The Ubyssey's A to Z Guide to UBC

THE UBYSSEY’S

YOUR Y IV UN ERIESNITCE EXPER AGES! IN 60 P

FROM THE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academics ... 6-7

Outdoors ... 40-42

Books (Hitting The) ... 8-9 Clubs ... 10-13 Drinking ... 14-16 Eating ... 17-18 Friends and Family ... 19-22 Greek System ... 23 Health ... 24-26 Independence ... 27-28 Jobs ... 29-30 Knocking Boots ... 33-34 Living ... 35-36 Money ... 37-38 Neighbourhoods ... 39

Parties ... 43-44 Queer and LGBT ... 45 Religion ... 46 Sports ... 47-48 Transit ... 49-50 Ubyssey ... 51 Vancouver ... 52-53 Weather ... 54 Xanax and Other Drugs ... 55-56 YOLO ... 57 Zen ... 58 95 Things to Do Before You

U

Graduate ... 31-32

The Ubyssey

august 31, 2013 | Volume XCV | issue 0 Senior Lifestyle Writer STAFF CONTACT BUSINESS Reyhana Heatherington Coordinating Editor Editorial Office: SUB 24 rheatherington@ubyssey.ca Business Manager 604.822.2301 Geoff Lister Fernie Pereira coordinating@ubyssey.ca Features Editor fpereira@ubyssey.ca Business Office: SUB 23 Arno Rosenfeld Advertising 604.822.1654 Managing Editor, Print features@ubyssey.ca Print Ad Sales Inquiries 604.822.6681 Ming Wong Todd Al Video Producer advertising@ printeditor@ubyssey.ca Student Union Building ubyssey.ca Lu Zhang + Nick 6138 SUB Boulevard Managing Editor, Web Grossman Web Ad Sales Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 CJ Pentland video@ubyssey.ca Mark Sha webeditor@ubyssey.ca Online: ubyssey.ca msha@ubyssey.ca Copy Editor Twitter: @ubyssey Matt Meuse News Editors copy@ubyssey.ca Will McDonald + LEGAL Sarah Bigam Photo Editor by 12 noon the day before inThe Ubyssey is the official not be reproduced without news@ubyssey.ca Carter Brundage editorial

Senior News Writer Brandon Chow bchow@ubyssey.ca Culture Editor Rhys Edwards culture@ubyssey.ca Senior Culture Writer Aurora Tejeida atejeida@ubyssey.ca Sports + Rec Editor Natalie Scadden sports@ubyssey.ca

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EDITOR

You made it! Welcome to the University of British Columbia, and to The Ubyssey, your very own student newspaper. Every year, we make a guide to UBC, a no-bullshit reference to get you through your first year.

This year’s guide will school you in everything you need to survive dorm life, persevere on transit, scrape through midterms and see the light of April. We hope you enjoy a little irreverence and snark with your useful tips.

First year is a shock to even the most dedicated students. Class is hard and you are no longer the top of the heap. Every student at this university was a star student in high school.

But that’s the good news, too. You are going to be surrounded by intelligent people and afforded more opportunities than at any other point in your life, so take advantage of your years in academia. Take a victory lap and go beyond your 120 credits.

So best of luck, and hold on to your hat — in case you didn’t know already, you’re about to have the time of your life.

Geoff Lister Coordinating Editor

#

THE PANEL

Michael Duncan Alum Major: Biomathematics Duncan was the ams president in 2008-09. He has also served as a student representative on the Board of governors and as the president of both the science undergraduate society and the scuba Club. He currently works for alumni uBC.

Brenton Chin Fourth-year Major: Marketing Chin is the co-president of the marketing association Club.

He’s played for the sauder ultimate Frisbee team, and he’s a self-professed tV junkie, devouring everything from Homeland to Modern Family.

4

The Panel

THE UBYSSEY

Sean Goodall Fourth-year Major: Marketing goodall is an active the Phi gamma Delt in addition to his inv the sauder school o he’s a hip-hop artist television actor, and

Mark Maclean Professor Department: Mathematics maclean is a professor in mathematics, and is the undergraduate chair of his department. He enjoys traveling in his free time, and is always a great person to talk to if you need to know the best places to go next.

e member of ta fraternity. volvement in of Business, t, stage and d pianist.

Brittney Harley Fifth-year Major: Psychology Harley originally came to uBC to join the ranks of the esteemed uBC thunderbird swim team. When not in the water herself, she coaches for an adult swim club and is an avid participant in the on-campus athletic community.

Jason Speidel Fourth-year Major: Mechanical Engineering speidel has worked as a residence advisor (Ra), and has participated in the uBC co-op program. He is also involved with the on-campus chapter of Navigators of Canada, a Christian organization.

Jeanie Lim Fourth-year Major: Environmental Design lim is obtaining an obscure degree in environmental Design (eNDs), a program that is a mix of architecture, landscape architecture and urban design, under the Faculty of applied sciences. she is currently the exhibition coordinator for the eNDs program.

Sulafa Hakami Alum Major: Sociology Hakami, an international student from Dubai, graduated this past may. she was a member of several clubs, including the sociology association, the international students association and the arab students association.

Caroline Fischbach Fifth-year Major: Psychology a psychology student with an interest in philosophy, Fischbach once commuted to uBC from Bowen island — more than 40 kilometres, one way.

Kaitlyn Melton Second-year Major: Physics and Computer Science (double major) melton is this year’s Residence association president for Place Vanier. outside of school, melton works as a coordinator for a united Nations seminar camp.

THE UBYSSEY

The Panel

5

A

ACADEMICS

CHOOSING YOUR MAJOR

BIG FISH

BIGGER POND in some ways, university is an order of magnitude harder than high school. in others, it’s much easier.

Don’t be mistaken—despite ever-falling standards for entry, university is hard work.

When you’re several chapters deep in the bowels of an inscrutable textbook, studying for an exam that could potentially determine your professional future, you may look nostalgically back on the days when a half hour of light studying would earn you no end of commendations from your loving teachers. on the other hand, university is academically liberating. in high school, missing classes could mean a stern conversation with your parents and, in the worst case, having to repeat a year. in university—with some notable exceptions, such as labs and seminars—your professors won’t bat an eye if you decide to skip a lecture or two. of course, missing the classes you pay through the nose for could mean academic failure, but unlike in high school, your transcript ultimately amounts to very little.* *Unless you decide to get another degree, in which case you’ll be thankful for every A you managed to scrabble onto your transcript.

6

Academics

THE UBYSSEY

5+ CLASSES?

i think there is so much more to the university experience than just the academic piece, and i think you will miss a lot of that if you just try to focus so much coursework onto one particular term.

— michael Duncan, math alum

HAVE HOBBIES make school your first priority, but make sure you have other hobbies so that you don’t go crazy — set a specific time each week to go and do something. study in groups.

— Jason speidal, mechanical engineering 4

“i took a bunch of arts courses i was interested in, but i did ultimately come down on [the fact that] i kind of want to stay in science. i feel like that’s how a lot of first years feel: ‘oh god, what am i doing?’”

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

_HOW TO GET A

REFERENCE LETTER some professors, it must be said, love writing references — you’ll have to do little to convince them to help you. But most of them are too preoccupied with arcane matters to readily offer you their commendatitve services.

i want a student who has worked for me in some sense if it’s a job reference because it’s not very useful to an employer if i can’t comment on things that they’re interested in rather than the grade they got in a course i taught.

— mark maclean, math professor

if you want your professor to show an interest in you, show an interest in them.

Raise discussion questions during lectures (but don’t be a try-hard). go to office hours, ask about their research, and don’t worry so much about your grading. ultimately, what’s more important is demonstrating your personal engagement with the course material. and of course, don’t forget your common humanity; if you can swing it, going for a beer or two after classes end is a great way to cement your standing.

WHEN YOUR COURSE IS SCALED...

“How you do on a test is relative to how others do on a test...if the actual average is lower or higher than expected, the marks will be shifted.”

– Brenton Chin, marketing 4

30+60+90+10 _CHART

How much should you read?

Quantitative class

Philosophy course

English seminar

THE UBYSSEY

EOSC114

Academics

7

B

ENCY

BOOKS (HITTING THE)

LIST BEST STUDY SPOTS @UBC 1. Irving K. Barber Learning Centre 2. Koerner Library 3. Education Library in the Neville Scarfe Building 4. the atrium of the Forestry Building 5. the couches in Sauder 6. third floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) 7. Benny’s Bagels 8. the MacMillan Land and Food Systems Building 9. Sprawled out on the grass on a sunny day 10. Group and silent study rooms in rez

_WHAT IS CREDIT/D/FAIL Depending on your faculty and the class you’re taking, you may have the option to take a course “Credit/D/Fail.”

This is UBC’s version of a pass/fail option, and is especially helpful when you want to take a difficult class for fun without risking harm to your GPA. Keep in mind that most required classes won’t let you use this option.

8

Books (Hitting The)

DON T STUDY For some of you—those who stayed up for 72 hours during IB/AP exams, say—the workload at UBC may actually be more manageable than high school. But for many, university is going to challenge you on a new level. We at the campus newspaper have shown a certain proclivity for prioritizing a time-consuming extracurricular over, well, studying. So we went to the experts to bring you the finest in study-skill academic literature. Unfortunately, here’s what we learned: most so-called “study skills” are useless. “teaching study skills without linking them to subject content inevitably encourages the undesirable epistemological belief that knowledge is an external, objective body of facts which can be acquired with certain tricks and techniques,” writes Ursula Wingate in “Doing Away With ‘Study Skills,’” a paper published in Teaching in Higher Education.

Experts say the best way to study is to immerse yourself in your chosen field. Go to class, read the material, talk to your professor and with graduates of your faculty. What things did they learn at UBC that they’re using in their jobs today, and what ended up being totally irrelevant?

_HOW TO BEFRIEND A PROF You should approach a professor whose class you’re actually interested in — not just one you do well in. If the prof notices that you’re actually intrigued and interested, you’ll get a better personal connection, and it’s also easier to approach them later for a letter of recommendation.

– Jeanie Lim, ENDS 4 THE UBYSSEY

YCLOPEDIA

DON’T LET THIS BE YOU

Sometimes using “study drugs” can seem like a great idea. But keep in mind that even though it’s become popular among overworked college kids, repeated use of drugs like Ritalin and Adderall poses real risks, like increased tolerance (meaning it takes a higher dose for the same effect) and addiction.

Make sure you weigh the pros and cons before depending on study drugs to get you through first year. Check out pages 55-56 for a more in-depth discussion of drugs and drug safety.

_PANEL

SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR BOOKS?

that definitely will vary from class to class. some classes ... i definitely could have gotten away without it. in other classes it was my most valuable resource.

– Kaitlyn melton, Physics and Comp sci 2

if you’re worried about costs, look on Craigslist, ask an older friend or go to a discount book store. i think its important to fill in things that aren’t always mentioned in class.

– Brittney Harley, Psych 5

THE UBYSSEY

No, but they can be helpful. there are other ways to find them if you look hard enough.

– Jason speidal, mech eng 4

Books (Hitting The)

9

C

CLUBS + EXTRACURRICULARS

meeting people and getting involved can seem like a daunting task at uBC, but there’s one easy way to do both of those things: join a club.

You’re bound to find something that interests you; ams clubs range from the Coin and stamp Club to the Road trippers Club.

LIST

For the f over 37 ull list of the 0 AMS -affi ed club s at UB liatC, www.a ms.ub visit c clubs. .ca/

NOtABLE CLUBS At UBC

SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB

CHINESE VARSITY CLUB (CVC)

VARSITY OUTDOOR CLUB (VOC)

The Ski and Board Club has become the largest club on campus due to it’s reputation for hitting the slopes and partying hard. Club membership provides several benefits (discounts at bars and stores) and is perfect for someone with a wild side. Even if you just want to ski, join for the weekend trips to the mountain.

Another one of UBC’s biggest clubs, the CVC is a non-profit social organization that hosts multiple popular events throughout the year. The club is considered dynamic and multicultural by members, and offers first-year students the chance to get involved with others who have grown up living similar lives.

The best way to get out and explore — which is something you need to do, especially if you’re from out of town. There’s no better way to do that than with fellow students who know what they’re doing and who know how to have a good time.

Who knows where you might up in this beautiful province.

10

Clubs + Extracurriculars

THE UBYSSEY

_HOW TO JOIN A CLUB

go to Clubs Days and imagine Day. the majority of student groups have tables set up here, and they are looking for people like you to join them and get involved. if something piques your interest at all, go ask them what they’re about. these people are generally good human beings, and will appreciate the conversation. most places will have a sheet where you write down your name and email to learn about when the club meets. go ahead and write it down at as many places as you can. there’s no harm in receiving a message to find out when a group of fellow like-minded students may hang out. if you change your mind about it, just don’t go. it’s that simple.

However, you should just go once and see what you think. Worst-case scenario: you lose an hour of your life that you probably would’ve spent on Netflix. Best-case scenario: you make lifelong friends. give it a shot. the students who run these clubs were just like you at one point, so they understand where you’re coming from. it doesn’t matter if you just show up and sit there quietly the first time — they just appreciate that you’re willing to check things out. if you live off campus, clubs are even better. most have their own space, which provides you a place to go eat lunch and hang out after class before heading out with fellow members for food and drinks.

Club involvement also looks good on resumés. they can teach you important things (current Ubyssey editors all walked into our office one day with nothing but a desire to learn journalism; CitR allows students to get on-air radio experience), and it shows that you’re personable. Becoming a club exec also provides management and leadership experience.

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Clubs + Extracurriculars

THE UBYSSEY

“

_PANEL

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A CLUB?

it’s a really good way to meet people. You actually find out things about yourself, what you like, what you enjoy and don’t enjoy, that you [wouldn’t if] you hadn’t got involved. Just really good times. if you want to get out of school, schedule and routine, try something new.

— sulafa Hakami sociology alum

[Clubs are] what you’ll remember from your university experience, and where you’ll meet friends. You can also learn transferable skills, and in the end it will be the most fun you’ll have.

— Jason speidel mechanical 4

get out there and enjoy the social environment! there are so many fun and exciting people who have the same interests as you do.

— Brittney Harley Psych 5

CAMPUS TRADITIONS

Storm the Wall: Voted the most iconic uBC experience by students in The Ubyssey’s 2012 poll, this uBC ReC event takes over campus in march. grab a team of five able-bodied souls and tackle the cross-campus course that forces you to run, swim, bike and climb over a 12-foot wall. some people do it alone, and they are called ironmen/ironwomen. the sense of conquering that wall provides the hope you need to go out and then conquer those finals. day of the longboat: another uBC ReC classic, this combines physical ability with extreme teamwork. Participants hop into a boat and paddle out in the Pacific ocean, navigating their way through a course just off of Jericho Beach. the competition is fierce, and even if you capsize you’ll be guaranteed to have a good time.

Undie run: a recent tradition that has become the ultimate stress reliever come exam period. on one night during finals in april (the date isn’t set until about the week before), several hundred uBC students strip down to their skivvies and run through libraries and classrooms, ending it all by jumping into the outdoor pool. No one judges you, and you won’t get arrested.

THE UBYSSEY

Clubs + Extracurriculars

13

D

DRINKING

Alcohol is a fickle mistress.

It can help you form great friendships, but things can quickly get out of hand. Use these tips to leave university with some good stories — not a criminal record and a collection of shirts ruined with puke stains.

• Even if you want to get drunk quickly, don’t chug hard liquor. Not only will it increase your odds of throwing up — it’s also an easy way to get alcohol poisoning.

Your friends want to go out and have a good time with you, not hold your hair back or wait for you in the eR. • Going hard is inevitable, but do it in a place you’re familiar with and among good friends. You don’t want to be at a bar and all of a sudden being passed a beer glass that you need to puke into — an act that will get you kicked out and upset everyone around you.

• Don’t mix alcohols, and don’t end the night with shots. It may be a silly adage, but liquor before beer definitely helps you drink longer and more enjoyably.

• When you go out, it’s best to bring cash. Credit cards can get dangerous (you may find the words “shots on me!” coming out of your mouth), and cash helps you have a limit — money-wise and liquor-wise.

_WORDS OF WISDOM

CHEAP BARS

Gargoyles Drink specials on each night, and your choice of specials on sunday. Closes late, and is right across the street from mcDonald’s.

14

Relish a hidden gem downtown.

Quality $3 beers every night, which is probably the best deal you’ll find in the downtown core.

Drinking

Koerner’s our beloved campus pub is finally back. order pitcher after pitcher of reasonably priced beer and forget about that midterm you bombed.

THE UBYSSEY

Dentry’s Just off campus, with pitcher specials most nights. it’s not the finest establishment, but it’s a fine place to relax and have a few pints.

Backstage Lounge While there is a cover charge, this granville island bar is a good mix of club and live music venue, and offers $2 beers on thursdays.

_FLOWCHART

Hey, I’m old enough to succumb to peer pressure and not feel bad about myself

WHERE SHOULD I DRINK TONIGHT? Do I need a reason?

Peer pressure

Reason for drinking?

It’s Friday/ Saturday

Rough week

Aced a test

Bombed a test

No

Are you of age? (B.C. drinking age is 19)

Yes

STAY OFF THE JUICE FOR NOW

Yes

No

How drunk do you want to get?

Slightly buzzed

One celebratory drink

Yes

Do you have a fake ID?

Extremely wasted

Going out or staying in?

Do you want company?

In

IMPROMPTU LOUNGE PARTY

What do you want in addition to drinking?

Yes

Are you scared of a possible cop confrontation?

Dancing or some variant Grooving with friends

Stimulating conversation No

How are you doing money-wise?

Yes

BEACH/ PATIO SOMEONE’S BACKYARD

DORM ROOM

No

Yes

No

No

FANCY BAR/ RESTAURANT

Out

Is it nice out?

Do you have homework that needs to be done tonight?

Feeding myself with ketchup packets.

With what kind of people?

Grinding with strangers

Flushed with cash

CLUB

CHEAP BAR THE UBYSSEY

Drinking

15

_HOW TO deal with

HANGOVERS

i think learning how to drink responsibly is a really important thing to learn in these university years if you haven’t had a whole lot of exposure to that previously. People learn how to drink responsibly in very different ways, and i know i had a year in university where i was drinking too much, and i learned a lot from that. and that was a very important experience for me.

— michael Duncan, math alum

1. Hydrate. Have a sports drink or water near the bed or area on your list of priorities, just make sure “be of the floor you pass out on. smart” comes before “have fun”. Drinking is it temporarily nukes the arid somewhat unavoidable, but it’s possible to do fun things that don’t involve drinking, like wasteland that your mouth sporting events or barbecues. if you do choose has become. Having advil to go down that path, though, stick with your nearby is also wise. friends and avoid getting in a situation you don’t 2. Grease. if you can stomach it, eat something greasy.

Fried foods (eggs, bacon) are good, and warm soups/pho/ ramen can have a soothing effect. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks also help cure headaches. maybe Clamato?

3. Rest, or sweat. the next step is up to you. either you can go back to bed, shut the blinds, get yourself as comfortable as possible and watch some Netflix, or go and exercise to sweat out those toxins. But please don’t puke at the gym.

4. Shame. Check your phone to see what messages you may have posted or sent during the night. Hope for the best, but make any apologies that may need to be made (“sorry, mom, i didn’t actually spend all my grocery money at a casino”).

16

Drinking

THE UBYSSEY

want to be in.

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

E

EATING

AVOIDING THE

_LIST

FRESHMAN 15

FOOD FOR

You’ll never again look like you did in high school, but that’s probably a good thing. Here are our tips to help you stay healthy: •

on balance, eat a healthy diet. a late-night junk food binge every now and then is normal; a run to magda’s or Hubbard’s every night is not.

•

eat your fruits and vegetables. if possible, have some at every meal.

•

Be aware that alcohol has calories too — and has been known to lead to trips to mcDonald’s at 2 a.m.

•

take up some form of physical activity. Join a rec class or a sports club, or make it your mission to try every yoga studio in the city. Want a cheap option? uBC is the size of a small city; lots of places to run, walk or bike.

•

Keep healthy snacks on hand in your dorm room.

•

look at your health from a realistic standpoint. it’s okay if you gain a couple of pounds, it’s not okay to get scurvy.

THE UBYSSEY

YOUR DORM

cereal oatmeal cold beer coffee/tea PB+J crackers granola bars fresh fruit rice cakes almonds crackers

Eating

17

THOUGHTS on CAFETERIA FOOD If you live in residence, most of your meals will be from the caf. You will have to pay for each item individually and the money on your meal card can go fast.

Getting a soda with every meal is a bad idea. So is eating the semi-refrigerated sushi. the salad bar is by weight, so watch out for heavy items — they add up.

the Freshman 15 got the best of me. i swear it was a blackout food frenzy and boom, i was 15 pounds heavier. my best advice is to try to avoid all the treats!

Vanier and totem literally have a cart full of baked goods all day every day. it’s cruel.

the meal plan also includes “flex dollars” — money you can spend on junk food at Magda’s (in totem) or Hubbard’s (in Vanier), on beer at Mahony’s (overpriced) or on pizza at Pie R Squared (just ask our features editor). these places can be good to break up some of the monotony of the caf, but they can add up over time. While food can be expensive, don’t let the price get in the way of eating a balanced meal.

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

Bottom line: it’s OK to splurge every now and then — just not every night.

BEST PLACES FOR DINING OUT (THAT WON T HURT YOUR WALLET)

18

• Burgoo (4434 W10th Ave): Best place for comfort food. this bistro offers warm stews and hearty chowders at a reasonable price. they have four locations around Vancouver.

• La Taqueria (2549 Cambie St.): authentic mexican tacos and horchatas. try their pescado (fish tacos) and carnita (pork confit) and you’ll never go back to tacotime. Follow them on Facebook to learn their word of the day and get a free taco.

• Sun Sushi (4512 West 10th Ave): Vancouver has sushi

Eating

THE UBYSSEY

joints left and right, but sun sushi is great for being close to campus. if you’re sick of California rolls, be adventurous and try some toro (tuna belly) and ika (squid) sashimi.

• Benkei Ramen (545 West Broadway): People in the know will tell you Robson street is where you’ll find the best ramen in town, but Benkei offers warm bowls of shio, shoyu and miso ramen for under $10. they have a stamp card program, so you can earn a free bowl of ramen after 10 visits.

F

FRIENDS + FAMILY

_HOW TO STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION* 1. “What’s your major/year/ where are you from?” The basics. The A/S/L of real life.

Don’t ask where people are really from — be culturally sensitive.

2. “What’d you think of the midterm?” A good one to use in a large lecture. The class that you’re taking is the common ground, so draw from the course material. Just don’t come off as someone who only wants answers.

3. “Is this seat taken?” Instead of just plopping down your stuff on a seat, use this as an opportunity to talk to someone. In class everyone always sits with an empty seat between them. Don’t fall into this trap! Fill the gap!

4. “Oh, that [noun] is really [positive adjective]!” You don’t have to be fake, but a little compliment goes a long way. People like to have their egos boosted.

5. “How was your weekend?” This really only works for Mondays. Replace weekend with any major holiday if you want to hear a longer vacation story. Limit your use of the word “awesome.” *We don’t guarantee that the person you are talking to will respond.

20

Friends + Family

HELICOPTER PARENTS

(Mom and Dad hovering over every detail of your life)

_HOW TO

MAKE FRIENDS

AND NOT ALIENATE PEOPLE EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE FRIENDS. once you’re aware that everyYou can make friends as one is just as eager as long as you’re the one you to add new Facewho initiates it. Chances book friends and to have are they’re going to be someone to talk to in like, “oh hey, yeah, let’s class, you will feel less hang!”

— sean goodall, Commerce 4 awkward about starting random conversations.

Be open to different personalities.... Don’t close yourself off to a certain type of people you’re used to talking to.

it all begins with meeting new people, especially during the first couple weeks of the year when — Brenton Chin, marketing 4 it is like open season for friends. Join clubs, sit next to strangers in class and go to every rez event you can. Putting yourself out there really helps. and it helps people to remember your face. if people give you the cold shoulder, don’t think too much and talk to someone else. in general, you’d be surprised how well receptive strangers are, especially to random acts of kindness. Don’t feel you have to befriend everyone like you’re trying to catch ’em all. a lot of times, friendships need to develop organically.

You’ll find your niche in time.

THE UBYSSEY

“give them some credit. their little baby is off to school and they love you and want to see you do well. But if you want them to treat you like the new adult you are, be an adult and be honest with them! tell them they are cramping your style and work out some sort of system. example: ‘i’ll call once a week with a detailed update.’”

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

I WANT A SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is nice: you get free dinners and you never have to show up to social events alone. Oh, and the intimacy thing is pretty great, too. Here are some tips on how to score a fella or chica for your dating fun: You can’t be someone’s main squeeze without getting to know the person first. it’s exactly like making friends. Don’t scare away your crush by betraying your romantic intentions too early.

Be proactive. Being shy won’t get you noticed. Pining from afar is fine, but if you want to seal the deal, you need to take action. make a coffee or study date and you’ll be laughing in no time. avoid so-called “floor-cest” (sleeping with rez floormates) to avoid messy situations later in the year. or, do the floor-cest and watch the drama unfold like an episode of Gilmore Girls.

However, don’t feel any pressure to settle down. university is a time to experiment and explore, with one person or many.

_PANEL

LONGDISTANCE BF/GF:

YEA OR NAY?

“ terrible idea! People like to touch [each other], don’t do that!

moving to a new city and coming to university are huge life game-changers for people, and if you can’t share that with somebody, it might actually end up being extremely diffi cult to continue on with that relationship.

— Jeanie lim, eNDs 4

— michael Duncan, math alum

THE UBYSSEY

it holds people back from getting the most out of their university experience.

Friends + Family

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

21

G

So you re interested in joining the Greek system

THE GREEK SYSTEM

FRATERNITIES + SORORITIES

Gal

Guy Go to first Rush

Not my scene

Go to tours, spend 15 minutes with each sorority and not a second more

I like these guys

I love these girls

Second Rush

Attend invitationals

I choose [frat]

Pick your top five

Invited to formal

Choose your fav two

Dress up fancy Preference Bids day

No bid

Get a bid

Wasn t meant to be

Make your choice (you can pick both)

People cheer for you

Wild party ensues

Life as a pledge

Get a pretty invite

_PANEL

TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN it encompasses every aspect of the university experience.

You get mentoring from older students [and] meeting a bunch of new people.

— sean goodall, marketing 4

Get educated and pledge your sorority Initiation

UBC has 10 fraternities and 8 sororities. Follow our flowchart and read our panel answers to see if the Greek System is right for you.

Initiation

A full-fledged member of the Greek community

i ... don’t think it has much result on a professional level, like [it’s not] an awesome thing to put on their resume.

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

THE UBYSSEY

Greek System

23

H

HEALTH

_HEAD • Live Well, Learn Well uBC’s central website for student mental and physical health tips and information. see students. ubc.ca/livewelllearnwell/explore-wellness/wellness-resources/.

• Mental health counseling services individual appointments for discussing anxiety and depression can be booked for monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. in Room 1040, Brock Hall.

• Wellness Centre student-trained volunteers who give tips on healthy eating, sleeping, safer sex and stress management.

Room 183, iKBlC.

UBC Rec offers nine different rec-league sports at a variety of skill levels. Plus, it’s a really great way to meet new people.

Instead of waiting for your late bus to be late, hop on your bike get to school yourself, if you don’t mind arriving to class a little sweaty. This can prove handy for back-toback classes in distant buildings.

Running on a treadmill is boring when you have the Pacific Spirit Park forest and a variety of beaches to run along.

_LOWER BODY 24

Health

THE UBYSSEY

AFFORDABILITY AQUATIC CENTRE

BIRDCOOP OUTSIDE

SPACE

GOLD S GYM

QUALITY

_UPPER BODY • Gold’s Gym the nicest gym on campus is also the most expensive. they will hold you to their contracts very strictly and have been the subject of multiple Better Business Bureau complaints, as well as “hidden camera” exposes, so make sure you’re absolutely certain before putting your signature on anything.

• Birdcoop Finding an open bench during peak hours can feel like trying to get a spot at irving during exam period, but membership prices are fairly student-friendly.

• UBC Aquatic Centre included in your annual $200.94 athletics and recreation fee (which you’re unable to opt out of) is access to the uBC aquatic Centre, which also sports a sauna, steam room, and a minimally stocked gym (aging machines, no squat rack).

THE UBYSSEY

Health

25

NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE AT UBC

Most people don’t pay much a ention to their insurance policies until they actually need to use them, but this handy chart, courtesy of UBC Student Services, breaks it down like it’s a sledgehammer.

iMed

BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

AMS/GSS Health and dental Plan

Type of coverage

Basic insurance

Basic insurance

extended coverage (requires basic insurance)

How to enrol

automatic upon registration of first classes for international/out of province students

must be applied for automatic upon as soon as you arrive registration in in BC if staying for 6+ classes months

What it covers

- Doctor visits (illness or injury) - Hospital visits

- Doctor visits - Hospital visits - medical tests

extended coverage, including - Vision - Dental - 80% of the cost of generic prescription drugs - travel health coverage (not to home country)

Length of coverage

- three months after your arrival in Canada - Full term for oneterm exchange students

Covered after first three months of imed coverage / three months from application for enrolment

start date of first term (fall/winter) you pay ams fees, until august 31 of next year

Cost

$150 for three months or $213 for one-term exchange students

$66.50 per month, paid directly to msP

$218.66 for the 2013/14 year, charged as part of ams fees

all new international Who is automatically students enroled

No one

students who pay ams student fees

For more information

davidcummings. com/imed

health.gov.bc.ca/ msp

ihaveaplan.ca

604-228-8816

604-683-7151

1-877-795-4421

26

Health

THE UBYSSEY

I

INDEPENDENCE

LIST

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

KEEP It CLEAN

Being away from friends and family

• Don’t try to do it all at once. instead, do small chores (~10 minutes) during the week. For instance, clean the bathroom one day, vacuum the next.

• If you make a mess, clean up. it’s easier than waiting until the end of the day, let alone the end of the week. it’s always easier to wipe off something that is fresh.

•Let some fresh air in. make sure to open a window every now and then. unless you want your place to stink.

•Get on a schedule. set goals for your cleaning schedule; don’t just count on doing it when it’s dirty.

For instance, aim to wash your sheets once a week so that you’ll realistically be doing it once every 10 days.

Don’t remain alone. go out — everyone is in the same situation and everyone needs friends. a good idea is to plan to have meals with others and to follow through when you meet new people. make sure to stay in touch with friends and family. this can be accomplished with spontaneous or planned Facetime or skype dates. Your parents probably want to know you’re alive; do them the favour of an occasional text or email.

HOMESICK?

surround yourself with friends, get out of your little res room and do something fun.. and take a few trips to Hubbards for some chocolate covered almonds. Nothing cures homesickness better than comfort food.

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

Keeping yourself together stay healthy! exercise when possible and try to eat well. eating out all the time is not just a great way to gain weight, it is also a great way to spend a lot of extra money. if you want to spend money, invest in good rain boots and a decent raincoat. Rain is not an excuse to stay home.

Joining a club or starting a new hobby are great ways of staying busy while relaxing, but they are also a great way of meeting new people with similar interests. ultimately, it’s a great excuse to go outside — even when you don’t feel like it.

THE UBYSSEY

Independence

27

WHAT YOU FORGOT TOOTHBRUSHES Bad things happen to them.

ETHERNET CABLE You thought that your brand new residence would have decent WiFi? Ha! EARPLUGS Walls are thin — especially the (nonexistent) one between you and your roommate.

WHISKEY For that first breakup, for that first bombed midterm, for that first (anything).

CONDOMS Don’t worry, the university has you covered (see p. 33-34).

FLIP-FLOPS it’s a pain in the ass to put on your shoes when you’re just walking to the washroom.

THE ABILITY TO READ ON THE BUS You have to do work on the bus. otherwise, you are wasting your commute.

A SECOND ALARM CLOCK trust us, you’ll be thankful come exam time.

SOME VARIETY OF SPORTING EQUIPMENT You’ll enjoy this more than you think you will.

STAPLER You only need to use this a couple of times a year, but when you need it, you really need it. there’s a campus-wide shortage of these.

Find a clinic Chat with a nurse Submit a question Learn about STIs / STDs A service provided by:

28

Independence

THE UBYSSEY

_PANEL tIME MANAGEMENt make a schedule for yourself. if you’re doing a task ... and you’re supposed to do it for an hour or something, for example, just stop [after the hour.]

— sulafa Hakami, sociology alum

Do things like forming a study group that meets at a set time because then when you’re with them you’re more likely to actually be studying.

— Kaitlyn melton, Physics and Comp sci 2

J JOBS

_WORDS OF WISDOM the Centre for student involvement and Careers will set you up with resume counselling and point you in the right direction for your degree. Need a job on campus? they’re your people for that, too. careers.ubc.ca

DEATH MATCH FOR THE AGES

JOB TRAINING 101 You’ve arrived at university — so in four years you’ll graduate with your dream degree and a great career, right?

Well, not quite. Finding a job after graduation that you enjoy and pays the bills isn’t quite as easy as that philosophy essay or bio quiz.* the fact is that today’s employment market is looking for more than just a bachelor’s degree. employers are looking for hard and soft skills that complement all that critical thinking that accompanies a university degree.

While you’re at school, it’s worth your while to look activities beyond your mounting pile of homework. Join a club that interests you, and consider taking a few classes way outside your comfort zone. look at your degree as a jumping-off point, and figure out how to leverage your spare time into what you want to do for the next few years. *Unless your dad/uncle/grandmother owns the company — hello, junior management!

CO-OP VS INTERNSHIP

• Four to eight months long • Paid work experience

• Short-term to year(s)-long • Often unpaid or inadequately paid

• Great for certain fields (engineering, computer science) • Make money during school • Low commitment, lets you try out multiple positions

• Experience in hard-to-reach fields • Easier to find than paid positions • Short-term internships let you experience many different workplaces in a short amount of time

• Co-op fee from UBC • Extends degree

• Some may violate B.C. labour laws • No guarantee you’ll be doing “real” work THE UBYSSEY

Jobs

29

VISAS Working on campus is straightforward: all you need is to be a fulltime student and possess a valid student visa. after six months you can apply for an off-campus work permit (provided you’ve kept your grades up) for $150. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during the summer with the permit. more info at students.ubc.ca/international.

_HOW TO

MAKE A KICK-ASS RESUMÉ

Building a resumé that will wow your employer and land you that dream job takes more than just a skillful spellcheck. Here are five tips to keep your resumé on top of the pile.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Customize your resumé. No, don’t just change the objective (in fact, objectives are really a waste of paper). Customize your work experience and what you did at your job for each position you apply for.

Quantify what you did at your job. tell the employer what you did for your company and what the result was. got numbers on your performance? include them for even more punch.

Make it look nice. an ugly resumé screams “doesn’t pay attention to the details.” most employers only glance at resumés, so making sure they can easily navigate through the important bits is key to cutting through the crowd.

Proofread. then proofread again. then proofread again. there is nothing worse than a typo on a resumé. Don’t lose out on your dream job because you weren’t willing to go over your words letter by letter.

Are all these steps taking too much time? You’re probably applying for too many positions. Hone in on the place you really want to work and make your resumé resonate with the employer.

_PANEL

GETTING ON THE PATH TO YOUR DREAM JOB 30

Jobs

“i’ve noticed in job interviews [that] they don’t really care about your education as much as they do what experience you have, because at the end of the day the employers are looking for how you can bring value to their THE UBYSSEY

company.... Being in the co-op program, they know you don’t have much experience, so it’s really easy to get your foot through the door in that respect. and they know that they need to teach you new skills.”

– Brenton Chin, marketing 4

95

THINGS TO DO AT UBC BEFORE YOU GRADUATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Find The Ubyssey’s office in the basement of the suB make a mcgangbang at the mcDonald’s in the village at 3 a.m. go to Koerner’s when they finally reopen Buy a membership to the Birdcoop, never use it Have a doozy explore the steam tunnels Complete storm the Wall in a hot dog costume trick-or-treat at toope’s house Deface the Cairn Run as a joke candidate in the ams elections sleep through an exam shotgun a beer after a final shotgun a beer before a final shotgun a beer during a final

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

miss the last bus back to your house, wander around aimlessly because you don’t want to pay for a cab Play campus golf angrily tweet at translink about full buses Walk down the Wreck Beach stairs to go to a bonfire, get carried back up them Rollerblade around campus in a bikini or speedo Have coffee with a stranger Have drinks with a dean Party and crash on someone’s floor in residence Do a semester abroad Play bocce on macinnes Field Find the uBC Farm spend 24 straight hours at iKB get dreads THE UBYSSEY

28 Change your major 29 Change your faculty your school 30 Change Come back to uBC 31 because of true love 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

— and because it’s cheaper Wake up on a suB couch Wake up on the suB roof ace a final to barely pass a course ace an exam you didn’t study for Ruin the curve for the rest of the class because of your mark Have a epiphany about moral relativism Know the answer to a trivia question because of something you read in a suB bathroom Be forced to leave Pit Night because someone pulled the fire alarm 95 Things

31

to a kegger with a former uBC 40 go football legend 41 Read terrible slam poetry at the Pit friends with someone you 42 Become knew in high school but never really

to a political protest because you 68 go have nothing better to do a staring contest with a racoon 69 Hold outside iKB the ams president while paint70 tag talked to balling to the liquor store in Wesbrook the CVC even though you aren’t 43 go 71 Join Village, fail to make it back Chinese 44 Question if your degree is really worth it 72 Print your thesis on a library printer, jam the machine ten minutes before if questioning whether your 45 Wonder it’s due degree is really worth it is essentialistic beers with Barnabas at the 46 sign up for all of the clubs at Clubs Days 73 Drink gallery on a retreat with a club without 47 go 74 Watch the sunset over Wreck Beach knowing anyone in it 75 go to Whistler for the weekend 48 Become an executive in that club to make it back in time for monday go to a mediocre frat party wearing a 76 Fail 49 toga classes end the 24-hour ski at grouse 50 meet Nardwuar the Human serviette 77 att mountain, stay up all day the next day 51 Run a student seminar Play King’s Cup in somebody’s 52 almost get arrested at the american 78 residence hall

53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 32

border for having a knife Climb the canopy walkways in the Botanical garden at night urinate off the canopy walkway Ride a longboard down all the hills on university Boulevard get kicked out of a t-Birds game go to Pit Night and only play table hockey end up at edgewater Casino one night, lose $20 on the penny slots sprint across campus to hand a paper in on time get scared shitless by a flock of pigeons go to moa, wonder why you don’t go there more often sit on the floor of the suB with the hippies and eat free vegan food from sprouts Proceed outside to play hacky sack with said hippies Ride the aggie Halloween mechanical bull “Borrow” a purple and yellow bike Hoard it in your room so no one else can take it steal an engineer’s jacket, start a war 95 Things

THE UBYSSEY

the uBC drunk tank from 79 Find personal experience 80 swim in the ocean in the winter high at a rally to legalize pot 81 get swim in the outdoor pool at night after 82 the undie Run up for Day of the longboat, be 83 sign forced to miss it because the rest of

84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

your team is too hungover Join an intramural team, win your league and walk around campus in your champion t-shirt like you own the place Fail a gateman midterm get upset about the shrum Bowl sing along to “sweet Caroline” in between the third and fourth quarters of men’s basketball games get drunk in the Norm Brew your own beer with BruBC Do yoga on a paddleboard stay in Vancouver for the summer and see the campus you were supposed to experience attend a concert at the Chan Centre moon the audience at the Chan Centre Hug thunder Graduate

K

KNOCKING BOOTS (SEX)

_HOW TO

ASK

“Hey, do you want to have sex with me?”

“Is it OK if I do [X]?”

“Are you having fun?”

“I really want to do [X], but I don’t want to do [Y].”

“Tell me how this feels.”

“Do you like it when I do [X]?

How about [Y]?”

“You don’t seem super comfortable.

Do you want to take a break?”

CONSENT 101 (yes, really) Welcome to university! if teen movies have taught us anything, it’s that the next four (or more) years of your life will be a smorgasbord of sex. that’s bullshit, but if you do find a potential partner, here’s how to make sure they’re on board with all your plans for pokey pokey.* Consent isn’t a chore or a checklist. it should be exciting and fun to get affirmation that someone really wants to do what you really want to do. Consent should be a clear and enthusiastic “yes” to every sexual step, from kissing to hugging to touching and beyond. and everybody of every gender should get it every time.

Consent needs to be clear because people can express nonconsent in different ways — not just through their words, but through their body language. and even if a person has given consent earlier, they can change their mind and decide not to continue. that’s why it’s important to keep checking and communicating with your partner.

Consent and alcohol/drugs/intoxication

legally, consent can’t be given where a person is too drunk or high to give it. that doesn’t mean that you can’t have sex if one of you has been drinking, but it means you should be especially careful that both of you are consenting. if you’re not sure, or you feel conflicted, it’s best to leave things for another time. * don’t call it that

LIST

Top five best-selling condoms at the UBC Wellness Centre

1 2 3 4 5 Love condoms: thinner and lubricated, 25 ¢

Regular unlubricated condoms: free while supplies last

Studded condoms: 25 ¢

Tropical condoms: three flavours, 25 ¢

THE UBYSSEY

Magnum condoms (XL): free while supplies last

Knocking Boots

33

WHERE TO GO FOR SEX SUPPLIES

UBC Wellness Centre, Rm. 183 (lower level), IKBLC, sells safe sex products and toys at cost — significantly cheaper than other places.

The Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC), SUB 249M, offers condoms, insertive condoms, lube, tampons, pads and pregnancy tests — all for free.

SEXUAL HEALTH Student Health Services (SHS) offers online appointments and reserves spots for urgent care.

University Village Medical & Dental Clinic also offers sexual health services including pap smears, sti testing and more. Follow @Village_medical for wait times and names of available doctors.

Pine Free Clinic at 1985 4th Avenue provides general medical care with a focus on sexual health for people 24 and under. People over 25 without msP can visit during limited morning hours. the 25+plus crowd might also try Options for Sexual Health’s free clinic at BC Women’s Hospital, open until 9 p.m.

HealthLink BC’s 24 hour nurse hotline (81-1). Nurses can’t diagnose you, but they can listen to your symptoms and advise if you need to see a doctor right away.

IN CASE OF CRISIS WAVAW 24/Hour Crisis Line: 604-255-6344 SASC: office open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., m-F Emergency Services 9-1-1

34

Knocking Boots

THE UBYSSEY

LIST Top sex toys at the UBC Wellness Centre 1. Nirvana 250 Vibrator: waterproof silicone vibrator that features seven rhythms, $20 2. Lady’s Choice Vibrator: in your choice of colours; plastic vibe, $5 3. Pearl Shine G-Spot Vibrator: a 5” rubber vibe with a slight curve, $7 OR Layaspot Fun Factory Vibrator (tied): silicone, waterproof, “powerful” and “discreet,” $31 4. Buzz 1 Vibrator: a harness-friendly silicone option, $30 OR Big Flirt Anal Plug (tied): a non-vibrating silicone plug, $18

What kind of sounds will accompany your dorm room sexual experience?

Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”

floormates’ indistinct convos

Portishead’s “Glory Box”

The Weeknd’s “Wicked Games”

random movie on Netflix

roommate snoring

L

LIVING ON/OFF CAMPUS get to know your roommate. set aside time to talk and do stuff together [like getting food]. that way you will enjoy each other more.

— Jason speidel, engineering 4

PICKING ROOMMATES 1. Be aware of your own bad habits. If you know about it you can compensate for all the crumbs you leave around the house by taking on the vacuuming.

2. Look for someone with a similar lifestyle. If you’re up partying until 4am and your roommate wakes up before dawn you are bound to clash.

3. Your best friend isn’t always your best roommate. Just because you love each other doesn’t mean you will after living together for a year.

HOW TO FIND ROOMMATES

GOOD

Roommates can make or break your university experience. it goes without saying that your roomie should be affable and reliable, and for many students, their default choice will be their closest friend.

However, consider looking further afield for a domestic companion. You may find that those qualities you so admired in your childhood chum can quickly prove irksome as your idyllic domicile turns into a cloistering nightmare. in addition to trying your luck with ads on a bulletin board or online, spend some time carefully getting to know newly acquired uBC buddies such as classmates or club members. What you’re looking for are individuals a few steps removed from your personal life — they’ll be more likely to observe social etiquette, and after first year, they too will be on the lookout for no-nonsense roomies, making them potentially strong candidates.

4. Are your cleaning habits compatible? The best roommates live on the same dish cycle as you do. Living with a clean roommate might seem attractive, but you have to be willing to maintain standards.

5. Establish food sharing policies early. No one likes the person who leaves passive aggressive sticky notes in the fridge.

6. Like every relationship, communication is key. Bring up issues early and you will diff use the situation before it becomes a real problem.

Cooking regular meals together can help build rapport between roommates — and provide you with tastier and healthier meals.

THE UBYSSEY

Living

35

_PANEL

HOW TO BE A GOOD ROOMMATE (you slob)

make sure you communicate.... if you don’t say things in the very beginning then it can build up to something more serious.

— Caroline Fischbach, Psychology 5

You just have to be understanding of someone else’s different needs. so if i want to sleep and you want to party, you might want to take it somewhere else, — sulafa Hakami, arts alum

always have code of conduct and then stick it up where all your roommates can see it and then try to enforce it as best as possible.

— Jeanie lim, eNDs 4

36

Living

i’ve always been very very particular about who i live with, and that’s the first important factor to getting along: if you know the person, you know you’re gonna get along.

— michael Duncan, math alum

YOUR RIGHTS AS AN OFF-CAMPUS RENTER if you aren’t living in a uBC residence, you’ll probably be renting from a landlord. many landlords don’t make tenants sign a lease, to avoid tax or municipal obligations, which can result in potentially cheap short term deals for students — but be aware. even if you’re only living somewhere on a month-to-month basis, you should still sign a formal agreement with your landlord. that agreement should include everything you discussed as part of the arrangement — if you can have guests over, where you can park, who’s responsible for paying the heating bill. if it’s not in writing, you’ll have a hard time relying on it later, if your too-good-to-be-true offer turns out to be, well... tenants and landlords in B.C. are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act. it’s a long and convoluted document, but the tenant Resource and advisory Centre (tRaC) has all sorts of plain-language and extremely useful information at tenants.bc.ca. the B.C. government also runs a residential tenancy information site (rto.gov.bc.ca), including a short “Know Your Rights” section. in the worst-case scenario, you can contact the law students’ legal advice Program (lslaP), which offers legal assistance to low-income clients in a variety of areas, including tenancy disagreements (lslap.bc.ca).

THE UBYSSEY

M

Managing money can be a scary thing, especially during the cash-strapped years of university. Unless you’ve got an unlimited source of cash, you will have to budget carefully during this time, so here are a few tips to keep from spending all your money on booze and burgers.

BUDGETING

“

Coming up with a budget might not be that hard, but sticking to it and tracking where all that money went can be. However, there are ways to help. mint.com is a free service that pulls your bank account records and automatically categorizes many of your purchases, so with a little manual input you can see exactly where your last paycheck went — and try not to be too upset when you see that your last eight purchases came from restaurants in the suB. i think everyone in their university career at some point goes through the time where they’re like, “Wow, i don’t have any more money, i really need to cut back,” and that’s an important time to go through to understand what your spending habits are, where you can cut back, and how you can save more.

MONEY AND BUDGETING

OUT OF CASH FOR THE MONTH: WHAT TO DO? “go to the psychology building and look for studies to do. they pay people to take part in their studies, $10 an hour.”

— Jeanie lim, eNDs 2

“oh boy.

Buy alcohol in bulk.”

— sean goodall, Commerce 4

— michael Duncan, math alum

Budget conservatively. Write down the most you spend every month and the least you earn. if the numbers don’t add up, well, we have a few solutions. if worse comes to worst, ask an accounting student, and they will probably be more than willing to help. and then tell you about their personal brand.

_PANEL

“it’s really easy for money to go quickly when you’re [buying] coffee every day, or going out every weekend.”

— Kaitlyn melton, science 2

THE UBYSSEY

Money

37

THE LEDGER A few tips for your financial woes, from both sides of the problem

Not enough money?

Spending too much?

Get more of it. there are numerous part-time gigs around campus and the city, from taking part in a work study to participating in a teacher’s study to whipping up fancy drinks at a coffee shop.

Drinking and creditcarding can be dangerous. When going out, withdraw a set amount of cash from your bank’s atm (there will be no transaction fee), and stop buying drinks when you have spent all that money. Don’t wake up the next morning and realize you bought the entire bar shots of vodka.

to limit those school costs, apply for scholarships. this isn’t just a tip for grade 12 students — many organizations, and the university itself, give out millions of dollars to current students. this is especially important if your gPa is above the 80 per cent mark. there is a good deal of free food available on campus if you work hard enough for it. sprouts offers free vegan food (still tasty if you’re not vegan) if you bring your own reusable plate. many open houses have food (you don’t have to be a member to go). and a certain student newspaper provides dinner on production days.

38

Money

the convenience stores in residence are overpriced, so make it a last-ditch effort. You can get more selection and cheaper prices at any grocery store.

DIY. everything from brewing coffee to cooking up gourmet dinners to returning bottles to the recycling depot provides more benefits than having someone else do it for you. getting in the habit of turning on the coffee maker in the morning instead of strutting over to starbucks can save you a fortune.

THE UBYSSEY

it’s good if you’ve talked to the faculty member. i’ll want a transcript so i can interpret it for a scholarship committee. i always want a CV, even if it’s a student i know well, because you like to be able to talk about that person. it’s about the people you make connections with, so the question is how do you connect with faculty.

— mark maclean, math prof

GETTING A SCHOLARSHIP Where to find them google “uBC scholarships,” “university scholarships” and “[your faculty] scholarships.” look at organizations you or your family belong to.

Student loans

if you are eligible for student loans, apply for them. simply being in the system can make you eligible for certain bursaries.

Work hard

the easiest scholarships are the ones handed to the top students in a department, meaning that you can pay for school academically if you put in the effort. if that’s not an incentive to study, then what is?

N

NEIGHBOURHOODS

KERRIS

DALE

DUNBAR ARBUTUS

It’s where UBC is. Easy access to Wreck Beach, Spanish Banks, Pacific Spirit Park and shops on 10th Avenue. Campus living is swell, but the efforts of various groups have helped prevent the emergence of a campus nightlife. twisting the liberal sensibilities of Kits with compact North Shore opulence, it contains some of the oldest homes in Vancouver. It’s oriented toward property-owning families, with green space, fields and community centres.

In a word: yuppie. they love to exercise among the gorgeous set of beaches of English Bay. On Fourth Avenue, you’ll find the Naam and Aphrodite’s, the best vegan eateries in Van. It’s one of the most popular student neighbourhoods. quiet, residential, and interspersed with delightfully non-pretentious cafés, hairdressers and parks.

Although commuting in the area can be difficult, it’s a popular spot for UBC students looking to host house parties.

Granville Street is Vancouver’s hub for live music venues, sports fans can take in major-league games at their home stadiums, and the waterfront seawall from Stanley Park to Kits is arguably the best bike route in Vancouver.

MAIN

Record store owners, vintage retailers and artisans populate the southern end of the street, while the northern end hosts a range of art galleries. Bars like the Rumpus Room provide stimulating nightlife.

Locals call this “the Drive.” You can find countless coffee shops and healthy grocery markets around this LGBtq-friendly area.

THE UBYSSEY

POINT

GREY

KITS ILANO

DOWN TOWN COMMERCIAL

DRIVE Neighbourhoods

39

O

OUTDOORS

So you like the outdoors, eh? You’ve come to the right city. Endless opportunities for outdoor adventure await, and there’s a niche for every kind of activity.

BEACHES Kits(ilano) Beach

one of the most popular hangouts in Vancouver during the summer, Kits Beach has everything one could really ask for: large sandy and grassy areas, playgrounds, a dog park, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and the longest swimming pool (137 m) in Canada. in addition, there are tons of great pubs and restaurants nearby.

English Bay

a great place to watch the sunset in the summertime, this downtown beach is also the home of the annual Celebration of light fireworks competition held in July and august.

Jericho Beach + Spanish Banks

Close to campus, these two beaches are great for watersports. When you’re on the land, the adjacent Jericho Park has lots of room for larger gatherings, barbecues and games. When the tide is out, the sand at spanish Banks stretches an extra kilometre.

Wreck Beach

Your first-year experience won’t be complete until you’ve been to Canada’s first clothingoptional beach, and yes, it’s on campus.

Beloved by uBC students, hippies and families alike, this pristine beach is located about 400 steps below totem, Vanier and marine Drive residences.

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Outdoors

THE UBYSSEY

_PANEL

THE BEST OF THE CITY if you’re into backcountry, cross-country skiing or whatever, squamish is the mecca of climbing. literally everything you could want to do in the outdoors exists in and around Vancouver.

— michael Duncan, math alum

there’s a really nice location to watch the sunset on the cliffs overhanging Wreck Beach, but i cant tell you where it is.

— Jeanie lim, eNDs 4

go to the beach! i don’t know why, but somehow i just kept forgetting to go to the beach.

— Kaitlyn melton, Physics and Comp sci 2

HANDLEBAR

SEAT STEM FRAME

BRAKES

WHEEL

TIRE

SHIFTERS

HUB

CHAIN CASSETTE

PEDALS RIM

DERAILLEURS

BIKES

UBC is a huge campus, and we all know that the 10-minute break between classes goes by much too fast, especially with construction detours. this means that a good bike can be key. Vancouver is a very bike-friendly city, and bikes are often the quickest way to get around. However, getting the bike that’s right for you can take some time.

Campus is relatively flat, but getting here from just about anywhere else requires huffing and puffing up some prett y big hills. For this reason, a wide range of gears is recommended, unless you ride mostly on campus and want to enjoy the simplicity of a fixed gear or single speed bike.

No matter what kind of bike you choose, make sure it has good brakes for stopping power on hills and in crowded areas. You’ll want something light and dependable, but not too flashy. UBC is notorious for bike theft, so a quality lock (or two) is a must.

Better yet, the Bike Co-op offers bike locker rentals for $10 a month. Located in the SUB, the Co-op also a good place to buy used bikes, get advice, and learn how to fix mechanical issues. You’re helping fund it with a $1 student fee, so you might as well take advantage of it.

THE UBYSSEY

Outdoors

41

TRAILS Campus

Pacific Spirit Park (year-round, transit accessible) this regional park surrounding campus has 78 kilometres of trails to explore. the lush forests and natural beaches provide a relaxing atmosphere to take breaks from the stresses of school.

The Grouse Grind (year-round, transit accessible) the murderously steep three-kilometre trail up grouse mountain is not much of a nature hike and is more accurately described as one of Vancouver’s most popular workouts. Be prepared to pay $10 to ride the gondola back down, as downhill travel is not permitted.

Quarry Rock (year-round, transit accessible)

an easy trail leads to a scenic lookout over Deep Cove in North Vancouver. the hike itself is four kilometres and takes less than two hours, so bring a picnic.

Lynn Canyon Park (year-round, transit accessible) the majority of the trails involve starting and/or finishing with a walk across a suspension bridge. Hanging 50 metres above the rushing waters of lynn Creek, it’s not as long or as high as the famed Capilano suspension Bridge, but it won’t cost you any money.

The Chief (March November)

Drive an hour north up to the Chief while the weather is still nice. a renowned rock climbing destination, the Chief has three peaks you can hike up to that offer stunning views of Howe sound, squamish and garibaldi Provincial Park. sections that feature ladders and chains make it feel pretty badass.

Black Tusk (July October)

located just south of Whistler in garibaldi Provincial Park, the Black tusk is another iconic peak with spectacular panoramic views. With 1740 meters of elevation over 14.5km, it should only be attempted by the truly adventurous. it can all be done in a full day, but there are also campsites at garibaldi lake, about nine kilometres uphill from the parking lot.

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Outdoors

THE UBYSSEY

P

PARTIES

SO YOU VE DECIDED TO

GO CLUBBING

Clubbing and bar-hopping can be fun activities and are a great way to get out into the city and meet people. But before you overdose on spray cologne or subject your favourite fedora to the Vancouver rain, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, figure out what clubs you can get into. the legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19, but if you’re underage there are still places near campus you can go. We won’t sully the reputations of those fine institutions by publishing their names here, but suffice it to say you’ll find them if you ask around. if you’re not feeling the bar or club scene, you can always kick it in rez — thursday through saturday nights, you’re guaranteed there’ll at least be a roving band of drunken first-years you can join in with. Your partying options expand once you’re legal. Not only can you go to any bar or club, but you’ll also be welcome at lots of concerts and other 19-plus events. once you’ve figured out where to go, here are some things to keep in mind. if you’re going somewhere a little nicer, you might need to dress to match. ask your friends, look it up online, but just make sure you aren’t turned away at the door. if you’re going to a bar, don’t dress like you’re going clubbing. simple enough. But also keep in mind that Vancouver is a rainy city and establishments crowded full of drunken young people are often quite hot. this means your bro tank might be great in the club, but you’ll freeze outside. the solution? Plan ahead and bring layers. it’s pretty simple stuff, but if you’re comfortable inside and out, you’ll have more options as the night goes on — and that’s always more fun.

THE UBYSSEY

_HOW TO PARtY PREP • Shower before you go out. You took a shower this morning?

Take another one. Brush your teeth and bring gum.

• If you plan on having sex (or think it might come up), don’t forget condoms. Or memorize the location of every 24-hour drugstore in Vancouver.

• Never go out without some cash — club and entrance fees are often cash-only.

• No club is worth more than a 15-minute wait, unless all your friends are already inside. And you’d better really like them.

• Guys: repeatedly bumping into a woman dick-first will not make her interested. It will make her annoyed. Learning to dance and being respectful and friendly are both better strategies.

GEt HOME • See our transit section (p. 4748) for a list of night buses.

• Program a wayfinding app (Google Maps) beforehand with transit directions back to your place in rez. Drunkenly refer to this throughout the night.

• TransLink will let you request a stop between two regular bus stops at night (9 p.m. - 5 a.m.).

It’s meant to help you get home safely, especially if you don’t feel secure walking at night.

The bus driver will only honour this request if he or she feels it’s safe to do so, and it doesn’t apply to express buses.

• Remember all that cash you pulled out? Set aside $20 at the beginning of the night for an emergency cab ride.

Parties

43

_WORDS OF WISDOM

Throwing a party? Don’t be a misogynist or a racist. That means no “bros and hoes” themes, no dressing up as another race or culture — you know, really basic, simple shit.

SHOULD YOU PARTY?

THE OFFICIAL UBYSSEY CHECKLIST

Check off each relevant item and tally up the results.

Anything over zero means party; anything under, take it easy and ignore your creeping sense of regret.

Disappointed with the result? Chuck it — this isn’t rocket science. o it’s within your first two weeks of classes at uBC (+15) o You have class tomorrow (-5) o You have an early class tomorrow (-10) o You handed in an exam/essay today (+10) o You have an exam/essay due tomorrow (-10) o You have access to free alcohol (+5) o You’ve resigned yourself to blowing this week’s paycheque on overpriced bar/club drinks (-5) o it’s been at least two weeks since the last time you really went out (+5) o it’s been at least four weeks since the last time you really went out (+10) o the party was promoted with leaflets under first-year room doors in rez (-25) o the party is at The Ubyssey office (+50) o there’s a pool involved (+5) o there are strange animal costumes involved (+10 or -10, depending what you’re into) o it’s Pit Night (+5)

SCORE: ________ YOUR RESULT: 44

Parties

o PARTY THE UBYSSEY

o DON T PARTY

Q

emphasize that you are still the same person. You were gay yesterday and will be gay tomorrow.

_PANEL COMING OUT AT UNIVERSITY

if you are rejected by someone to whom you have come out, do not lose sight of your own self-worth. Remember that your coming out was a gift of sharing an important part of yourself which that person has chosen to reject. if rejection does come, consider whether the relationship was really worthwhile.

tell someone who you feel comfortable telling, and have them on your side for support while you tell other people. it really makes a difference.

— mark antczac, Psych 5

You don’t have to accept the label. top, bottom, femme queen, bear, trade, twink … i find labels to be quite restricting. they leave no room for growth, flexibility or undiscovered fun.

QUEER + LGBT

this is the cornucopia of emotional funtimes. No matter what you are feeling, keep in mind that it’s all a part of the process. manage your emotions by managing how you view your “new gay life.” Coming out doesn’t exempt one from experiencing the ups and downs of the every day. Plow through by surrounding yourself with an affirmative support system.

Never come out during an argument. Never use coming out as a weapon.

Never encourage parents to feel guilty for having “caused” your sexual orientation — because they didn’t.

For the full interview, check out our online coverage at ubyssey.ca.

GAY CLUBS AND BARS (NOT JUST CELEBS) *Sorry, girls: Vancouver has a serious lack of lesbian hangouts.

Your best bet is any gay club’s lesbian night.

• The Fountainhead: always packed with a friendly atmosphere, big screen tVs and traditional pub fare. also has a large patio, especially busy in nice weather.

• PumpJack Pub (PJs): a casual spot frequented by friendly leather men and bears.

• The Junction: Has a good mix of nightly and monthly events. open 3 p.m. - 3 a.m. every day.

• Oasis Ultra Lounge: a recently renovated second-floor lounge and dancefloor with a rooftop patio overlooking the heart of Davie Village.

• Café Deux Soleils: this vegetarian café is home to delicious eats, live music and poetry slams, and is open until midnight seven days a week.

While there is always a mixed crowd, it is known for being a lesbian hangout as well.

THE UBYSSEY

Queer + LGBT

45

R

RELIGION

CHAPLAINS uBC has an interfaith chaplaincy program that provides spiritual support for more than 10 different faiths. most offer one-on-one spiritual counselling and have student groups that worship together. see chaplains.students.ubc.ca for more info.

SPIRITUAL SERVICES

• Anglican: sundays at 10:30 a.m. at st. anselm’s Church (5210 university Blvd.). they also offer free dinner and fellowship for uBC students on sundays at 6 p.m.

• Baptist: sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the suB auditorium (Norm theatre). see bornformore. wordpress.com for more info.

• Brethren: university Chapel (5375 university Blvd.) on sundays at 2 p.m. in Korean and at 7 p.m. in english.

• Jewish: the Jewish student centre is the Hillel House (6145 student union Blvd.). see the ams has over 20 clubs vancouverhillel.ca/our-campuses/ubc for info. with a spiritual focus, including • Muslim: Daily prayers in Brock Hall annex (1874 associations for Christian, east mall), Room 2357. open 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Jewish, muslim and sikh weekdays. Friday prayers are held in the totem students. Find the full clubs list Park Ballroom (2525 West mall) from 1:10 - 1:40 at ams.ubc.ca/clubs. p.m. For more info, see msaubc.org.

• University Christian Ministry: a multidenominational group that meets thursdays at 7 p.m. at Woodward library, lecture theatre 6 (2198 Health sciences mall). see ubc. ucmonline.ca for more info. most of the faith centres listed • Presbyterian: tuesdays at noon and sundays above welcome newcomers from 7 - 8 p.m. in st. andrew’s Hall (6040 iona and the religiously curious. uBC Dr.). also offers a number of courses in the Department of Classical, • Roman Catholic: st. mark’s College Chapel (5935 iona Dr.) at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and Near eastern and Religious 7 p.m. on sundays and 12:10 p.m. monday studies and the Department of through Friday. see stmarkscollege.ca for asian studies that delve into more info. abrahamic and asian religions.

• United Church: the university Hill Relg 100, “Religions of the Congregation worships at the Chapel of the World”, gives a fairly solid epiphany (6030 Chancellor Dr.) at 10:30 a.m. introduction to the world’s on sundays. major religious traditions.

CLUBS

JUST

CURIOUS?

46

Religion

THE UBYSSEY

S

SPORTS AND BUDGETING

GO BIRDS GO With the most national titles Cis in history (87), uBC has arguably the best varsity athletics program in Canada. some of our teams have become so dominant that other schools have come to expect that the fight is for second place. all but one team went to the playoffs (or equivalent) last year, and the thunderbirds took home five national championships, along with six Canada West championships.

While those teams look to defend their titles, others — such as men’s and women’s basketball and women’s soccer — are also poised to make deep playoff runs. there are games just about every weekend, and for only $20, you can join Blue Crew and get in to every one of them, including playoffs. they’ll even throw in a t-shirt.

_HOW TO

1.

BE A REAL FAN

2.

3.

4.

GOLD BIRDS GOLD 2012–2013 HIGHLIGHTS • Women’s volleyball won 25 games in a row en route to their sixth consecutive national championship • Men’s soccer went undefeated in 24 games to win the national title • Women’s swimming won a record 18th national championship • Women’s field hockey remained close behind by winning their 14th national championship • Women’s cross country won their first ever national championship • Women’s hockey had the biggest turnaround in CIS history by advancing to the playoffs (and nationals) for the first time, winning Canada West in the process

Show up. Before the playoffs. it’s that simple. tickets are dirt cheap (sometimes even free) for uBC students and there are games every weekend, so there’s no excuses.

Dress the part. Wear thunderbirds gear, paint your face and/or chest, be loud, be proud, etc. shy and retiring? at least wear something blue/yellow/ uBC. We hear the bookstore sells these t-shirts.

Be informed. the best fans are knowledgeable fans. Read up on the thunderbirds in The Ubyssey, on the uBC athletics website and in other local papers. Be sure to catch the latest video highlights online while you’re at it.

Write about it. We’ll teach you everything you need to know (and provide tickets).

THE UBYSSEY

Sports

47

VANCOUVER SPORTS TEAMS

The Vancouver Canucks (National Hockey League) are the hometown heroes around these parts, but as big ticket items, the cost of going to see Kesler and the Sedins play isn’t cheap. Luckily, Vancouver has plenty of other exciting sports teams to cheer for that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The following are all regular playoff contenders, and, aside from the Lions, offer single game tickets for $20 or less.

BC Lions (Canadian Football League) Currently in their 60th season, the lions are the oldest pro sports team in BC. they’ve won the grey Cup (the Canadian super Bowl) six times, most recently in 2011.

Vancouver Whitecaps (Major League Soccer) Founded in 1986, the ’Caps moved into the mls in 2011 and advanced to the playoffs in their second season. they’re in the thick of the playoff race again this year. the ’Caps offer a special student price on season tickets.

Vancouver Giants (Western Hockey League) the giants are a junior hockey team who has sent over 20 alumni to the NHl. they last won the memorial Cup in 2007, and the WHl Championships the previous year.

Vancouver Canadians (Minor League Baseball) the Cs are the short season single-a affiliate of the toronto Blue Jays. they play at Nat Bailey stadium during the summer months.

48

Sports

THE UBYSSEY

T

TRANSIT

A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP using translink is like drinking cheap beer: the quality of the experience is dubious, but it gets you through the night, one way or another — and you can’t afford anything better. granted, some cities in the world have transit systems that make translink’s service look like a poor farce, and as you watch your third 44 or 41 bus drive past with the sign “soRRY, Bus Full,” you may want to throw yourself under its wheels. However, with prudent organization and a bit of luck, it’s easy enough to figure out how early you should be at your stop and when you should consider transferring to a different route to avoid delays. the u-Pass is still a great deal; many students “take courses” just so they can get their hands on one. and, hey, at least those new buses smell nice and have air conditioning.

BUSES THAT

MATTER the 99 is the go-to for access to most of Vancouver’s major non-downtown districts. it also stops at the Cambie and Commercial skytrain stations, allowing you to travel to Burnaby, surrey, Richmond, and YVR. the 44 express bus gets you access to the spanish Banks beaches, the shops and restaurants on Fourth avenue and downtown itself. the 41 heads down 41st street and is a great route to Richmond — the bus goes directly to the 41st Canada line station.

the u-Pass is your ticket for any translink bus, skytrain or seaBus. You will need to pick up a new one every month from a machine in the uBC Bookstore or student union building. Don’t forget to pick up your pass! if you get caught on the bus without one, it’s a $173 fine.

THE UBYSSEY

stranded downtown at night? the N22 (Dunbar), N15 (Cambie) and N17 (uBC) are three key buses that run three times between 2:09 and 3:09 a.m.

Transit

49

i had never ridden a bus prior to coming to uBC and it’s awesome how easy and convenient the system is. if you have any questions or need directions, anyone, including the bus driver, will help you out.

— Brittney Harley, Psych 5

HOW TO RIDE the

DAMN BUS *%^#!?

(IN CASE NO ONE TOLD YOU)

uBC students are a smart bunch, but we’re infuriating bus riders. Before you flash that u-Pass, remember: • Look both ways before jaywalking at the bus loop. Bus drivers have referred to the uBC loop as the most dangerous working zone in the city due to absent-minded students strolling into the road.

• Go to the back of the bus so that other people can get on. Yes, you. Yes, all the way to the back of the bus, not just to the stairs or in front of the doors. it won’t bite.

• if you’re standing next to an empty seat and the bus is getting full, sit in the seat so that you can free up standing space. No one is impressed that you’re too cool to sit down.

• are there a pair of seats free? great! Sit in the seat closest to the window so that someone else can sit in the aisle seat.

Remember that Canadians are too polite to ask someone to move.

• Get over the awkwardness and fill up the seats that face each other. if your knees touch those of your neighbor, take a deep breath and be thankful you aren’t commuting in Beijing instead.

50

Transit

THE UBYSSEY

Elderly people/ stroller/ wheelchair getting on the bus? Get up!

U

U

UBYSSEY

This is the section where we humbly tell you how great we are.

The Ubyssey is your campus newspaper. We print twice a week and publish throughout the week online. If you want to know what’s happening on campus, read The Ubyssey. If you want even more breaking coverage, go to ubyssey.ca. You can also follow us on Twitter (@ubyssey) and like us on Facebook.

Want to write news, features, sports or culture? Come to the Ubyssey office. Want to take photos, shoot or edit videos, design apps or design pages for the paper? Come to the Ubyssey office. Want to go to a mansion on an island and drink in a hot tub on the roof of that mansion?

The Ubyssey does that too.

The Ubyssey was founded in 1918. Since then, many successful journalists and other writers have gotten their start here, including Pierre Berton, John Turner and Michael Valpy. Whether you want to pursue a career in journalism, write a single article, or just want to hang out in our office and get free dinner twice a week, The Ubyssey has you covered.

Come visit us in Room 24 in the SUB basement, or send an email to coordinating editor Geoff Lister at volunteer@ubyssey.ca.

V

VANCOUVER

TOURING YVR sure, you came to uBC for some fancy book-learning, but don’t forget the other reason you’re here. the “World’s most livable City” is host to a wealth of amenities — both cultural and natural — that you don’t want to miss. minutes from your dorm, you’ll find clothing-optional Wreck Beach and, farther down the coast, the splendour of the spanish Banks.

Plan a day trip to stanley Park, which, in addition to its magnificent seawall, is one of the largest metropolitan green spaces in North america. You can also find the Vancouver aquarium, the largest aquarium in Canada. in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver art gallery marks the hub of the city, and students get a discounted rate to its worldclass exhibitions. uBC itself is home to two major attractions: the Beaty Biodiversity museum and the museum of anthropology, both free for students. and of course, you’re only hours away from some of the best slopes in the world, including seymour mountain, grouse mountain and Whistler Blackcomb. the ski and snowboard Club at uBC is the obvious choice for group deals, but many larger clubs in town also do trips up to the mountains.

52

Vancouver

THE UBYSSEY

_HIPSTER BS

VANCOUVER BUZZBANDS

TO NAMEDROP AT HOUSE PARTIES

• Hey Ocean! [heɪ oʊʃn̩] a mellow, low-key indie pop-rock outfit. also, the lead singer voices Fluttershy on My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. #brony • Said the Whale [sɛd ðə weɪɫ] up-tempo, feel-good indie rock. inoffensive, but totally hip with the kids.

• My! Gay! Husband! [maɪ geɪ hʌzbn̩d] local DJ Jason sulyma has a reputation for mixing hits of all stripes with vindictive beats and funk-dub styling.

• Mother Mother [mʌðɹ̩ mʌðɹ̩ ] angsty, once-folky indie rock with a sense of indignation.

• Delhi 2 Dublin [dɛli tu dʌblɪn] an infusion of Celtic folk music with Bhangra percussion and strings, along with a splash of hip-hop.

• Brasstronaut [bɹæstɹoʊnɑt] Hypnotic strains of synth and acoustic harmonies with barely-there lyrics, spearheaded by eponymous trumpet melodies.

• Black Mountain [blæk maʊnt̚n̩] No-nonsense rock, ideally played on a road trip in a secondhand car. Not to be confused with the colourful, electro-dance-resampled delights of Bear mountain, another local offering.

• Philoceraptor [fɪlɑsəɹæptɹ̩ ] Head-banging, foot-stomping alt-rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

THE UBYSSEY

Vancouver

53

W

WEATHER

IT RAINS A LOT IN VANCOUVER.

it happens to many of us: you were drawn to uBC, enticed by the beautiful, sunny photos of mountains and ocean on the university website. You arrive here in early september, and it’s everything you dreamed it would be. and then it starts to rain.

You may feel betrayed, enraged, or s.a.D. But now that you’re here, you’re just going to have to deal with it. Here are our must-haves for surviving any serious Vancouver outdoor time:

An umbrella.

It doesn’t need to be fancy to do the job, but deviating from the standard black could cheer up campus (and yourself!) a little.

A certified waterproof rain jacket. It should feel like a sheet of plastic — none of this “waterresistant” crap. And if you’re going to all the trouble, having a hood helps too.

Warm clothing. the average annual temperature in Vancouver is only 10 C. It’s not as bad as the Yukon, but it could be better.

Plastic bags. One to cover your wet bike seat when you leave your bike out in the rain, and one for your laptop inside of your backpack. A lot of places won’t buy back waterlogged textbooks, so if you’re planning on selling yours later on, you’ll need protection for those as well.

A backup umbrella, for when the rain flips yours inside out and destroys it during a torrential downpour.

Rain boots. they don’t need to be Hunters, they just need to be waterproof.

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Weather

THE UBYSSEY

X

NOT THAT WE ENDORSE ANY OF THIS BUT LET S BE REALISTIC HERE

XANAX (AND OTHER DRUGS)

IF YOU RE GOING TO TAKE DRUGS

HAVE A SAFE TRIP

While drugs come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and doses, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent a bad trip, regardless of what you’re taking to get there.

• Know what you’re getting into experimenting with a new drug is like writing a midterm: if you didn’t do your readings, it’s probably not going to go well. Pay attention to dosage and stick to it; you can always get seconds later.

• Scoring safe drugs getting a contact from a friend is usually your safest bet. Quality control is usually self-regulating — no dealer wants to be known as the guy selling bad product. if you’re not sure, organizations like Dancesafe sell testing kits for a variety of adulterants.

• Get high with friends like many things in life, drugs are best experienced with a small group of close friends. Having a designated sober trip buddy around to keep everyone in check is never a bad idea, particularly for your first time with a particular drug.

• Safe house more important than tripping out to your favourite electronic artist is making sure you’re either in, or have easy access to, a comfortable and safe environment, such as a friend’s apartment, with food, water and a place to rest.

• Positive thinking and a good mindset if you’re taking drugs to deal with emotional stress or to get really messed up, then you’re not only missing the point of drugs, but increasing your chance of having a bad experience.

• Return trip it’s important to note that many drugs, such as ecstasy, require intermission periods that allow for serotonin transporters in the brain to recharge. it’s also important to be aware of the addictive properties of certain drugs.

THE UBYSSEY

Xanax + Other Drugs

55

OH, CANADA

CANADIAN INTOXICANT USE in 2012

SOURCE: CANADIAN ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE MONITORING SURVEY (CADUMS) 2012

PSYCHOACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL STIMULANTS

��� ��� �� 40%

1.5%

4.9%

of people 15 and older used pharmaceutical stimulants

of youth between 15 and 24 used pharmaceutical stimulants

DEXEDRINE ADDERALL RITALIN ETC.

of Canadians using pharmaceutical stimulants abused them

the MOST COMMONLY USED ILLICIT DRUG IN CANADA is

MARIJUANA WEED, POT, MARY-JANE, DOPE, BC BUD

2%

9178+ 41+ 10+

ONLY ABOUT OF CANADIANS REPORT USING ANY OTHER DRUGS AMONG THEM, MEN WERE MORE LIKELY TO USE THAN WOMEN

3X

91% of Canadians have used alcohol in their lifetime 78.4% have used alcohol in the past year 41.5% of Canadians have used marijuana in their lifetime 10.2% have used marijuana in the past year

56

Xanax + Other Drugs

THE UBYSSEY

16

Average age of initiation with marijuana and alcohol

Y

#YOLO

_WORDS OF WISDOM

_HOW TO

THE SPIRIT OF #YOLO

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

You made it. You’re at the University of British Columbia. Not bad. While you’re here, toiling away, preparing to become the world’s next celebrated innovator, don’t forget: you only live once. So what does this tired cliché mean at UBC?

#liveandlearn

Do you tend to be consumed by schoolwork? Maybe it’s time to venture to an unfamiliar part of campus to catch up on readings, or find a new study break activity.

• maintain some basic privacy settings on your accounts.

• Don’t post or send potentially compromising pictures. even snapchat is forever.

• set your Facebook account to review posts before they show up on your wall. Limited profile is also a good way to keep parents from creeping.

• Remember, twitter and instagram can serve as a whereabouts tracker, so make sure you don’t post party pics when you’re supposedly home sick.

• Watch yourself when you’re under the influence. Log out of your accounts and stick to text if you really need to share that uR sooooo DRaaaaaaNK • Don’t start an account with your friends where you post creepshots of girls you think are hot. even if you’re on a hot-shit sports team and it’s, like, totally anonymous.

Everyone falls on a different point on the #yolo spectrum, but the true spirit of #yolo lies in stepping outside yourself and your usual habits.

Have you always yearned to experience the camaraderie of a team sport or whip yourself into shape? Check out UBC Rec for endless activities, or get a Birdcoop gym pass.

Are you that person who says, with a mournful Charlie Brown sigh, “I should have just said ‘hi’”? Try making the first move. Who knows? You may find your soulmate — or at least a buddy to pass on their notes when you’re too hungover to make it to class.

Take a cue from Drake and use your time at university to experience all that campus life has to offer, before exam stress is no longer the biggest source of pressure in your life. After all, #yolo.

THE UBYSSEY

#YOLO

57

Z

ZEN

_WORDS OF WISDOM

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING RELAXED

the first few weeks of school can seem daunting. there are readings you have to do that just go on forever, lots and lots of down time (which will be filled with panicked paper-writing or sleep), and opportunities to join whatever club, committee or cult you want left and right — and people. People, people everywhere. it can be overwhelming. Remember to take a breather every now and then. Be it a walk in Nitobe gardens, grabbing a beer on Broadway or even a Youtube binge in your room, it’s always important to take some time for yourself and relax. if reading about taking time to relax makes you snort and say, “I’m studying 24/7 to go to med school! I don’t need to hear this new-age hippie relaxing nonsense!” and then flick your nose with your thumb, a) everyone secretly hopes you’ll bomb the mCat, and b) think again. mental health is a college buzzword these days, but despite its trendiness in the media, it’s a serious concern. Your mental health crisis could be triggered by something as common as stress, test anxiety or sleep deprivation.

Remember, you have four years (who are we kidding, it’s more like five) to go, and you don’t have to do everything now. every epic Friday night out needs its saturday morning chill time. there’s a lot of university to explore and a lot of Vancouver to see, but you still have a long way to go, young Padawan.

_HOW TO hang on to your sanity if

EVERYTHING IS FUCKED 1.

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Breathe. You are alive. that is good. (Really. We promise.)

Drink a glass of water. man, that was some delicious water. i’ll drink another one. stop. Don’t drink another glass. You might get bloated. think of solutions to resolve your problem. Write them down. Writing helps to organize your thoughts and makes you feel proactive. it’s an action plan!

Play the what’s-the-worst-that-can-happen-game. this will help to put things in perspective.

Call someone — from home or just from next door — who can say all the right things to make you feel better. Right now, it’s about stroking your ego so you can regain the strength to tackle whatever you need to do. Don’t worry — there are many things in the world to knock your self esteem down again. if your problem seems out of hand, talk to a counsellor or someone from the Health and Wellness Clinic. they’re here for a reason!

Zen

THE UBYSSEY

SUB Ballroom 9:00pm-1:00am

S&F Paint Party

Vanier 7:00-8:30pm

Improv

Live @ Lunch Stage (N Sub) 5:00-6:00pm

Outdoor Dance

MacInnes Field 9:00-11:00am

Outdoor Yoga

THURSDAY SEPT. 5

SATURDAY SEPT. 7

FRIDAY SEPT. 6

North Plaza 10:00am-4:00pm

Sept. 3-6

FIRSTWEEK PLAZA

MacInnes Field 2:00-9:00pm

with Felix Cartal, Current Swell, The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, MGH!(Glorydays) & more

Welcome Back BBQ

Totem & Vanier 9:30-11:30pm

North Plaza 12:00-1:00pm

Sept. 3-12

LIVE AT LUNCH

Shine Day

SUB Ballroom 9:00am

Backyard Movie Night

1:00-7:00pm

Sept.10

Thunderbird Stadium 7:30-11:00pm *Student Discount*

KID CUDI

UBC Farm 3:00-8:00pm

FarmAde

FRIDAY SEPT. 13

The Norm Theatre (SUB) 10:00pm-1:00am

Double Feature: Throw Back Thrillers

The Norm Theatre (SUB) 8:00-9:30pm

Comedy Show

Improv Show

Main Mall

Imagine Day Booth

1:00pm & 3:00pm

TUESDAY SEPT. 3

Shuttle to IKEA Gage 6:30-8:00pm

Kit Pick-Up

MONDAY SEPT. 2

UBC Bookstore 11:00am-5:00pm Totem/Vanier 4:00pm-8:00pm

Kit Pick-Up

UBC Bookstore 11:00am-5:00pm Totem/Vanier 4:00pm-8:00pm

SUNDAY SEPT. 1

SATURDAY AUG. 31

Aug. 31 - Sept 14

SUB Patio 9:00pm

Open Air Pit Night

Aquatic Centre 9:00pm-12:00am

For more events & pricing info: amsfirstweek.com

Thunderbird Stadium Tailgate Party: 12:00pm-2:00pm Football Game: 2:00pm

HomeComing Football Game

SATURDAY SEPT. 14

Totem 7:00-8:30pm

Improv

Live @ Lunch Stage (N Sub) 5:00-6:00pm

Outdoor Dance

MacInnes Field 9:00-11:00am

Outdoor Yoga Pool Party

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 4