Student Survival Guide by Monday Magazine

Fall 09

St Survival Guide monday mag.com

CHEAP FUN• RENTAL RULEBOOK • CAR CO-OP • BIKE BURSARIES • DRUG AWARENESS • CULTURED COFFEE • BOFFO BRUNCH

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

One Paper, Seven Days But why is it called “Monday”?

PUBLISHER: Jim Parker EDITOR: John Threlfall WRITERS: Amanda Farrell, Greg Pratt, Jason Youmans PRODUCTION DESIGNERS: Rhonda Chisholm, Susan Duhamel, Sean McLaughlin, Lyn Quan

E-MAIL: reception@mondaymag.com, editorial@mondaymag.com, sales@mondaymag.com http://www.mondaymag.com Canadian publications mail R# 112895. ISSN 0832-4719. No person may take more than one copy without prior permission from Monday Publications.

Monday Magazine is published by Black Press Group Ltd. All contents copyright, 2009 Offices at 818 Broughton St., Victoria, B.C., V8W 1E4. Phone: 250-382-6188. FAX: 381-2662

GET STRAIGHT A’S IN BED S AV E 1 0 % W I T H S T U D E N T I D C A R D < < < < < <

Provocative lingerie, costumes, hosery, and leatherware Latex and non-latex condoms & lubricants Premium-quality silicone sex toys Erotic literature, how to, & photography books Gift certificates, gift packages, & gift wrapping Special events, workshops, & in-store parties 531 Herald Street, Victoria 250.380.6995 Open 7 days a week Friday & Saturday until 9 pm w w w.k i s s a n d t e l l.c a

Think You are Pregnant? We provide a safe, confidential environment for clients to explore their options with trained, caring volunteers.

250-380-6883 #4 - 855 Caledonia Avenue

• Free Pregnancy Tests • Free Options Counseling • Free Post Abortion Support • Baby Supply Room

info@optionspregnancy.org • www.optionspregnancy.org DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

For all travellers 733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC tel 1 800 663 1424 ywcahotel.com Your stay supports YWCA community programs

Worth checking into.

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

We may be named after the hardest day of the week, but don’t believe the hype. Monday Magazine is your easiest source for finding out what’s going down in Victoria. Published weekly since 1975, Monday remains Mile Zero’s authority on what’s happening, who’s doing it and why it’s important —and how you can get in on it, too. Looking for some Friday night action, or something to do on a Sunday afternoon? We’ve got the city’s most comprehensive events listings. Say you’re trying to make sense of the political scene, or want to know what’s really going on inside City Hall; with more than 30 years of awardwinning investigative journalism and insightful commentary, Monday is an essential read every week. We tell it like it is, with just a touch of cheek. Best of all—it’s free! Just look for our distinctive yellow boxes at cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs, stores, shops and on the street. You’ll find a new issue out every Thursday (Wednesday in the downtown core), just in time to plan your weekend. So why is it called Monday? Because no week is complete without it. M

What Time Is It? For the Hempology 101 club, it’s always 4:20

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

f you happen to be on UVic’s campus at 4:20 p.m. on a Wednesday between September and April, you might be wondering what that smell is. Well, you’ll likely know what the smell is . . . but you might be wondering what the fastest way to get to it is. “You can smell it all over campus,” says Stephanie Dahl, editor at the Cannabis Buyer’s Club and former director-at-large of the Hempology 101 Club when she was in her fourth year of university, last year. Dahl has attended more than her fair share of 4:20 gatherings and can attest to the fact that it’s not just potheads looking for an excuse to get high. Okay, most of the time. “Sometimes,” she admits. “But for the most part it is the social and educational aspect [people come for]. I’d say maybe a tenth of the people

Hempology 101 founder and well-known local marijuana activist Ted Smith

would be [there just to smoke pot]. For a lot of people, it’s the most important moment of their week, because they meet all of their friends at once and get to socialize in an environment that they feel really comfortable in.” Dahl says that the gatherings don’t turn into an orgy of lawlessness and, in fact, are kept totally under control by the organizers. “Some high-school kids try to sneak in sometimes,” she says, “but Ted’s really serious about wanting it to be for university students. He’ll call them out and say, ‘Look guys, I just don’t

want to get in trouble for having you here.’” The “Ted” Stephanie speaks of is notorious local marijuana advocate Ted Smith. Anyone who reads Monday Magazine even occasionally is familiar with Smith’s relentless campaigning for legalization. Smith is the president of the International Hempology 101 Society, and the club at UVic—which started back in September, 1995—is a branch of the larger umbrella nonprofit society. “Hempology’s goal is to educate the public until it’s legalized,” says Smith. “I’m sure we’ll keep educating after that,” he laughs, “but that’s our primary goal. We try to educate people about hemp and the uses of it.” Not surprisingly (or very surprisingly, depending on your view of pot smokers), the UVic club is super busy. For six months out of the year they have a lecture in a classroom from 3:30 to 4:00 before the 4:20 gatherings commence (these lectures are broadcast live online and can also be found archived on YouTube); they also have

Featuring Livity Eco Friendly Clothing & Accessories plus Quality Hemp Clothing for a Lighter lifestyle

Find us online or in Victoria www.hempandcompany.com 1102 Government Street 547 Johnson Street 422 Craigflower Road

—Greg Pratt

Pretty as you feel. fall 2009

boutique 1150 Government 250.383.8871

wheel & tire super shop

All tires, all sizes Performance & Passenger Wheels sizes from 17”-30”

• Glass Tinting • Auto Detailing • Exhaust • Suspension • After Market Accessories • Custom Graphics and Stickers

474 Bay St. Victoria, B.C. ph.1-250-360-2209 fax1-250-360-2154 toll free1-800-360-2209 shc@shawcable.com

www.shcautographx.com

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

an annual convention (which made headlines earlier this year when local police officer David Bratzer showed up as a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition); they even organize a film festival. And, according to Smith, they have their sights set even farther. “This September we’re going to start a club at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo,” he says, “and in January we’re going to venture over to UBC and start getting a club going over there. We’re finally big enough and organized enough to expand what we’re doing.” And what exactly goes on at the 4:20 gatherings? (Which, in the 2008-09 academic year, got an average of 225 people out weekly.) Smith, who is also the founder of the Cannabis Buyer’s Club for those who use marijuana for medical purposes, lays it all out for us . . . and yes, there is a lot more to it than just toking up. “At 4:20, we get everybody together and get them into a big circle and I get out my amplifier,” he says. “Some weeks we have special events, we have different contests—I play a game show called Reach for the Pot a couple times throughout the year—but usually I’ll introduce myself and Hempology and what we’re doing. Pretty quickly into it we have 42 seconds of silence for the victims of the drug war.” And after that? “I’ll usually talk for anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the weather and the size of the crowd,” he continues. “We’re so busy with different things now; we take up a lot of time just informing students about how the club operates, how to get involved, how to help out. We try to make it fun and entertaining and educational.” And then, after Smith’s cry of “What time is it?” (where everyone answers with the requisite “4:20!”), comes the time you’ve all been waiting for—the moment when, in his own words, “people smoke as much pot as they can afford to.” Because for the Hempology 101 club, 4:20 is high time for change.

From Bicycle Spokes to Sharing Cars with Other Folks It’s easier than ever to stay green while getting to school

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

espite myriad awesome ’80s movie scenes and a sweat-free entry that other modes of transport don’t always guarantee, pulling up to school in a car is almost getting to be a bit of a faux pas these days. It’s just not that cool anymore. Luckily, there are easy green alternatives out there. Camosun has the Bike to Camosun Network, which keeps track of the amount of carbon dioxide students have saved by cycling, not driving, to school. Head to webservices.camosun.bc.ca/b2cn/ for more information. Royal Roads is looking at starting a fund that calculates commuting students’ carbon emission, charges for it and puts that money into a sustainability fund on campus.They’re also working with transit to get better service on campus. Over at UVic, the school has partnered with the non-profit, member-owned Victoria Car Share Co-operative to provide car sharing on campus (UVic faculty and those who live in UVic Family & Student Housing can get a free membership). To join, you pay a $400 fee that is 100-percent refundable if you leave the co-op; you must qualify as a safe driver (by being over 21 and having had a full-privilege driver’s licence for over three years); you submit a driver’s abstract, have a short orientation and sign a membership agreement.Then, boom, you’re in. You’re then charged only by the time and distance you drive ($2.82 an hour—there are night-time and multi-day discounts—and 42 cents a kilometre), a $15 administration fee per month and taxes. Starting to think it’s adding up? Think again. “Car sharing costs about one-quarter as much as owning a car and leaves you free of the hassles and costs of maintenance and insurance,” says Victoria Car Share Co-operative co-

to that if you really want to be gone for longer). And if you’re feeling extra keen, Huk says the co-op is always looking for volunteers to get involved. (E-mail manager@ victoriacarshare.ca to get started!) Of course, let’s not forget the most basic way to minimize your environmental impact while going to school: hop on a The Victoria Car Share Co-op lets you have the convenience of bus. Royal Roads, Camodriving a car without the hassle (and cost) of owning one sun and UVic are all accessible by bus, as are the manager Nicole Huk.“Car sharing other, smaller schools around town, makes it easy to drive less, not own a vehicle, or to switch to a fuel-efficient so no worries there. (Check out bctransit.com for route information, car with occasional access to larger schedules and fares.) Besides, you utility vehicles.” already paid for your UPass so you And, if you’re eager to hit the road might as well use it—and it gives you for the weekend, you’re welcome to a bit of extra time to listen to music, take the car out of the town (even daydream and, uh, catch up on those out of the country); there is a threeassigned readings. day limit to how long you can have a —Greg Pratt car for, though (there are exceptions

with recycling SPOKES, a bicycle bursary program at UVic, got its wheels on the ground back in 2003. The volunteer-run group takes unwanted bikes, fixes them up and lends them to students or visitors to UVic for a small fee. And the actual bursaries are awarded monthly, with the lucky recipient getting a bike, bike lock and the chance to purchase safety gear at a discounted rate. “This program diverts waste from the Hartland Landfill, teaches people new skills in bike repair, and helps reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by promoting commuter cycling,” says Neil Connelly, director, campus planning and sustainability at UVic. “SPOKES also helps to complete the waste-recovery loop by reducing, reusing and, finally, recycling. It is an important contributor

to the sustainability culture at UVic and helps to build community by allowing people to play different roles in advancing the program’s goals.” Since SPOKES began, they’ve loaned out more than 350 bikes—and, during their busiest times, they’re lending out around 40 bikes a month. According to the 2008 campus traffic survey, more than 2,000 people bike to UVic every day. SPOKES was a winner of the 2009 EcoStar Award for Environmental Innovation from the CRD. In 2008, they received an $8000 grant from the Victoria Foundation. Clearly, they’re doing something right. Check uvic.ca/sustainability for more info.

—G.P.

your body. be true to

your budget. STUDENT HAIR SERVICES CUT & STYLE Cut & Style…...………………………………..$16.00 Children (8-14 Years)…....………..................$16.00 Shampoo, Blowdry……..…………………….$12.00 Shampoo, Set……………...………………….$14.00 Updos…………………...…...………….from $27.00 Flat Iron……....…………………………………$5.00 PERMANENT WAVES Body Wave……..…………...................from $35.00 Spiral Perm…………..………………….from $70.00 CONDTION TREATMENTS Deep Conditioning…….……………….from $ 3.00 Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy….….from $22.00 HAIR COLOUR Root Retouch………….……………….from $30.00 Colour…………………..………………..from $30.00 Cap Hilites……………..………………..from $35.00 Foil Hilites……………..………………...from $35.00 Toner…………………..………………...from $10.00 Corrective Colour/Filler upon consultation Our prices include shampoo & conditioning

Visit the Aveda Institute Victoria for a purely affordable hair cut, hair colour or spa treatment. Experience soothing services for hair, nails, skin and body at relaxed prices. Cuts start at $16.00. Hair colour and texture at $30.00. Enjoy a facial, waxing, manicure and pedicure too. All services are provided by supervised students. Appointments welcome by calling 250-386-7985 The Aveda Institute was founded to help create the most successful entrepreneurs in the professional beauty industry. Our students believe in our commitment to outstanding client service. They work to provide their clients with the most unforgettable salon experience. In consideration of other clients, cell phones must be turned off during esthetic treatments. STUDENT SKIN ESTHETICS SERVICES WAXING SERVICES Brow Wax……………...………………………$12.00 Upper Lip Wax……………....………………....$7.00 Cheek Wax……………...……………………..$10.00 Chin Wax…………….....……………………….$8.00 Under Arm Wax………..……………………..$14.00 Bikini Wax………………...……………………$16.00 Full Arm Wax…………....……………………..$22.00 Half Arm Wax………...………………………..$17.00 Full Leg Wax…………...……………………...$28.00 Half Leg Wax……………...……………..……$17.00 Back Wax………..………………………from $27.00 TINT SERVICES Lash Tint………………………...…………..…$12.00 Brow Tint…………………....…………………..$7.00 COLOUR COSMETICS Colour Cosmetic Application………………$20.00 Colour Cosmetic Lesson……..………….….$30.00

SKIN CARE/SPA BODY TREATMENTS Elemental Nature Facial………..………….$25-$35 Outer Peace Facial………….....…………….$50.00 Essential Back Treatment…….....…………..$27.00 Aromacool & Aromatherm….....……………..$8.00 Salt Glow Treatment………….....……………$25.00 Salt Glow and Sun Source…….....………….$40.00 Rosemary Mint Body Wrap……...………….$45.00 Caribbean Body Treatment……...………….$60.00 Fusion Stone Massage……..........................$50.00 NAIL ESTHETICS Stress Relieving Manicure….………………$17.00 French Manicure……………….…………….$21.00 Essential Manicure………..………………….$25.00 Caribbean Therapy TM Hand Treatment…..…$35.00 Stress Relieving Pedicure…….…………….$22.00 Essential Pedicure………...………………….$30.00 Caribbean Therapy TM Foot Treatment…..….$40.00 Thera-Bath…………………………………..$10.00 Polish Change……………...…………………$10.00

For your enjoyment we also offer the following complimentary Aveda Services using Aveda products: Stress Relieving Shoulder and Scalp Experience Hand Relieving Ritual Make up Finishing Touch

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

be good to

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

LOVE THE BANDS? NOW GET THE SHOES!

561 Johnson St. #110 Victoria BC Phone: (250) 388-7022 Toll Free: (866) 224-8257 www.bagginsshoes.com

Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tips on cheap entertainment around town

lright, starving-student types, listen up: you need a break, just like the rest of us. After a long day of studying, it helps to unwind a bit before you get back to the books. But, yikes, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re living on a student loan and your monthly budgetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;assuming you have made one for yourselfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allowing for much extra cash right now. But youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going a bit stir crazy; what to do? Well, listen to Monday, for starters. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll guide you to all the right places to get cheapâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; or even freeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;entertainment. We know what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been starving student types ourselves. (Now we smash bottles of champagne on our desks for fun as we rip up $100 bills and throw them out our office windows, laughing at

the common folk racing around to papers at UVic or Camosun and see put them back together . . . or, uh, if you can score some free CDs to rewe eat PB&J sandwiches and trade view (movie buffs, this is also a good promo books and CDs way to score free movie for food.) Anyway, here passes, often to go to are our tips. a pre-release screenIf youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to UVic, ing before the public, get a job at Cinecentaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; which, if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being not only will this put honest here, is pretty some extra cash in darn cool). your pocket, but you You can also volunteer can see free flicks as a at some of the music Cinecenta employee. fests around town (ska, And we did a bit of injazz, electronica, you vestigating for you and name it) and check came up with this: any out concerts for free. If Student Union Building youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to pursue employee at UVic gets a career in the arts (and to see free matinee and good luck with that), late-night shows. (UVic this is a great way to Volunteering for events like the make lots of contacts, undergrads only have to Victoria Film Festival are a great pay $4.75 and any other way to get involved, meet people too. student pays $5.75.) Are you an artsy type? and be a part of the scene Plus, this is a great way The Belfry Theatre to get that film-critic career started! offers preview nights at half-price if So is volunteering at Mile Zeroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bigplays are your thing;Theatre Inconnu gest film-related event, of course, the has both a pay-what-you-can evening annual Victoria Film Festival. performance during the second Speaking of critics, if music is yer week of a showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run and a halfbag, volunteer at the student newsprice ($6) preview the night before COURTESY OF VFF

A Night Outâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;On a Studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budget

continued on page 11

â&#x17E;ź

Harris Green LIQUOR MERCHANTS

250.361.1469

Delivery Hotline

Centrally located in Harris Green Plaza, around the corner from Market on Yates and London Drugs with lots of free parking.

BE SAFE AND PACE YOURSELF - WE DELIVER !

Well. almost anywhere. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll arrive with your order plus any extras to make your event hum - snacks , mix, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to take your empties away with no charge. And we stock your favourite international spirits and national beers, coolers, plus Vancouver Island craft beers, ciders , organic wines and the latest eau de vie/ brandies.

7JFX 4U #FIJOE .BSLFU PO :BUFT -POEPO %SVHT JO UIF )BSSJT (SFFO 1MB[B BN QN r %BZT B 8FFL

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

WEDELIVERANYWHERE

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

official opening. And festival-based companies like Intrepid Theatre (the Fringe Festival, UNO), always need volunteers too, which also translates to free shows. And the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has a day where admission is by donation—the first Tuesday of every month. And art openings are a great place to score free wine and chow . . . and take in some art, of course. Then there are open mic and poetry nights, which serve two functions: cheap entertainment (look, quality control can’t be guaranteed, but, beggars, choosers, all that…) and, great practice for aspiring poets, writers and musicians, as it offers a bit of real-world experience that can’t be topped. Here, we’ll point you in the right direction to start: check out Planet Earth Poetry every Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Stilt on Hillside. (FYI, the Black Stilt is a pretty great place to check out musicians for cheap, too.) And, literary types, don’t forget author readings are often free or cheap; keep your eyes on—where else?—Monday’s calendar for listings.

—Greg Pratt

Java Joints While many equate Victoria with tea, we’re also a damn good coffee town. The best shops combine great joe with a good place to hang, listen to music, meet like-minded people and provide a space to strut your own stuff—an open mic, say, or a poetry slam or art show. Here’s our best bets if you’re looking to join the city’s caffeinated culture. • 2% Jazz - Ethical beans and personal expertise. 2621A Douglas. 384-5282 • Bean Around the World - A welldeserved legend in local sipping circles. 533 Fisgard. 386-7115 • The Black Stilt - Two great locations for talking and tasting. 103-1633 Hillside and 1769 Fort. 370-2077, 590-8230 • Cafe Artigiano - This multiple awardwinner recently jumped the pond to 1140 Government. 388-4147 • Caffe Fantastico - A staple in the local coffee landscape. 965 Kings or 1109 McKenzie. 385-2326 • Discovery Coffee - This roastery and

coffee shop serves up amazing ethical brews. 664 Douglas. 477-2323 • Habit Coffee and Culture - Great atmosphere and some of the best—and friendliest— baristas in the city. 552 Pandora. 704-8304 • Mirage - This custom-roasted bean-based outlet is taking over the city with four locations: 1122 Blanshard, 817 Government, 733 Yates and 755 Goldstream. 384-4982 • Moka House - The local antidote to Starbucks has three locations to mix and mingle: Cook Street Village, Shoal Point and Admiral’s Walk. 388-7377 • Serious Coffee - A local chain with proud Island roots and eight locations around town (our favourite is the one in the old Monday building at 1609 Blanshard). 385-1100 • Solstice Cafe - Music and poetry with a nice blend of coffees and teas. 529 Pandora. 475-0477 • Spiral Cafe - The Vic West hangout for folkie folks. 418 Craigﬂower. 386-9303 • Street Level Espresso - Veritable manabout-town Ken Gordon serves up tasty Hines Public Market Coffee. 714 Fort. 361-9927. • The Village - A great coffee spot with full all-day breakfast. 2518 Estevan. 592-8311.

Where the Music Begins Guitars / Basses / Amps / Drums / Keyboards Recording Equipment / World Percussion / P.A. Systems Brass Instruments / Woodwinds / Orchestral Strings Print Music / Software / Lighting / D.J. Gear

10%

oﬀ sheet music for students

42 locations nationwide, including 756 Hillside Ave, Victoria, 250.384.3622

✁

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Sales / Repairs / Lessons / School Band Rent & Rent-To-Own Programs / Used Instruments Bought & Sold / In-Store Financing / Trades / Clinics

Never Too Late to Learn Mature students prove education is for everyone

f you think you’re too old to go to school, think again. Many people are returning to school after years— even decades—of being away. It could be to begin a new career or simply for personal enjoyment; whatever the reason, returning to school is possible. John Vincer is 46 years old; he returned to school last year. A student at Royal Roads, Vincer is earning his bachelor of commerce in entrepreneurial studies. “I had just completed 25 years in the Canadian Forces and was looking for a way to make myself a little more employable,” he says.“I had attained many of the skills required for prerequisite to this program, from courses which I took while in the military and from life experience. I came back to school to get accreditation for my skills, in the form of a degree.”

Vincer says that being a returning student gives him an advantage in the classroom in many ways, not the least of which is life experience. He says that it has allowed him to “see things that we study in a slightly different light” because he has experienced a lot of the things they are talking about in the classroom. “I also enjoy expanding my mind, learning about new concepts that I have never heard of and benefiting from the instructors’ academic knowledge,” he says.“And I learn from my fellow students; I am lucky to be amongst such intelligent classmates. I have been blown away by how smart many of them are. I also get to meet learners from other countries with different perspectives. I also love the team concept of learning at Royal Roads.” Matteus Clement returned to college last year, when he was 26. He was originally pursuing his goal of becoming a doctor, but a last-minute decision to enter in a video contest held at Camosun ended with Clement enrolled in the Applied Communications Program. continued on page 14

➼

WOW!

Soft Contacts

Don’t be surprised if that mature student sitting next to you answers questions and does all the assigned readings—they’re just applying their job skills to an education environment

FIND YOURSELF AT CINECENTA

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

1 yr. Supply of monthly lenses 12 pr. $149.50

1320 Douglas Street “Between Yates & Johnson” Locally Owned & Operated

250.380.6919

FREE HOT YOGA! September 14th-20th

GREAT MOVIES CHEAP PRICES DAMN FINE POPCORN

1088 FORT ST. (Cook & Fort) www.mokshayogavictoria.com

CINECENTA.COM STUDENT UNION BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

WEST COAST COLLEGE OF MASSAGE THERAPY

NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER COLLEGE OF MASSAGE THERAPY 27.5 month Massage Therapy Program The highest level of Massage training available in North America. 17,000 sq. ft. training facility including an on-site public intern clinic. September and January intakes.

11 month Spa Practitioner Diploma Program The Best Choice in Massage Therapy Education

West Coast College of Massage Therapy & Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy

Phone (250) 381-9800 Ext 224 or 227

Locations: • VICTORIA • NEW WESTMINISTER • TORONTO • KITCHENER • HALIFAX

www.collegeofmassage.com

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Offers a comprehensive foundation in health sciences available for spa training.

Clement says that there are benefits to being a mature student—he is “not afraid to ask questions” and has work experience under his belt, which helped prepare him for the classroom. “That has allowed me to always work with people,” he says,“and when you have to have a group project or a lab, it is no different. It’s just like managing all over again, picking peoples’ strengths in the group and working with them to have a better end product than if you had worked by yourself. Being older allowed me to speak my mind and take the reins when need be and I think that lack of shyness benefited the whole group.” But being a mature student isn’t all roses and kitties; there are outside responsibilities to juggle your time with, be it careers or family. And some mature students do struggle with the return to studying.There are new techniques for studying, and many of them involve the internet and other technologies that may not have been around last time the returning student hit the books. (A tip: most schools have people or courses

YOGA

that can help you learn how to learn again.) And, heck, sometimes the ol’ brain just ain’t used to studying—both Vincer and Clement report grading low at first but then getting the hang of things after that first semester or two. “Maybe it is just me,” says Vincer,“but I seem to have to study harder than my fellow students; I think my brain is just a little older and doesn’t soak in information the same.” But even if sometimes it’s a bit of a different experience for mature students, the response seems to be positive across the board. “I have always thought that people shouldn’t go to college until they have been through the real world and realize that work-

UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP

ing for $8 an hour and having asshole bosses is not the life they want to lead,” says Clement.“I have found that age to be about 25. Plus living life while you are young is so much more fulfilling since your body is more resilient, your senses are sharper and you are more daring since you have that ‘I’m bullet-proof’ mentality.” “I have thoroughly enjoyed it at Royal Roads,” concludes Vincer.“I’ve met some brilliant people and learned a great deal. I have brought my experiences to class and learned a lot from others as well. I think it was a great decision to come back and I would recommend it to any mature student who is considering a career change, or just to get the grey matter stimulated again.”

—Greg Pratt

SALE

Hatha Flow Kundalini Ashtanga Prenatal Nidra Restorative

4 Months UNLIMITED YOGA for the price of 3! "For Full-Time Students (valid student ID required)”

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

$160 for the Month of September

unlimited drop-in classes

STUDENT R AT E S • specializing in colour • retail Centre 5 min. walk down the hill from UVic open 7 days a week

2592 sinclair road (in the cadboro bay village)

#500–3 Fan Tan Alley | 250.385.2105 | www.moksanayoga.com

250-477-3098

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Don’t spill all your bills on pills

Gonna Take You Higher Drug awareness is an important part of anybody’s education

This is one of Victoria’s most popular spots! Whether it’s seafood, burgers or chicken, enjoymost the popular! This isrelax one ofand Victoria’s Olde English pub ambiance of Whether it’s seafood, Bartholomews Bar burgers & Grill.or chicken, relax

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

and enjoy the Oldeatmosphere, English pub ambience of We have an upbeat Bartholomews Bar & Grill. live entertainment and outdoor patio dining - all summer long!

We have an upbeat atmosphere, live entertainment and One may also enjoy the cosy outdoor patio dining - all summer long! setting of Doubles Oyster Bar.

One may also enjoy the cozy setting of Doubles Oyster Bar. Complimentary appetizers Complimentary appetizers during Appy Hour during Appy Hour

250-388-5111 Located in the

EXECUTIVE HOUSE HOTEL 777 Douglas St.

www.executivehouse.com

ost secondary is a time for experimentation—and we’re not just talking about the chemistry lab. Even if it’s not your puff of smoke, chances are you’ll at least be exposed to different kinds of illicit drugs during your time at university or college. Here are some tips to make sure the trips you or your friends take are safer ones. (Before we get started, it should be noted that we’re not condoning or condemning the use of drugs—we just want to help people who choose to use trip safer. Also, no drug is 100 percent safe.There are risks involved in taking any street drug; it’s pretty much impossible to tell if drugs are pure or are cut with something and many drugs have the potential to be addictive.) • Do your research. Whether you’re taking ecstasy for the first time or are a seasoned pot head, hopping online and learning more about the drugs you’re ingesting is a smart idea. Websites like erowid.org, lycaeum. org or islandkidz.org have all kinds of information they didn’t teach you in drug-education class—such as dosage amounts, what you can expect to feel like, the duration of your high, how the drug effects your body and mind, what an overdose looks like, addictiveness potential and how much trouble you can get in if you get busted. Both erowid and lycaeum also have trip report archives, so you can read about other people’s experiences or share your own. • Know your source. We’re not suggesting that you become best buddies with your dealer, but it’s a good continued on page 19

➼

Better deal. Better hurry.

/MO.1

ONLY

ÜBER VALUE PLAN

• 100 local anytime minutes • Unlimited local evening and weekend minutes, starting at 6 p.m.2 • Call Waiting and Conference Calling3

NEW!

3G BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8230 smartphone

Samsung Link™

with a $35 voice and data plan on a 3-yr. term 5 ($499.95 no term)

on a 3-yr. term 6 ($219.95 no term)

3G Palm® Centro™ smartphone

on a 3-yr. term6 ($149.95 no term)

Available at the following Bell stores:

Victoria Hillside Centre 250 592-7881

Victoria Mayfair Shopping Centre 250 220-7000

Victoria Victoria Bay Centre 250 220-7011

Victoria Westshore Town Centre 250 391-9637

Offer ends September 20, 2009. Available with compatible devices within Bell Mobility high speed mobile network coverage areas. Weeknights Mon-Thur, 6pm-7am; Weekends Fri 6pm-Mon 7am. Other monthly fees, e.g., 911 (75¢), system access ($6.95) (not government fees), and one-time device activation ($35) apply. $6.95 system access fee is available with new activations and to existing customers who agree to a new committed service period (excluding corporate accounts). Paper bill service charge ($2/mo) applies unless you register for e-bill and cancel your paper bill. Long distance and roaming charges (including foreign taxes) may apply outside your local area. Upon early termination, price adjustment charges apply. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) With new activation on a 2 or 3-yr. term. (2) Applies to airtime for calls in your local calling area. (3) Simultaneous use of airtime. (4) Based on speed of 1xEV-DO, Canada’s largest 3G mobile network. (5) With new activation on a post-paid voice plan and a data feature with a total min. value of $35/mo. You must keep a min. $35/mo. post-paid voice and data plan for 12 months after activation, otherwise a one-time data service price adjustment of $99 will be charged on your account. (6) With new activation on a post-paid voice plan. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. Samsung Link is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and its related entities. Palm and Centro are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc.

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Back To

1AFMMJ 1”Vinyl Binder Item #301118

Mainstays

100 Sheet BONUS 8.5X11, 20lb, Multi-Purpose Paper 600 sheets Item #335530

90¢

Tech Gear

Duo-tang

Zippered Binder

Report Covers

Item #373538

$ 97 ea

Economiser Pencils 10 pack Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Item #343961

$ 93ea Assorted Colours

37¢ ea

ROLLBACK

Smile, you’re saving even more.

Super Tip Markers 20 Count Item #381691

76¢

LANGFORD

$ 84 ea

Was $5.96

,ANGFORD 0ARKWAY s VICTORIA 3601 Douglas Street ,

HOURS $AYS A WEEK s AM PM HOU

continued on page 21

➼

BACK TO SCHOOL BIKE SALE

*10% student discount

* reg. priced parts & accessories

CLOSEST BIKESHOP TO UVIC AND CAMOSUN (LANSDOWNE CAMPUS)

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BIKES

3627 SHELBOURNE ST 250-477-7612 SHELBOURNE PLAZA near the Liquor Store and Starbucks macscyclecentre.ca

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

idea to get your stuff from someone you know and trust. If you have a reliable source, it also mitigates the likelihood of buying sketchy drugs off some random dude at a party. And don’t believe it when people tell you something is 100 percent pure. A lot of chemical drugs are cut with something, and there are several places you can order different types of drug-testing kits. Websites like eztest. com sell test kits for everything from ecstasy to cocaine that can be used hundreds of times, so they might be a good investment. • Be comfortable. Plan ahead and make sure you’re somewhere comfortable and have a familiar person or two with you when you are trying something new.That way, if you start to feel overwhelmed, you’ll be somewhere you feel comfortable and are among friends. Make sure you’re in a good mental space, particularly if you’re taking psychedelic drugs. (If Make sure you’re in a you’re stressed good space before dropping a tab of Obama out about something, it might not be a good time to take a whole bunch of mushrooms— chances are you’ll have a bad trip.) It’s best to start in low doses, too, as most drugs vary in their potency from batch to batch.Trust us, the best time to try acid is probably not when you’re drunk at a concert. • Stash your stash. Don’t leave your drugs lying around in the open. If you have pets, make sure your drugs are out of their reach and don’t keep your drugs in a place where someone could mistake them for something else and accidentally ingest them. And while the West Coast may have a reputation for being more lenient when it comes to things like smoking pot, it’s still not a good idea to blaze a Chonger while walking down Douglas Street. One stupid decision could get you busted. • Take care of yourself. Making sure you nourish your body—before, during and after your trip—is important. Get lots of sleep, keep hydrated and eat properly. If you and your friends are ingesting drugs or alcohol at a party,

Free Intro Yoga Class Thursday, Sept. 10 8:30 am, 3:30 pm Monday, Sept. 14 12 noon, 7:30 pm Tuesday, Sept. 15 10:00 am, 3:30 pm, 5:15 pm

Celebrating 30 years in Victoria 202-919 Fort St

(Above the Blue Fox Cafe)

www.iyengar yogacentre.ca

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

250.386.9642

The Place To Start the Party available for fundraisers and pubcrawls • 250.381.2393

Monday

Hip Hop Mania $ 75

3 $400

all highballs

domestic beer

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Westside

RETRO 3

$ 75 drinks

Friday

Music Thirsty? T.G.I.F

3 $400

2 $299

$ 75

$ 99

highballs

drinks

domestic beer students FREE

cover for students

Saturday

THE

PARTY

CONTINUES

PARTY FROM STARTS LAST HERE NIGHT!

it’s also important to make sure you all have a safe way of getting home, too. • . Drugs can be fun and mind-expanding, but many also have the potential to be either physically or psychologically addictive—and expensive. Make sure you don’t go overboard. If drug use is seriously impacting your studies, relationships or your bank account, it might be time to lay off. Royal Roads, UVic and Camosun have free counseling for students, so take advantage of these services if you think you need help.

—Amanda Farrell

Here’s some helpful info about a couple of club drugs we’ve been seeing more of in the media lately, and that seem to be gaining popularity in the college crowd. • Ketamine: A dissociative psychedelic drug that’s used as an anesthetic in both veterinary and human medicine. It’s most commonly ingested by snorting, but can be taken orally as well. An important thing to note about ketamine is the dosage. A typical K dose is 30-75 milligrams, which is a very small amount. Because they’re both white powders, ketamine is sometimes mistaken for cocaine— which can be dangerous, as a typical dose of cocaine is much higher While it may look the than a typical dose of ketamine. same, ketamine is waaaay If you do a line of something you different from coke think is coke and ends up being K, you might end up in what’s known as a “K hole,” which means you will essentially lose motor control and have to sit down and trip out for awhile. Make sure you know exactly what kind of white powder you’re ingesting. • GHB: While commonly referred to as “the date-rape drug,” this clear liquid is actually an often-used recreational drug with effects similar to alcohol. GHB is extremely dangerous when combined with alcohol and doing so can result in coma or death, so don’t mix the two. It’s also very dose-sensitive, and the difference of a milliliter or two can cause an overdose. Make sure you measure your doses carefully (a typical dose is about 5mL and using something like a baby medicine dropper with measurements clearly marked on it is a good idea). Also, since GHB is actually a white powder that is mixed into water, potency can vary from batch to batch—so start with a very low dose. Finally, it can be easy to mistake GHB for water (although it does have very distinctive, salty taste), so doing something like putting a couple drops of food colouring in your stash will prevent someone from taking a potentially dangerous swig.

—A.F.

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Just say yes to a dose of knowledge

A Real Physical Education Outdoors equipment rental opens up a world of fun stress busters

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

1400 Government Street • 250-386-3631 • open daily from 11 am

here’s no better way to burn off steam than going outside and gettin’ physical.Tennis? Hiking? Canoeing? Count us in. But maybe you moved to Victoria with little or no baggage and there’s not a lot of extra money to go around right now; luckily, there are places that rent out outdoorsy equipment, starting on campus. UVic rents out “tents, backpacks, rain equipment, coolers, tarps, snowshoes, tents, sleeping pads, outdoor volleyball systems,” says Paul Smith, supervisor of intramurals and outdoor recreation at UVic. Smith says they are in the process of reviewing their rates and come September “there will be some changes,” but, as a rough guideline of what to expect to pay, as of the time of this writing, rates varied from day and weekend rentals— and week and 10day rentals—from $4 a day for a rain jacket to $65 for a 10-day tent rental. Unfortunately, UVic doesn’t rent out as much equipment as they used to, due to a mixture of demand and storage issues (canoes aren’t small, after all). Now, instead of focusing on the hardcore backpackers, they have supplies more suited for the casual student going on a short hiking excursion. “We did rent more in the area of backpacking and outdoor adventure,” says Smith.“At one time we had a very extensive and select equipment for the serious outdoor backpacker. We have now moved to the weekend camper, where the majority of our demand comes from. We have a number of international students who just want to go up Island for the weekend and we try to meet all their needs.” And as the months go on, Smith and UVic are going to be paying attention to those needs and attempting to serve them better.They also have a goal in mind which should please those who like to please local businesses. “We are continually looking at who is using our service and how we can help them have a good experience,” says Smith.“One of our goals to purchase all our equipment locally and we are lucky that Victoria has a number of excellent outdoor suppliers.” And Victoria has a number of places to rent equip-

Authenic Casual Greek Dining

10% OFF with valid UVic Student ID

FREE WI-FI available Ask about Dinner & a Movie Special This location only

3 - 3960 Shelbourne St. • 250-381-5456 University Heights Shopping Centre open 7 days a week

www.hecklersbarandgrill.com

123 Gorge Rd. (Ramada Hotel)

250-386-9207

VICTORIA’S SPOT FOR LIVE COMEDY EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT

• 50% off Saturday Comedy tickets with valid Student ID (please call ahead to reserve) • Thursday $5.99 10oz. New York Steak Night • All request Live acoustic music Wednesday - 35¢ wing night • NHL Center Ice, UFC & Canuck PPV and NFL Sunday Ticket

✁ FREE WINGS WEDNESDAY (limit one per person)

—Greg Pratt

Sophisticasual. collector to casual wines, spirits & beer | funky crystal and unique gift ideas Kelowna: Cultural District/Sunset Dr | Central Park Mall/Banks Rd • Victoria: University Heights Mall | Tuscany Village

www.metroliquor.com

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

ment, too. So don’t sweat it if your school doesn’t have what you need (alas, Camosun and Royal Roads don’t currently offer rental services); check out some select places off campus to rent supplies. “There are a few places to rent gear in Victoria,” says Stuart Higgs, president of the UVic Outdoors Club, “although it’s hard to beat UVic’s Outdoor Resource Centre for its on-campus convenience. Mountain Equipment Co-op rents out some equipment; so does Sports Rent, located downtown, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Langford. Ocean River Sports is a great place if you’re looking to rent sea kayaks, as is the Gorge Rowing Club.” The Outdoors Club also rents out more specialized equipment to its members, such as “bouldering crash pads, ice axes, crampons and headlamps,” says Higgs. And no matter what gear you get or where you end up finding it, the fact remains that having affordable access to renting this kind of equipment is important for Island-based students. “Having decent gear available at student rates is incredible,” says Higgs, “especially on Vancouver Island, where there are world-class outdoor opportunities every way you look. University is the perfect place to try new sports and meet new people, but having to buy piles of new gear every time breaks the bank pretty fast, so on-campus equipment rentals is key.”

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Computer Store | University Systems

of our incredible educational prices at the UVic Computer Store! Clearihue Building Room C143 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (250) 721-8321 Toll free (877) 721-8290 http://cstore.uvic.ca

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

University & college students, staff and faculty...take advantage

Brunch Munch It’s hard to tell which are longer— the lines outside of the nightclubs on Friday and Saturday nights or the lines outside the brunch places the mornings after. Whichever, if you’ve ever stood for an hour to wait for your breakfast, then you already know Mile Zero’s a big brunch town. But if you’re new to the city and don’t know where to head, here’s a quick list of our top picks for brunch. And if you can’t get there early, then at least try to be patient. • Avalon - Great toast but few tables, so the earlier you arrive the better for you. 1075 Fort. 385-2129 • The Blue Fox - A justifiable local brunch tradition for all sorts of good reasons. 919 Fort. 380-1683

• Bubby Rose - Best cinnamon rolls in town, 313 Cook and 1022 Cook. 360-1811 • Cabin 12 - One of the city’s newest spots, but already making a name for itself. 607 Pandora. 590-1500 • Cafe Mulatta - A James Bay mainstay. 281 Menzies. 385-9616 • Cup of Joe - Go downstairs for another longstanding James Bay favourite. #1 - 230 Menzies. 380-2563 • Demitasse - Try the breakfast taco. 1320 Blanshard. 386-4442 • Ferris’ Oyster Bar & Grill - Oysters for brunch? Why not? 536 Yates. 360-1824 (Also Ferris’ Upstairs) • Floyd’s Diner - Bet on the Mahoney, where you can flip your server to see if your random breakfast is free or double the price. 866 Yates. 381-5114 • Fort Street Cafe - Top-notch cafeteria-style eatery with a great soundtrack. 742 Fort. 382-3130

We’ve got your

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

GAME ON!

Food. Fun. Fans. Molson 22oz Brewtus Drafts $ 4.99 Everyday! Na[lgjaY ).-, E[C]fra] 9n]& Tuscany Village - Saanich ;Yjka\] Lg ?g *-(%-1(%1)((

• Heron Rock Bistro - Boffo bennies with a twist. 435 Simcoe. 383-1545 • John’s Place - It’s not just the waffles that have made this place legendary. 723 Pandora. 389-0711 • Lady Marmalade - Fresh flavours and funky atmosphere. 608 Johnson. 3812872 • Lucy’s in the Square - Fernwood’s freshest eatery. 1296 Gladstone. 778430-5829 • Mo:Le - Go for a window seat and the best tofu scramble in town. 554 Pandora. 385-6653 • Nautical Nellies - Six different versions of French toast! 1001 Wharf. 380-2260 • Shine Cafe - A great all-day breakfast spot. 1548 Fort. 595-2133 • Solomon’s - New has never tasted so good. 542 Herald. 590-7656 • The Superior - Music with your meal in a decidedly artsy atmosphere. 106 Superior. 380-9515. M

SUNDAY

YYour our campus culture culture fix.

Cheese & Antipasti Plates $10 Wines just above cost 2009 | 2010

MONDAY

SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMNI

Muddled Mint Drinks $4 Momos $5.50

The Josephine Knot By Meg Braem Produced by Theatre BOMBUS Oct. 15– 24, 2009

TUESDAY Pints of Phillips Beer $4 Naan Pizzas $5.50

Romeo & Juliet

WEDNESDAY Martinis $5 Prawns $7.50

Problem Child By George F. Walker Feb. 18 – 27, 2010

THURSDAY

Wreckage

Pints of Phillips Beer $4 Thunder Spaghetti $7

By Sally Stubbs Mar. 18– 27, 2010

3 PPLAYS LAYS FROM $33 $6 PR PPREVIEWS EVIEWS PHOENIX THEATRES.CA

250-721-8000 2 50 5 0 --7

Open Everyday 5:30 pm - 2:00 am 1414 Douglas Street, Victoria BC

250-386-6468 (MINT)

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Davidd Perry Davi Perry iinn The Scho SSchool h oll for for Scand SScandal, canddall, 20 2008 08 | Ph Photo: oto: t Dal DDallas llas Johnson J h sonn John

By Shakespeare Nov. 5– 21, 2009

Your Futon or Mine? Roommates are a necessary evil, so choose wisely

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

rue story: over the span of 15 years, I lived with no less than 29 roommates. Not all at once, of course (six was the all-time high), and not all in the same place (call it a baker’s dozen of various apartments, houses and basement suites); some became friends for life, others turned out to be deadbeats worthy of cautionary tales years after they moved out/ ran off/skipped town. Sure, I’ve lost track of the number of albums, tools, books, frying pans and dishes that have “moved” away from me, but I can honestly say I’ve also learned a lot about myself and others through my various roommate experiences. So if sharing an off-campus space with someone is on your list of student experiences in the near future, here’s a few pieces of hard-earned advice to consider. • Choose wisely. Learn something about your prospective flat-mate before they move in. For example, if

they’re a dedicated vegan and you’re a hardcore carnivore, you’ll need to work out some kind of kitchen arrangements in advance. (Only cook your meat outside on the barbecue; no nutritional diatribes over dinner.) • Consider sexual preference. While I’m a firm believer in shacking up outside your own gender and/or dating pool, it’s always a bit awkward if your roommate starts hitting on your same-sex dates . . . and they hit back. That said, if you’re uncertain about your own sexuality, a roommate with an alternative sexual agenda could offer insights and avenues into the wider community at large. • Always get the cash up front. Rent is due on the first of the month (postdated cheques are preferred), damage

CFUV 101.9 FM 25 Years of Campus/Community Radio broadcasting from the UVic Campus, podcasts and streaming at cfuv.uvic.ca, to volunteer call 250-721-8702 or vol4cfuv@uvic.ca

Still Sounding Great!

deposit before anyone moves in. Under no circumstances should you cover someone’s rent for more than one month. Being a nice guy, I have— more than once—leaving me on the hook for more than $5,000. Sheesh! • Check their room. If possible, see where a potential roomie is living before they move in with you. Anyone can say they’re tidy, but the real proof is in their bedroom . . . and bathroom. • Who’s got furniture? If you’ve both got big-ass couches but nobody has a kitchen table, that could be a problem. Also, having a new Wii doesn’t automatically make someone an ideal renter. • Pick your place. If you don’t have a place to live yet but do have a good roommate possibility, look at spaces together; if a lease has to be signed, get both names on it. Under no circumstances should all the utilities and bills be in one person’s name . . . especially if it’s yours. • Avoid mating with your mates. Don’t have wild monkey sex (or drunken solace sex) with your roomie, unless they’ve already given notice—and paid their bills. And try not to sleep with your roommate’s friends or family; it usually just causes problems for everyone. • Good goddess! What about religion? If neither of you care, no problem— but if you’re a cauldron-carrying Wiccan and they’re a born-again Scientologist, some interfaith dialogue, and a few ground rules, may be needed. (“You used my sacred candles for a birthday cake?!”) • Take time to label. As anal as it sounds, writing your name inside books or using a marking pen on CDs or DVDs will settle all sorts of arguments in advance. • That stinks! Invisible but often annoying, be aware of your scents and smells. Cheap patchouli incense, skanky stale beer, month-old laundry and obscenely floral shampoos cause more rifts than you can imagine. • Play by the rules. Seriously, don’t be afraid to make rules—and keep them. By predetermining things like cleaning schedules, quiet time, borrowing privileges and car-sharing, you’ll make all of your lives so much better and defuse potential conflicts before they happen. —John Threlfall

Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time Sessionals bring practical experience to classrooms

ne interesting aspect of higher education is that some teachers aren’t really teachers at all. Well, they are, but they’re also something else most of the time and only teach parttime, bringing their work experience from the rest of the week into the classroom.These multi-taskers are called sessionals. Tom Workman is a sessional at Royal Roads University; he teaches public relations and marketing and is a management consultant when he’s not teaching. Workman says that for the teacher, being a sessional is a good thing for a few reasons. “It’s a lot of fun; I enjoy it,” he says. “It’s a nice balance with consulting because it uses a different part of your expertise. It also demands that you stay current on the latest trends in business and in your profession. In some ways, it’s like paid profes-

sional development; academic and theory of the rather than being lazy core faculty.” and coasting on your And how do the students react credentials, it makes to sessional teachers versus you keep very current full-time faculty? Well, it’s tough on the latest ideas in to tell, but sessionals do report management and busigetting good feedback from ness.” students in regards to the realRoyal Roads uses a lot world experience they bring to of sessionals, around the classroom. 400, and they call “I’ve never been in a class them associate faculty; with a core faculty, so it’s hard Sessionals also offer they were set up to for me to assess,” says Worka chance to make real-world contacts bring as much practiman when asked if his students cal, professional expereact differently,“but I can say I rience to the classroom as possible. certainly get feedback from the class The university operates on a slightly that they appreciate the practical exdifferent model than the standard perience, especially case studies and university: at Royal Roads, there isn’t examples of how to take whatever a core full-time faculty; instead, they the course is about and apply it in a rely on the associate faculty. Sessionprofessional or workplace situation.” als are the norm here. So, instead of But not every sessional feels that hiring a lot of full-time faculty, they the students are even really noticing have a management team of faculty whether or not a teacher is faculty or leading the programs and associate sessional. faculty teaching most of the classes. “Most students are probably not “That’s the basic model of Royal aware of the difference,” says Karen Roads,” says Workman.“What associLee Picket, who has been a sessional ate faculty bring is more practical at UVic since 2006.“I know I wasn’t experience to the classroom, and when I did my undergrad.” they balance out the more traditional —Greg Pratt

All Inclusive

Studio Suites $595 $695 FULLY FURNISHED PRIVATE PHONE & VOICE MAIL HIGH-SPEED INTERNET TV + FULL CABLE

MICROWAVE PRIVATE BATHROOM

Ask About Our Student Discount

1274 May Street 250.294.0434 www.hemma.ca

WALKING DISTANCE TO 3 SHOPPING CENTRES ON DIRECT BUS ROUTE TO/FROM UVIC

www.RedLionInnVictoria.com 3366 Douglas Street • Ph. 250-475-7575

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

KITCHENNETTE REFRIDGERATOR

A Room of One’s Own Tips on surviving as a young tenant in Victoria

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

ne of the best parts about college or university is the chance to escape your parents’ prying eyes. You can play video games until the sun comes up, leave your dirty dishes in the sink for weeks at a time and sleep till noon with nary a snide remark (except perhaps from your roommates). For many new students, moving into a first apartment also marks the first time they’ll enter into a real-world business contract—an experience that can net you either a hassle-free home or a non-stop headache, depending on how well prepared you are for the responsibility. With it’s notoriously low vacancy rates, Victoria is a landlord’s market and tolerance for bad tenant behaviour is low because there are plenty of folks waiting to swoop in on every available space. On the flipside, you are protected by B.C. tenancy laws that clearly lay out your rights—and your landlords’ responsibilities. Make sure you do a little research before you dive into the market. (We suggest the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre’s Tenants Survival Guide, available online at tenants.bc.ca.). In the meantime, here’s some helpful tips for living the good life without running afoul of your property boss. •It can be tough for first-time renters to convince a landlord they’ll be a responsible tenant without the required references to back it up. However, Al Kemp of the Rental Owners and Manager Association of BC says employment references can be a good stand-in, as responsible employees often make responsible tenants. But if that’s not enough, parents can be co-tenants on a property without actually living there (so it’s their credit history and references securing a place for their kids), which gives landlords confidence that somebody will be left holding the bag if a newbie tenant really screws up. • Remember, landlords are people too. Most of them are nice, normal and professional (although others are completely batshit crazy), so if you don’t get a good vibe from a potential landlord when you show up to view

Knowing what you’re getting into with your rental suite can keep it all from going bad

a place, don’t take it. If the landlord seems flaky, overbearing or otherwise weird before you sign a rental agreement, their behaviour is probably not going to get any better once you owe them money every month. • Get everything—and we mean absolutely everything—in writing. If you observe damage to the property during the move-in inspection, make sure it’s noted and request a copy. If you and the landlord agree to changes in your tenancy agreement, sign off on those changes and request a copy. If you receive a formal complaint or eviction notice, keep all the paperwork and copies of your responses. If you make a maintenance request or file a complaint with the landlord, do it in writing and keep a dated copy for yourself. Basically, if you ever find yourself before a residential tenancy branch dispute resolution officer—whether at your initiative or your landlord’s— the more paperwork to support your position, the better. • Get to know your neighbours. Everyone likes to cut loose once in a while, but nobody likes the guy blasting Guns and Roses at 2:45 a.m. on a Tuesday. (And if you are planning on rocking the foundations, it never hurts to let your immediate neighbours know in advance.) But you’ll figure out within a few weeks what the acceptable volume limits are. • Landlords can only increase your rent once each year by an amount equal to the rate of inflation plus two percent. In special cases, they can go to the Residential Tenancy Branch to argue for a larger increase, but they need to provide you with proof they’ve received that permission. • A landlord must give you written notice—between 24 hours and 30 days—to enter your suite, and it must state the visit’s specific time and date. If you believe your landlord is entering your place illegally, collect evidence.

• You’re always allowed to have guests stay at your place; however, if the guest is there for an extended period, landlords are within their rights to request extra rent. • Pay your rent on time. Landlords can serve tenants with an eviction notice when the rent is more than a day overdue; if you can pay it within five days, the eviction notice is withdrawn—but if not, start packing and be ready to move out 10 days after receiving your marching orders. • Landlords can issue eviction notices for cause. If this happens, you have 30 days to move out, and 10 days to file a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch. If you have any doubt about the legality of an eviction, file a notice of dispute. • Only sign a lease if you’re sure you want to be there for the duration of the lease, or have a surefire plan to find a new tenant if you move out. If you move and no one replaces you, you’ll be on the hook for paying the rent until the landlord finds a new tenant or the lease expires. • B.C. law requires move-in and move-out inspections with the participation of both the landlord and the tenant. Bring a witness, pay attention to any deficiencies or damage, take photos and make notes. If you don’t do one of these, there’s no proof you didn’t wreck the place and you can kiss your damage deposit goodbye. • Landlords in B.C. can’t charge you up front for first and last month’s rent. As the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre notes,“A security deposit can only be one-half of one month’s rent. Any more can be deducted from future rent.” (Although they can also ask for a half-month’s rent as a pet deposit.) Also, landlords in B.C. aren’t permitted to charge prospective tenants an application fee. • Simply put, don’t be a dick. Many landlord-tenant disputes can likely be avoided if people just work out their problems like the mature adults they are. ROMS BC’s Al Kemp says communication between tenants and landlords is important. With Victoria’s low vacancy rate it’s often better to ask for permission up front than beg for forgiveness later. • Finally, as with everything in life, always read the fine print on your tenancy agreement before you sign.

—Jason Youmans

Monday Publications â&#x20AC;˘ Student Survival Guide 2009/10

food

Healthy for a Healthy

903 Yates At Quadra 250.381.6000 7 AM-11 PM

market made fresh

Deli Delights Stuffed Filos, Potato Salad, Calzones, Shepherd’s Pie, Stuffed Focaccia, Veggie Patties, Chicken Pot Pies, Baked Pasta, Fresh Sandwich Wraps and more.

lifestyle

www.themarketstores.com

125-2401 C Millstream Road 250.391.1110 8 AM-11 PM

market baked fresh

Bakery

Fresh Desserts, Muffins, Healthy, Wholegrain Breads, Spectacular Cakes

Living the 100 Mile Diet si . 9 n 9 c 9 e i ﬁ t 1 r e e c d organic g . s t c Over 2,000 u d r o o cer y pr market Full Service Freshness Meats & Organic & Field Seafood Fresh Produce Hormone and antibiotic free. fresh

Monday Publications • Student Survival Guide 2009/10

Island raised poultry.

market fresh

Flowers

We showcase flowers local to exotic.

Downtown Super n w o t p U r Market You