by sexualized or gender-based violence.
The office helps survivors report their assault, navigate receiving a sexual assault evidence kit (also known as a rape kit) and provides a support worker to accompany the survivor in court and at the hospital.
SVPRO can also help find individuals safe housing options, both short and long-term, on and off campus, as well as arrange academic concessions under UBC’s Academic Concessions Policy and coordinate workplace accommodations.
You can reach the SVPRO by phone at 604.822.1588 or by email at svpro.vancouver@ubc.ca. You can also visit their office on the second floor of Brock Commons South.
Learn more about the SVPRO at svpro.ubc.ca.
SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT CENTRE (SASC)
SASC — funded by the AMS — provides support and education to survivors and their friends and family.
The centre itself is independent from UBC, but serves UBC students, staff, faculty and others with a UBC connection.
It offers confidential crisis support and runs support groups like Roots & Resilience, a six-week artbased peer support group for survivors.
The centre also connects survivors with a support worker to help navigate legal, academic and medical systems. SASC can help you apply for academic concessions, file reports with UBC and the police, request workplace accommodations and access health services.
Additionally, SASC offers a medical service for individuals over 13 years of age who have experienced sexual assault in the previous week. The service is free and confidential with no Medical Services Plan coverage needed. It is located at the UBC Urgent Care Centre at Koerner Pavilion, open 7 days a week from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., and at Vancouver General Hospital’s Emergency Department, on 920 West 10th Avenue, which is open 24/7.
SASC also hosts workshops on responding to disclosures, sexualized violence in the workplace and more. It runs the Healthier Masculinities program, which works to eradicate gender-based and sexualized violence through dismantling damaging stereotypes for male-identifying and masculine-presenting students.
You can reach the SASC at 604.827.5180 or sasc@ ams.ubc.ca, or visit the SASC office in room 3130 in the AMS Nest.
Learn more about the SASC at amssasc.ca. U
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AFTER YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA
Landing in Canada for the first time is equally exciting and chaotic. Between jet lag, grocery price tag shock and trying to remember which side of the sidewalk to walk on, there’s a lot to juggle. Here’s a breakdown of the boring-but-stressful-but-fun-and-essential stuff you’ll need to get sorted once you touch down.
THE PERMIT
Before anything else, you need your study permit. You’ll receive it when you land and it’s basically your permission slip to stay in Canada. It’ll cover the duration of your program plus a bonus 90 days. Take a photo of it. Email it to yourself. Have a safe copy. Don’t just shove it in a random folder.
Heads up: your permit is only valid as long as your passport is. If your passport expires midway through your degree, your permit will too, so keep it updated. Renewing your passport? You’ll have to renew everything else: study permit, Medical Services Plan (MSP), BCID ... it’s a package deal.
Thinking about working during school with a study permit? If you’re a full-time student in a degree program, you’re good for most on-campus or part-time work (but not all) with no extra permit required. But for co-op or off-campus jobs, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can apply for it online or
at a Service Canada office.
More info here: students.ubc.ca/career/career-re sources/working-canada.
BANKING, PHONES AND HEALTH
Once you’re here, it’s time to set up life admin. First up: banking. There are branches from all the big banks near campus — RBC, CIBC, BMO, etc. Most of them offer student deals. Don’t be shy about asking.
Then there’s your phone plan. Bell, Telus and Rogers are the big players, but if you’re watching your budget, providers like Fido or Virgin usually have cheaper student plans. Bonus point: some give you free subscriptions (like Spotify, Netflix) as perks!
You’ll also want to get your BCID, a government-issued photo ID that’s super useful if you don’t want to carry your passport around. Book your appointment with ICBC (the licensing office), bring two pieces of ID and boom, you’ve got yourself a local ID.
And finally, health care. If you’re studying in BC for more than six months, you have to sign up for MSP which is public health insurance. There might be a three-month waiting period before it kicks in, but don’t panic — UBC automatically enrolls you in iMED, a temporary health plan that covers you in the meantime. Apply for MSP as soon as you can. U
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
UBC has an online International Student Guide, which comprehensively covers immigration, tax, health and degree planning topics. It’s a go-to resource for introductions to many of the questions international students may have about life, work or study in Canada. You can find that resource here: students.ubc.ca/international-student-guide/.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
The university operates a unit called International Student Development, which consists of a team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who provide advice to international students on a host of subjects. You can find more about their office and their operating hours here: facultystaff. students.ubc.ca/student-affairs/international-stude nt-development.
PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal government and provincial governments in Canada, and government websites are an excellent source of information about citizenship, permanent residency and related subjects.
For the federal government, see the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citize nship.html.
For the provincial government, see the Government of British Columbia’s webpage for international students: www.welcomebc.ca/study-in-b-c/resources -for-international-students.
CONSULAR SERVICES
In the event you need to access consular services, the Office of Protocol of Canada hosts an online directory where you can search the location of your country’s consular posting in Canada: w05.international.gc.ca/ protocol-protocole/consular-consulats.aspx?lang=eng. U
STAYING IN CANADA AFTER GRADUATION
It’s probably difficult to imagine where you’ll be after graduation, but if you’re considering staying in Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are able to continue living in the country.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE (PR)
Most UBC graduates aren’t eligible for PR right after graduating, so you may need to apply for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an open work permit which allows individuals to remain and work in a field anywhere in the country. The permit lasts for eight months to three years after your program of study has ended. A lot of students take this route after graduation to remain in Canada until they are eligible for PR. When planning your degree, keep in mind that you may not be eligible for a PGWP if you were not a full-time student your entire time at UBC or took an unauthorized term off (excluding summer terms). Make sure to apply only after your Letter of Completion from UBC becomes available, but before 180 days (around 6 months) have passed since you graduated. You
don’t need a job offer to apply for PGWP.
There is also the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system that allows people with at least 12 months or 1,560 hours total of skilled experience in Canada (excluding co-op placements or any work you did while being a full-time student) and a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to apply for PR.
PR works on a points-based system, in which points accrue once you graduate and have a PGWP. Your Canadian work experience significantly contributes to your score, but you can also gain points from other areas like holding a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian institution and proficiency in Canada’s official languages (English and French). See UBC International Student Advising’s PGWP page for more information on eligibility and requirements.
Almost all provinces or territories operate a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to help people immigrate to fill job vacancies or operate a business. First, apply to your desired province or territory, and if nominated, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PR.
Each province has its own criteria and requirements. For BC, your skill set needs to meet the demands of BC’s labour market, so most categories require a valid job offer from a BC employer.
CITIZENSHIP
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must have PR status in Canada. You also must have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years out of the last five, have filed your taxes, pass a citizenship test and prove your English or French language skills. The entire process takes an average of 18 months from the application to the citizenship ceremony.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING
Drop by in person or join a Zoom call with the International Student Advising office located in the Life Building for further clarifications and next steps about settling in Canada. You can find their hours, which vary day to day, on their website: students.ubc. ca/international-student-guide/ international-student-advising/. U
PARTIES AND MORE
VANCOUVER NIGHTLIFE
It’s important to take time to unwind after a long day. Here are some of our favourite Vancouver bars and clubs to let loose.
ON-CAMPUS OPTIONS
You don’t even have to leave campus to have a fun night out. Stop by The Pit, the AMS-run student nightclub, on Wednesday evenings on the lowest floor of the Nest for Pit Nights. Also in the Nest is the Gallery, a lounge with a full bar, food menu and open mic nights on Thursdays. Koerner’s Pub is another on-campus bar with pretty affordable food and drink options, found in the Graduate Life Centre. Make sure to catch a performance by a local band or participate in a trivia night while you’re there.
BARS ON BROADWAY
If you’re not looking to venture too far off-campus, check out one of the bars on West Broadway. The Fringe, Elwoods and The Painted Ship are popular spots to grab a drink among UBC students. All three are within walking distance from each other and sometimes host live music, improv shows and sports watch parties — they also share the street with lots of food joints to grab a late-night snack.
CLUBBING
For those who would prefer to dance the night away, you can hit up one of the nightclubs along
Granville Street, like The Roxy Cabaret, Cabana Nightclub, Studio Lounge & Nightclub or The Yale Saloon (there’s a mechanical bull there, if you’re into that). In Chinatown, you’ll find Fortune Sound Club, a popular club and concert venue.
QUEERING THE FUNCTION
On Davie Street, the historical heart of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, there are gay clubs like The Junction and Numbers Cabaret which are easily accessible via the number 4 bus from campus. If you take the 84 bus from campus, you’ll find The Birdhouse, a queer and trans-run venue on West 4th that hosts drag shows, dance parties and other queer-centric social events. They love a themed function, so if you enjoy dressing up, there’s bound to be something there for you.
DIY MUSIC VENUES
If clubbing isn’t your thing, you might want to check out one of Vancouver’s independent music venues. There are several underappreciated spots to catch up-and-coming artists of all genres. Red Gate Arts Society, Take Your Time and Green Auto are Vancouver staples where many of the city’s musicians get their start. All show lineups are found on the venues’ respective Instagram pages — be sure to note whether they’re 19+ or all-ages, as it depends on the show. Most of these venues have pretty low ticket prices or pay-what-you-can events, so there’s no excuse not to support your local music scene. U
DRINKING CONSCIOUSLY
Being conscious of your alcohol intake doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun — it just means you know how to take care of your body. The legal drinking age is 19 in BC, so you might not be going out much in your first year. However, it’s important to know how to be safe when consuming alcohol, regardless of where you’re doing it.
To purchase alcohol in BC, you’ll always need two pieces of ID: a government-issued one with your name, photo and birth date, as well as a secondary piece with your name and signature or picture, like your credit card.
BALANCE IS KEY
Resist the temptation to drink on an empty stomach. Although you’ll get drunk faster, your body will have a harder time processing the alcohol than if you ate a meal beforehand, making you extremely hangover-prone. Alcohol is dehydrating, so make sure you’re also drinking enough water (some people also go with electrolyte drinks like Gatorade) throughout the night — aim for one glass of water after each alcoholic drink (you can thank us when you wake up hangover-free the next morning).
MONITORING YOUR INTAKE
If you’re going out to a bar or club, set a drink budget for the night so you can easily monitor your spending and alcohol intake — your liver
and wallet will be grateful. Try setting aside a small amount of cash to bring for drinks and don’t spend anything more than that (but have your credit card or UBC Card on hand if it’s one of your forms of ID). If you’re drinking at home or at a house party and are planning to bring your own alcohol, measure out a portion beforehand to drink throughout the night instead of bringing the entire bottle.
KEEPING YOUR DRINK SAFE
When going out, it’s important to be aware of what’s in your drink. Date rape drugs, also known as roofies, can be slipped into your drink and cause extreme drowsiness or blackouts. Never leave your drink unattended and only ever leave it with someone you trust. Be wary of accepting drinks from other people if they aren’t sealed or you didn’t watch them get made. Try to stick with people you trust when you’re out so if something goes wrong, someone will be able to tell that something’s off and support you.
GETTING BACK HOME
Driving drunk is illegal and unsafe for both yourself and other road users. Make sure that you have a plan to get home safely at the end of the night — check bus or train times, assign a designated driver, download the Uber app or save a taxi company’s number to your phone. U
DRUG SAFETY
While experimenting with different substances can be fun, they come with risks. Here are some things to consider to keep yourself safe.
CHECKING YOUR SUBSTANCES
Drugs like heroin, ecstasy, oxycodone and cocaine can be laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid around 50 times stronger than morphine. It can lead to an overdose much faster than other substances, so it’s important to take proper safety precautions if you’re planning on using substances that could be laced.
One of the ways you can test substances is by using fentanyl test strips, which can be found for free at SASC, AMS Peer Support and the AMS Resource Groups Lounge on the second floor of the Nest near the Hatch Art Gallery. They’re also available at the front desk of the UBC Wellness Centre in the Life Building.
You can grab test strips off-campus from a supervised consumption site — these offer spectrometer drug-checking services, harm reduction supplies and professional medical staff on site. The closest location to campus is the Thomus Donaghy Overdose Prevention Site on Howe Street, which you can easily get to on the 44 bus. Drugs can also be tested in person or by mail through Get Your Drugs Tested. Learn more at getyourdrugstested.com
AVOIDING AN OVERDOSE
You won’t know your limits if you’re experimenting
with drugs for the first time — start with small doses, as the potency of drugs can vary. It’s dangerous to use a potentially unsafe supply alone, so stick with a trusted person who can check up on you. If you’re snorting or injecting, make sure to use your own clean equipment to prevent transmission of bloodborne diseases.
Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose when injected into a muscle or administered via nasal spray. It can only reverse an overdose caused by opioids, not other drugs like cocaine, benzodiazepines or alcohol. Even if you don’t know what substances caused someone to overdose, you should give them naloxone as it won’t harm them.
The effects of naloxone only temporarily reverse an overdose, so call 911 immediately. Subsequent naloxone doses may be needed before medical attention arrives. Nasal naloxone kits can be found in every residence commonsblock. Free injectable naloxone kits and drop-in training are offered at SASC, AMS Peer Support and the Wellness Centre.
KNOWING THE LAW
Possessing 2.5mg of an illicit substance has been decriminalized in BC since 2023, but the use, distribution and possession of illicit substances on campuses still goes against UBC’s Student Code of Conduct.
If you are in possession of illicit substances and call 911 if someone overdoses, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from charges for possession of a controlled substance because you called for help. U
WEED AND WHERE TO GET IT
Cannabis is quite easy to access in BC, and is probably something you’ll come across at some point during your time at UBC. Consuming cannabis can be a fun experience if you make sure you understand its effects and how to use it safely.
Recreational use of cannabis has been legal in BC since 2018. To purchase cannabis, you need to be over 19 years old and have a piece of government-issued photo ID. It’s always best to purchase it from a legal retailer, as they are required to test for potency and ensure it’s safe for consumption. The closest dispensary to campus is Burb Cannabis on University Boulevard.
Weed comes in two strains: sativa and indica. There isn’t much evidence that they actually produce different effects, but most people say that sativa is energizing, while indica is calming.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are chemical components of the cannabis plant. You can buy both CBD and THC products, but note that THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, so CBD might not give you the high you’re looking for — it’s more so used for its medicinal properties.
Cannabis is typically consumed through eating edibles or smoking. Gummies are one of the more
common forms of edibles, but you may also see baked goods or beverages. If you would rather smoke, you can choose from joints, blunts, pipes, bongs and pens.
When you inhale cannabis, the smoke delivers THC into your lungs, where it then gets passed into your bloodstream and your brain. You may feel the effects within seconds of smoking, and they’ll probably peak at around the 30-minute mark. If you opt for an edible, the THC gets converted into a stronger form by your liver before entering the bloodstream, making the high more intense. It will take at least 30 minutes — even a couple hours — before you start to feel the effects.
If it’s your first time trying weed (or it isn’t, but you don’t learn from your mistakes) then start slow — take more time between puffs or hold out on having another gummy.
Getting too high can make people feel anxious or paranoid. If this happens, drink lots of water. If you’re in a large group or stressful setting, it may help to remove yourself from the situation for a bit to unwind.
As with other substances, never operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis, even if you feel capable of doing so. This is illegal and unsafe for yourself,
THE UBYSSEY
WHO ARE WE?
We’re UBC’s student newspaper, established in 1918, independent since 1995.
At The Ubyssey, we cover everything from UBC administration, student protests, athletics, research, theatre, your opinions and things that make you laugh.
The Ubyssey is written and edited by students in room 2208 of the Nest. We’re committed to training everyone who comes through our doors. Not only will you learn the foundations of journalism, but you’ll get the opportunity further your skills in reporting, photography, website and graphic design.
While we work hard to ensure UBC continues to receive factually correct and high quality journalism, we’re
also a place to find community and make friends on campus. You can drop by the office or come to our social events to meet the team.
The Ubyssey has been the training ground for some Canadian icons — former Senator Pat Carney edited the paper in the 1950s, former Prime Minister John Turner was an associate sports editor and broadcaster Pierre Berton admitted he attended UBC to skip classes and work for the paper.
Today, you can find our alumni in newspapers around the world — from Canadaland’s Arshy Mann and Exclaim!’s Editor-in-Chief Alex Hudson to the CBC’s Justin McElroy and the Globe and Mail’s Moira Wyton. They all got their start at The Ubyssey.
And who knows? You could be next. U
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
On the 15th of every month, we will open applications for our Contributing Journalist Program (CJP). This is our entry-level position where you’ll receive training from editors and begin to write stories or make visuals of your own! Once you complete this program, you’ll be eligible to join our core staff, who are able to take on more responsibility and contribute to sections more regularly.
Keep an eye on our Join page for openings and if you ever have any questions, feel free to email us or drop by the office! U
