ABOUT THIS GUIDE...
This guide was designed with new Vancouverites in mind. It is organized by neighbourhoods, from west to east, in order for you to make the most of your new home. We hope this will encourage you to explore this fantastic city! Grab your U-Pass and head down to a neighbourhood you have never been to. Walk, eat, drink, shop, relax, take pictures, and make sure you tell us what you discover! y feel-good and fun place S shopping spot f restaurant
I cultural spot + bar c coffee shop
TABLE OF CONTENTS NEIGHBOURHOODS Granville Island.....p. 6
WEST SIDE UBC + Point Grey.....p.8 Marpole + Kerrisdale.....p.10 Kitsilano.....p.12 Fairview + South Cambie.....p.14 West End.....p.16 Downtown.....p.18 Gastown + Downtown East Side.....p.20
EAST SIDE Strathcona + Chinatown.....p.24 False Creek Flats.....p.26 Mount Pleasant.....p.28 Riley Park / Little Mountain.....p.30 Kensington / Cedar Cottage.....p.32
Contributors: Kaitlyn Beugh, Stephanie Broder, Joey Cheung, Derek Bruce Durand, Taryn Goodwin, Sahand Mohajer, Susan Sun.
HOT TIPS 10 Stress-Reducing Tips.....p.4 Apps for Wellness + Productivity.....p.27 Art Galleries & Openings.....p.29 Banking.....p.19 Beaches.....p.21 Budgeting Tips.....p.15 Cheap Haircuts.....p.39 Cheap + Healthy Recipes.....p.11 Emotional Support.....p.5 Exam Preparation Tips.....p.37 Food Trucks.....p.19 Free Food.....p.25 Get Out of Town!.....p.37 Getting Around.....p.9 Health.....p.35 Hiking.....p.39 Queer Vancouver.....p.17 Medical Clinics & Hosptals.....p.3
Grandview-Woodlands.....p.34
Meditation for Beginners.....p.33
Hastings-Sunrise.....p.36
On a Shoestring.....p.6
OUTSIDE North Shore.....p.38 Richmond.....p.40 Burnaby, Port Moody & Beyond.....p.41
CITY MAP .....pp.22-23
On-Campus Self-Care Tips.....p.5 Rollercoaster of Adjustment.....pp.42-43 Stellar Deals on Granville Island.....p.7 Study-Friendly Snacks.....p.26 Taxis.....p.40 Tipping.....p.31 Vancouver Public Library (VPL).....p.41 Zen Spots in Vancouver.....p.13
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MEDICAL CLINICS AND HOSPITALS IN VANCOUVER Below are some of the medical clinics in Vancouver with “walk-in” services (you do not need an appointment or to be a regular patient of the doctors at that office). There are a lot more clinics out there; to find one near you and see what the waiting time is, visit medimap.ca Also provided is a list of local hospitals with emergency room services. Please note that hospital emergency rooms are for serious medical emergencies. If you go to a hospital, expect to wait, sometimes several hours. Patients are seen in order of the seriousness of their condition. Make sure you bring your BC Services card with you when visiting a clinic or hospital. Out-of-province students enrolled in their province’s coverage will likely have to pay upfront and send a claim to their coverage provider later. International students with StudentGuard coverage can find clinics that will bill StudentGuard directly at guard.me/clinic-search.php
CLINICS Vancouver West Side
Yaletown
Seymour Health Centre 1530 W 7th Ave. (at Granville) 604-738-2151
Yaletown Medical Clinic 1296 Pacific Blvd (at Drake St.) 604-633-2474
Granville Medical Clinic 2578 Granville St. (near Broadway) 604-733-4700
Khatsahlano Medical Clinic 920 Seymour St. (between Nelson & Smithe) 604-257-2630
Khatsahlano Medical Clinic 2685 West Broadway 604-731-9187 QE Park Medical Clinic 4060 Cambie St. (across from King Edward Skytrain station) 604-874-4060
Vancouver East Care Point Medical Centres - Commercial Dr. 1623 Commercial Drive 604-254-5554 Best to call ahead of time to confirm a doctor is available. Care Point Medical Centres - Joyce St. 5138 Joyce St. (near the Joyce Skytrain Station) 604-436-0800
HOSPITALS
Downtown Ultima MediCentre Bentall 4 - 1055 Dunsmuir St. (Plaza Level) 604-683-8138 Stein Medical Clinic Bentall 5 Lobby, 188 – 550 Burrard St. 604-688-5924 Care Point Medical Centres - Davie St. 1123 Davie St. 604-915-9517 Care Point Medical Centres - Denman St. 1175 Denman St. 604-681-5338
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) 899 West 12th Ave (just east of Oak St.) 604-875-4111 Open 24 hours
St. Paul’s Hospital 1081 Burrard St. (Downtown) 604-682-2344 Open 24 hours
Mount Saint Joseph Hospital 3080 Prince Edward St. (2 blocks east of Main St at 15th Ave) 604-874-1141 Emergency Room Hours: 8 am - 8 pm
UBC Hospital- Koerner Pavillion 2211 Wesbrook Mall 604-822-7121 Hours: 8 am - 10 pm
This list is provided for information only and does not represent an endorsement of any particular clinic or hospital on the part of Emily Carr University.
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10 STRESS-REDUCING TIPS From the Emily Carr Counselling Office
1. REWARD YOURSELF.
It is easy for school to become the priority in your life. Make room for enjoyable activities to reduce stress.
2. EXERCISE AND NUTRITION.
Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals that can help a person feel more peaceful and happy. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid high calorie foods that are high in fats and sugar.
3. MINDFULNESS MEDITATION.
Meditation practice creates neurological changes in our brains. Current research indicates that it is extremely effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. REST.
Practice sleep hygiene. Take study breaks. The brain needs time to process and integrate information. There is a sleep room on campus; ask security to let you in!
5. SELF AWARENESS.
Be aware of distress signals such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, upset stomach, lack of concentration, colds/flu, excessive tiredness, etc. Your body is a good stress indicator.
6. GET INVOLVED.
Engage with the environment you are in. For example, saying hello to others, checking out school events, joining clubs, or volunteering are great ways of getting involved.
7. POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Talk kindly to yourself. Reversing negative ideas and focusing on positive outcomes can help you to reduce tension and achieve goals. Reinforce positivity by writing and reading positive quotes or phrases and surrounding yourself with positive people.
8. GET HELP FROM OTHERS.
Support networks help us to feel understood, capable, and nurtured. There are many resources such as the Aboriginal Gathering Place, Academic Advising, Accessibility Services, Counselling, Student Union, and the Writing Centre here at the University to support you.
9. EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS.
Expressing your feelings helps lower your stress. Some people find talking with friends, journaling, art, and dance helpful.
10. KNOW AND ACCEPT YOUR LIMITS.
Are you taking a full courseload, working part-time and are you involved in a lot of activities? Learning to say no is an important part of reducing stress and will help keep you focused on your goals. 4
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT We all experience good and bad days, but sometimes things can get overwhelming. Talking is a great way to help you sort out your feelings. Below are some free services that can help you get through tough times.
COUNSELLING OFFICE
The Counselling Office at Emily Carr provides confidential and free personal counselling for students like you and me. There are many reasons to seek counselling, including stress, homesickness, depression, difficulty making friends, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts and many other reasons of your own. This is an awesome service, and I hope you use it when you need it. You can book an appointment with a counsellor by calling 604-630-4555, emailing counselling@ecuad.ca or talking to Student Services in room 100.
BC CRISIS CENTRE
Other support services include the BC Crisis Centre. If you experience an emotional crisis, or if you have suicidal thoughts, you can call or chat online with a trained volunteer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.The phone lines are available in over 140 languages. crisiscentre.bc.ca Crisis line: 604-872-3311
7 CUPS APP
This free app gives you 24/7 access to anonymous and confidential emotional support and counselling from trained volunteer listeners. The app has over 300 mindfulness exercises, and can also help you create a customized wellness plan.
SENSORY AWARENESS GROUNDING EXERCISE This easy exercise can help you regain your mental focus when you experience overwhelming feelings or intense anxiety. • • • • •
Name 5 things you can see in the room with you Name 4 things you can feel (“chair on my back” or “feet on floor”) Name 3 things you can hear right now (“fingers tapping on keyboard” or “tv”) Name 2 things you can smell right now (or, 2 things you like the smell of) Name 1 good thing about yourself
ALIA’S ON-CAMPUS SELF-CARE TIPS “Buy a bunch of tea at the beginning of the year and keep it in your locker! Sometimes the cafeteria doesn’t have your favorite brand, or you are staying on campus late to finish a project, and having your own little tea stash will give you that extra boost without breaking the bank! If you are on campus and it’s feeling a little too crowded and overwhelming, there’s a little hill and park on the east side of the island next to the hotel. This is a great place to escape to on a nice day if you need some quiet time. You can also get some fresh air in The Breathing Room, which is the balcony just above the main entrance. It’s a great place to eat your lunch and watch people go by. There is free yoga and mindfulness meditation every week on campus thanks to the ECSU and Counselling Office. Both activities are every week during the school year, and free for students. Check the playlist for details: theplaylist.ecuad.ca ” 5
GRANVILLE ISLAND
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4, 10, 14, 16, 50, 84 Aquabus, False Creek Ferries
Your home for this year! Granville Island is a national park and an idyllic setting thanks to its wonderful public market, various artisan shops and its proximity to the beach. How many of your friends can say that they can eat fresh fish & chips at the beach between classes?
our favorite spots...
y False Creek Community Centre 1318 Cartwright St. Just a few paces away from the University. They have a gym and offer a variety of classes and workshops. Sf Public Market A ‘must’ for everybody visiting the island, this market has a great food court and everything you need to make a fabulous meal. I Malaspina Printmakers 1555 Duranleau St. Part art gallery and part studio, this is a mustsee for everyone interested in printmaking. Free admission. S Opus Art Supplies 1360 Johnston St. Directly across the street from Emily Carr. Student discount. S Paper Ya (in Net Loft) 1666 Johnston St. Awesome selection of stationary. They usually have a small clearance section with discounted treasures. + Granville Island Brewing Co. 1441 Cartwright St. Canada’s first microbrewery. The beers are made on site--you can even book a tour of their brewery. Enjoy a sleeve or a taste flight. S Origins Coffee 1245 Cartwright St. Best place to buy your coffee beans for home. Their espresso roast is amazing. S Kroma Acrylic Colours 1649 Duranleau St. They make their own paint! Awesome quality at competitive prices. +f Cats Social House 1540 Old Bridge Road (by the duck pond) $4 ‘Social’ drinks every day. c JJ Bean In the public Market, close to the east entrance. An Emily Carr favorite! Bring your own mug for a small discount.
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f Go Fish! Just off the island by the docks. Turn west on the seawall under the bridge. Great fish and chips and fish tacos. Outdoor seating only. f Bistro 101 1505 W 2nd Ave. The bakery has daily specials and great lunch deals. Small cakes and tarts are 3 for $10! S Crystal Ark Cottage 1496 Cartwright St. Magical little store filled to the brim with crystals, gems, fossils and jewellery. S Maiwa Supply 1666 Johnston St. Beautiful store where you can buy everything you need for your textile projects.
ON A SHOESTRING Looking for a good deal? Try the classifieds! There are awesome treasures to be found on Craigslist and Kijiji. vancouver.en.craigslist.ca vancouver.kijiji.ca If classifieds aren’t your thing, then try the city’s many thrift stores where you can find gently used clothing, accessories, furniture, electronics and home decor items. Always be careful when buying used items; bedbugs are an unfortunate reality in Vancouver. Do not buy used mattresses, and avoid buying second-hand soft furniture like couches. If you do, make a thorough inspection of the item--bedbugs can be seen with the naked eye. Wash your amazing clothing finds as soon as you get home to avoid unpleasant surprises. Learn more about bedbugs here: health.gov.bc.ca/protect/bed-bugs.html
STELLAR DEALS ON GRANVILLE ISLAND Some public market vendors offer a discount to people who work or study on the island. When shopping at the market, make sure you tell the vendors that you study at Emily Carr--you might get a deal! Buy a dozen day-old bagels at Siegel’s Bagels in the market for $6.50, then slice and freeze them. Breakfast for two weeks! Lee’s Donuts has bags of 15-20 frozen day-old donuts for $4! Bring your tiffin (traditional indian lunchbox) to Curry 2 U in the market for their Tiffin Thursday special. They will fill it up for $6! You can purchase a tiffin from them. They also serve big bowls of rice and curried lentils for around $4 on Tuesdays. Every night at around 7pm, Terra Breads give away their leftover bread. Head down there, be nice and respectful, and you might score some free bread. The produce vendors in the market usually have a shelf of discounted produce. You can get a bag of ripe bananas (great for baking and making smoothies!), loose grapes, bruised zucchinis, etc for $1! The False Creek Community Centre offers a discount to the Emily Carr community. Make sure you present your student card when purchasing your gym membership. Pacific Culinary Institute’s ‘Bistro 101’ at the entrance of the island offers cheap grab-and-go lunch combos. A sandwich with a soup or sald costs around $8. They also have bags of day-old bread and pastries for $2. The Backstage Lounge (behind the Arts Club) has cheap beer specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10oz beers cost under $3 each! Cat’s Social House has “Social drinks” specials: $4 for a glass of wine or a sleeve of lager, everyday. Fishermen’s Wharf, just west of the island (follow the ‘salmon’ and ‘prawn’ signs), is the best place to buy fish and seafood. Walk up to the boats and ask what’s fresh. A full salmon costs around $17! Bring your own mug! Most market coffee/tea vendors like Petit Ami Cafe or JJ Bean will give you a discount if you do (and that’s one less cup in the landfill.) Theatre Sports on Granville Island hosts student nights every Thursday. Ticket + a drink = $10!!! vtsl.com
“To come in terms with one's uniqueness is the best one can do really.” – Terence McKenna 7
UBC + POINT GREY
The westernmost point of Vancouver, this area is surrounded by beautiful beaches and offers spectacular ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. The UBC campus is a must-see; you can spend a day roaming its beaches, museums, galleries, gardens, and coffee shops. Just take the #99 or #84 express bus all the way to the UBC bus exchange.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y UBC Campus: This is a huge campus, so bring a map! There is lots to see, including world-class museums and galleries (see below), an amazing library, beaches, gardens, sports facilities and more. y Wreck Beach: Vancouver’s favorite nudist beach. Just go, it’s not scary. It is interesting and a real Vancouver thing to do. Get naked, swim. You don’t have to go nude but you might feel slightly out of place if you keep your swimsuit on! Tower Beach, just North of Wreck, doesn’t have the latter’s nice sand beaches, but is a bit less intimidating. y UBC Pacific Spirit Park: A popular network of trails for hikers, walkers, runners, and mountain bikers alike. The biking trails are not challenging, but they are easily accessible and are an enjoyable quick-fix for those who like to ride cross-country. y Spanish Banks: A huge sandy beach--at low tide, the water is one kilometre off shore! This is a great place to have a BBQ and toss a Frisbee with friends. You can easily ride your bike all the way there. y UBC Farm 3461 Ross Drive The UBC Farm encompasses 24 hectares of integrated farm and forest lands on UBC’s South Campus. The farm offers two weekly markets from early June through mid-October.
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4, 9, 14, 16, 25, 41, 42, 44, 49, 86 99 (express)
I Beaty Biodiversity Museum 2212 Main Mall Vancouver’s brand new natural history museum. The blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling is in itself worth a visit! This is a great place to go if you would like to sketch plants and animals. y UBC Rose Garden 5955-5975 NW Marine Drive This garden was voted “most romantic area on campus” by UBC students. A beautiful garden with stunning mountain views. I Museum of Anthropology 6393 NW Marine Drive Every new BC resident should visit this amazing museum. They have an extensive and fascinating collection of First Nations artifacts and artworks. Learn about the people that have inhabited BC for thousands of years, and check out the contemporary art exhibit in the adjacent Audain Gallery. I Morris and Helen Belkin Gallery 1825 Main Mall A must-see for all artists, especially for lovers of Canadian avant-garde art. y UBC Botanical Garden 6804 SW Marine Drive Go for a canopy walk on the 308-metre aerial trail system! Also worth a mention is the Nitobe Memorial Garden, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
“If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.” - Dr. Seuss 8
GETTING AROUND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Waiting at the bus stop, wondering when the next one will arrive? Text the stop number (5-digit number at the top of the stop sign) to 33333
Your U-Pass gives you unlimited access to public transit--go explore! Buses, Skytrain and Seabus can take you to some awesome places. If you have a destination in mind, use the Translink Trip Planner tool or Google Map to find out how to get there: translink.ca Please note that the Aquabus, False Creek Ferries and BC Ferries services are not included in your Upass.
CYCLING IN VANCOUVER Cycling is hands-down the best way to get around the city. There are great bike lanes, and the mild weather allows for year-round commuting. You can learn more about biking in Vancouver at bikehub.ca You can also find great tips and plan your route on the translink website: translink.ca/en/Getting-Around/Cycling Vancouver recently launched the Mobi bike share program. Find out more on how to use the Mobi bikes here: mobibikes.ca Remember that wearing a helmet is mandatory (and very smart.) A bell, as well as front and back lights are also mandatory. These are very cheap and will make your rides a lot safer. MEC (p.28) is a good place for inexpensive bike accessories.
DRIVING IN VANCOUVER If you are an out-of-province or international student attending a university in British Columbia, to drive in BC you do not need a BC issued driver’s license, but you must hold a valid license from your home country or province. You must also be registered as a full time student and be attending an approved public post-secondary institution (Emily Carr is an approved university.) Any restrictions you have on your home license also apply in BC. When driving, you should always carry and be able to show proof of student status (such as your student ID card) and proof of your registration in a full-time program when asked to do so by a police officer. International students should also carry a copy of their Canadian Study Permit. It is not required that international students have an international driving permit. However, this is recommended if your license from your home country is issued in a language other than English. Be aware that if you have driving violations in BC (i.e. for speeding, driving with undue care and attention, failing to stop at a red light, etc.), you can lose your driving privileges, regardless of where you are licensed. For more information, visit the ICBC website at icbc.com
CAR SHARE PROGRAMS There are a number of car share programs in Vancouver. Visit their websites for more information on eligibility and cost. Here are a few options: Car2Go: Tiny cars that seat 2 people. Great for short distances. car2go.com Evo: Cars come with bike and ski racks. evo.ca Modo: Choose from cars, vans or even pick-up trucks. Great for moving. modo.coop 9
MARPOLE + KERRISDALE
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3, 10, 15, 16, 17, 41, 49, 100 Skytrain stops: Oakridge-41st Avenue, Langara-49th Avenue, Marine Drive
At the south end of Vancouver, these neighbourhoods are mostly residential and have all the amenities you need. Marpole is a 20-minute bus ride away from campus and the rent prices are still affordable, making it a great home for Emily Carr students.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Marpole Curling Club 8730 Heather St. Rent a sheet and play with some friends, or sit at the bar upstairs and watch the pros hurry hard!
S Oakridge Centre 650 W 41st Ave. A nice mall on the Skytrain line. Lots of high-end boutiques.
y Van Dusen Botanical Gardens 5251 Oak St. Beautiful gardens in the heart of the city. Lovely in the spring with the cherry blossoms. Admission is between $8-$11 depending on the season. Bring your camera!
f Mirchi 7964 Granville St. Tasty Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
y Fraser River Trail Hudson Street on the Fraser River (at SW Marine Drive). Walk, bike or ride a horse along Vancouver’s only riverside greenway.
+f The Yard Cafe 8482 Granville St. One of the very few pubs in the area.
f Pho Tan’s Vietnamese 2076 W 41st Ave. Cheap and tasty. Large Pho for around $7! f Kerrisdale Kitchen 6055 West Boulevard Affordable Chinese food. cf Secret Garden Tea Co.
5559 West Blvd Enjoy a real High Tea experience, complete with sweets and sandwiches.
“Stranger, if you, passing, meet me, and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me? And why should I not speak to you?” –Walt Whitman
f Cafe Mai-Mai 8636 Granville St. Vietnamese restaurant serving MSG-free Pho.
S Choices Market 1888 W 57th Ave. Neighbourhood grocery store with a selection of fresh and local products. f Applause 8269 Granville St. Cheap sushi. + Royal Canadian Legion 2177 W 42nd Ave. All are welcome! Relaxing atmosphere and karaoke on Saturdays if you would like to channel your inner Sinatra!
S Salvation Army Thrift Store 8384 Granville St. A great thrift store that is less picked over than the ones closer to downtown.
“A huge frog and I, staring at each other, neither of us moves.” – Kobayashi Issa
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ALIA’S CHEAP + HEALTHY RECIPES My Dad’s Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is such a great thing to make when you’re on a budget and need some good proteins and fibre. It keeps well in the fridge, and will keep you warm during dreary, rainy days. Ingredients: • 6 cups water • 1 ½ cups orange lentils (orange is best!) • 3 whole onions • 4-5 whole cloves of garlic • 1 tsp turmeric • Salt to taste • 2 tsp cumin • (optional) chilli paste or crushed red pepper to taste Bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add lentils and reduce heat. Add your onions and garlic (I know it seems weird to keep the whole onions and garlic but they are gonna flavor your lentils and be soft and delicious when you’re done!) Simmer for 30 minutes. Add your spices. Simmer for another hour. Every once in a while, stir your soup and check its consistency. Lentils are done when they “melt in your hands” i.e. when they are extremely soft. Optional: wait for soup to cool slightly and blend in food processor or blender, or use immersion blender for a more creamy consistency. Add olive oil and lemon juice to garnish.
D.I.Y Hummus!
If you eat a lot of hummus, it can get super expensive. My family makes all of their hummus from scratch and it ends up being better on your wallet, and more delicious than store-bought stuff. You can also embellish your hummus with any flavors or toppings that you like! Ingredients: • 1 can of chickpeas • 3 tbsp of Tahini/sesame paste (initially kind of expensive but lasts forever) • ½ cup of Greek yogurt • 1-2 cloves of crushed/minced garlic • 1 tbsp lemon juice Drain can of chickpeas and rinse. Add your chickpeas to a food processor or blender, and blend until you get a smooth consistency. It may take a while, and you might need to add a (little!) bit of water, but you should eventually get to a relatively smooth consistency. Put the tahini and yogurt in a large bowl and whisk until it has a smooth, whipped-cream like consistency. Add your blended chickpeas to your tahini-yogurt mixture and mix it together until it is all combined. Add your garlic and lemon juice as well as salt and pepper to taste. This is the base hummus but you can add any other spices/toppings that you like! I like to add a sprinkle of paprika and cumin on top with pinenuts.
Tabouleh
This is a simple yet super healthy salad. Parsley is packed with vitamins and has a ton of health benefits, including boosting your immune system. Ingredients: • 2-3 bunches of parsley, chopped very fine • 1 medium tomato, also chopped fine • 2 spring onions (green onions), chopped very fine • 2 leaves of lettuce, chopped fine • 10 leaves Fresh mint (optional) • Couscous (soak a little less than ¼ cup couscous for 10-15 mins in hot water; when done, drain and squeeze the water out) • Lemon • Salt • Half tbsp of olive oil Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix using your hands. 11
KITSILANO b
99, 9, 4, 16, 50, 84
Kitsilano (or simply Kits) is one of Vancouver’s favorite neighbourhoods thanks to its beaches, great shopping, and relaxed atmosphere. It hosts a large student population due to its proximity to Emily Carr and UBC.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Vanier Park: Walking distance from the Emily Carr campus via Seawall. Home of the Museum of Vancouver (MOV), the HR MacMillan Space Center and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Show your student card for a discount on admission. Check out the MOV’s permanent exhibit to learn more about the history of Vancouver! y Kitsilano Beach: A busy beach that is great for swimming, playing beach volleyball or simply lounging in the sun. y Kits Pool: One of the world’s largest outdoor saltwater pools (137 metres long!) y Jericho Beach: A great place to relax and watch the sun set.
S West 4th Avenue and West Broadway: These two streets are lined with great shops and restaurants. S Zulu Records 1972 W 4th Ave. Vancouver’s #1 music store. Knowledgeable staff and amazing selection of vinyl records. S Gravity Pope 2205 W 4th Ave. The best shoe-shopping spot in Vancouver. f Siegel’s Bagels 1883 Cornwall Ave. Classic bagels and corned beef sandwiches. Open 24h. f Indian Oven 2006 W 4th Ave. Their $12 lunch special is the tastiest deal in town! f Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe 2095 W 4th Ave. A popular breakfast spot. f Minerva’s Mediterranean Deli 3207 W Broadway Amazing gyros and mediterranean groceries. 12
S Whole Foods Market 2285 W 4th Ave. A healthy food store with a section of prepared meals. f The Naam 2724 W 4th Ave. Vancouver’s vegetarian food mecca! Try their famous fries with miso gravy. f East is East 3243 W Broadway Beautiful Indian cuisine. Their chai and lassies are amazing. f Aphrodite’s Organic Cafe and Pie Shop 3605 W 4th Ave. (restaurant) 3598 W 4th Ave.(pie shop) f Doner Kebab 1956 W 4th Ave. Cheap and SO tasty. Their falafel kebab is $7 and almost had me fall off my chair. f The Eatery 3431 W Broadway Funky and over the top sushi! f Moderne Burger 2507 W Broadway Vancouver’s favorite diner, complete with ‘50s decor. f Benny’s 2505 W Broadway The tastiest bagels in Kits. f+ Las Margaritas 1999 W 4th Ave. Known for its Mexican food and, you guessed it, margaritas. + Abigail’s Party 1685 Yew St. Food and drinks served until 2am Monday to Saturday. + Sunset Grill Taphouse 2204 York Ave. Traditional pub a stone’s throw from Kits beach.
more favorite places... + The Bimini 2010 W 4th Ave. College Night every Wednesday 9pm-2am. Free pub games every Thursday. +f The Cove Neighbourhood Pub 3681 W 4th Ave.
cf Arbutus Coffee
2200 Arbutus St. Cozy old-style coffee and pie shop.
c 49th Parallel Coffee
2152 W 4th Ave. Vancouver coffee roasters extraordinaire.They take coffee seriously and you can taste it. The famous Lucky’s Doughnuts are served here.
KATIE’S ZEN SPOTS IN VANCOUVER “There are a number of spots around Vancouver to find some peace and quiet. When I need to chill out, I look for quiet places in nature, by water or with the trees. Or both. The rain keeps things so lush and green in Vancouver, so it may be wise to get yourself some rain boots and a waterproof jacket for those rainy days that just don’t quit. (If it’s most definitely an indoor day, finding solace in a cup of tea beside a window is also a good way to relax.) Bring a snack and some water with you, because getting “hangry” while trying to find your Zen is counterproductive. Here are a few of my favourite spots around Vancouver to get myself back in the present moment. They are all accessible by public transit, and are free: Stanley Park Seawall really early in the morning: It is so quiet; there are hardly any people around. Just you, the sound of waves hitting the side of the seawall, and some fresh ocean air. Walking from the beginning of the seawall to English bay takes two to three hours. The Seawall spans from Coal Harbour all the way to Wreck Beach, and Granville Island is in the middle of it. That means there are some good quiet nooks to find around the island between classes, too! Pacific Spirit Regional Park: Spanning from the shores of Spanish banks to South West Marine Drive, Pacific Spirit is huge. There are thirty-three trails and one bog. It’s serene, and the air is so fresh and clean. It’s a great escape from the city without having to go too far. I like to start at Camosun Bog, and take one of the adjoining trails from there. Camosun Bog: West 20th Avenue at Camosun Street. Queen Elizabeth Park: QE park has a lot to offer. Some parts of it can be busy at times, but there are quiet little nuggets of space throughout the park to find some peace. There are hills that offer views of the city, gardens that are lovely to sit in, and trails throughout the park. 4600 Cambie Street Lynn Canyon Park: If you want to get out of the city, Lynn Canyon Park is an excellent destination. In the summer it can be busier, but in the winter, sitting beside 30-Foot pool (the ice-cold swimming hole on the north side of the suspension bridge) is one of the most calming places. Twin Falls trail is also an excellent choice for finding a peaceful spot, albeit a little less accessible than the 30- Foot pool. 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver.” Take care! Katie
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FAIRVIEW + SOUTH CAMBIE This area is popular with students thanks to its proximity to campus. Its tree-lined streets are dotted with beautiful heritage houses and character apartment buildings.This is a safe area with plenty of amenities and green spaces.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y South Granville St.: Just South of Granville Island, this strip has lots of fancy shops and cafes. y Cambie St.: The portion of Cambie St. between 6th Ave. and King Edward Ave. offers great shopping. Stop by the park at City Hall for some good people watching. I The Stanley Theatre 2750 Granville St. A great place to catch classic and original plays. I Pacific Theatre 1440 W 12th Ave. A unique stage in an old church. I Fifth Avenue Cinema 2110 Burrard St. Close to campus, this small theatre always has a great selection of movies, from blockbusters to arthouse films and documentaries. I Park Theatre 3440 Cambie St. Although now part of the Cineplex family, this small neighbourhood theatre has kept some of its quirky charm (real butter on the popcorn!) The theatre only has one screen and shows mostly mainstream movies. $12 admission.
S Windsor Plywood 1581 W 7th Ave. Closest hardware store to the school--perfect for picking up wood for stretchers or whatever else you are building. Windsor delivers to Emily Carr once a week, free of charge if you have gone in, selected and paid for your materials the week prior. Contact the wood shop tech on campus for more info. S Beau Photo 1520 W 6th Ave. This camera store offers a discount to ECU students. 14
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4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15 16, 25, 50, 84, 99
Skytrain: City Hall, Kind Edward, Langara
S BC Liquor Store 5555 Cambie St. There are many BC liquor stores around the city, but this one is one of the best! Amazing selection. Open 7 days/week. f Patisserie Lebeau 1728 W 2nd Ave Waffles, waffle sandwiches and baguette sandwiches to eat in or take out. f Salade de Fruits Cafe 1551 W 7th Ave. Un petit bout de France in Vancouver! Delicious French fare, great for lunch but arrive early because it’s always busy. Cash only. f Boca 1513 W Broadway Tasty latin-inspired lunches. f Vij’s Rangoli 1488 W 11th Ave. Vij’s is one of Vancouver’s most famous chefs. Eat in or buy one of his ready-made curries! f Shishinori Japanese Eatery 2328 Cambie St. Rice bowls, light japanese dishes, ice cream and more. f La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop 2549 Cambie St. Their tacos got the thumbs up from our pickiest Mexican students! f Sha Lin Noodle House 548 W Broadway Always packed with locals. Watch the cooks expertly pull, shave or cut the noodles right before your eyes!
more favorite places...
cf Elysian Coffee
f Menchies 2315 Cambie St. Frozen yogurt bar with loads of topping options. Price is by the weight, so don’t overdo it!
cf Beans on Cambie
+f Kino Cafe 3456 Cambie St. Flamenco dancing, live music and cheap drinks.
590 W Broadway. Great coffee in a comfy space. They even have a sparkling water fountain! 3365 Cambie St. A lovely independent coffee shop that serves good coffee and healthy sandwiches.
c Dragon Ball Tea House
1007 W King Edward Ave. Bubble tea and fresh fruit slushies.
STEPHANIE’S BUDGETING TIPS “Let’s be honest--none of us came to art school to do math. But a tiny bit of basic budgeting techniques can be a lifesaver in financial crunch times. So break out that dusty calculator and let’s balance those books! Where Oh Where Did My Money Go? The first step to any budget is to figure out where your money is going. For AT LEAST a month, keep track of all the money flowing out of your bank account and track where it goes. You can get really specific with the categories or be very general. For example, I like the categories Rent, School Supplies, Food, Entertainment, Personal, and Fixed Monthly Expenses. Prioritize Those Dollars Once you have an idea of where your money is going each month you can figure out where it actually needs to go. Everyone has Fixed Monthly Expenses (think rent, utilities, cellphone bill, etc) and Flexible Monthly Expenses (like food, entertainment, clothes, etc). The key is to make sure that your sources of income cover all your Fixed Monthly Expenses first. So add those all up and subtract that from your income. How much is left? That’s how much you can divide between your Flexible Monthly Expenses. Bringing in the Bucks Don’t forget to count ALL your sources of monthly income. This means work wages, scholarships, student loans, money from parents, etc. But only count this money if it will be in your bank account month to month. So if your student loans pays your tuition and nothing more, don’t count it. But if you have some remainder, divide it between the amount of months until your next loan disbursement and add it to your monthly budget. Unbudgeted money tends to become frivolously spent money. Good Debt/Bad Debt Most students are probably going to carry some debt. But not all debt is created equal. If you find yourself adding up the credit card debt during the semester and paying interest on it, consider getting a slightly bigger student loan the next year. Remember, student loans don’t accumulate interest until AFTER you finish school. Just avoid the temptation to take out TOO much in student loans. Look back at your budget of Fixed/Flexible expenses and figure out why you are falling short each month. If you need extra money for school supplies or food, consider a loan. If you need it for booze and trips, work on cutting back your expenses instead!”
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WEST END Many students choose to live in the West End because of its fabulous location, character buildings and affordable rent. Stanley Park, beautiful sand beaches and the Downtown core are all within walking distance. Emily Carr students living in the West End will often prefer to take the ferry to school, although it is important to note that the U-Pass does not cover the fare (between $3.25 and $5.50 depending on the route.) Monthly passes are available for purchase.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Beaches: Go for a dip in the ocean! The West End has three of Vancouver’s best beaches. y Stanley Park: The jewel of Vancouver. Best enjoyed on a bicycle (note: you can only bike one way--see “Seawall” below). Stanley Park houses the Aquarium, a Rose Garden, a Pitch-and-Putt course and lots more. y Seawall: One of the best things in Vancouver, hands down. You can walk the 9km stone wall (2-3 hours) but we recommend riding a bike (1 hour). You can start at the Convention Center; there is a bike path that leads to Stanley Park. Note that the Seawall is a one-way bike path; you can only cycle it counter-clockwise. Make sure you wear a helmet and that you have good front and back lights, as the seawall is not lit at night and can be potentially very dangerous! You can continue past the Seawall and end your journey in Chinatown. Enjoy the views! y Davie Village: Vancouver’s male gay community is centered around Davie Village. Although not exclusive, some of the neighbourhood’s restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, clubs and boutique cater to gays. These businesses are mostly located on Davie Street. y Pride Parade The highlight of Vancouver Pride Week is the amazing Parade which takes place at the beginning of August each year (see next page).
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Aquabus: Hornby St. terminal, False Creek Ferries: Aquatic Center terminal
f Samurai 1108 Davie St. Cheap and tasty Japanese cuisine. Always busy! f Stepho’s Souvlaki 1124 Davie St. People line up for their generous portions. Arrive early! f La Belle Patate 1215 Davie St. Their poutine got the seal of approval from the pickiest Quebecer I know. f Zakkushi 823 Denman St. Very popular charcoal bbq restaurant chain. f Legendary Noodle House 1074 Denman St. Thin, thick or flat noodles made to order. f Saj&Co 813 Davie St. Authentic and delicious Lebanese food. Their zataar labneh is incredible. f Motomashi Sokudo 740 Denman St. One of the best ramen restaurants in town. You will feel like you have just been teleported to Tokyo!
S Robson Street: The area of Robson St.
+ The Sylvia Hotel 1154 Gilford St. (English Bay) A beautiful heritage building with a great view.
S Denman Street: Start from English Bay and
+ Numbers 1042 Davie St. Mostly frequented by gay men, Numbers has a small dance floor, features themed nights and has a pool table and a karaoke room upstairs.
between Burrard St. and Jervis St. is lined with retailers, from brand name clothing stores to kitschy tourist shops. walk up to W Georgia; this street is full of restaurants and shops. Grab a coffee and go relax in Devonian Harbour Park.
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more favorite places... + Celebrities Night Club 1022 Davie St. Mixed crowd, gay and straight welcome! Live cabaret performances, the finest local and international DJs. Bingo every Tuesday! Cover charge applies. f+ The Capital 1178 Davie St. Everything on the menu is $4.95! Vegan options available. Great selection of craft beers.
f+ Comox Street Long Bar & Grill 1763 Comox St. Super cozy and friendly bar with a cool retro vibe. c Milano Coffee & Gelato 849 Denman St. Espresso-based drinks and, you guessed it, gelato. c Greenhorn Espresso Bar 994 Nicola St. Nice and cozy neighbourhood coffee shop.
QUEER VANCOUVER Vancouver has a long-standing reputation as a progressive and open city that celebrates the Queer community and embraces differences. The largest gay population in Western Canada lives in Vancouver. Davie Village (West End) and Commercial Drive are two awesome queer-friendly neighbourhoods, thanks to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and boutiques catering to gays and lesbians. The Queer community is a key part of the city’s social, economic and cultural life. Every year in early August, Vancouver celebrates love and the LGBTQ+ community with the Pride Parade. This is a major event that must be experienced at least once. Imagine a huge street party, with around 650 000 people dancing, singing, waving their rainbow flags and enjoying the always-entertaining float cars. Check out the Pride Society’s website for more details about the parade and other events throughout the year. vancouverpride.ca The Vancouver Queer Film Festival celebrates the best in independent queer cinema for 11 days every August. It also hosts a variety of performances, workshops, panels and parties, and is the largest queer arts event in Western Canada. queerfilmfestival.ca If you are interested in finding out more about community services such as arts, social, sports and support groups, as well as gay or gay friendly restaurants, retail and shopping, visit gayvancouver.net.
Resources: PFLAG CANADA 1805 Larch St. (Trinity United Church) PFLAG Canada is Canada’s only national organization that helps all Canadians who are struggling with issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. PFLAG Canada supports, educates and provides resources to parents, families, friends and colleagues who have questions or concerns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 604 626 5667 pflagvancouver.com
QMUNITY 1170 Bute St. A community resource providing support, health and social services, and public education for the well being of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people and their allies. 604 684 5307 qmunity.ca
“Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being.”
–Rumi 17
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Vancouver is in a beautiful location, squished between Stanley Park, Burrard inlet, East Vancouver and False Creek. It has a little bit of everything, from industrial grit in the east to yuppy vibe in Yaletown. You can catch a bus, ferry or train to just about anywhere from downtown, as well as find the best shopping and dining in the city. There are bike lanes throughout, making it safe and easily accessible to cyclists.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... I Vancouver Art Gallery: Affectionately called ‘the VAG’, this gallery is the gem of Vancouver. The gallery houses a fantastic permanent collection and also hosts contemporary art exhibits y Vancouver Lookout Tower: Take the 40-second glass elevator ride and enjoy 360º views of Vancouver! Admission is $11.25 for students with valid ID. 555 W Hastings St. y Convention Centre: A beautiful building by the water. Notice the green roof! 1055 Canada Place
S Robson Street: A mecca for shoppers and tourists, this street is packed with stores offering everything from designer clothes to cheap souvenirs. y VPL Main Branch: It looks like a Roman Coliseum but there are no gladiator fights there... just books, lots of books!! Spend a quiet day perusing their great collection and get a membership (see p.41). They also have a recording studio! y BC Place: Where the BC Lions and Whitecaps go out and play. Tickets are affordable and the games are exciting! I The Commodore Ballroom 868 Granville St. One of Vancouver’s oldest venues, the Commodore hosts an excellent selection of various live artists. I Or Gallery 555 Hamilton St. I Contemporary Art Gallery 555 Nelson St. I Satellite Gallery 560 Seymour St. (upstairs) 18
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4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 16, 17, 50, 135, C21, C23 Skytrain stops: Waterfront, Burrard, Granville, City Centre, Yaletown-Roundhouse
I Republic Gallery Suite 3Fl-732 Richards St. I Queen Elizabeth Theatre 650 Hamilton St. y Vancouver Christmas Market 650 Hamilton St. Outdoor market held very year from late November until Christmas Eve. I Pacific Cinematheque 1131 Howe St. The best place to catch old classics as well as indie and art house movies. Grab their magazine/program every month by the caf for details on what’s playing. I Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St. By far the most comfortable movie theatre in town! They have great programming, from Bond retrospective to cutting edge documentaries.
S Dressew 337 W Hastings St. Best selection of textiles and notions in the city, and LOTS of costume supplies. S MacLeod’s Books 455 W Pender St. Affectionately called ‘the fire trap’, this amazing store is packed to the rafters with old books. The basement is so full it is claustrophobic! S Wildlife Thrift Store 1295 Granville St. S Joe Fresh Style 540 Granville St. Stylish and affordable clothes. They have great workout gear and pajamas!
more favorite places... fc Finch’s Coffee & Tea House 352 W Pender St. Beautiful sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. f (v) Gorilla Food 436 Richards St. Organic, vegan & raw food. f La Taqueria 322 W Hastings St. Authentic Mexican tacos. f BaoQi Eateri 620 Davie St. Vegan-friendly Vietnamese restaurant. f Chipotle Mexican Grill 818 Howe St. A popular Mexican food chain. f Japadog Multiple locations in the downtown core. Keep an eye out for the Japadog’s food carts-there you’ll find the best hot dogs in Vancouver. Check out their hall of fame! f Nuba 207 W Hastings St. Delicious Lebanese cuisine. The fried cauliflower is insanely good. f The Templeton 1087 Granville St. Organic, old-school diner fare in a cool decor.
f Cafe Phin 976 Denman St. Awesome Vietnamese subs, pho, and salad rolls. f (v) Shizen Ya 985 Hornby St. Healthy Japanese fare. Includes brown rice sushi. f Ramen Jinya 270 Robson St. World-famous Tonkotsu Ramen. + The Media Club 695 Cambie St. Live entertainment venue next to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. +f EXP Restaurant + Bar 309 W Pender St. The new hangout spot for Vancouver’s video gamers and animators.
FOOD TRUCKS There are a lot of food trucks throughout downtown. Check out streetfoodapp.com/vancouver for locations, menus and hours. Two must-try downtown food trucks are the famous Japadog which serves crazy and delicious hot dogs, and Wakwak Burger, home of the delicious $3 burger.
BANKING Most major banks have locations around Vancouver. If you are moving to Vancouver from another Canadian city, you will most likely be able to stay with your home bank. If you need to open an account with a new bank, you will be able to choose from a variety of financial institutions, from big (RBC, TD, BMO...) to small (Vancity).The advantages of dealing with one of the big guys include: lots of ATMs (bank machines) around the city, easier access to your money when you are tavelling, and easy international wire transfers. Small banks typically have friendlier service and better perks. RBC Royal Bank: royalbank.ca TD Canada Trust: tdcanadatrust.com BMO Bank of Montreal: bmo.com
Vancity (Credit Union): vancity.com Scotiabank: scotiabank.com CIBC: cibc.com
You will need two pieces of government-issued ID to open a bank account. International students can use their passport and Study Permit as ID. Banks usually offer advantageous ‘student accounts’. Make sure you have proof of your student status with you when opening an account.
“There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.” – Bob Ross 19
GASTOWN + DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Vancouver’s hub of creative talent, independent businesses, inspired bars and restaurants and fashion-forward boutiques. Gastown is a touristy spot with a beautiful old-time charm. The adjacent Downtown Eastside (DTES) is more challenging. Mental illness, homelessness and addiction can make it unsettling, but if you look beyond the grit you will see a vibrant and tightknit community. Although it is not necessarily a dangerous place, we do recommend you be more careful when walking through the DTES, and that you avoid walking there late at night.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y History: Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and was designated a National Historic site in 2009. Its cobbled streets, heritage buildings and old lamposts make it a destination in itself. y Steam Clock: Popular with tourists, the steam clock whistles every 15 minutes. y Woodwards Building: Recently renovated, this iconic Vancouver building now hosts a variety of shops and cafes, as well as the Audain Gallery. y Crab Park: Walk northbound on Main St. past Alexander St., take the bridge across the train tracks and discover this lovely, underrated park. I Artspeak 233 Carrall St. Non-profit artist-run centre. I GAM Gallery 110 E Hastings St. Gallery, studio space, small boutique and venue. I Trench Gallery 148 Alexander St. S Army & Navy 36 W Cordova St. 13 W Hastings St. Canada’s original discount store! You can find everything from a fishing rod to a pair of sandals. Really good prices! S Community Thrift and Vintage 41 W Cordova St. (unisex) 311 Carrall St. (ladies) Find that special clothing item that will set you apart in these funky non-profit stores.
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The area bordered by Cambie St. (West) and Campbell St. (East) and Hastings St. (South) and Alexander St. (North)
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S John Fluevog Shoes Ltd 65 Water St. Iconic, quality shoes. Try to catch one of their big sales. S Erin Templeton 511 Carrall St. Check out Erin’s one-of-a-kind new and recycled leather bags, as well as some cool vintage finds. f Save-On-Meats 43 W Hastings St. A great restaurant with a social conscience. Cheap breakfast. You can buy a $2.25 token which will provide a breakfast sandwich to a person in need. f ACME Cafe 51 W Hastings St. Cool ‘mom & pop’ diner. f Meat & Bread 370 Cambie St. Tasty sandwiches; the menu changes daily. Open for lunch only. fc Nelson the Seagull 315 Carrall St. Bread and coffee shop with the coolest decor in town. Known for their avocado toasts! f+ La Casita 101 W Cordova St. Family-owned restaurant serving authentic and fresh Mexican food. fc (v) NO WAY cafayfay 247 Main St. Locally-owned coffee shop serving excellent coffee as well as healthy vegetarian and vegan meals.
more favorite places... f Deacon’s Corner 101 Main St. The original Gastown Diner. Popular breakfast joint. f Ovaltine Cafe 251 E Hastings St. A DTES institution under new ownership. $5.99 cheeseburgers! Open until midnight. Keep an eye out for artworks in the glass showcases. f Tacofino Gastown 15 W Cordova St. They have a burrito bar! Grab one to-go and head out to Crab park. + The Cambie Pub 300 Cambie St. Under the Cambie hostel, this pub is always brimming with students and travellers. Write your name on the picnic table you’re sitting at!
+f Six Acres 203 Carrall St. A cozy, brick-lined nook with tasty share plates and great beer selection. +f The Alibi Room 157 Alexander St. Vancouver’s best selection of Pacific Northwest beers on tap. Try the paddle sampler if you want variety, and ask the server to pick the beers for you if you feel adventurous! c East Van Roasters
319 Carrall St. A non-profit artisan coffee and chocolate shop. Everything is roasted and made in-house! Try their decadent drinking chocolate... mmm...
c Revolver
325 Cambie St. For serious coffee lovers! They can brew your coffee in many different ways--pick your favorite!
DEREK’S TOP 5 BEACHES “Vancouver is known for its year-round mild weather and its bounty of picturesque beaches. Many beaches in and around the city can easily be accessed by public transportation.
SECOND BEACH
Located just a 10-minute walk from Denman St., Second Beach offers great views of English Bay and incoming small vessel ships. It is also home to an outdoor pool, concession stand, and changing rooms.
THIRD BEACH
Located on the western tip of Stanley Park, Third Beach offers spectacular views of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and incoming cargo ships. Third Beach has a concession stand in case you forget to pack some snacks!
KITS BEACH
Located on the north end of Yew Street, this beach has plenty of space, change rooms, and a concession stand. This beach is super close to Emily Carr (20-minute walk) and also has an outdoor pool.
WRECK BEACH
One of the most famous Vancouver beaches, Wreck Beach is a ‘clothing optional’ beach. Located on the west side of UBC, it is easily accessible by bus; however, you will have to use a long and steep staircase in order to reach the beach. While there are some concession stands and nomadic vendors there, it is best to pack some snacks, food, and water!
CRAB PARK
Located at the northern-most part of Main Street, Crab Park has a small beach and plenty of grassy areas that are great for taking an afternoon break. While some swim there, it is best to check the water quality online before going for a dip.” 21
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STRATHCONA + CHINATOWN This lively neighbourhood is packed with galleries, restaurants and shops. A great mix of traditional and contemporary, it is the home of some of the city’s best traditional Chinese restaurants and art galleries. Many students and young artists call Strathcona home, as rent prices are still relatively affordable.
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OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Dr Sun Yat-Sen’s Garden: An oasis in the city. This garden was built in 1985-1986 using the time-honored principles and techniques of the original Ming dynasty garden. Check out the free side! y Oppenheimer Park: In the heart of Japantown, this park comes alive every year in August for the Powell Street festival, a fun celebration of the Japanese culture and its impact on Vancouver. y Strathcona Park and Community Gardens: Grab a gelato cone from La Casa Gelato (1033 Venables St. -- you can’t miss it, it’s bright pink!) and head to the lush gardens and orchard behind the park. Strathcona park also has tennis and basketball courts, two baseball diamonds as well as a skate park. S Main Street Station Farmers’ Market: Right across the street form the beautiful Pacific Central train station, this market runs every Wednesday from 3 to 7 between June and October. I 221A Artist Run Centre 221 E Georgia St. I BLIM 115 E Pender St. Funky arts and crafts store and workshop space. Print a t-shirt, make buttons and check out the upstairs gallery. I Ayden Gallery 88 W Pender St. A gallery popular with illustrators. Many students have shown their work there! I Centre A 229 E Georgia St. Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art. 24
I Access Gallery 222 E Georgia St. I Unit/Pitt Projects 236 E Pender St. I Rennie Collection at the Wing Sang 51 E Pender St. An impressive contemporary art collection housed in a historical building. Appointment necessary; sign up for a tour online. I Vancouver Police Museum 240 E Cordova St. A quirky museum that is worth a visit. I Rickshaw Theatre 254 E Hastings St. The best venue to catch your favorite punk and rock bands. y Vancouver Table Tennis Club (aka Ping Pong Club) 828 E Hastings St. Open to the public, the club offers high-quality tournament-level tables in a comfortable, well-lit playing environment. A fun thing to do on a quiet week night! S Sunrise Market 300 Powell St. The best place for cheap produce in Vancouver. S T&T Supermarket 179 Keefer Pl. Next to the Stadium Skytrain station. Amazing selection of Asian foods. S Ming Wo 23 E Pender St. Nice selection of cookware. fc The Wilder Snail 799 Keefer St. Lovely grocery store and cafe.
more favorite places... fc The Pie Shoppe 721 Gore Ave. The smallest pie shop in Vancouver! Founded and operated by two sisters, one of them a recent ECU grad. fc Union Market 810 Union St. On the Adanac bike route. Great coffee and cheap prepared meals and sandwiches. f Phnom Penh 244 E Georgia St. Affordable Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine. f New Town Bakery & Restaurant 158 E Pender St. Affordable and convenient. Their Siopao (steamed buns) are world-famous and SO delicious! f Hon’s Wun-Tun House 268 Keefer St. Cheap and tasty Cantonese cuisine. f+ Bestie 105 E Pender St. Sausage and beer parlour. f Pizzeria Farina 915 Main St. Authentic neapolitan pizza. Go early--they close when they run out of dough! f Pazzo Chow 620 Quebec St. The cutest Italian restaurant in town. No menu-their daily offering is posted on instagram every morning. f Benny Foods 598 Union St. At the back of Benny’s Market. Amazing sandwiches! +f Strathcona Beer Company 895 E Hastings St. Craft beer and pizza.
FREE FOOD
f Harvest Community Foods 243 Union St. Neighbourhood grocery store and eatery featuring quality, local products. f Axum Restaurant 1279 E Hastings St. Amazing Ethiopian cuisine. + The Brickhouse 730 Main St. A cozy, brick-lined ‘stand up’ bar with a no-nonsense drink menu. Popular with Europeans who miss the pubs back home. c Matchstick Coffee Roasters 213 E Georgia St. The perfect place to grab a coffee before hitting the galleries across the street. Huge space, great drinks. +f Pat’s Pub 403 E Hastings St. Local institution. Try the Pat’s Burger! + Astoria 769 E Hastings St. Where the hip crowd mixes effortlessly with the old regulars. +f The Emerald 555 Gore Ave. Best Happy Hour Specials. Amazing Jazz shows! + Fortune Sound Club 147 E Pender St. Emily Carr students’ favorite nightclub. + The Cobalt 917 Main St. A bar with great events including live painting. + The Electric Owl 926 Main St. This nightclub is a few blocks away from the Main St. skytrain station. Live shows.
“If you get, give. If you learn, teach.” – Maya Angelou
There are a few places in Vancouver where you can get a free meal. Be respectful, follow the rules, and pay it forward any way you can!
Akali Singh Sikh Temple, 1890 Skeena St. Shree Mahalakshmi Hindu Temple, 467 11th Ave. Ross Street Gurdwara, 8000 Ross St. Check out this article for more info about meal times and etiquette: boredinvancouver.com/listing/free-food-in-vancouver 25
FALSE CREEK FLATS
One of the fastest-growing areas in the city thanks in part to the 2010 Winter Olympics, which transformed what used to be an industrial area into what is now known as the Olympic Village. This is also where Emily Carr will be moving its campus in September 2017. Many of the city’s biggest art galleries have migrated to the flats and make it the most exciting place to be on opening nights.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Olympic Village: This housing development was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Grab an ice cream cone from Mario’s Gelato, lounge on one of the big white chairs by the water, and watch the dragon boats race by. Get a picture of yourself next to Myfawny Mcleod’s giant birds sculpture and send it to your parents! The community center has great facilities including intramural courts, basketball courts and dragon boat classes. y Great Northern Way: The site of the future Emily Carr campus! Go have a look before it is changed forever!! I Art Galleries: A lot of galleries recently moved East and are now clustered around Main and 1st Ave. Many will schedule their openings on the same day; make an evening of it! I Monte Clark Gallery #105 - 525 Great Northern Way I Equinox Gallery 525 Great Northern Way I Catriona Jeffries 274 E 1st Ave. (back alley entrance) I Macaulay & Co Fine Art 293 E 2nd Ave. I Winsor Gallery 258 E 1st Ave, Vancouver I Grunt Gallery 350 E 2nd Ave.
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Skytrain stops: Olympic Village, Main Street/Terminal, VCC Clarke
f Argo Cafe 1836 Ontario St. Where chefs eat. Cheap and tasty. f+ Café Nuba 146 E 3rd Ave. Beautiful lebanese cuisine. They have great share plates, so go with a friend! f Earnest Ice Cream Locally-made ice cream. At $7 for a double scoop cone, it is pricey but line-up worthy. They have great flavors like Salted Caramel and Whiskey Hazelnut. S Legacy Liquor Store 1633 Manitoba St. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Olympic Village, this store offers a vast selection of wine, beer and spirits. S Douglas Trading Post 1884 Main St. Jewellery-making supplies, feathers, old postcards and other fantastic miscellany. +f Red Truck Brewing Co. 295 E 1st Ave. Local brewery and restaurant. +f The Narrow 1898 Main St. A bit hard to find (look for the red lightbulb), but super cozy with a great atmosphere. Check out The Hide Away Tiki Bar around back!
ALIA’S STUDY-FRIENDLY SNACKS “I always think it’s better to study when you have snacks with you. Getting a bowl of dates and nuts is a great healthier option to your regular snack. Eating the dates spikes your blood sugar to give you a bit of an energy boost, while the protein in the nut brings your blood sugar down again so there isn’t a sugar crash afterwards.” 26
STEPHANIE’S FAVORITE APPS FOR WELLNESS AND PRODUCTIVITY “Smartphones have a bad rep for being big distractions- but they don’t have to be! With the right tools, they can be powerful productivity and wellness tools that are always at your fingertips. Here’s a couple apps to help you transform your phone from time drain to time gain!” Forest Forest is a time management app that locks your phone down from distracting apps and gets you focused on tasks at hand. The length of time you spend undistracted allows you to grow a digital tree for your forest! You can blacklist or whitelist apps depending on if they detract from or support your work. The app also tracks how much time you spent working undistracted! Anki Anki is one of the most useful study apps out there. Best of all, it’s open source software so everything is totally free! Anki uses Spaced Repetition Systems to present information for review at the time when you need it most to lock it into your long term memory. This app is a lifesaver for Art History Slide IDs as you can even include images. Flashcards for review are always at your fingertips! Clockwork Tomato (Android)/Pomodoro Timer (Apple) The Pomodoro Technique is a theory of time management that suggests we work best in short bursts of intense concentration followed by short breaks. The standard time is 25 minutes work/5 minutes break with a longer break every 4 Pomodoro cycles. Let these apps do the work of keeping track of your Pomodoros for you! Bliss Bliss is a happiness centered app that provides scientifically proven activities to help reduce anxiety and improve happiness. It’s a bit like a prompt-based journal where you can keep track of things you are thankful for, what you love about your friends, and positive imaginings for a bright future. Reviewing your entries can easily provide a much needed positivity boost!
“Safe sounds: your name called, two happy syllables from the bottom to the top of the house; your daft ring tone; the low gargle of hot water in bubbles. Half asleep in the drifting boat of your bed, you like to hear the big trees sound like the sea instead.”
“There is no lack of knowledge, said the guide, but then it is dispersed 'mongst all the folk.” –Ferdowsi
– Carol Ann Duffy 27
MOUNT PLEASANT b
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Skytrain stops: Olympic Village, Main Street/Terminal
Once a grimy industrial area, Main St. is now one of the most exciting strips in Vancouver. It has retained a certain ‘indie’ feel despite its rapid gentrification, and it houses some of the best shops, restaurants and cafes in the city. There are lots of rental opportunities in that area, especially south of 2nd Ave.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Dude Chilling Park Guelph St. at 8th Ave. This park is now a legend thanks to a clever vandal. Free yoga in the summer. f Ukrainian Perogie Dinner 154 E 10th Ave. On the first Friday of every month, people young and old line up at the Holy Trinity Church for a traditional Ukrainian meal. This is not your typical restaurant experience; allow for lots of time, relax and enjoy the scene! I CSA Space #5 - 2414 Main St. (upstairs) A tiny gallery space above Pulpfiction Books. I Western Front Gallery 303 E 8th Ave. This artist-run centre offers contemporary art exhibitions and new music events. I Field Contemporary 17 W Broadway New gallery showcasing the works of local and international artists. y Guys & Dolls Billiards 2434 Main St. An old-school pool and snooker joint. + 33 Acres Brewing Co. 15 W 8th Ave. Beautiful minimal decor and amazing beer. They also serve brunch on weekends! + Brassneck Brewery 2148 Main St. A brand new brewery in Vancouver. Try their beers in the tasting room and refill your growler for a rainy day. c Gene
2404 Main St. Their great coffee and huge windows make it a perfect spot for people-watching. 28
+ The Anza Club (Australian-New Zealand Club) 3 W 8th Ave. Unpretentious and comfortable atmosphere. Excellent local band venue. c 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters and Lucky’s Doughnuts 2902 Main St. Sit down with a delicious latte and bacon & apple fritter. Relax (before the sugar kicks in!)
+ The Biltmore Cabaret 2755 Prince Edward St. Great dance parties! Some of the best local indie acts grace the Biltmore’s stage every day of the week. S The 3 Vets 2200 Yukon St. Great selection of army surplus and outdoor sports supplies, including camping gear. S Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) 130 W Broadway This Canadian institution has everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Membership is a one-time fee of $5; just go to the customer service counter to join. S Salvation Army Thrift Store 261 E 12th Ave. S Pulpfiction Books 2422 Main St. A great selection of new and second-hand books. S Anti Social Skateshop 2337 Main St. A beautifully curated skateshop that also hosts events and art shows. Grab one of their iconic t-shirts! S Our Community Bikes (OCB) 2429 Main St. Everything you need to fix your bike, including lessons! You can also volunteer in the shop or buy used and new parts for cheap.
more favorite places... S Urban Source 3126 Main St. Got craft? This place sells all sorts of great materials, generally industrial cast-offs (plastic tubes, feathers, film canisters, fabric scraps…) and stationary. f (v) Budgie’s Burritos 44 Kingsway Best burritos in the city with a cool east van attitude. Try the ‘Blair Stanley’ with crunch! f Nice Café 154 E 8th Ave. Cheap and tasty breakfast! Also known as the ‘hungover hipster hangout’. f+ (v) Foundation Lounge 2301 Main St. Gritty, hip and vegetarian. Big portions and good prices. You must try their nachos, they are the best in town (soooooo much cheese!)
S Kim’s Mart 519 E Broadway Asian grocery store. Their awesome tofu is cheap and made in-house! f Toshi Sushi 181 E 16th Ave. This place has a line-up on any given day. It has a cult following amongst Vancouverites, and it is worth the wait. The sushi is amazing. Try their Nasu Dengaku (eggplant baked with miso.) f Sushi Yama 371 E Broadway Great, affordable sushi. f+ Pizzeria Barbarella 654 E Broadway (at Fraser St.) True Neapolitan pizza. f+ Chicha 136 E Broadway Cozy restaurant specializing in Peruvian tapas, weekend brunch & pisco cocktails.
ART GALLERIES You should consider subscribing to instantcoffee.org for the most up-to-date listings in Vancouver and other major Canadian cities. The Georgia Straight will tell you what is currently on view, as will any gallery’s website.
OPENINGS Openings will likely become a big part of your social life. They are a good opportunity to hang out, support the arts community, and meet like-minded people. Openings usually happen on Thursday or Friday nights, and there is often more than one happening on the same night--make an evening of it! Here are a few tips to help you make the best of them: • • • •
Be selective; going to ALL the openings can be fun but it can quickly become draining. Go to shows you care about. Make a conscious effort to research the artists, and prioritize shows that really spark your interest. Go with a friend! It can be hard to strike up conversations with strangers. Having someone to be with makes things a lot more fun. Do not expect to be able to see the works very well; openings can get very crowded. Instead, enjoy the scene, and go back to the gallery on another day to spend some quiet time with the exhibit. Bring cash for refreshments. Some openings offer free drinks (don’t overdo it!) but most will have a cash bar. Remember that the legal drinking age in BC is 19.
“At every instant and from every side, resounds the call of Love: We are going to sky, who wants to come with us? We have gone to heaven, we have been the friends of the angels, And now we will go back there, for there is our country.” – Rumi
29
RILEY PARK LITTLE MOUNTAIN Quiet and safe yet thriving and hip, this is a great neighbourhood to spend a day or a few years! There are lots of restaurants and shops to discover, as well as a lovely park and community centre.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Queen Elizabeth Park: A park on a hill with beautiful gardens on the west side and great sports facilities.You can play pitch & putt, basketball and disc golf, or hit the wellmaintained tennis courts. Hike up to the biodome for a spectacular view of the North Shore mountains. The biodome is an awesome place to go to beat the winter blues. y Nat Bailey Stadium: The Vancouver Canadians are the local baseball team and the games are so much fun! Catch a game June September (make sure you go when post-game fireworks are scheduled!). Tickets cost as little as $12.50 and can be purchased at the door. Mini donuts are a must! 4601 Ontario St. (at 30th Ave.) y Riley Park Community Center: This stateof-the-art community center was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It includes an amazing indoor pool, an ice rink and a curling club. S Main Street Shopping: Take the #3 bus up Main St. and get off at 30th Ave. Stroll down this lively street and shop in some of the best local stores! I Yactac Gallery 7206 Ontario St. A neat gallery in a house just off Main St. at 56th Ave. They have great art shows and also have residency opportunities for artists. + The Legion on Main 3917 Main St. Mingle with the old-timers, play shuffleboard or darts, or belt out your favorite tune on Wednesday and Saturday Karaoke Nights. c Liberty Bakery
3699 Main St. This Vancouver institution got new owners last year, and Liberty 2.0 is stunning. The decor is like a pinterest board, the coffee is great and their light sandwiches and pastries are beautiful.
30
b
3, 8, 15, 19, 25, 41
f Hawker’s Delight 4127 Main st. Inexpensive and authentic Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine. Their fritters are amazing! f (v) The Acorn 3995 Main St. Locally-owned restaurant serving vegetarian (mostly vegan) dishes. f Shanti’s Curries 4191 Main St, Home-style South Indian dishes. f Quejos Cheesebuns 4129 Main St. Wheat and gluten-free baked goods made just like in Brazil! Their sandwiches are amazing. Grab a bag of cheap day-olds. f+ The Reef 4172 Main St. A taste of the Caribbean in Vancouver. f+ Simply Delicious 4316 Main St. (upstairs) Sushi lounge where you can find great deals on food and drinks, as well as karaoke! f Bob Likes Thai Food 3755 Main St. Thai food in a hip atmosphere. Try their duck curry! f Sun Sui Wah 3888 Main St. Very popular dim sum restaurant. Even though it is huge, it is often packed. Arrive early to avoid the line-up! f Au Petit Café 4851 Main St. No-frills, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Cheap Banh mi sandwiches.
more favorite places... fc East is East 4433 Main St. The beautiful decor and delicious chai will make you feel like you just landed in India. c Le Marché St. George
S Collage Collage 3697 Main St. A beautiful store that celebrates children’s creativity. Founded by an Emily Carr graduate, it offers inspiring exhibits and workshops, as well as a nice selection of art supplies and gifts.
4393 St. George St. A little bit of Paris just east of Main Street. Coffee, tea and pastries in a charming old corner store.
S Eugene Choo 3683 Main St. Pricy but worth a visit. Try to catch one of their courtyard sales for great bargains on designer clothes and shoes.
+ The Shameful Tiki Room 4362 Main St. True tiki experience! Exotic cocktails and food, vintage decor and attentive service. Go on a rainy day if you feel blue!
S Umeboshi Footwear 3638 Main St. Drool-worthy, fashionable ladies designer shoes.
S Welk’s 3511 Main St. The best discount store in Vancouver. They have everything. S East West Market 4169 Main St. Amazing grocery store just south of King Edward. They carry local produce and make awesome salsas, chimichurri and fresh juices in store. S I Found Gallery 4578 Main St. Vintage jewellery and other treasures. S Front & Company 3772 Main St A consignment clothing store with a great selection of new and second-hand items. S Baker’s Dozen Antiques 3520 Main St. A pretty magical place! Get inspired by their amazing window displays and odd antiques.
S Regional Assembly of Text 3934 Main St. Founded by two Emily Carr graduates, this beautiful store is a stationary-lover’s paradise. Join the Letter Writing Club on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm to write a letter home—supplies are provided! S Lucky’s Comics 3972 Main St. A tiny space with the best selection of comics and zines in the city. They also host art shows and music events at the back of the store. S Red Cat Records 4332 Main St. An artist-owned and operated record store.
“We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” – Bob Ross
TIPS ON TIPPING! Paying a gratuity, or tipping, is the norm in Vancouver. But who should you tip? And how much? Restaurant server: 15% to 20% of the total bill before taxes (note that some restaurants will include an automatic gratuity of 15% or more in their bill for large groups) Bartender: 10% to 20% of the total bill before taxes Cab driver: 10% to 15% of the fare Hairdresser: 10% to 15% of the total bill Tour Guide: 10% to 15% of the total Smartphone users can download a variety of free tip calculator apps, like Tip Calculator Free. 31
KENSINGTON CEDAR COTTAGE
b
8, 9, 19, 25, 99, Skytrain stop: Nanaimo
A rapidly-changing neighbourhood with many personalities, Kensington-Cedar Cottage has both beautiful, quiet tree-lined streets and busy industrial arteries. There are great shops and restaurants along Fraser Street and Victoria Drive, and the area has lots of green spaces. Upper Fraser St. is home to a vibrant Filipino community and boasts lots of small grocery stores and restaurants.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Trout Lake 3360 Victoria Dr. A perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park hosts a farmers’ market in the summer. The community centre has an ice rink, fitness centre, tai chi classes, ceramics studio and much more!
f House of Dosas 1391 Kingsway A ‘dosa’ is the Indian version of a French crepe made with rice and lentil. They are served with a variety of savoury fillings (lots of vegetarian options). Cheap, delicious, and the portions are always generous. Open 24 hours.
y Bingo at the Croatian Cultural Centre 3250 Commercial Dr. Play with the every Wednesday and Friday night! Fun time guaranteed, and you might just win!
f Duffin’s Donuts 1391 E 41st Ave. (at Knight St.) Open 24 hours, this Vancouver institution serves the best spicy fried chicken in town. Their menu is diverse, from teriyaki pork to tortas, and everything is very affordable.
y Kensington Park 5175 Dumfries St. Just off Knight St. at 33rd Ave, this big green space has a skatepark, softball diamonds, soccer fields and an indoor pool! S Famous Foods 1595 Kingsway Vancouver’s original natural food store! Amazing bulk section. S MCC Thrift Store 5914 Fraser St. Super cheap second-hand goods. S BKH Jerky 3201 Fraser St. Singapore-style beef and pork jerky. Some say it is the best in the world and I believe them. The spicy pork jerky is crazy amazing. Get a bag of ‘ends’ at a discounted price! f Sal Y Limon 701 Kingsway (at 16th Ave.) Authentic Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. oom and take-out. f Thai Pho Hoa 1625 Kingsway Some say this is where you can find the best Pho in town! 32
f Wally’s Burgers 2661 E 49th Ave. Ok so it’s a bit further up, but this Vancouver institution is worth the trip! Everything is cooked to order using fresh local ingredients. Delicious burgers, milkshakes and onion rings. c Matchstick Coffee Roasters
639 E 15th Ave. Beautiful coffee shop with view on a cute park. +f Deutsches Haus Restaurant at the Vancouver Alpen Club 4875 Vicoria Dr. The Alpen Club is the heart of the German community in Vancouver. Drop in for a beer and a little taste of Deutschland. Live bands on weekends. +f (v) The Black Lodge 630 Kingsway A ‘Twin Peaks’ themed bar with an awesome log cabin decor and affordable vegetarian dishes. +f Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood Pub 3728 Clark Dr. A lovely neighbourhood joint that serves classic pub fare.
STEPHANIE’S MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS “Students face stress and anxiety every day. That’s a fact. But we can learn to accept and face our stress and anxiety through the practice of meditation. Meditation allows us to calm our mind and develop a balanced perspective on our world and our place within it. By silencing our mind we can gain greater control of it. Posture The important thing for meditation posture is to have a straight back without the head or shoulders leaning forwards. A meditation cushion can help but you can just as easily use a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight and away from the backrest. You can sit in full-lotus, half-lotus or simply sit cross-legged. The eyes can be closed or half closed and the hands should rest together on your lap.
Practice When starting meditation, the goal is to focus only on the breath. It is hard to remove oneself from distractions. Therefore, it’s a good idea to start by counting the breath. Count one for the in-breath, two for the out-breath, three for the in-breath, etc. Once you reach ten, start again. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge this and bring it back to the breath gently. Do not become impatient or angry with yourself for being unable to focus wholly on the breath. Meditate without judgement and continuously bring yourself back to your breath. Patience Meditation is a skill that can grow with repeated practice. Start small. Set a timer for fifteen minutes and start there. Increase this time as you feel ready and able. Find moments to meditate. Meditate on your morning commute, while waiting for class to begin, or on your lunch hour. If you are struggling with this method of meditation, try starting with Guided Meditations. Guided Meditations provide you with a voice and/or music to focus on for the duration of the meditation, which can help calm the mind. I recommend Michael Sealey’s channel on YouTube for some excellent Guided Meditations. For further information on Zen Meditation, check out the book Zen Meditation: Plain and Simple by Albert Low.” 33
GRANDVIEWWOODLANDS
b 16, 20, 33, 99, 135 4, 7, 9, 14,
Skytrain: VCC-Clarke, Commercial Drive
A lively, multicultural neighbourhood popular with travellers, students, artists and young families. The Commercial Drive area, once heavily populated by Italian immigrants, is also known as ‘Little Italy’.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Britannia Community Center and Library: Gym, pool, tennis courts, soccer field, ice rink, library, drumming lessons and more. y Car Free Day: Every summer for a day, Commercial Drive transforms into a pedestrian-only street lined with local vendors, musicians and acrobats. y Parade of Lost Souls: Celebration in honor of the dead, every year around Halloween. Don’t miss the Secret Souls Walk! y Grandview Lanes Bowling 2195 Commercial Dr. Old-school 5 or 10-pin bowling. Cosmic bowling upstairs. y Rio Theatre 1660 E Broadway. A great movie theatre to see old classics or blockbusters. Famous for their late-night screenings of cult classics. Their liquor license allows you to have a beer while watching your movie. y The Cultch 1895 Venables St. Usually hosting visiting artists and performers, the Cultch always offers an amazing range of musical and theatrical talent. +f Havana 1212 Commercial Dr. Cuban-themed restaurant and bar that hosts theatre and art events in their back room. +f Storm Crow Tavern 1305 Commercial Dr. A geek’s heaven! Enjoy a drink while watching Buffy or playing D&D with your friends!
+ Strange Fellows 1345 Clark Dr. One of Vancouver’s newest breweries, it has everything to please the hip crowd: industrial neighbourhood, slick and modern tasting room and, of course, delicious old-world inspired beers. + Parallel 49 Brewing Co. 1950 Triumph St. Another great Vancouver brewery! Sample their beers on tap or buy a few bottles to enjoy at home. + The WISE Hall 1882 Adanac St. WISE is for Welsh, Irish, Scottish and English. Affordable folk perfomances. cf Basho Cafe 2007 E Hastings St. Owned and operated by the loveliest Japanese family. Incredible hot drinks and food, and cutest decor!
Sf (v) Sweet Cherubim 1105 Commercial Dr. Grocery store and restaurant selling organic and natural vegetarian foods. Lots of vegan options. S Bosa Foods 956 Commercial Dr. Great selection of Italian groceries, including a deli counter for all your olive, cheese and meat needs. S Santa Barbara Market 1322 Commercial Dr. Italian supermarket with a great selection of produce, cheese and meat. It can get chaotic at the deli counter--just relax and enjoy the latin spirit!
c Prado Café
Sf La Grotta del Fromaggio 1791 Commercial Dr. Nice selection of Italian groceries and a fantastic sandwich bar.
c JJ Bean
f Rinconcito Salvadoreno 2062 Commercial Dr. Amazing pupusas.
1938 Commercial Dr. Great coffee in a beautiful minimalist decor.
1904 Powell St. 2206 Commercial Dr. 34
more favorite places... cf Café Deux Soleils
2096 Commercial Dr. Healthy food and relaxed attitude. Their baked goods and smoothies are amazing! Poetry slam every Monday. f (v) Bandidas Taqueria 2781 Commercial Dr. Tasty, all-vegetarian mexican dishes in a warm atmosphere.Great breakfast! f Koko Japanese Restaurant 2053 E Hastings St. The sign makes it look like a muffler store-perhaps that is why Koko is one of the best-kept secrets in Van, even though it has been open for over 20 years! Fresh ‘old school’ sushi. f On Lok Restaurant 2010 E Hastings St. No-frills, affordable Chinese cuisine.
f Mr. Red Cafe 2234 E Hastings St. Tasty and affordable Northern Vietnamese Cuisine. f East Village Bakery 2166 E Hastings St. Delicious gluten-free options. S Audiopile 2016 Commercial Dr. Neighbourhgood music store with a great selection of new and used records. S Value Village 1820 E Hastings St. The Wal-Mart of thrift stores. S Donald’s Market 2332 E Hastings St. and 2279 Commercial Dr. A local favorite. Awesome produce selection and healthy food options.
STAY HEALTHY
It is very important that you make sure you have primary (or basic) health coverage like BC MSP. This coverage gives you access to basic care like emergency care, clinic visits, routine check-ups, surgeries etc. If you do not have primary health insurance, please see Justine in room 145. Need to see a Doctor? As noted on p.3, there are many clinics around Vancouver that offer walk-in services in case you feel ill. If you want to get regular routine check-ups, you should consider getting a family doctor. To find a physician accepting new patients, visit cpsbc.ca/physician_search There are also a number of Options for Sexual Health Clinics throughout the Lower Mainland that focus on sexual health; they typically offer STI testing and treatment, low-cost birth control, Pap screening, pregnancy testing and more. Visit optionsforsexualhealth.org for more info, including locations and full range of services. Dental Care, Eye Care and much more All students are automatically enrolled in the Students’ Union’s Health and Dental coverage, which is a great addition to your primary health insurance plan. Familiarize yourself with the coverage by visiting the ECSU website: ecsu.ca. You might be surprised at how many services are covered. Looking for a dentist? We recommend House of Teeth, 331 E Broadway. This ultra-cool dental clinic is run by an Emily Carr alumni and accepts the ECSU’s dental coverage. Looking for pain relief? Try acupuncture! We love Poke, 225 E Broadway. They have a sliding scale so you choose what you pay ($20 - $40).
Hot tip: It’s a good idea to leave some ibuprofen or other pain relief medication in your locker so you have it when you need it. Please note that security guards cannot give medication to students. 35
HASTINGS-SUNRISE b
4, 7, 9, 14, 16, 99, 135
This residential neighbourhood is rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to its quiet streets and great location. Most amenities are along Hastings St. and Renfrew St.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y PNE: The Pacific National Exhibition grounds were built in 1910 and include a popular skate park, beautiful gardens, basketball courts and even a bird sanctuary. Every year in August, the PNE comes alive for ‘The Fair’, two weeks of activities, exhibitions, food stands and outdoor concerts. y Playland: An amusement park on the edge of the city, next to the PNE. Go for a rollercoaster ride (great views!) or a game of mini golf. y Hastings Race Track: Have you ever been to the races? This is your chance! There is no admission fee and you are not required to bet. Sit, enjoy the sun, have a beer or a delicious roast beef sandwich and watch the amazing horses thunder by. Great view of the North shore from the bleachers! y Pacific Coliseum: Home of the Vancouver Giants, the city’s Junior AAA hockey team. Catch one of their exciting games! You can go for free this October with a group of Emily Carr students--just sign up with Justine! y New Brighton Park: A great park on the south shore of Burrard Inlet. Small beach, lots of grass to play catch or fly a kite, and a nice outdoor pool open in the summer. I VIVO Media Arts 2625 Kaslo St. A longstanding gallery dedicated to media arts, providing workshops regularly. S Horses Records 2447 E Hastings St. Local record store. f Polonia Sausage House 2434 E Hastings St. Great selection of sausages and various Polish groceries. Their BBQ sausages are awesome and cheap at around $1 each. Amazing roasted on a fire or sauteed in butter. S Rio Friendly Meats 2477 E Hastings St. Walk behind the curtain to find affordable meat and dairy products, and the friendliest staff. 36
S T&T Supermarket 2800 E 1st Ave. (at Renfrew) S Bosa Foods 1465 Kootenay St. This grocer is a bit out of the way but is worth the trip. Great selection of italian groceries, cheeses, meat, baked goods and even cookware. S Filmgo Sales 2741 Skeena St. Looking for old treasures? A 5-minute walk from the Rupert Skytrain station, this consignment store is an antique-lover’s dream. f Bon’s off Broadway 2451 Nanaimo St. A true ‘greasy spoon’. All-day breakfast is super cheap. f Tacofino Comissary 2327 E Hastings St. On the pricey side but the food is lovely and it is always packed with hip folks. f+ X-Site 2270 E Hastings St. Burgers are delicious and under $7! They also have a great Mexican menu. f Roundel Café 2465 E Hastings St. Lovely cafe with classic diner fare. Meals are around $8. f Tamam 2616 E Hastings St. Fine Palestinian cuisine in a sunny spot. f Le Petit Saigon 2783 E Hastings St. Great and affordable Vietnamese restaurant. f Bo Laksa King’s Bubbles ‘n Bits 2546 E Hastings St. Affordable Malaysian delights. Try the laksa, a spicy noodle soup f The Red Wagon 2296 E Hastings St. A popular ‘mom and pop’ diner that serves quality comfort food made fresh everyday. Try their famous pulled pork pancakes for breakfast!
GET OUT OF TOWN! Travelling to the USA Please ensure that you have proper documentation to cross the border and to re-enter Canada. Canadian citizens must present a valid passport. If you are an international student, the documentation required will vary depending upon the status of your entry into Canada. Further information is available from the International Office at Emily Carr, or you can contact the U.S. Consulate’s website at canada.usembassy.gov Buses 1150 Station St. (Main St. & Terminal Ave.) One of the most affordable ways of traveling to other parts of BC, Canada or the US is by Greyhound Bus. Fares and info at greyhound.ca. You also get a student discount on all tickets. Boltbus is a really cheap way to go to the US. Their busses have free wifi and lots of leg room. Fares depend on when you purchase your tickets; a one-way ticket to Seattle averages around $10 but could cost you as little as $1! boltbus.com BC Ferries You can also escape to Vancouver Island or any of the Gulf Islands for a fun get-away. Ferries accept car, bikes and walk-on passengers. Consider making a reservation for your vehicle on busy weekends. They have 2 terminals, Tsawassen and Horseshoe Bay, both accessible by public transit. bcferries.com Whistler or Blackcomb Skiing/snowboarding at its best. Some 7-Eleven stores sell discount lift passes. You can find deals on passes by getting them in advance or scouting out student pass discounts. If you plan on skiing or snowboarding a LOT, an unlimited season pass might be the best option. Plan on spending around $600 for it, but prepare to be amazed by some of the best skiing and riding in the world. The skiing season typically extends to the end of May! You can purchase your season pass online at whistlerblackcomb.com BC Parks BC has some of Canada’s most beautiful parks. Go camping! If you don’t have the necessary equipment, ask around or rent it from MEC (p.28) env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks Vancouver International Airport (YVR) The Skytrain’s new Canada Line makes it super fast and easy to go to the airport. It takes around 25 minutes to get from downtown to YVR! And with your UPass, you do not need to worry about fare. yvr.ca
SUSAN’S TIPS FOR EXAM PREPARATION “Academic classes typically have both mid-term and final exams. Exam guides are usually released ahead of time for you to start studying early. Going through slideshow by theme is a great way to review the connections between artworks and keywords. In addition to going through notes taken during the lectures, you can watch past lectures on Moodle and jot down points that you missed in class. If you get bored memorizing all the names and years on your own, review with your friends - test each other and discuss how an artwork from one theme can relate to another. Try to do some cardio and get a good sleep the day before. Get up early and give yourself extra time on the day of exam.” 37
NORTH SHORE
b
28, 130 and buses in the 200 range. Seabus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Terminal.
The SeaBus is the best and most scenic way to get to the North Shore. It departs from Waterfront Station downtown and arrives at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The North shore has amazing hiking and mountain biking trails that can be accessed by bus. Invest in a hiking trails guide and explore the mountains!
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Hiking: There are many beautiful trails all over the North Shore. See next page for Derek’s list. y Lonsdale Quay: Take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and explore the market. Walk up Lonsdale Road for some great shopping and dining. y Maplewood Conservation Area: A bird sanctuary just east of the Second Narrows bridge. It is the largest section of tidal mudflats remaining on the North Shore. You can still see traces of the community of hippies, artists, writers and free spirits that took residence there in the 70’s in a series of ramshackle driftwood-constructed huts and cabins. y Capilano suspension bridge: A popular tourist attraction, the bridge is accessible by transit (#246 from Downtown) and is a fun thing to do on a date. The admission price is steep at $33 for students, but it includes the Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. If you are on a budget, you can go to the amazing free park right behind the bridge which is beautiful and goes on for miles. Check out the salmon hatchery! I Presentation House Gallery 333 Chesterfield Ave. A beautiful gallery just a 15-minute walk from the Seabus terminal. Great contemporary art exhibits. y Horseshoe Bay: A picturesque town best known for its BC Ferries terminal. Take the #257 Express bus from downtown--you will be in Horseshoe Bay in less than 30 minutes. The town itself is beautiful and has many cute cafes and shops. You can take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo or up to the Sunshine Coast. There are also water taxis that leave from the government docks; these can take you to beautiful places including Bowen Island and Gambier Island. S Park Royal & Park Royal Village Taylor Way at Marine Dr. (West Vancouver) A very popular shopping destination, this mall has all the big names, including Winners, H&M, Simons, Eddie Bauer, Helly Hansen and more. 38
f Tomahawk Restaurant 1550 Philip Ave., North Vancouver Their vintage canadiana-themed decor alone is worth the trip! Their burgers are delicious and made with organic beef. f The Crab Shop 2455 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver Seafood store and restaurant famous for its fish & chips, crab burgers and fish tacos. f Honey Doughnuts and Goodies 4373 Gallant Ave., Deep Cove Hearty meals and delicious doughnuts. Hike up the Baden Powell Trail to the viewpoint and treat yourself to a doughnut afterwards! f Wally’s Burgers in Cates Park 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver A simple concession stand that serves delicious burgers. Lovely location-- there is even a small beach where you can swim in the summer. Wally’s hours depend on the weather, so check before you make the trip! f Loblaws City Market 1650 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver Great culinary experience! + Two Lions Pub 2601 Westview Dr., North Vancouver Karaoke night on Thursdays is popular amongst locals. f Cazba 132 W 16th Ave., North Vancouver Affordable Persian and Halal food. Great rice. f Jordan Sushi 1564 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver The Chef’s special platters and rolls are great and reasonably priced.
“The spirit likes to dress up like this: ten fingers, ten toes...” –Mary Oliver
DEREK’S FAVORITE NORTH SHORE HIKES “Visit vancouvertrails.com for a list of hikes in and around the lower mainland. A number of books on trails are available at the Vancouver Public Library and stores such as Army & Navy or Value Village (if you are buying second-hand hiking guides, make sure they are not too old, as trails and signage can change.) Use caution when hiking--check the weather leading up to your hike day and be prepared for sudden changes. Wear good shoes, bring warm clothes, and obey all posted B.C Parks signage & notices. Always tell someone where you are going before you head out. The following hikes are all accessible by public transit!
DEEP COVE
The #212 bus (from Lonsdale Quay via the Phibbs Exchange bus loop) will take you to this scenic town. Grab a coffee, hang out by the water and hike the Baden Powell Trail up to the viewpoint. The trail starts from Panorama Drive (walk eastbound from the town--the bottom of the trail is between two houses on the left-hand side). It is a steep and quick (30-45 minutes) hike and the view is worth the trip.
THE GROUSE GRIND
The Grouse Grind is a 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, commonly referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” This is a very challenging trail with a 853 metres (2,800 feet) elevation gain. You end up at the top, 274 metres (900 feet) above sea level! Wear good trail shoes and get ready to sweat! Bus #236 will take you there.
LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Take the #250 bus from downtown and get off at WB Marine Dr at Beacon Lane. Walk south on Beacon Lane to get to the entrance to the park. Pack a lunch and spend an afternoon there--the views of Burrard Inlet are breathtaking!
LYNN CANYON
From downtown Vancouver, take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and transfer to the #228 or #229. Exit the bus once you have arrived at Lynn Valley Centre; from here either walk for 15 mins to the parks entrance or wait for the #227 shuttle for drop off at the park’s main entrance. Lynn Canyon has several trails with a suspension bridge, water fall, and swimming hole, so don’t forget your bathing suite!
CAPILANO RIVER REGIONAL PARK
From Waterfront Station take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and transfer to the #236 Grouse Mtn Bus. Exit the bus at NB Nancy Greene Way FS Prospect ave and the park entrance will be a couple minute walk to the park entrance. Carillon River Regional Park is home to The Capilano River hatchery, The Cleveland Dam, and The Capilano Suspension bridge.”
CHEAP HAIRCUTS
Want to look good without breaking the bank? Book an appointment at a Hair Styling School! You will support a student in their learning and save money in return. Cuts are typically $10-$15. Expect your appointment to be a little longer than usual. We like: Future Hair Training Centre, 512 W Broadway Vancouver Hair Academy, 2331 Granville St. 39
RICHMOND & BEYOND
b
Skytrain: The Canada Line can take you from downtown all the way to Richmond.
Located south of Vancouver, Richmond is home to a thriving Asian community. It boasts some of the best Asian restaurants in North America, as well as great shopping, lovely trails and historic sites. tourismrichmond.com
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Steveston: An old fishing community now turned into a lovely seaside village. Check out the two National Historic Sites: the Golf of Georgia Cannery and the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, where you can learn about the multicultural lives of the men and women who worked in the cannery in the 19th century. y West Dyke trail: Cycle this flat 5.5-kilometre (3.5-mile) trail that links Garry Point Park and the Terra Nova Natural Area. Along the way, it passes the marshes and mud flats of the remarkable Sturgeon Banks wetlands. y Richmond Night Market: Held on weekend evenings from the end of May to early September. Eat things you have never seen before and shop for an amazing array of accessories. y Finn Slough: At the end of No.4 Road (bike or car needed). Settled in 1890 by a group of Finnish fishermen, this community on stilts in a muddy slough continues to be squatted by a variety of people. This unique community was also one of the strongholds for the UFAWU Fisherman’s Union in the 1930’s. Go, look around, be respectful of the fact that people live in this delicate environment and are constantly under threat of eviction. y Bird-Watching: The Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta is a wonderful place to watch migratory birds, especially in the Fall. Bring your camera, the landscape is stunning. S Ikea 3320 Jacombs Rd. This store needs no introduction! Everything you need for your new apartment can be found at great prices.
f Lido Restaurant 4231 Hazelbridge Way Tasty and inexpensive Hong Kong-style dishes. f Xian Cuisine 8260 Westminster Highway Upstairs from the Public Market, a step away from Brighouse Station. Cheap Chinese buns and more. f Gokudo Shabu Shabu Hotpot #2133-3779 Sexsmith Rd. Great hot pot restaurant. Limited seating--arrive early to beat the crowd. f Gyo-O Japanese Restaurant #2137-3779 Sexsmith Rd. Traditional and delicious Donburi, Ramen and Udon dishes. S Aberdeen Centre 4151 Hazelbridge Way This mall is huge! Walk around, go to Daiso or the Yaohan Centre. S Osaka Supermarket 1000-3700 No 3 Rd. Looking for mangosteen, a whole salted chicken or gochujang? Osaka has it! f Bubble Queen 8888 Odlin Crescent Bubble tea and fresh fruit slushes.Their fresh mango slush with mango cubes is a must-try. f+ The Flying Beaver Bar and Grill 4760 Inglis Dr. By the airport’s South Terminal. On a nice day, sit on the patio and watch the hydroplanes come and go. c Rocanini Coffee Roasters in Steveston 115-3900 Moncton St. Beautiful location, great coffee and pastries.
TAXIS
Taxis can be found waiting for customers around busy spots. It is ok to flag a taxi when the light on the cab’s roof is turned on. You can also call one of Vancouver’s four Cab companies and request a taxi: Black Top & Checker Cabs: 604 683 4567 MacLure’s Cabs: 604 683 6666
Vancouver Taxi : 604 871 1111 Yellow Cab: 604 681 1111
Tipping is expected by taxi drivers. The percentge of the tip is up to you, but 10-15% of the fare is common. You can pay by cash, debit or credit card. 40
BURNABY, PORT MOODY & BEYOND b
135, 160, 190 Skytrain: The Millenium Line will take you to the Northern part of Burnaby towards Coquitlam. The Expo Line goes South towards New Westminster and Surrey. The new Evergreen line will go all the way to Port Coquitlam via Port Moody.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS... y Deer Lake Park: Beautiful trails connect the lake, the Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Burnaby Village Museum. The park also hosts outdoor concerts every summer; you can get tickets and see the show up-close, or skip the cost of a ticket and sit on the boardwalk behind the stage and enjoy the music from beside a beautiful lake! y Burnaby Mountain and SFU: An amazing example of Arthur Erickson’s architecture, located on a lovely mountain. Walk the trail for great views of the Burrard Inlet and Belcarra Park. S Metropolis at Metrotown: Literally a “shopping village”. The Metrotown Skytrain station on the Millenium Line is right by the mall. y Maillardville: A francophone community in Coquitlam that once was a lumber mill. The community is mostly know for its annual “Festival du Bois” in late winter. y New Westminster: Also called the ‘Royal City’, New West has a lovely old town feel and is easily accessible by Skytrain. You can also ride your bike all the way there from Commercial Drive Station via the Central Valley Greenway bike path. y Surrey: This city has had a bad reputation for a long time, but is now going through a renaissance and is quickly becoming a thriving metropolis. Take the Expo Line to Surrey Central and go have a beer at Central City Brewery. y Belcarra Park: A beautiful regional park that boasts two lakes, great hiking trails and beaches. Accessible by bus, this park is a great day trip--bring a picnic!
y Rocky Point Park: Easily accessible by bus, this park has trails, a beach, an outdoor pool and a skatepark. You can also find amazing fish ‘n chips at the Pajo’s concession stand in the summer! y Old Orchard Park: Take the trail from Rocky Point and walk East--the trail will lead you to the other side of Burrard Inlet. Look for the ruins of an old mill by the water. This is an amazing location for a photo shoot! f Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery 4090 Hastings St., North Burnaby Old school soda shop with a cult following! Ice cream, floats, sundaes, milkshakes and more! f Anton’s Pasta Bar 4260 Hastings St., North Burnaby HUGE portions. Line-up starts early. f Pearl House Restaurant 7150 Sperling Ave., Burnaby Chinese,Taiwanese cuisine & bubble tea. f Rehanah’s Roti 2518 St Johns St., Port Moody Family-run Trinidadian restaurant. Lovely people and delicious rotis. + Moody Ales Brewery 2601 Murray St., Port Moody + Yellow Dog Brewing 2817 Murray St., Port Moody + Central City Brewpub 13450 102nd Ave., Surrey Makers of the famous Red Racer beer! Their brewpub has their entire beer portfolio on tap.Next to the Surrey Central Skytrain station.
VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY (VPL) Join the Vancouver Public Library and enjoy free book and video rentals, free internet, lectures and events. They even have a musical instruments rental program! All you need to get a membership is ID and proof you live in BC – any piece of mail should do. There is no membership fee! There are many branches around the city. Check out www.vpl.ca to browse their catalogue and find the nearest location. 41
THE 8 PHASES OF ADJUSTMENT
Every change, whether it is a change of country, city, home or school, comes with an adjustment period. Everybody will experience different ups and downs, but we found that many new students go through something close to the rollercoaster illustrated below.
2 7
5
1 3
4 6
1. INITIAL ANXIETY
You are at home, surrounded by family and friends. You are known, connected and successful. You are getting ready for your departure: you are busy packing and saying goodbye to your friends. You are nervous, but hopeful!
h excited, anxious, adventurous, proud b “I’m really nervous but I can’t wait to leave!
I’m so excited to become independent and meet new people. School will be amazing!”
2. INITIAL ELATION
The days following your arrival, you are tired, maybe jet lagged, but you have a huge smile on your face! You feel euphoric, adventurous; you can’t believe you are finally here! We might call this short stage the ‘happy tourist’ phase. You are discovering your new city with the excitement of a traveller.
h happy, free, independent, excited b “I can’t believe I am finally here! Vancouver
is so beautiful, and the people are so nice. I can’t wait for classes to start.”
3. REALITY CHECK
You have now been in Vancouver for a week or two. You are busy settling into your new life. There is a lot to do: finding a place to live, buying groceries, supplies, paying tuition, getting a cell phone, attending your first classes… All these expenses might cause you to worry about money. Simple chores like going to the grocery store might feel overwhelming.
h busy, overwhelmed, tired, overly sensitive b “I have so many things to do...”
“This is expensive. I am afraid I am spending too much money, too quickly.” 42
9
8 4. RESISTANCE
You realize that things are very different here. Perhaps things are not as great as you had imagined. You find yourself criticizing and comparing everything to how it is back home. You feel like you don’t fit in, that you are misunderstood. You might have trouble sleeping and have little to no appetite. You feel “alone in the unknown”, and might think about dropping out and going back home. You need to start creating the life you want for yourself here.
h disappointed, guilty, homesick, irritated b “I feel bad and I can’t talk about this to
anyone. Something is wrong with me.” “I have a hard time enjoying myself when my partner/friends/family are not by my side.” “The food is awful here. I miss the food from home.”
5. SUPERFICIAL ADJUSTMENT
You take control of your emotions and decide to tough it out. You are getting used to life alone. You are busy with schoolwork, and you figure that you are fine without friends— there’s too much to do anyway! You have made friends in your classes, but you don’t consider them to be close friends. You feel fine during the week, but tend to feel very lonely on weekends. You are starting to count the days until you go home on holidays or until your family comes to visit you.
h busy, self-reliant, focused b “I’m ok. I am getting used to life alone. Until
I get to go home, I am going to focus on school and keep busy.”
6. THE PLUNGE
You are feeling the strain of being away from home. You tried to ignore your emotional needs but now it hits you that you do not have the support system you are used to. You miss your people. You feel like nobody knows you, understands you or is interested in you here. The smallest things upset you. You might think that coming here was a mistake. You feel tired and might experience headaches and stomach aches. You pretend everything is fine when your family and friends ask how things are going; you do not want them to worry or see that you are struggling. You might feel like you are failing and that you are not as strong and independent as you thought you would be.
h lonely, disconnected, isolated, frustrated b “I can’t tell anyone but I hate this. I want to go
home.” “Sometimes I just want to stay in bed all day.” “I try to eat but nothing is going down.” “I’ll never get through this.”
7. ACCEPTANCE
You are feeling better! You might have one or even a few good friends at this point. You are participating in events, you feel more comfortable talking to people and you find that a lot of students just went through the same rollercoaster as you. You laugh and smile more, you have more energy than you did over the last few weeks. You are more accepting of the differences, you feel more understood—you are finding your place. You feel like yourself again.
h calm, comfortable, open, less defensive b “Things are not as bad as I thought.”
“I’m glad I stayed. I was so excited to go back home this summer, but now I wish I could spend the holidays in Vancouver!”
8. RE-ENTRY SHOCK
You are excited to arrive home and re-connect with family and friends. However, things are not quite the way you remembered them - it feels strange. People don’t seem to be interested in the experience you have gone through while abroad. You feel like you have changed a lot but that people back home have not changed. You miss your new friends.
h bored, let down, discouraged b “I have so many stories to tell, but nobody
seems to care.” “I don’t fit in anymore. I am a different person than when I left, yet everyone here has stayed the same. I still love my friends, but I can’t relate to them.”
HOW TO MOVE UP WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DOWN... Tips from your fellow Students
Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Just say “Yes!” when you get invitations. Whether it is to visit a museum or to share a meal, it is a great way to connect with people. Don’t stay home alone! Participate in the events organized on campus.There is so much going on, from artist talks to fun events like Coffee Night and Dog Therapy. For a list of all the social events, visit The Playlist at theplaylist.ecuad.ca Visit the Student’s Union and get involved! They are always looking for students to help run events or help out with the mug wall. There are lots of perks for volunteers: appreciation nights, free food, lots of great swag, and best of all, that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you are part of a community and know that you are making a positive impact on campus. Join a club or start a club! Visit the Students' Union to get a list of all the clubs on campus, or drop by during Clubs Day in September. Stay active! Think of your favorite activities you used to do back home and do them here! Vancouver has a lot of sports clubs and activities to offer. Explore the beautiful surroundings and find your favorite places. Visit Justine in room 145! Book an appointment with the On-Campus Counselling Services by emailing counselling@ecuad.ca. Remember that most of your fellow students will be going through similar changes - ask others how they are feeling! 43