Guide to UBC 2024

GUIDE TO UBC GUIDE TO UBC

EDITOR’S

Asmy mom drove away after helping me settle into my frst-year dorm, I was flled with excitement. And dread. A lot of dread.

As thrilled as I was to start university, I was nervous. What if I hated my courses? What if I didn’t fnd my people? What if I tripped and fell in the dining hall and then everyone turned around and laughed at me while pointing? What if I failed?

If I could go back in time Hollywood-style (and if talking to your younger self wouldn’t irrevocably damage the space-time continuum and make myself cease to exist or whatever) I would tell myself one thing: You will fail, but it will be ok.

University is a time to grow and experiment (as we say a million times in this guide), which means you’re bound to fail a little bit whether that’s getting an unsavoury mark on your frst exam, failing to love the major you thought you’d like, striking out on a frst date or failing to remember your dorm room keycard and subsequently locking yourself out every single day.

Campus is flled with communities — whether that’s in a lecture hall, on the MacInnes Field during the frst sunny day of the year or on the 25 all the way from Brentwood. You’ll fnd them or they’ll fnd you, and you will fail together.

But that also means you’ll celebrate your wins together (way more important), whether that’s getting a new job or a goated grade. And that’s what university is all about: falling down and getting back up with the help of strangers who become your family. I’m lucky to have met my people while at UBC (and many of them at Te Ubyssey… shameless plug).

In this guide, we have articles about how to navigate pretty much anything and everything UBC might throw at you from making friends and joining clubs to how to ensure your safety and wellbeing when it comes to mental health, sex and health care. I hope these articles give you a little bit more confdence going into your frst year.

And don’t worry about failing — everyone does. It is not a big deal, I promise.

You’re doing great. Keep it up! U

U THE UBYSSEY

EDITORIAL

Coordinating Editor Iman Janmohamed coordinating@ubyssey.ca

News Editor Aisha Chaudhry news@ubyssey.ca

News Producer Viyan Handley news@ubyssey.ca

Culture Editor Elena Massing culture@ubyssey.ca

Features Editor Fiona Sjaus features@ubyssey.ca

Opinion Editor Spencer Izen opinion@ubyssey.ca

Humour Editor Elita Menezes humour@ubyssey.ca

Science Editor Gloria Klein science@ubyssey.ca

Sports + Rec Editor Lauren Kasowski sports@ubyssey.ca

Visuals Editor Emilija Harrison visuals@ubyssey.ca

Photo Editor Saumya Kamra photo@ubyssey.ca

Video Editor On leave video@ubyssey.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

BUSINESS

Business Manager Douglas Baird business@ubyssey.ca

Account Manager Sco Atkinson advertising@ubyssey.ca

Web Developer Sam Low samuellow@ubyssey.ca

Web Developer Nishim Singhi nishimsinghi@ubyssey.ca

Web Developer Bri any Sampson b.sampson@ubyssey.ca

President Ian Caguiat president@ubyssey.ca

CONTACT

Editorial Office: NEST 2208 604 283 2023

Business Office: NEST 2209 604 283 2024

6133 University Blvd. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Website: ubyssey.ca

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Alexei Villareal, Amanda Yee, Andrew Hood, Armaana Thapar, Arshdeep Khurana, Ayla Cilliers, Cathy Yan, Gabby Ranu, Harleen Kaur, Ian Owolabi, Isa S. You, Isabella False i, Isha Dau, Jasmine Foong, Jerry Wong, Lua Presidio, Melissa Li, Micah Sébastien Zhang, Natalie Choo, Omar Janmohamed, Sayeh Oloumi, Simon Jian, Victoria Lee, Zoe Wagner

LEGAL

The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is published every second Tuesday by the Ubyssey Publications Society (UPS). We are an autonomous, democratically-run student organization and all students are encouraged to participate.

Editorials are written by The Ubyssey’s editorial board and they do not necessarily reflect the views of the UPS or UBC. All editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the property of the UPS. Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of the Ubyssey Publications Society.

The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP’s guiding principles.

The Ubyssey accepts opinion articles on any topic related to UBC and/or topics relevant to students attending UBC. Submissions must be written by UBC students, professors, alumni or those in a suitable position (as determined by the opinion editor) to speak on UBC-related matters. Submissions must not contain racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, harassment or discrimination. Authors and/or submissions will not be precluded from publication based solely on association with particular ideologies or subject matter that some may find objectionable. Approval for publication is, however, dependent on the quality of the argument and The Ubyssey editorial board’s judgment of appropriate content. Submissions may be sent by email to opinion@ubyssey.ca. Please include your student number or other proof of identification. Anonymous submissions will be accepted on extremely rare occasions. Requests for anonymity will be granted upon agreement from four-fifths of the editorial board. Full opinions policy may be found at ubyssey.ca/pages/ submit-an-opinion It is agreed by all persons placing display or classified advertising that if the UPS fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS will not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value or the impact of the ads.

The Ubyssey periodically receives grants from the Government of Canada to fund web development and summer editorial positions.

CAMPUS HISTORY

UBC was frst established in 1908 with the passage of the University Act Grey was selected as the site for its campus.

Due to the First World War, UBC halted construction, had military training included in curriculum and saw a decreased enrolment rate due to student service. In 1922, UBC students had had enough of their makeshi Fairview, mainly due to overcrowding and inade quate facilities. T from the Georgia Viaduct to the proposed site of the Point Grey campus in what was later known as Te Great Trek.

Afer gathering signatures during the march, students presented a petition signed by 56,000 people to the Legislature in Victoria. Construc tion then resumed, and in 1925, the very permanent building was completed — the science building, now part of the chemistry department.

Tough this event led to the campus we now know and shows the feat of student activism,

is is an ongoing process that you as a student should educate yourself on — you can start with the resources at indigenous.ubc.ca. U

GOVERNANCE

UBC’s governing bodies are probably the last thing on your mind, but they play a huge role in your experience on campus.

STUDENT SOCIETIES

Te Alma Mater Society (AMS) is your student union. Run by fve elected student executives, the AMS provides students various services (like the AMS Food Bank and Safewalk), runs clubs, advocates for student priorities at the federal and provincial level, administers the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan and runs our student union building, the Nest. Every spring, students vote in AMS Elections to decide who they want representing them.

Council is the AMS’s governing body and consists of representatives from diferent campus constituencies. Council approves things like the annual budget and is meant to hold executives accountable. Committees are where a lot of work happens before going to Council. Council members serve on committees, but students-atlarge (like you) can also join. Keep an eye out on ams.ubc.ca for applications in September.

Te other student union on campus is the Graduate Student Society (GSS) which advo-

cates for graduate students.

Undergraduate societies, also known as constituencies, work with your faculty to better your experience within the department and have more targeted events for your feld of study.

UBC VANCOUVER SENATE

Te Vancouver Senate is responsible for all academic matters at UBC. It decides everything from new courses, academic misconduct and approves students for graduation. Senate has 85 members, including 16 elected student representatives who serve as an informal voting bloc called the Student Senate Caucus.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

From approving construction projects, tuition increases and deciding how UBC’s budget will be divided up, the Board of Governors is the highest governing body at UBC. Tere are 21 governors, 11 of which are appointed by the province. Tere are three elected student governors on the board, two from UBC Vancouver and one from UBC Okanagan. U

know frsthand that mental health and well-being is crucial for academic success and a healthy, fulflling life. UBC is committed to providing you with a safe, supportive and inclusive living and learning environment to help you reach your full potential.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the many resources and services available to help you navigate your academic journey. You will also fnd the environments surrounding our campuses are absolutely beautiful to explore. Tere is truly something for everyone at UBC! I know you will fnd a welcoming community and that you will have fun on your journey.

Whether you are a new or returning student, I wish you a successful and enriching academic year. I look forward to seeing you on our beautiful campuses! U

All the very best,

DR. BENOIT-ANTOINE BACON UBC President and Vice-Chancellor

CAMPUS ATTRACTIONS

Here are campus’ most iconic sights.

ROSE GARDEN

At the end of Main Mall near Flag Pole Plaza is UBC’s most iconic landmark — the Rose Garden. In the spring and summer, the fowers are in full bloom. And all year round you get a beautiful view of water and the mountains. You’ll probably have a frst-year friend group picnic there, and it’ll become the spot for your eventual UBC grad photos — talk about being well-rounded!

NITOBE MEMORIAL GARDEN

Te Nitobe Memorial Garden, located on Lower Mall, is full of lush greenery and is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It’s beautiful all year round, but especially in the spring and fall when cherry blossoms and maple leaves line the mossy paths. Entry is free for students with a UBC card.

UBC BOTANICAL GARDEN

Te UBC Botanical Garden is Canada’s oldest

university botanic garden. You can easily lose a few hours wandering paths, which, depending on the season, might be sheltered by blossoms or carpeted by fallen leaves. Te sheer size of this garden is breathtaking, and, chances are, you’ll see something new each time you go. Entry is free for students with a UBC card.

WRECK BEACH

How many university students can say they have a beach on campus? UBC students can!

While you’ll learn the struggle of trekking up 490 stairs, the opportunity to stroll on the (clothing-optional) beach whenever you need can be a godsend.

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Te museum hosts nearly 50,000 works from almost every part of the world, in addition to another 535,000 archaeological objects. It’s also known for its emphasis on collecting and curating traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, with conversations ongoing about how to decolonize anthropology. U

THE BASICS

So you’re confused about what UBC’s grading and academic guidelines look like — no shame, we’ve all been there. We’ve broken down some of the most important components about grading at UBC to help you get a grasp on all things academics.

THE GRADING SCALE

At UBC, percentage grades are assigned to coursework, which are associated with letter grades:

• 90–100 per cent is an A+

• 85–89 is an A

• 80–84 is an A-

• 76–79 is a B+

• 72–75 is a B

• 68–71 is a B-

• 64–67 is a C+

• 60–63 is a C

• 55–59 is a C-

• 50–54 is a D

• Anything below 50 is an F

For most courses, the passing grade is 50 per cent. However, some courses may require a higher passing grade of 60 per cent or above, so be sure to check the syllabus at the beginning of the term. Te syllabus also contains important information, such as scaling, assignment weights or special course policies.

CREDIT/D/FAIL

In some degree programs, Credit/D/Fail is ofered as a grading option for elective courses. Instead of receiving a percentage grade, you can receive CR (a grade of 55 per cent or higher), D (50 to 54 per cent) or F (below 50 per cent or the passing grade) standing. For courses which require a passing grade of 60 per cent or higher, only CR and F will be assigned.

Credit/D/Fail standings will not show a

Before the add/drop deadline, you can withdraw from classes on Workday and receive a tuition refund, or transfer into classes with space with no strings attached or notations on your record. Afer add/drop but before the withdrawal deadline, you can withdraw from courses with a W standing, which means your transcript will show that you withdrew from a course. One or two W’s are unlikely to afect your long-term academic success. Withdrawing from a course should be discussed with an advisor to learn about how it can afect you.

ACADEMIC STANDING

When you begin your studies at UBC, you are in ‘good standing.’ Maintaining good standing allows you to register in a full course load for the next academic session, with the possibility of credit limit increases.

If your grades fall below a certain average, which varies from faculty to faculty, you may be put on academic probation, which limits the number of credits you can take, or you may be asked to take a break from studies. Students can return to good academic standing by improving their average. Guidelines for maintaining a good academic standing vary, so confrm with your faculty to learn what these guidelines mean for you. U

WHAT IS WORKDAY?

Workday is UBC’s student portal — it’s a one-stop shop for all things at UBC including registering for classes, voting in student government elections and paying tuition.

Here’s what you need to know on how to navigate the system.

KNOW THE BASICS

Workday is split into ‘apps’ called academics, fnances, personal information and favourites. In academics, fnances and personal information, you’ll fnd everything relating to your degree while favourites is a personalizable tab.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

One of the main features of Workday is that it tracks your academic progress through the academics app. It’ll tell you how far along you are with your degree and which credits or requirements you still need to meet.

Tis is especially useful when making your course schedule since Workday is also the spot where you’ll fnd details of what courses are being ofered and where you’ll register for classes. You also apply for graduation using Workday.

REGISTER FOR COURSES

You can schedule for classes in Workday using the academics app by either creating a saved

schedule or by registering for individual courses.

Making a saved schedule (or draf timetable) is the best way to go about it! By clicking on the registration and sources tab in the academics app, you can fnd course selections and search for courses by course code, academic session or academic level.

Click on the course you want to add to your saved schedule and you can click the add button which allows you to create a schedule. Ten, fll out any relevant felds and pick the time that works best for you — then click done.

Making a saved schedule does not register you in classes. You need to go to your saved schedule and click the register button in order to enrol in your courses once your registration time opens.

MAKE MONEY MOVES

On Workday, you can pay your tuition and housing fees by accessing the fnances tab. Here, you can set up your banking information for direct deposit and electronic funds transfer.

To view how much tuition you owe, you need to click on your account activity. Tis will show you your total account balance (funds you need to pay in the year) and your due now balance (the fees you need to pay by a deadline). You can also see your transaction summary under the same tab.

Trough the fnances app, you can also access and view UBC awards you have received. U

HOW TO COURSE PLAN

UBC ofers a wide variety of courses, from anthropology of the supernatural (ANTH 206) to comedy writing (CRWR 230), to satisfy your interests and to help you explore new things!

But with all these options, choosing your courses can also become overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you through the process.

REMEMBER REQUIREMENTS

Taking fun classes is, well, fun, but you need to keep your degree requirements in mind while building your schedule. Degree requirements are classes you need to take to graduate.

A list of all the courses that satisfy these requirements is available on the UBC Academic Calendar at vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca, so you can easily fnd the most suitable courses for you. Degree requirements vary based on your program, so make sure you’re looking at the correct webpage!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES

You can check in on your degree progress on Workday. It can help you see which requirements you’ve satisfed and which ones you still need to complete.

But while this is a great tool, be mindful that the system was introduced fairly recently, so it’s still a work in progress and some requirements aren’t fully up to date. Also, courses and majors change all the time, and this may not always be refected on the site.

If you’d rather talk to someone, UBC

provides virtual and in-person faculty advising. Beware of long wait times during peak periods (during registration, the start of the year and nearing graduation).

PICK YOUR SPECIALIZATIONS

At UBC, you can have up to two specializations — whether that’s double honours, double major, major-minor or just a major. When adding a major to your degree (typically in your second or third year), you’ll have the option to pick another specialization if you want, or you’ll be lef with space for electives outside of your main area of study.

On Workday, you’ll be able to see all honours, major and minor programs. Each program has its own set of admission and course requirements.

Honours programs ofen require an application and/or an academic reference, so consult the department you’re looking into. Some majors and minors also require an application, so be sure to keep an eye on department websites for when they open and close.

Tere’s a lot of fexibility when it comes to making a schedule, so don’t forget to pick classes at times that work best for you, in subjects that genuinely interest you and with professors that inspire you.

As long as you’re fulflling your requirements, not all the courses you take have to be related to your degree program — you might even take a course that completely changes your degree plans. U

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

If you ever fnd yourself needing support with classes, don’t sweat it. UBC ofers a range of academic and learning resources.

WRITING SUPPORT

When it comes to essays, the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication ofers free in-person and remote writing consultation for both undergraduate and graduate students.

MATHEMATICS SUPPORT

If you need help with math, then the Math Learning Centre ofers a group setting for students to study together with the help of tutors.

ON-CAMPUS TUTORING

For course-specifc help, head to AMS Tutoring.

It ofers free group tutoring for popular 100- and 200-level classes (like CHEM 100 and ECON 102), as well as one-on-one tutoring at $36/ hour. AMS Tutoring also provides one-on-one sessions for the LSAT and MCAT at $48/hour.

FACULTY-SPECIFIC SUPPORT

Many faculties and departments also ofer academic assistance.

Te Engineering Undergraduate Society hosts review sessions for some frst-year engineering courses. Te Faculties of Commerce, Land and Food Systems and Forestry host Peer Assisted Study Sessions. Students in arts, kinesiology and science can reach out to a peer academic coach to help them meet their academic goals.

Each faculty and department also have advisors that can help you course plan and explore degree programs. U

FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY

Pitch Perfect. Te Social Network. Good Will Hunting. Accepted.

What’s the one thing these movies all have in common? Tey’re about university! Unfortunately, university isn’t always like the movies, but it also isn’t as terrifying as your grade 11 health teacher made it out to be (you know, when they say all your professors are super strict and will hate you).

Here are some tips on how to make the transition from high school to university go as smoothly as possible.

YOU HAVE FREE WILL

You have tons of choice at UBC, whether that’s in how you express yourself, the people you associate with or the classes you take. Tis means you can wear your shoes on the wrong feet, get a mullet or take a songwriting class for the heck of it.

Studying something you’re interested in is not only fun, but also a good way to expand your horizons and potentially fall in love with a new subject. Trying new things is fun — be sure to go into your frst year with an open mind.

TO CLASS OR NOT TO CLASS

Your newfound free will also means that you can choose not to go to class. Though attendance is mandatory for some classes (read

your syllabus), if you don’t find a professor’s lectures helpful or you want to get a head start on another class’s work (or want to grab coffee with your friends from your collegiate acapella group), more often than not, you can skip class.

But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If you skip class, you might miss out on important information about exams and assignments, so be sure to find a friend or two in your classes who can let you know what you missed.

THINGS CAN BE TOUGH

Classes can be hard. You might have professors you find less than stellar, and you’ll likely take some midterms that you feel terrible about, but don’t beat yourself up over that! You can always access academic resources at UBC — many of which are detailed in this booklet. Remember, these experiences happen to all of us. So if it’s a case of imposter syndrome, keep in mind that

Moving to a new school can be scary, but by exploring new things, going to class (sometimes) and by taking advantage of resources, you’ll be

Alex Charles

• Sergeant - Vancouver Police Department - Recruiting Services Unit

• Lieutenant Governor General Meritorious Service Award recipient

• UBC Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics

• Team captain/Vanier Cup Champion - UBC Thunderbird Football ‘97

VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

FINDING COMMUNITY

UBC is huge, and fnding friends and community can seem daunting. But this also means there are people with a variety of interests and experiences, so all students can fnd a space that’s right for them.

GET INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED

Join a club. You may have heard this a million times, but it’s the best advice out there! Regularly engaging with the same group of people creates lasting relationships, and having a sense of routine can help you feel a bit more stable during periods of change. Try committing to a consistent activity where you see the same people, whether it be at weekly club events, dinner with roommates, Ubyssey meetings (hint, hint) or elsewhere. It also gives you a reason to get out of the house — sitting at home alone is good to relax and recharge, but it can quickly begin to feel isolating so try not to overdo it.

BE THE FIRST TO MAKE PLANS

Making plans with new people can be scary, but at the same time, it is incredibly difcult to

become friends with someone without taking the time to hang out and get to know them.

Asking via text or DM can make the experience easier — but remember they’re probably just as nervous as you are, and the worst they can say is “no” (which they probably won’t). You could suggest checking out the place you both talked about wanting to go to, or an activity that revolves around something you know you’re both interested in. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with grabbing a cup of cofee.

NOW WHAT?

Once you’ve grown closer, make sure you maintain your friendship!

It’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of the school year, but if you don’t put efort into your relationships, they probably won’t last. Don’t push yourself if you don’t have the capacity for it, but try to balance your social and academic life.

If you’re both busy, study together, or try and shoot them a text or call — just make sure you have ways to let them know that you care about them. U

RELIGION + SPIRITUALITY

Te UBC campus ofers an accommodating and inclusive array of resources for students looking to understand and deepen their faith or spirituality.

PEOPLE + PLACES

On the main foor of the Life building, the Multifaith Chaplains Association ofers students informed advice and spiritual counselling. It represents Anglicanism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Roman Catholicism, Sikhism and many more religions.

Tere are also congregations and spiritual places on campus like the Chabad Jewish Student Centre (1867 Acadia Road), Hillel House (6145 Student Union Blvd), University Hill Congregation (6030 Chancellor Blvd) and University Chapel (5375 University Blvd).

CAMPUS SPACES

You can also take advantage of the multifaith

prayer rooms in the Wesbrook Building (room 133), West Mall Swing Space (room 209), Marine Drive Residence (Hong Kong Ballroom) and the AMS Student Nest (Te Common’s Nest on the Lower Level) during certain hours. Find more information about prayer rooms and chaplains at students.ubc.ca/campus-life/religion-spirituality

STUDENT CLUBS

Te student body also ofers many religious clubs through the AMS, like the UBC Sikh Students’ Association, Muslim Students’ Association of UBC, UBC Association for Christian Clubs, Hindu YUVA UBC and more.

Learn more by visiting ams.ubc.ca/student-life/clubs/campusbase.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Te UBC Library ofers a wide selection of religious texts, commentaries and helpful librarians to assist you in your spiritual needs. U

ROOMMATES

Whether you love ‘em, hate ‘em or simply tolerate ‘em, roommates can be a big part of university life. Here are some tips to make living with roommates just a little easier.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Whether it’s asking for help when you’re locked out or letting them know friends are coming over, communication is crucial. Roommates are a part of your daily life but they can’t read your mind!

Having a group chat or chore chart can help keep everyone in the loop and accountable for their actions. It might feel uncomfortable or awkward sometimes, but it’s better to have open and honest conversations than to let those feelings stew.

COMMON UNDERSTANDINGS

You can’t always choose your roommates or their lifestyles. It’s important to find common

ground s— what’s acceptable to one person might not be acceptable to another, and that’s okay. But there should be a discussion of what everyone’s expectations are as soon as you’ve moved in so tensions don’t rise. Whether you write it down in a roommate agreement (a written document similar to a contract, signed by all unit members) or just have a verbal conversation about all the ground rules, this can go a long way in getting along with your roommates.

THE BOTTOM LINE

There’s no pressure to become best friends, or even friends at all, with your roomies, but it is worthwhile to try forming connections with them. These are the people you’ll probably see day in and day out, the people who will see you at your highest and lowest.

Getting to know them will not only make your life a lot easier (and more fun) in the long run, but you’ll gain new perspectives and yes, maybe even a new friend or two! U

49. Stress about creating the perfect schedule

50. End up switching all your classes in the frst week

51. Drink the blue pitcher thing at Te Gallery

52. Make upper-year friends

53. Download a dating app

54. Delete said dating app afer missing a match with your TA

55. Remember to renew your U-Pass

56. Follow the music coming from the Fraser Parkade at night

57. Debate not leaving your dorm during a 3 a.m. fre alarm

58. Cry when your upper-year friends graduate

59. Existential crisis (at least three times)

60. Get seriously injured playing non-serious intramurals

61. Watch a student theatre production

62. Fall in love with one of the actors

63. Contemplate dropping out because of Workday

64. Declare loyalty to one of the campus bubble tea shops

65. Sob in the secret stairwell of the Nest

66. Get confused when your friend suggests getting drinks at Koerner’s

67. Learn that Koerner’s (pub) is diferent from Koerner (library)

68. Get escorted out of the Life Building for shit-talking

69.

70. Attend a bonfre at Wreck Beach

71. Get winded walking up the Wreck Beach stairs

72. Have a snowball fght when classes go online for one day in winter

73. Scream in the woods

74. Spend Flex Dollars on a little treat (you deserve it)

75. Search frantically for a stapler

76. Lie to frst-years

77. Storm the Wall!

78. Run a joke campaign in the AMS

elections

79. Accidentally get elected

80. Play Great Debate bingo

81. Listen to CiTR 101.9 FM

82. Cringe at your frst-year campus crush

83. Break your umbrella

84. Have a crush on a TA

85. Make a diferent TA your nemesis

86. Discover the shortcuts to your classes

87. Take the long route just to avoid an opp

88. Get pissed that UBC is not like Pitch Perfect

89. Have a race against time in the (bigger better) Blue Chip line before class

90. Spend 24 hours in a residence commonsblock

91. Hesitantly attend a concert during fnals week

92. Daydream while walking through the Nitobe Garden

93. Fill your camera roll with campus pics (they’re all pretty)

94. Stare at your lecture hall crush until they fall in love with you

95. Refuse to look a prof in the eye afer fnishing an exam

96. Play mermaids at the UBC Aquatic Centre

97. Loiter through Wesbrook Village (you’re waiting for the delayed 68)

98. Pretend to be from a diferent faculty to get free food at an event

99. Spend half an hour perusing the bookstore then not buy anything

100. Attend a theme night at the Pit

101. Eat dining hall food in your fnal year

102. Realize nostalgia can only fx so much

103. Finally fnd an open seat at IKB

104. Leave immediately afer realizing you forgot your charger at home

105. Make eye contact with a rat

106. Graduate! U

MUST MUST MUST MUST

FIRST YEAR RESIDENCE

Most first-years are guaranteed a spot in UBC’s residences — so welcome to your new home. Now, you just have to learn to live with a couple hundred new best friends.

CREATE CONNECTIONS

Typically, you’ll be assigned to one of three first-year residences: Place Vanier, Totem Park or Orchard Commons.

Totem and Vanier are known for their stronger sense of community due to more shared areas, while Orchard tends to be more private. That said, meeting new people in res-

idence is guaranteed no matter where you end up. Your residence advisor, or RA, will organize social events throughout the term so you can get to know the people near you.

Speaking of your RA — they’re the first person you should contact for any issues or general advice. They’re typically an upper-year student and ensure your floor runs smoothly by enforcing residence rules (which you can learn about by reading the residence contract in your welcome package).

Your rent in any first-year residence includes a mandatory meal plan called the All Access Dining Plan. At any of the three dining halls (Feast in Totem, Gather in Vanier and

Open Kitchen in Orchard), you can use your student card to enter as many times as you like during open hours and eat as much as you want — but other than small items like a pastry or piece of fruit, you aren’t allowed to take food out of the dining halls. The plan also gives you flex dollars to spend at cafes, restaurants and more across campus. Learn more at ubc.ca

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

A shower caddy is a great way to carry all your toiletries with you into a shared washroom, and

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

Here’s a rundown of what housing on campus looks like afer your frst year.

ENSURE YOU’RE ELIGIBLE

As an undergraduate student, you are eligible to apply to campus housing if you are and will be registered in a degree-granting program during the Winter Session with a minimum of nine mainly in-person credits per term. For many upper-year residences, you must be at least 19 to live there, but there are a few exceptions.

APPLY EARLY

Tere are fewer housing units than there are students who want to live on campus, so to secure housing — especially year-round housing — apply early since you’ll be put onto a wait list. Visit vancouver.housing.ubc.ca/applications/important-dates to get familiar with important housing deadlines.

YEAR-ROUND HOUSING

Year-round housing is for upper-year students, graduate students and student families. When applying, you’ll need to rank your residence and

room preferences. You can choose from studios or a one, two, three or four bedroom apartment with a kitchen and living/dining room.

Students with disabilities, who will need to show eligibility for residence priority access, also need to have additional documents ready for their application. Once your application is complete, a $50 non-refundable fee must be paid before the application is submitted. Te annual application deadline is May 1. Once you apply, you’ll receive your waitlist number based on the date of your application.

WINTER HOUSING

Winter housing contracts are eight months long. Te application process functions in the same way as year-round housing does — rank your residence preferences, pay your application fee and receive a waitlist standing followed by an ofer (hopefully) a few months later.

OTHER OPTIONS

Wesbrook’s Village Square and Georgia Point are conveniently situated along the 68 bus route to get around campus. Students involved in fraternities can live at their frat house while female-identifying students (whether you’re in a sorority or not) can apply to live at UBC Sororities’ Panhellenic House. U

TRANSIT

Transit is not only a common way to commute to campus, but also one of the best ways to explore the Lower Mainland.

U-PASS

As part of your tuition, you pay for the U-Pass, an unrestricted students-only transit pass. The U-Pass is only available for students registered in at least three credits per term or those paying more than $185.20/month in tuition. This means students on a co-op work term still have access to it. Students can also opt out of the U-Pass if they meet certain criteria. To learn more visit ams.ubc.ca/u-pass-bc-exemption-form

To access your U-Pass, you need to have a Compass Card, which you can buy at the Shoppers Drug Mart on campus and at UBC Bookstore. To load your U-Pass, visit upassbc. translink.ca.

Make sure to reload the pass before the beginning of each month, and you’ll be able to take unlimited bus, SkyTrain and Seabus trips.

ROUTES TO KNOW

The 99 B-Line runs from UBC to Commercial-Broadway Station along Broadway. The 99 stops at Broadway-City Hall, where you can transfer to the Canada Line SkyTrain which can take you downtown and to Richmond or the airport. From Commercial-Broadway Station, you can access both the SkyTrain Millenium and Expo Lines.

The R4 runs from UBC to Joyce-Colling-

wood Station along most of 41st Avenue. If you’re commuting to campus from outside of Vancouver or Kerrisdale, you will likely be using this bus. Notable stops include Oakridge41st Station (Canada Line) and Joyce-Collingwood Station (Expo Line).

The 25 will take you from UBC all the way to Brentwood Station in Burnaby, passing Wesbrook Village and Dunbar. The bus also stops by King Edward Station, where you can access the Skytrain Canada Line.

The 4, 14, 44 and 84 are useful for shopping and eating along W 4th Avenue. The 4 and 14 can also take you downtown and bring you pretty close to Kitsilano Beach.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Use Google Maps or the Transit app to find out when buses are coming or if there are any delays. If you’re commuting to and from classes, make sure to give yourself enough wiggle room in case you miss a bus (or two). Buses can get packed in the morning, especially during the first few weeks of class and around midterms, so budget extra time just in case.

Be mindful of the time if you’re out late, as most buses and trains stop running around 1 a.m. There are some night buses, but they come much less frequently.

If you’re on the bus or SkyTrain, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow some transit etiquette: take off your backpack when it’s crowded, thank the bus drivers and, if you can, offer your seat to someone who might need it. U

STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you navigate costs as a UBC student.

SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES

Sprouts is a student-run cafe in the basement of the Life Building and offers affordable vegan food to fill your belly for lunch or a quick snack.

Look out for Sprouts-run community eats, produce markets and community fridge program where you can grab a free meal or some donated groceries.

Agora Café in the MacMillan Building is another student-run cafe which serves a wide variety of vegetarian hot lunch dishes and baked goods.

UBC Food Hub runs a subsidized (read: cheaper) grocery store at the Centre for Interactive Research and Sustainability with basics like pasta, peanut butter and veggies. Visit foodhub.ubc.ca/market for more details.

FLEX YOUR UBC ID

You can gain access to campus museums and attractions for free or at discounted prices with your UBC card. Students also get special pricing on fitness programs and gyms at UBC.

The Arts, Science, LFS and Commerce undergraduate societies have respective discount card programs for stores on campus. Visit each undergraduate society’s website or social media for more information.

DIGITAL DEALS

The Too Good To Go app connects users with nearby stores and restaurants that sell surplus food for a reduced price.

Classified sites like Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups and Craigslist are great platforms if you are looking for textbooks and furniture. Don’t miss out on the student discounts for streaming and subscription services like Spotify and Amazon Prime, too! U

OUTDOORS

UBC is a beautiful campus in a beautiful city. No matter what you’re studying, beaches, parks, mountains and the ‘sea to sky’ landscape surround you in BC’s biggest and busiest city.

PACIFIC SPIRIT PARK

One of our biggest sources of outdoor pride is Pacifc Spirit Park. It has over 55 kilometres of trails you can walk or hike, and best of all, it’s accessible directly from campus.

Pacifc Spirit stands directly between UBC and greater Vancouver, so if you’re looking for a quick way to touch grass and take in the great outdoors, you’ve got access to 874 hectares of park right at your doorstep. You can follow one of the routes suggested by park stewards or follow the vibes of wherever nature compels you to go. It’s also a popular spot for joggers, cyclists and bird watchers, so keep your eyes peeled for owls.

While you’re out enjoying the park, it’s important to remember the space was created without the consent of the Musqueam First Nation, whose unceded territories were used to create Pacifc Spirit in 1989. While relations between the university and Musqueam have improved, the lesson in the legacy of the creation of Pacifc Spirit is to recall and respect

the Indigenous peoples who’ve stewarded these lands for generations.

UBC BOTANICAL GARDENS

UBC is home to the country’s oldest university botanical garden. With a student ID, you can access the UBC Botanical Garden for free. You can also access the Greenheart TreeWalk at a reduced rate of $10, giving you a unique vantage point of Douglas firs, cedars and grand firs over 20 metres above the ground along an elevated trail system suspended between the trees.

MACINNES FIELD

Looking for a place to relax that’s close to your classes? MacInnes Field is your spot. While it’s not exactly the prototypical great outdoors, MacInnes Field — right between the AMS Nest and the bus loop — is a popular spot for students to eat, study and engage in recreational activities like frisbee, soccer, spikeball and more. Especially during the early weeks of the frst semester and the latter half of the second, MacInnes Field is a great place to sit back, relax and chill in the paradoxically calm spot at the university’s core. U

RECREATION

UBC Recreation (known as UBC Rec) is in charge of movement-based activities across campus.

UBC Rec’s two biggest events are the iconic student traditions Day of the LongBoat in October and Storm the Wall in March.

Te group also organizes campus-wide intramurals. With a variety of sports (dodgeball, volleyball and fag football to name a few) and diferent tiers of competition, there is an intramural team for everyone! Games are usually held once a week and practices depend on what your team decides (if you choose to practice at all).

Sign-ups for intramural teams occur at the start of each semester. You can form a team through your friend group or fnd one on the UBC Intramurals Facebook page. UBC Rec also hosts a Free Agent night to help people fnd a team. Participating in intramurals is a great, low-commitment way to stay active and meet new people.

Tere are also drop-in sports sessions such as basketball, badminton and futsal in the Student Recreation Centre (SRC). Tese sessions function like pick-up games — just show up with your UBC card and start playing! Te UBC

Aquatic Centre also has free drop-in sessions for students when you bring your UBC card, so check it out for a relaxing swim.

UBC Rec also hosts smaller activities such as Gladiator, Yoga Rave, Howl at the Moon volleyball tournament and Move U activities in February. Tese can be a great way to interact with UBC Rec if intramurals or drop-in sessions aren’t your vibe.

Te three gyms on campus — the Activities and Recreation Centre (ARC) in the basement of the Life Building, the Bird Coop in the SRC and the new SRC North — are also managed by UBC Rec. An all-access pass for all UBC gyms is $50 for the fall semester. SRC North is set to open later this academic year, but Bird Coop and ARC are similar in terms of equipment. Bird Coop is a little smaller and gets busier faster, so try to hit it in the of-hours (you can check how busy your preferred gym is at recreation.ubc.ca).

If you’re more into ftness classes, check out Free Week from September 9–15. During this week, everything from pilates to spin classes are free to let people check out classes before they commit to paying for a whole semester.

Regardless of how you want to stay active, UBC Rec has you covered. U

BEST EATS ON CAMPUS

From courses to coffee, UBC is a campus with tons of choices. Here are some of our favourite places to grab a bite.

COFFEE AND SNACKS

Blue Chip Café is located on the main floor of the AMS Nest. It offers a wide variety of snacks and decent drink options. Here, you’ll often see Ubyssey editors in the wild, usually in the long, long line.

Great Dane Coffee is across from Walter Gage Residence and has some of the best coffee on campus. Here, you’ll typically find shorter lines, and you can order on the screen outside their door if you prefer not to interact with anyone. Highly recommend their butter crois sant. Downsides are sporadic opening hours — so be prepared and have a backup plan.

JJ Bean is a Lower Mainland classic with multiple locations (so you have no excuse to miss out). Its UBC location is on University Boulevard, just around the corner from the best ice cream on campus (see below).

Rain or Shine’s ice cream is wildly popular and often has lines stretching out the door. It has good ice cream, but most notably, it has an ever-changing menu with vegan options (changes occur almost monthly) and a fun Taco Tuesday ice cream menu. U

BEST EATS IN THE CITY

In Vancouver, you can fnd lots of delicious cuisines — which is great because you might get tired of the dining hall food.

When that happens, here are some of the best fnger-licking eats in Vancouver.

THE EATERY

3431 W Broadway

Craving some sushi? With its trippy, colourful decor and a huge menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Te Eatery is the place to be.

Grab your friends on a Friday night and have the time of your lives. Make sure to reserve a table in advance!

RAMEN DANBO

Various locations

Whether you’re downtown, in Kitsilano or Kerrisdale, Ramen Danbo is the perfect place to go when you’re craving some fulflling and delicious ramen.

Capturing the essence of traditional Japanese ramen-ten, they ofer vegan options and sides like gyoza, donburi and fried rice to accompany your ramen.

But beware: whether it is a rainy evening or a sunny afernoon, there’s always a waitlist.

JULIET’S CAFE

1905 Cornwall Ave

With a warm and cozy ambience, Juliet’s serves the classic North American breakfast. Te best part is it’s walkable to Kitsilano Beach, so next time you crave breakfast afer a Sunday morning swim, this is the place to go.

BREKA BAKERY

Various locations

Pulling an all-nighter? Craving something sweet, or maybe some cofee to fuel up for that life-threatening midterm? Breka’s got you covered. Open 24/7 with six locations across Vancouver, Breka serves a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches and cofee. Grab your roommate and head to Breka for every intense pre-exam study session. Te closest Breka to campus is on Alma and W 4th.

KARMA INDIAN BISTRO

2741 W 4th Ave

(In Jojo Siwa’s voice) Karma’s an Indian restaurant with a variety of options from tandoori appetizers to classic curries, hot-spice or medium — Karma will make you fall in love with Indian cuisine. U

STUDY SPOTS

Silent work, group projects, essays written the night they’re due — UBC has study spots for every occasion.

THE FOREST SCIENCES CENTRE’S MACMILLAN BLOEDEL ATRIUM

Get some fresh air without even going outside. Te MacMillan Bloedel Atrium is an open space full of plants and aesthetically pleasing wooden architecture, with many outlets and study spots for quiet work. Plus, there’s a Tim Hortons nearby for snack breaks.

IRVING K. BARBER LEARNING CENTRE

Tis library, know to students as IKB, is full of diverse study spots: main areas on the top three foors for group work, silent cubicle spaces like in the fourth-foor Nass Reading Room for maximum focus, bookable private study rooms and, of course, the infamous Ridington Room on the third foor (which looks like it’s straight out of a movie and is perfect for quiet work). IKB is also open daily until midnight, so it’s great for study sessions late in the day or on weekends.

THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTING, INFORMATION AND COGNITIVE

SYSTEMS

Tis building features tons of open space and separated tables that are perfect for group studying, particularly in the computer science atrium on the frst and second foors. Te variety of comfortable seating and nearby outlets are a bonus for computer science and non-computer science students alike.

BUCHANAN B

Buchanan B features student lounges on the second and third foors that are great for group or solo work. Otherwise, there are stools and benches throughout the hallways if you prefer a smaller, less crowded studying environment. You can always pick a classroom to study (or to project a movie) in with your friends!

LAW LIBRARY

Tere are a variety of study spots here but most notably is the Richards Buell Sutton Reading Room, an open space featuring large tables and tons of outlets. Te Law Library was recommended as a study space by one of my professors, so consider this one scholar-endorsed. Note that during exam periods, this library is restricted to law students. U

THRIVING + THRIVING + THRIVING + THRIVING + THRIVING +

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

Finding of-campus housing can be intimidating, but here are some tips to put you on the right track in your housing search.

LEARN WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

A crucial frst step is understanding what you are looking for in your ideal home and what environment suits you best. you use during your online searches and the websites or listings that you scour can be tuned to your preferences.

Te housing search might not provide you with everything you want, so make sure to know what your deal breakers are and where you’re willing to compromise. Some key questions: What’s your budget range? How long of a com mute can you stomach? How long of a lease are you looking for, and when can you start? How many roommates do you want, and what sort of lifestyle do you lead?

Be honest and realistic with yourself — this is where you’ll be living for months, and even though fnding the perfect place is di not to settle for something worse than you can handle either.

FINDING A JOB

Tat being said, don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet 100 per cent of what the job opening is asking for — you might just land an interview! Be specifc and concise. Many employers are turned of by applications that are too long and broad. Ensure that your resume is no more than two pages and your cover letter is no longer than one page. Use keywords in an active voice and stay relevant.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES

You can book drop-in appointments year-round to ask quick questions to a career advisor at the UBC Career Centre. Inquire about resources or bounce ideas of someone else about the next steps in your professional journey.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

BE CLEAR IN YOUR APPLICATION

Not all employers request cover letters, but when they do, take advantage of it! Tis is an opportunity to elaborate on points you made in your resume and justify why these make you an ideal ft for the position using concrete professional examples, as well as a chance to explain what made you interested in applying in the frst place.

Tese resources are helpful, but no matter what studies and careers you decide to pursue during your time at UBC, the priority should always be your health. Taking time for yourself is the diference between a sustainable routine and burnout. Identifying how much you can handle is crucial and managing your time according to how these tasks ft into your schedule will help produce results you can maintain. U

NAVIGATING FINANCES

With great power (being in charge of your finances), comes great responsibility. But what does financial responsibility even look like?

For a lot of university students, managing your money can be intimidating, but we’re here to break down the basics.

BUILD YOUR BUDGET

The biggest tip is building a budget that works for you. It typically includes sections such as rent, food, entertainment, savings, etc. No two budgets look the same, as they depend on your priorities and income. Someone who lives downtown might budget more for rent and less for food, while someone who lives with a few roommates might budget less for rent and more for entertainment.

Traditionally, budgets are done on spreadsheets, but you can do them on your phone with apps like Goodbudget, PocketGuard or even your banking app if it’s more convenient. Finding what works for you will help you stay on track with your spending.

KEEP AN EYE ON SALES

Say it with me: “Sales are your new best friend.”

Students aren’t known for being wealthy, but sales allow you to have typically pricier experiences every once in a while. Looking for weekly grocery flyers or going out for drinks during happy hour might only save you a few bucks in the moment, but they add up over time!

Finding cheap spots to eat or utilizing student discounts wherever you can will help stretch your budget and enjoy the good stuff without breaking the bank.

WHAT ABOUT TAXES?

When it comes to stuff like credit cards and taxes, it’s completely understandable to be overwhelmed or intimidated. But there is a lot of help out there!

If you have a credit card, make sure to pay it on time to build your credit score for large purchases (such as a car or apartment rental) in the future. When taxes are due in April, the UBC Tax Assistance Clinic can help make sense of the forms you have to fill out, and your enrolment services advisor (who is assigned to you at the beginning of your undergraduate degree) can help with finding and setting aside money for tuition. U

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

From housing and tuition fees to little costs here and there, university can be expensive. Part of being able to finance your education is finding the best means to fund university expenses.

Here are some tips on financing your time at UBC.

SCHOLARSHIPS + BURSARIES

UBC offers merit-based scholarships primarily based on academic achievements. Community involvement, athletic achievements and financial need are also considered for some scholarships.

Bursaries are offered based on unmet financial needs and are solely available for students who apply for and receive loans.

UBC students are automatically considered for some awards, but others are application-based.

You can check award eligibility requirements through UBC’s Award Search Tool at students.ubc.ca/enrolment/finances/awardsearch.

There are also awards available for specific student demographics such as Indigenous students, students with disabilities and international students. So it’s important to take your

time and look through the available awards to determine if you meet the criteria before applying.

STUDENT LOANS

Canadian and US governments offer loans to help finance post-secondary education for students. Canadian student loans and grants are available through provincial student aid centres.

Eligibility for student loans is dependent on residency requirements, program eligibility and financial need. If you meet all the eligibility criteria, make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your funding. If eligible, some students who apply for student loans may also receive grants, which do not need to be repaid.

If you are receiving a loan and it doesn’t look like it’s coming in on time, contact your enrolment services advisor — their contact information is on Workday under the support tab in the academics section — who can set up alternate payment plans or extend your fee due date.

Enrolment services advisors can also help you address any additional questions you may have regarding financing your education. U

NUTRITION AT UBC

Whether you’re anxious about making new friends or excited for classes, it can be easy to forget about ftness and food habits as a frst year. However, making time to exercise and eat well will help you succeed in all other aspects of your life.

SMALL MOMENTS MATTER

You don’t have to become a powerlifer or cross-country runner to be healthy – in fact, helpful movement for many happens outside of the gym. While you might not think it, dancing at a club, biking to a nearby beach, or choosing to take the stairs over the elevator are all great ways to keep yourself physically active.

CATER TO YOUR INTERESTS

UBC truly has something for everyone. Hate running? Try a rock climb at the Aviary. Scared of heights? Check out the UBC’s Aquatic Center. You can also head to Wreck Beach to access UBC’s biggest free swim zone: the ocean! For more check out UBC Rec, which hosts HIIT, Zumba and spin classes as well as a myriad of intramural teams. With an open mind, (and even

without one) you can fnd the right ft.

BALANCE YOUR PLATE

Just as there’s no one right way to keep active, there’s no one right way to eat well. In doubt though, a good rule of thumb is to try to hit the three major food groups at every meal: protein (regardless of whether those are animal products or plant-based), carbs (grains like rice or bread) and fats (particularly the ones you get from oils or nuts.)

You can also consult professionals for advice! Tere’s some coverage under the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan, and students living in residence can book an appointment with a UBC dietician.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

Remember that no one else has your body and that you know how best to keep it happy. “Healthy” is a relative term and will look diferent for everyone. Staying active and having a nutritious diet in ways that work for you is what’s most important, and always remember to be kind with yourself. U

September 3 – December 8, 2024

An Opulence of Squander

Curated by Weiyi Chang

Curated by Jon Davies

Image: Russell FitzGerald, Carnival at New Hope or the Agony to be Loved (detail), 1961

HEALTH + HEALTH + HEALTH + HEALTH +

ACCESSING MEDICAL SERVICES

As a UBC student, you have access to a wide array of medical services and resources both on and of campus. Te resources outlined below can help you get the care that you need, from getting a prescription flled to getting aid in an emergency.

HEALTH CLINICS

Students can access healthcare through Student Health Services, which provides assessments and treatment for acute and chronic health conditions, as well as referrals to specialists.

UBC students located in BC can book in-person or virtual appointments. In-person appointments are available at the two student health clinics on campus: the Koerner Pavilion clinic in the UBC Hospital and the Orchard Commons clinic.

If you’re looking for a family doctor (also called a “general practitioner” or “GP” for short) in the city, you can add yourself to the waitlist for the UBC Health Clinic or look into of-campus clinics.

To speed up the process, you can ask the doctor at a walk-in clinic if they can take you as a new patient and ask friends or family to refer you to their family doctor.

Walk-in clinics can be found using the MediMap website, which provides the location, contact information and estimated wait time for a wide array of care facilities near you. Tey generally fll up quickly, so try to get there as early as you can.

University Village Medical and Dental Clinic is a private medical clinic on campus with locations in Wesbrook Village and University Village. Call 604.222.2273 to book a medical appointment or 778.945.6723 to book a dental appointment.

URGENT AND PRIMARY CARE CENTRES

If you are seeking care for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses during the night or on holidays, urgent and primary care centres are there for you. HealthLink BC is a service where students can obtain free health information and support from a registered nurse, dietitian, qualifed exercise professional or pharmacist over the phone by calling 811. You can fnd an urgent or primary care centre by searching the online directory at healthlinkbc.ca.

LABORATORY SERVICES

Te Koerner Pavilion Laboratory in the UBC Hospital provides a full range of services, from blood work, to urine tests, to colon cancer screenings and more. In order to get an appointment, you will need a laboratory requisition from your primary care provider. A spot can then be reserved using the Outpatient Laboratory Online Booking System.

PHARMACIES

You can fll prescriptions, get fu shots or even pick up dietary supplements at neighbourhood pharmacies. Shoppers Drug Mart and University Pharmacy are both located on campus. Pharmacists can also prescribe certain medications for minor ailments like recurrent UTIs, prescribe contraception and renew certain prescriptions.

EMERGENCY ROOMS

Students with a valid Canadian health card can also download the PC Health app and speak to a general practitioner online or by phone immediately, as well as book other types of appointments such as physiotherapy and mental

For life-threatening injuries and illnesses as well as mental health emergencies, call 911 for the BC Ambulance Service or go to the nearest emergency room. Te UBC Hospital ER admits patients from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but outside of those hours, head to Vancouver General or Saint Paul’s Hospital. You can check edwaittimes.ca to see which can see you faster. U

HEALTH INSURANCE

Te healthcare system can be hard to navigate. Here’s what you need to know about health insur ance to get by during your time at UBC.

BASIC COVERAGE

BC residents are covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers medically required services. Tis includes appointments, hospital visits, laboratory tests, surgeries and diagnostic services.

All BC residents (including international stu dents) must be enroled in MSP, though you can opt out if you are 19 or older. MSP is free unless you are an international student; premiums are $75 a month. Domestic non-BC resident students do not need to enrol since you can access services in BC with your provincial or territorial health card.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

When you become a BC resident, you are subject to a three-month waiting period before your MSP

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Here are some resources available to support student mental wellness.

ON-CAMPUS SUPPORTS

From sensing any sort of decline in your mental health to navigating relationships and major life changes, Student Health Services provides mental health care through counselling appointments, both initial and follow-up, for students in BC by phone, video or in person. Your frst session is usually where you will meet with your wellness advisor for the frst time. Tese are certifed mental health professionals who can direct your wellness goals and refer you to other more personalized resources according to the obstacles you identify together. Wellness advisors can help you navigate UBC’s mental health system.

Depending on your advisor’s assessment of your concerns, you may be guided to self-directed programs that can help you build healthy coping skills and recognize the kind of support you need. Tese can include peer-led activities where fellow students can help you work through your problems, group counselling that provides a confdential, safe space to develop wellness skills and connect with other students, wellness workshops, various counselling sessions and psychiatry. Regardless of which support path you choose, counsellors ensure your personal information is completely private and confdential. UBC Counselling Services takes a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive approach to mental health. Services under UBC’s Student Health Service are free to current students.

AMS/GSS HEALTH & DENTAL PLAN

Te AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan covers an

annual maximum of $1,250 toward psychological services. Learn more at ams.ubc.ca/support-services/health-dental

COUNSELLING + CRISIS INTERVENTION

Here2Talk is another free resource for post-secondary students in BC. Te platform is a place to get immediate, 24/7 mental health counselling, where calls and online chats can be conducted across a range of languages.

UBC Counselling Services are best suited for non-urgent concerns, but for concerns regarding substance use or addiction, the Vancouver General Hospital’s Access and Assessment Centre is open 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Students can also attend the UBC Student Recovery Community’s recovery meetings for non-urgent support. Also be sure to check out FoundryBC’s youth services for people aged 12–24.

If you’re looking for a long term therapist outside of UBC, visit CounsellingBC, where you can browse the directory of all counsellors in the province and flter by area of practice, language spoken and more. You can also book free initial consultation calls through the website. Find out more at counsellingbc.com/counsellors.

Rapid Access Clinics are available for equivalent services outside of Vancouver in the remainder of BC. For students outside of BC, UBC provides an online resource that helps you fnd free well-being support specifc to your needs.

BC also has crisis intervention and suicide prevention lines. If you need emotional support, information and resources specifc to mental health, call the BC mental health support line at 310.6789 (with no area code). If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, call 1.800.784.2433 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies. U

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Some of us need additional support to succeed because of barriers beyond our control. UBC and other external bodies o student-led communities to mitigate disabili ty-related barriers.

CENTRE FOR ACCESSIBILITY

Te Centre for Accessibility (CFA) partners with faculties to foster inclusive learning, living and working environments for students with dis abilities, while its sister organization, the Centre for Workplace Accessibility, does the same for staf Te CFA supports physical disabilities, psy chological conditions, neurological conditions, chronic health conditions and physical or sensory disabilities. Te centre also supports episodic conditions such as chronic migraines and Crohn’s Disease.

To register for the CFA, you’re eligible. Ten, gather your medical doc uments and complete the information form on

RESOURCES FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

UBC has resources and spaces available specifcally for Indigenous students on campus. Here are a few to check out.

FIRST NATIONS LONGHOUSE

Te First Nations Longhouse is an academic, social, spiritual and cultural hub for some Indigenous students at UBC. Te Longhouse has student lounges, a kitchenette, a student nurse and counsellors. Te administrative ofces of the First Nations House of Learning, which manages the facility and organizes programming, is located in the Longhouse.

šxʷta:təχʷəm — formerly known as the Indigenous Student Collegium — at the Longhouse is a peer-run space for Indigenous students. It ofers social activities, tutoring and opportunities to connect with elders and UBC professors. Visit its Instagram page, @ubcindigenouscollegium, for event updates.

INDIGENOUS

LEADERSHIP

Te AMS Indigenous Constituency advocates for Indigenous student priorities and holds

social events and has a lounge in room 2131 of the Nest.

Indigenous Leadership Collective is supported by Arts Indigenous Student Advising, which ofers academic and cultural support for students and peer mentors and is a chance for students to develop leadership skills, community and friendships at UBC.

Learn more at arts.ubc.ca/student-support/ academic-support

INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL HISTORY AND DIALOGUE CENTRE

Te Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre can help residential school survivors and their family members access records including personal documents from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

XWI7XWA LIBRARY

UBC is home to Xwi7xwa Library — the only Indigenous branch of an academic library in Canada. Librarians can help point you toward Indigenous informational resources. U

RESOURCES FOR QUEER STUDENTS

No matter your journey, you should always be able to live as your authentic self. Here are some resources for Queer students on campus.

THE PRIDE COLLECTIVE AT UBC

Te student-led Pride Collective ofers free gender-afrming clothes, hosts discussion groups and provides resources to make 2SLGBTQIA+ students feel included and valued.

es, ensuring that 2SLGBTQIA+ students are well-informed and supported in their academic journey.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE

Te Equity and Inclusion O fle a complaint regarding discrimination and support you through the process.

ALWAYS FREE FOR UBC STUDENTS

RESOURCES FOR BLACK STUDENTS

UBC is home to spaces and initiatives aimed at bettering inclusion and experiences for Black students — here are a few.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Te UBC Black Student Union is a student-led organization. Tey host events to connect Black students and aim to improve student life for Black students on campus. Stay up-to-date by following @ubcbsu on Instagram.

Graduate students can join the Black Graduate Student Network, an afliate organization of the Graduate Student Society dedicated to fostering connections between Black graduate students.

Te Black Muslim Collective at UBC is a space specifcally for Black Muslim students to connect. Learn more on Instagram, @bmcubc UBC also has a Black Student Space in the Exchange Residence building. Te space, open only to Black-identifying students during the academic year, has a quiet studying area, lounge space and an area for group activities that

students can book. Learn more and sign up for access at students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/ black-student-space

ACADEMIC GROUPS

UBC also has a Black Caucus which aims to foster community between Black students, faculty and staf and improve anti-racism at UBC. Learn more at blackcaucus.ubc.ca.

Te UBC Black Law Students’ Association organizes networking, social and academic opportunities for Black students at the Allard School of Law. Tis group hosts a Black Pre-Law Conference in the spring and other events throughout the year. Learn more on Instagram, @ubcblsa.

Te UBC Africa Awareness initiative started in 2002. Tis student-run organization aims to improve “discourse surrounding and including Africa at UBC.” Africa Awareness hosts various events throughout the year, including conferences and game nights — to fnd out more you can visit @ubc_aai on Instagram. U

LEGAL RESOURCES

While the law governs everything we do, it can also be complex and hard to access. Here’s a list of legal resources to help you address a range of problems we hope you won’t face during your time at UBC.

TENENT RESOURCES

While frst-year students are guaranteed on-campus residence, the same can’t be said for those in upper years. Many students eventually seek residence of campus and ultimately deal with the trials and tribulations of renting and landlords. Te Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) provides a wealth of free online legal resources for tenants, including videos, form letters and even a roommate agreement template.

LEGAL AID UBC

Legal Aid BC is a provincial Crown corporation focused on helping primarily low-income people in BC access justice through the legal system. Tey provide a wide range of services on matters from criminal law, immigration law to family law and have an extensive array of legal resources online, in-person or by phone at 604.408.2172.

PROTECTION AGAINST RACISM

Te Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network’s website provides a comprehensive overview of the provincial human rights framework under the Human Rights Code. Additionally, the province has the Racist Incident Helpline. While not intended to replace 911 emergency services, it describes itself as “a culturally safe and trauma-informed resource for people who have experienced or witnessed a racist incident, but who may not want to or know how to report it to police.” Te helpline, 1.833.457.5463, is confdential and available in 240 languages.

UBC OMBUDSPERSON

An important resource that ofen fies under most students’ radar is the UBC Ofce of the Ombudsperson for Students. While it’s not a legal resource nor is it capable of providing legal advice, the Ombuds Ofce plays an important role in protecting administrative justice and procedural fairness at UBC. Tey can help you navigate the complex web of university policies when you fnd yourself having an issue, with anything

from exams and accommodations to academic misconduct and appeals to the Senate.

STUDENT LEGAL FUND SOCIETY

Te Student Legal Fund Society (SLFS) is a non-proft organization run by elected students to support litigation, advocacy and lobbying for improved access to education at UBC. SLFS provides funding for cases that are of concern to UBC students. Learn more at studentlegal.org U

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CONSENT AND SAFE

Whether you want to explore your sexuality by yourself or with others, here are some things to keep in mind to stay safe and sexy at UBC.

CONSENT

Consent is important for sex — and it’s never implied. Tere’s a perception that asking for consent is awkward, unneeded and kills the vibe, but that is wrong.

Asking “Is this okay?” or “Can I…” makes sure everyone is on the same page, and initiates or ends sexual experiences. Consent is also not a one-time “yes” — it’s ongoing and can be revoked at any time, so make sure to check in with your sexual partner(s) regularly.

Consent must be freely given and done so while unimpaired. Tis is particularly important when consuming drugs or alcohol. Even if someone might express a desire to have sex while intoxicated, they are unable to consent.

Do not be afraid to set your own boundaries — nobody is entitled or allowed to pressure you into an unwanted sexual encounter.

SAFE SEX

Knowing the signs of STIs, getting tested if

you’re sexually active and using condoms can reduce your risk of contracting an STI. Te most common symptom of most STIs is no symptoms at all, so it is important to get tested at least once a year or between sexual partners.

UBC’s Student Health Service ofers free and confdential testing, and there are other testing sites throughout the Vancouver area. Book a test at getcheckedonline.com

You can fnd free condoms in the Nest at the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) and the Wellness Centre (which also has a Sexual Health Shop with budget-friendly sex toys, menstrual cups, dental dams and pregnancy tests) in the Life Building.

Many types of prescription contraceptives like birth control pills and IUDs are free in BC and can be prescribed by a pharmacist. While these contraceptives may reduce your risk of becoming pregnant, they do not prevent STIs.

If you’re at risk for getting HIV — for example, if you have a sexual partner who has HIV or if you take injectable drugs or share needles — talk to a health care professional to learn if HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is right for you. PrEP can reduce your chance of getting HIV. Learn more at bccfe.ca/hiv-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep U

REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT

Here are some resources on campus which can provide support if you or someone you know has experienced sexualized violence.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT CENTRE

Funded by the AMS, the SASC provides support and education to survivors and their friends and family. Te SASC serves UBC students, staf, faculty and others with a UBC connection, but the centre itself is independent of UBC.

SASC ofers confdential crisis support and runs support groups during the school year. It also hosts workshops on responding to disclosures, workplace sexual violence and more.

It can also connect you with a support worker to help you navigate legal, academic and medical systems. SASC can help you apply for academic concessions, fle reports with UBC’s Investigations Ofce and the police, request workplace accommodations and access health services.

Te SASC provides medical care for people 13 and older that have experienced sexual assault in the previous week. Te service is free and confdential with no MSP needed, allows support people to attend and is located at the UBC Urgent Care at Koerner Pavilion and at Vancouver General Hospital’s Emergency Department, 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can reach the SASC by Signal at 604.729.5476, phone at 604.827.5180 or email at sasc@ams.ubc.ca. Visit the SASC ofce in room 3130 in the AMS Nest. Learn more about the SASC at amssasc.ca

SEXUAL VIOLENCE, PREVENTION AND RESPONSE OFFICE

Run by UBC, the Sexual Violence, Prevention and Response Ofce (SVPRO) provides confdential support and information for people impacted by sexual or gender-based violence.

It can inform survivors on their reporting options — to the police and UBC’s Investigations Ofce — and help them report their assault, navigate receiving a sexual assault evidence kit (also known as a rape kit) and can provide a support worker to attend court and the hospital with them.

SVPRO also can help you fnd safe housing options, both short and long-term on and of campus, arrange academic concessions under UBC’s Academic Concessions Policy and coordinate workplace accommodations like arranging leave.

You can reach the SVPRO by phone at 604.822.1588 or email svpro.vancouver@ubc.ca. Te SVPRO also has an ofce in Brock Commons South — learn more at svpro.ubc.ca U

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

AFTER YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA

As an international student, you might feel homesick, but don’t worry — your frst year will be flled with exciting and unique experiences, and you’ll soon fnd a place at UBC. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your frst year.

GET YOUR STUDY PERMIT

Your study permit is the most important document, indicating your legal status in Canada. It’s valid for your study period plus an extra 90 days. You’ll need it for various tasks like opening bank accounts, getting credit cards and obtaining driver’s licenses and IDs. Take a picture of it and save it securely in case you lose it.

Your study permit’s validity matches your passport’s, so ensure your passport is valid and renew it if necessary. Otherwise, you’ll need to renew your study permit and all related documents like IDs and health insurance.

Your study permit may allow you to work part-time without a work permit. However, for co-op or internships, you’ll need a work permit. To work, you also need a Social Insurance Num ber (SIN), which you can apply for at a Service Canada Centre or online if you have a Canadian phone number. Te nearest Service Canada Cen tre to campus is located at 1263 W Broadway.

GET CELLULAR SERVICE

Getting a SIM card is essential for local cellular data, calls and texts. If you’re under 19, you

can’t set up a monthly plan alone; you’ll need someone over 19, preferably a guardian, relative or a trusted friend. If a monthly plan isn’t possible right away, consider a prepaid plan which has no age restrictions.

SET UP A BANK ACCOUNT

Opening a Canadian bank account will simplify your fnances and help build your credit score once you get a credit card. Major banks like RBC, BMO, TD, CIBC and Scotiabank ofer accounts and credit cards tailored for students, ofen with perks or bonuses on saving interest rates. Most have branches near campus — RBC has a branch inside the AMS Nest, there’s a TD in Wesbrook Village and a CIBC in University Village.

Ask for details on international transfers if your parents are sending you money. If they have Canadian money for tuition, you can request a deadline extension from your enrollment services advisor to pay using your Canadian bank

RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Over a quarter of UBC students are international students, and coming to a new country is no easy feat. Here are some resources for international students.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING

International Student Advising (ISA) provides assistance with immigration and citizenship documents, health insurance, work requirements and more. Te ISA website o ternational Student Guide for life before, during and afer your time at UBC. Find the guide at students.ubc.ca/international-student-guide

If you need in-person assistance, the ISA ofce is located in room 1200 of the Life Building. Drop-in appointments are available 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. every weekday except Wednesday when the ofce is open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn more at students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/interna tional-student-advising

IMMIGRATION, REFUGEES AND CITIZEN SHIP CANADA

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

STAYING IN CANADA AFTER GRADUATION

Choosing to stay in Canada a exciting, but maintaining your legal status can get confusing. Here are some options of how you can stay in Canada afer graduating.

WORK PERMITS

Afer graduating, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which lets you live and work in Canada for up to three years depending on the length of your program. You don’t need a job ofer to apply.

You have 180 days afer receiving your letter of completion from UBC to apply for a PGWP, but your study permit validity a cation. You should ideally apply while your study permit is valid. If necessary, also apply to extend your study permit.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY

If you’ve lived in Canada for two of the last years, you can apply for permanent residency. However, the application process is di depending on your chosen immigration program. Tere are three pathways to become a perma nent resident.

Express Entry includes several programs for those with work experience, and candidate competitiveness depends on factors like work experience, education and pro or French. You get bonus points for a Canadian

DRINKING + DRUGS DRINKING + DRUGS DRINKING + DRUGS

DRINKING + DRUGS DRINKING

DRINKING CONSCIOUSLY

Since the legal drinking age in BC is 19, you probably won’t be going to many bars or clubs in your frst year. But here are some tips on drinking in any context, whether you’re at home, at a party or out on the town.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Try not to go overboard, especially if it’s your time drinking. Go slowly, and ideally, with people you trust in case something goes wrong.

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach despite the temptation to get drunk faster. It’s a recipe for getting hungover, as your body struggles to process the alcohol that enters your body quicker than it would when drinking afer a meal.

plan in advance.

Drink lots of water during and afer drinking. Alcohol dehydrates you, which contributes to hangovers. Try to match every alcoholic drink you have with a glass of water. Some people also swear by Gatorade or other electrolyte drinks to rehydrate.

If you’re out and about, you might fnd it useful to set a budget before going out. Tis is helpful for both your wallet and for being mindful of how much you’re actually drinking.

One easy way to do this is to bring and use a set amount of cash so you’re less likely to mindlessly tap your card over and over again. Tat said, you should always bring your credit card or a second piece of ID with you, since BC requires two to buy alcohol.

KEEP DRINKS SAFE

Date rape drugs, also known as roofes, can incapacitate someone by causing extreme drowsiness and blackouts. Tey can be discreetly put into drinks, so it’s important to take precautions against them.

Never leave your drink unattended. If you have to, then make sure it’s with someone you

Tis could mean deciding to sleep over where you are drinking ahead of time, assigning a designated driver among your friends, knowing your transit route home and when the last bus/train is, downloading the Uber app or saving the phone number to call a taxi when it’s time to go home.

DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH

Waking up the next day afer a late night of drinking rarely feels great, but there are some things you can do to help mitigate your hangover.

Other than dehydration, hangovers are also related to a decrease in the opioids naturally produced in your brain, which contributes to some of the more unpleasant hangover symptoms like anxiety and restlessness.

Some studies have shown that eating fatty or spicy foods can help naturally boost opioid release — so if your body is telling you to order pizza or dan dan noodles the morning afer drinking, it’s just looking out for you.

Speaking of anxiety, you may feel a sense of unease or “hang-xiety” afer a night of drinking, even if you didn’t do anything embarrassing. Try to be kind to yourself when this happens (it’s so common!) and just try to get some rest or do an activity you fnd relaxing, like calling a friend or going on a walk. U

PREVENTING AN OVERDOSE

Experimenting with diferent substances may seem like a rite of passage for students entering university. While drugs can be fun, they come with varying levels of risk.

Drugs like heroin, ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine can be laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid around 100 times stronger than morphine — in large quantities, it can lead to an overdose faster than other substances. If you’re planning on engaging with substances that could be laced with fentanyl, it’s important to know your limits, to test your substances and to know how to prevent an overdose.

TEST YOUR SUBSTANCES

You can test your substances by using fentanyl test strips, which can be found for free at SASC, the AMS Resource Groups Lounge on the second foor of the Nest, AMS Peer Support and the UBC Wellness Centre front desk in the Life Building.

You can also fnd test strips at supervised consumption sites across the Lower Mainland. Te closest location to campus is the Tomus Donaghy Overdose Prevention Site on Howe. Tese sites have professional medical staf on site and provide clean injection equipment and spectrometer drug checking. You can also test your drugs anonymously online through getyourdrugstested.com

Fentanyl test strips cannot detect all types of fentanyl, like carfentanil, nor can they confrm that your drug has not been laced with something else. Even if the test strip comes back negative, you should never use substances alone. Be sure to have naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.

KEEP NALOXONE NEARBY

Naloxone can temporarily reverse the efects of an overdose when injected into a muscle, typically the arm or thigh (think EpiPen) or administered via nasal spray. Te efects of naloxone last

20–90 minutes and can only temporarily reverse an overdose, so get immediate medical attention afer administering naloxone. Subsequent doses may be needed.

Nasal naloxone kits can be found on campus in every residence commonsblock, and you can get free personal injectable naloxone kits and training through SASC, the Wellness Centre and at Shoppers Drug Mart. SASC carries safer use supplies like pipes, straws, screens and water. You can also pick up kits from pharmacies across the Lower Mainland.

KNOW THE LAW

Possessing 2.5 mg of certain illicit substances is decriminalized in BC, but the use, distribution and possession of illicit substances on campus still goes against UBC’s Student Code of Conduct and student housing contracts. Te use of illicit substances in public spaces like hospitals, on transit and in parks is prohibited by law.

If you are in possession of illicit substances and call 911 if someone overdoses, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from charges for possession of a controlled substance because you called for help.

CREATE A SAFE SPACE

When experimenting with drugs for the frst time, you might not know your limits, so creating a safe environment is very important. As a rule of thumb, start with small quantities since the potency of drugs can vary.

Talking about drug use is o but it’s important to talk openly, because stigma tizing drug use merely forces people into secrecy. In the middle of the toxic drug crisis, using unsafe supply alone or in secret is dangerous.

If engaging with drugs, ensure you’re in the company of trusted friends in case of an emergency.

SAFE CANNABIS USE

Whether you know her by broccoli, grass, zaza or Mary Jane, cannabis is something you might encounter at UBC. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that you toke up safely.

PURCHASE SAFELY

Given that cannabis is legal in BC, be sure to buy from a legal retailer. These stores not only obtain their products from federally licensed producers, but also follow industry standards, testing for potency and ensuring it’s safe for your consumption.

The closest dispensary to campus is Burb Cannabis on University Boulevard, a quick stroll away from the metal UBC sign.

Remember that you must be 19 or older to purchase weed and need government-issued ID.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Weed comes in two strains: sativa and indica. Though there isn’t much scientific evidence that the two produce different effects, some users find that sativa is buzzy and energizing, while indica is calming and soothing.

There are also two main chemical components behind cannabis: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD is responsible for weed’s more

medicinal properties, whereas THC lends cannabis its psychoactive effects. Depending on what you want from your experience, you can find products tailored to your preferences.

Cannabis is commonly consumed through either eating edibles or smoking.

Edibles come in a variety of products, from gummies to beverages.

Should you prefer to smoke, you can choose between joints, blunts, pipes, bongs and pens.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

As with any substance, be sure to start off slow and know your limits! The overconsumption of cannabis may result in anxiety and paranoia. If you exceed your limits, drink lots of water and monitor for any changes in condition.

It can also be helpful to have a friend around to talk you down. And even if you feel capable of doing so, do not operate a vehicle while drug-impaired. In serious circumstances, call 911.

You are in control of how and whether you engage with cannabis. In any case, understand the pros and cons, be safe and have fun. U

VANCOUVER NIGHTLIFE

It’s the weekend! Here are some student-approved places to grab a drink or dance in a city known for mid nightlife.

KOERNER’S PUB

Koerner’s (not to be confused with Koerner Library) is in the Graduate Life Centre (also known as Tea Koerner House). It’s got cheap-ish drinks and good food (check out the loaded fries), and you can ofen catch Ubyssey editors around on Fridays. Te downside is that this campus bar is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

THE PIT + THE GALLERY

Another UBC haunt is Te Pit, the AMS-run student nightclub in the Nest. “Pit Night” is hosted every Wednesday, and only on Wednesday. Some clubs also hold events at Te Pit and theme nights on other days of the week. Tere is typically no cover, but you may be subject to long lines.

Te Gallery, also run by the AMS, is found on the top foor of the AMS Nest, and is a proper banger if you’re looking to stay on campus and overcome your fear of heights. You can also catch live music or sing your heart out at karaoke on Tursdays.

THE JUNCTION

Te Junction, one of the oldest gay clubs in Van couver, is a Davie Street institution. Tey’ve got drag, trivia and bingo nights. Take your girl, take your grandpa!

DOWNTOWN CLUBS

Some popular clubs in Van couver include Numbers, Levels and Te Roxy. Your Tinder match will be suggesting that you join him and his friends there. Te Roxy is a Vancouver classic — we guarantee your professors spent their youth out here, but it is not necessarily “good.” If country is more your thing, check out the mechanical bull at the Yale Saloon on Granville and Drake. U

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All of your favourite eateries at the centre of UBC. There’s outdoor space to relax and socialize with friends and family, plentiful bike lock-ups, underground parking, and the Bus Exchange just steps away.

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