We know that some study spaces can be loud or set up in ways that can make it difficult to focus. We’ve gathered up some of our favourite tools for time management, fidgeting, and visual calming that you can test out – for free! We have two kits, one for students and one for staff. Keep reading below to learn more.
Student Study Kit
Curious about fidget toys, but maybe never tried one before? Like the idea of the Pomodoro Method, but don’t love looking at an alarm on your phone?
Our study kits are available for all students to loan! Try out a kit for your next group study session, or by yourself.
Want to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for your next lecture or workshop? Adding the use of these items into your next event can help to normalize different study techniques for a variety of folks.
Our event kits are available for all staff & faculty to loan!
Stress balls are an excellent way to let out some tension. To get the best use out of this tool, squeeze it and release. It can also be used for a movement break by juggling it in the air.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Animal Poppers
Best For: Fidgeting
These animal-shaped bubble poppers are a great fidget. Use your fingers to pop the bubbles – just like bubble wrap.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Sound 👂
Magnetic People
Best For: Fidgeting
These rubbery human-shaped figurines have magnetic ends so you can join them together in multiple ways. Stretch the magnetic people, connect them to create shapes, or simply connect and disconnect the magnets.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Critter Fidget
Best For: Fidgeting
Curious Critters are 3D-printed plastic fidget tools. Hold the octupus by its head and let the tentacles gently massage your hand, or spin the octupus around. The tentacles are made of individual pieces, meaning they make a pleasing tinkling noise as they move.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Sound 👂
Magnetic Ring Kit
Best For: Fidgeting
These magnetic rings are circular colourful magnets. Wear them like a ring and spin them around, or connect them all to create a fidget spinner shape. You can also connect the magnets on the table and move them on a surface.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Glitter Wands
Best For: Visual Stimulation, Calm and Relaxation
Glitter wands are small, cylindrical tubes filled with start-shaped glitter and fuzzy material. Hold them in your hand and watch the glitter fall, or roll them around in your hand to stimulate the glitter to move.
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Feel ✋
Hand Roller
Best For: Fidgeting, Calm and Relaxation
Glitter wands are small, cylindrical tubes filled with start-shaped glitter and fuzzy material. Hold them in your hand and watch the glitter fall, or roll them around in your hand to stimulate the glitter to move.
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Feel ✋
Fidget Cubes
Best For: Fidgeting
Each of the six faces of this cube has a different interactive feature, including a switch to flick, a ball to roll, a circle to spin, and buttons to click. Enjoy the various sensory experiences on each side!
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Sound 👂
Chain and Infinity Loop Fidgets
Best For: Fidgeting
The bicycle chain fidgets can be placed around a finger and rotated, or simply held between your hands and rotated.
Infinity loop are an endless loop which allows you to continually roll and twist the ring in your hand.
Both the bicycle chain and infinity loop are very quiet and discreet.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Liquid Bubbler
Best For: Calm and Relaxation
Watch two different colours of bubbles fall from top to bottom with this liquid bubbler. Use it as visual stimulation while studying, or as a calming addition to your study space. Flip the bubbler around to watch the bubbles fall again.
The bubbles take approximately one minute to reach the bottom.
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Visual Timer
Best For: Time Management
The visual timer is an excellent time management tool. If you have a tendency to lose track of how much time you spend on a certain task, this timer can help give a visual representation of time pass and time remaining. The red block symbolizes time remaining.
The timer can be muted, meaning it doesn’t have to make noise when time is up, or use the button on the back.
Batteries included. If the battery dies, contact the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk!
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Hourglass
Best For: Time Management
This hourglass timer uses sand to mark 10 minutes passing. Use it to help time your study breaks, or to help you transition between activities. The sand falling can also be a visual stimulator with a calming effect.
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Reading Guides
Best For: Reading and Concentrating
Reading guides help highlight specific lines of a text. Place the reading guide over the line you are reading to help focus your eyes on that particular line. This is especially useful if your eyes tend to dart around the page or if you lose focus reading.
Different colours are included in the kit to help suit your preferences.
Key Sense:
Sight 👁️
Chair Bands
Best For: Bouncing and Movement
Chair bands can be used in multiple ways, including to stretch and take a movement break.
Stretch the chair band across two legs of a chair and place your feet on the band. This helps add a flexible foot rest which you can fidget your feet on.
Key Sense:
Feel ✋
Weighted Lab Object
Best For: Calm and Relaxation
These weighted lap toys are a wonderful companion. They weigh approximately 2kg. Hold them in your lap or across your shoulders for a calming presence.
Liquid Spirals
Best For: Calm and Relaxation
Watch the bubbles fall from top to bottom in a spiral. Use this while taking a break in between tasks or as visual stimulation while listening to a lecture or workshop.
Whiteboard Markers and Eraser
Best For: Studying
Most study rooms have a whiteboard where you can make notes, try practice problems, and draw freely.
Looking for more Neurodivergent Resources?
Check out our guide to IKBLC for neurodivergent students with information on accessible resources, library services and sensory environments.
Tell us what you think about our new collection of NeuroTools, and what you would like to see in the future. To share your thoughts, please fill out our Chapman Learning Commons Feedback Survey.
We also welcome feedback on the accessibility of our services and spaces, and how we can make adjustments to best suit our patrons’ needs.
Welcome to the new semester! With a fresh start, there’s no better time to have a new rebranding. Cinephiles are film enthusiasts and they wouldn’t deny an opportunity to tell how they feel about a cult classic. As a cinephile, I am surprised I had never expressed my interest in films through fashion. So in this blog, I dive into a new aesthetic called “cinephile-core,” where I experiment my style with five different references from popular movies.
Resources
Most of my garments are from a mix of free and discounted resources. While this table isn’t exhaustive, these resources are the ones that I use the most.
Resource
Tier
On-Campus
Address
What you will find
Pros
Cons
AMS Free Store
Free-to-grab
Yes
Nest Building’s Basement(Room 2102)
Pre-owned clothes
Anyone can grab anything for free
Small selection
AMS Thrift Store
Discounted pre-owned garments
Yes
Nest Building’s Basement (opposite the ARC gym)
Pre-owned clothes
Student-friendly budget
Limited plus-size garments
Gender Empowerment Store (Pride Collective/UBC Transco)
Free – need to prior contact
Yes
Fill out their forms
Gender-affirming garments and gadgets
Discreet, free
On break
The Outfits
Imagine Tuesday: Devil Wears Prada
A pixie skirt for a The Devil Wears Prada reference… ground-breaking. I paired a button-up shirt from the UBC Free Store, symbolizing the rigid structure of a routine, with an asymmetrical pixie skirt to add a touch of rebellious romance.
Photo by CLC Peer Advisor Selene
First Wednesday to Class: Addams Family
Photo by CLC Peer Advisor Selene
On Wednesday, we wear black. The glamor of a black-on-black ensemble is back with the Addams Family’s spin-off. Wearing everything black from the UBC Free store, I felt like an omen of this semester.
Late Thursday Night: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zisso
Wes Anderson is more than pastel and symmetry! I aimed to have a sense of nostalgia perfumed with contradiction. I thought oversized pants – the only outfit with pants hence the contradiction – with a graphic Campbell-Soup t-shirt would do the nostalgia justice.
Photo by CLC Peer Advisor Selene
Friday Dance Fever: Lady Bird
Photo by CLC Peer Advisor Selene
I needed something for a Welcome Back event. So, I channeled the spirit of a coming-of-age cult classic through a funky shirt on top of a stereotypical private-school-girl skirt.
Cosmic Weekend: Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Hello again, friend of a friend, I was waiting to end the working week with the comic-inspired outfits. The utility kit from UBC Free Store closes this fashion week!
Photo by CLC Peer Advisor Selene
The Finishing Hems
I had a blast this week. Altering my characters feels true to my flicking gemini nature. It’s about evolving and adapting to new environments —something I’ve experienced firsthand at UBC. Just as I’ve relied on my instincts to navigate new challenges, I hope this blog inspires you to embrace your own transformation with confidence.
As a UBC student, from deadlines to club activities, social life to doctors appointments, I always have more on my to-do list than my brain can ever remember. Since turning to Google Calendar (GCal), my organizational life has been optimized and my time management skills have saved my life so many times! I want to share some of the simple tips and tricks anyone with a Google account (or any other calendar software) can use to also make the most of the little time we have for the busy and rich lives we all live!
Setting Up Your Calendar
Any online calendar is great for keeping track of all the little details of my life, but I have found that Google Calendar has worked the best for me with all of their features and customizable qualities. One tip that I always use at the beginning of a new semester is to link my GCal to my school schedule by using the calendar link provided on my UBC Canvas (Canvas > Calendar > Calendar Feed Link > Paste into Google Calendar “From URL”).
Go back to Google Calendar and click “Other Calendars +” then “From URL”
Paste the “Calendar Feed” link and click “Add Calendar”
Doing this automatically uploads my classes to my GCal without me having to manually enter them including the location and time of the classes so it’s a great time saver at the beginning of the semester. Secondly, I create different calendars for all separate “genres” of tasks and needs that I want to keep track of. For example, I have calendars specifically for the birthdays of all my loved ones and my anniversaries. I also have calendars separating my academic goals into classes, assignments, and exams so I can keep track of all of them as the term progresses and gets busy.
I like to personalize the calendars and give them complementary colours and match them with cute icons to keep my calendar looking aesthetically pleasing and coordinated. I choose from a variety of colours by clicking on the 3 dots on the side of the calendar name and using the “+” to access the colour grid to choose the perfect shade for me!
Another way I keep my calendar low maintenance is by setting frequent tasks to repeat by using the default or the customizable repeat function. This way, I don’t have to go in and replicate my events or tasks every time they come up.
Once I have my GCal all set up, filling it in becomes so much easier but when life gets really busy and I have deadlines on deadlines, I like to use this little exercise to help make my tasks seem more manageable!
Blurt out all of the tasks, deadlines, and events onto a piece of paper
Categorize them into genres (urgency, task type, how long it will take to complete the task, etc.)
Break down the larger tasks into smaller steps to visualize how you will complete them
Put all the tasks into your GCal under the appropriate calendars to conceptualize your workflow
When putting anything into your calendar, I like to make things easier for my future self and add as much information as I can when I first register my entry (ex. Location of event, anything I need to prepare in the description portion, setting notification reminders, etc.). Doing this helps me to have all of the information I need at my disposal and consolidated into one entry in my calendar. Keeping up with the large and smaller tasks, I also divide it up visually on my GCal by setting the larger tasks as “all day” so they appear at the top of each day for easy accessibility while the smaller tasks are timed throughout the day in the times I know I can get them done.
Keeping Up With Your Calendar
Setting up and filling my calendar is great, but ultimately unsuccessful if I am not able to keep up with the goals and deadlines I have set for myself. To help myself to remain motivated even when I have so many things to complete, I use the “Tasks” function so that when I do finish a job I can actually check it off, giving a visual and tactile gratification to completing a task.
Linking my GCal to be accessible on all of my devices is another way to keep track of my tasks and progress no matter where I am. I especially like using GCal because even if I don’t have my personal devices, I am able to check my calendar by logging into my Gmail. It keeps everything very accessible and open.
Lastly, I like to adjust my GCal after my day is done to reflect the actual amount of time I spent on each of my target items. For example, if I ended up staying at the library studying for one more hour than I had originally planned, then I will go back and adjust my calendar to reflect that extra hour of studying. Doing this helps me to remain accountable for the work and effort that I put in daily so that even if I don’t end up meeting my targets, I can still feel proud of my accomplishments of the day and plan for more productive days in the future!
Do you have any golden GCal tips that have made your life so much better? Share them with us and leave a comment below!
Welcome to the first ever zine made by the Chapman Learning Commons (CLC)! Fully written, designed, and crafted by the student assistants of the CLC, this zine is all about relaxation and recharging during these busy times.
As you read, you will find a collection of collages sprinkled throughout. These were made by the CLC Assistants to reflect our personal takes on the zine’s overarching theme.
From food-filled adventures to taking a moment to sit and unwind, images and words were pieced together to form what relaxing and recharging means to us. Hopefully, in sifting through these pages, our works encourage anyone reading to reflect on what that means to them too.
Thank you for reading,
The Summer 2024 CLC Assistants
Budget Friendly Activities in Vancouver
Written by: Oishi Bhattacharya
Exploring Vancouver is one of the most enjoyable things you can do while staying in this beautiful city. However, as a student, your budget might be a bit limited. Fear not! Although Vancouver presents itself as an expensive city, there are a number of exciting, relaxing activities to do that don’t break the bank. All you need is an open-mind and an adventurer’s spirit. Here are 5 budget-friendly activities that locals love:
A day at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery
The Capilano Salmon Hatchery is a fun place to visit for both tourists and locals. Salmon is a staple in the Vancouverite’s life, and what better way to learn more about these majestic fish than through the Hatchery’s self-guided tour and the chance to see fish develop from eggs to juveniles! Visitors are shown the importance of this fish to B.C. and its people. There are also hiking trails and picnic spots around the hatchery for you to enjoy.
Paint ceramic at U-Paint-I-Fire
It’s a rainy day, and outdoorsy activities don’t sound like your cuppa tea? At U-Paint-I-Fire, nestled in the Kitsilano community, you can select the piece of ceramic you would like and paint to your heart’s content. Much like the studio’s name, you paint, and they fire! It is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. They will glaze and fire your chosen piece after you are done painting. Once it is ready, you can show off your new hand-painted piece with pride.
Hike the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Want to experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge you keep seeing on all the brochures but don’t want to pay the entry fees? The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a free alternative! The main trail is two kilometers long, and is manageable for all ability levels. The trail takes you through picturesque views of the Lynn Canyon and surrounding rainforest and waterfalls. During the summer, you can also take the chance to cool off in one of the large natural swimming holes.
Watch a show at The Improv Centre
Love shows? Love comedy? Spend an evening at The Improv Center where each show is unique, as it unfolds before your eyes. Enjoy an evening of totally unscripted drama. However, there may be some audience participation, so try to look as non-chalant as you can if that makes you nervous (like me)! Their regular ticket prices start from $14.50, but if you are a student, it is $11.50.
Eat your way around Richmond Public Market
The Richmond Public Market is an indoor market filled with a variety of shops selling baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, kitchenware, and even some vintage items. The second level is where most of the restaurants are, serving a grand selection of food such as deep fried squid and whole crab, steamed buns, dumplings, rice noodles, bubble waffles, and so much more. I would recommend the rice rolls at Hei Hei Rice Roll, and while you wait for your order, why not get yourself a drink from Peanut’s?
Tip: Make sure to bring cash as most shops don’t accept credit/debit cards!
Bonus activity: There are outdoor movie nights in North Vancouver which are free to attend during the summer. They begin at sundown and also have $1 concessions stands. Check out their website for more details. Missed the screening? Why not have your own? Borrow our projector and screen kit and host your own outdoor movie night!
Try an Equipment!
Written by: Dixie Santo
Meet the Chapman Learning Commons Blu-Ray & DVD Player
Have a movie you’ve been meaning to watch? What about portable entertainment without wi-fi? Look no further, our DVD Player is excited to help you!
Features:
An immersive media experience through excellent video and sound quality
The nostalgic noises of a whirring CD
The lingering warmth of a freshly spun disc
Recommended DVD’s:
Your Name (2016) – Asian Library
Polar Express (2004) – Koerner Library
La La Land (2017) – Koerner Library
Spirited Away (2001) – Asian Library
Interstellar (2014) – Koerner Library
Permission to Chill: How to Relax and Recharge Guilt-Free
Written by: Yanya Bhatia
Let’s talk about something we all need but often feel guilty about—resting and relaxing. Life gets busy, and sometimes it feels like there’s no time to hit the pause button. But guess what? Resting is just as important as hustling. So, let’s dive into some guilt-free ways to unwind and take care of yourself.
Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing
First things first—it’s okay to do nothing. Seriously, give yourself permission to just chill. You don’t always have to be productive. In fact, doing nothing can be incredibly refreshing. It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation. I know it can be hard to shake off the feeling that you should be doing something “useful,” but remember, rest is useful too! It helps you recharge and I find it makes me more productive in the long run
Engage in your Favourite Hobby
Immerse yourself in an activity you love, whether it’s something you enjoy weekly or make time for daily. Prioritise what brings you joy and rejuvenation, be it painting, knitting, playing a sport, baking, watching a movie, or curling up with a good book. Making space for your passions not only brings happiness but also helps you unwind and recharge. For me, spending time on my hobbies always feels like a mini-retreat, a way to step away from everyday stress and reconnect with myself.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are fantastic ways to center yourself and calm your mind. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations that are perfect for beginners. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. Personally, I’ve found starting my day with a short meditation session helps me stay focused and less stressed. It’s a simple practice that brings a lot of peace and clarity to your mind
Get Moving
Exercise isn’t just good for the body—it’s great for the mind too. Whether it’s a gentle yoga session, a brisk walk in the park, or dancing around your living room, moving your body can help release tension and boost your mood. Check out YouTube for free workout videos that fit your style and fitness level. I’ve found that even a quick 10-minute workout can completely change my mood and energy levels for the day.
Dive into a Good Book or Podcast
Sometimes, escaping into a different world is the best way to relax. Grab a good book or listen to an engaging podcast (personal fave: Crime Junkie). Spotify or Apple Podcasts have so many genres to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that captures your interest. For book lovers, Goodreads and your local library has a treasure trove of recommendations!
Finally, the most important tip: remind yourself that you deserve to rest. You work hard, and it’s okay to take a break. Resting is a vital part of taking care of yourself. It may take a while to unlearn the notion that “relaxing is not productive,” but you can learn to embrace it
Packing the Perfect Picnic: A 3 Course Feast
Written by: Oishi Bhattacharya
With the amount of time we spend on our devices, it can get easy to become holed up in our rooms, wistfully gazing at the clouds from behind the window. Having a picnic is one of my favourite ways to savour the good weather, get some fresh air, enjoy good food, and wile away the time people-watching, reading, or cackling with my friends. So, grab a blanket, find a spot under a shady tree, and let’s go have a feast! Here are 3 quick, easy, scrumptious, and tupperware friendly recipes to elevate your picnic.
Note: all recipes serve 2.
Prosciutto-wrapped Melon slices
This is the ideal fresh, salty, and sweet appetiser, and it comes together in minutes!
Ingredients:
6 slices of Prosciutto
6 slices of Cantaloupe melon
Optional: Balsamic dressing
Simply take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around the slice of melon. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic dressing. I often leave it out, as it is delicious on its own!
Roasted Chicken Pasta Salad
This versatile salad works with whatever you have in your fridge, so go wild! I use leftover roast chicken, but feel free to substitute with sausages, any deli meats you like, or chickpeas.
Ingredients:
Shredded roasted chicken
Romaine lettuce or Arugula
10 halved cherry tomatoes
1 avocado diced
1 cup of your favourite pasta (I would recommend fusilli or casarecce)
For the dressing:
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp mustard
1 clove minced garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper
Start by mixing the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. Taste as you go. Then transfer into a small container. Keeping the dressing separate and mixing it in right before you are about to eat will help keep the salad leaves from wilting. In a bigger bowl, put together the rest of the ingredients and toss together. Transfer to a tupperware container. And there you go, your main course is ready!
Coffee Jelly
Ending the feast on a light, refreshing, and sweet note is a must. The jelly is best when left to set in the fridge overnight. Though the wait is long, it is so worth it. Enjoy it with a bit of condensed milk, or whipped cream, or coconut cream/milk. You really can’t go wrong with this!
Ingredients:
2 cups strong brewed coffee
1 packet of unflavoured gelatin or agar agar powder
¼ cup of sugar
In a saucepan, heat up the coffee, and add in the gelatin powder. Whisk thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes, continuously whisking to make sure that it is smooth. Turn off the heat, and add the sugar. Ensure that it has dissolved. Transfer the mixture into small mason jars, and leave it in the fridge overnight. Use a spoon to break up the jelly before eating, and top with some coconut cream, or condensed milk.
There you have it, a three course feast for the perfect picnic. I hope you enjoy these recipes, and make them your own!
Imagine Day at UBC is one of those events that I’ll never forget. When I first arrived on campus, it was all about getting to know the place, meeting new people (including some of my future professors!), and figuring out what university life was all about. But here’s a little secret I’ve learned over the years: Imagine Day isn’t just for the newbies. No matter what year you’re in, it’s worth showing up. Let me tell you why…
Reconnect with Your UBC Fam
After a summer away, Imagine Day can be the perfect way to dive back into campus life. It’s like one big welcome party where everyone from first year to fourth year revels in their UBC spirit. The energy is infectious and it’s a great way to remind myself that this is exactly why I chose UBC in the first place. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to snag some free swag and catch up with friends you might not have seen in a while–or maybe even make new ones?
One of my favourite parts of Imagine Day is celebrating your faculty’s camaraderie, wearing my faculty colours (purple all the way), or even cheering the faculty chant! Trust me, it’s loud, chaotic and so much fun! A true welcome to the new academic year. I personally find the faculty-based events as the perfect way to reconnect with my department and meet other students with similar interests as me.
Friendly Reminder: Keep an eye out on your inbox for your personalized Imagine Day schedule towards the end of August!
Even if you’re already part of a club or two, Imagine Day is the perfect time to branch out or dive deeper into what you’re passionate about. With booths lined up through the entire Main Mall I believe that you might stumble across something new or unexpected. It’s all about keeping your university experience fresh and exciting! For example, I discovered UBC Print on Imagine Day, and it’s been a game-changer for my creative side. If you love arts and crafts, definitely stop by and snag a yearly membership. And if dancing is more your thing, try a beginner class with UBC Salsa Rueda —they’re super welcoming, even if you’ve never danced before. Or come by and say hi to us at the CLC booth!
Make the Most of Your UBC Years
University isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about building memories, making friends, and being part of a community. Imagine Day is one of those traditions that brings everyone together and creates that sense of belonging that’s so special at UBC. By showing up every year, I’m not just attending an event—I’m diving into the full UBC experience, year after year.
And yes, I did sit through the president’s speech during my first Imagine Day. Was it long? Absolutely. But it was also one of those moments where I felt like I was really part of something bigger. Plus, I met a few people that day who I ended up seeing in my classes later on, and those familiar faces made the first few weeks of university a lot less intimidating.
If you’re transferring to UBC from another school, Imagine Day can feel a bit overwhelming—but trust me, it’s a fantastic way to start your journey here. As an international student I know how it feels to step onto a new campus where everything seems unknown, and you’re trying to find your place. That’s where Imagine Day really shines. It’s the best opportunity to get a feel for the campus, meet new people, and start building your UBC community from day one.
Imagine Day is for everyone, not just first-years. It’s a day full of energy, discovery, and community that helps set the tone for the whole year. So, whether it’s your first year or your last, don’t miss out. Show up, have fun, and make the most of what UBC has to offer. Trust me—you’ll be glad you did.
If you want to start your year off right, this blog is for you! Whether you’re a first-year or fourth-year there is truly something for everyone here. I find myself returning to school in September each year desperately trying to avoid the mistakes I made the year before; this 2-part blog post wraps them all up and breaks down how you can avoid them!
From summer sleep-ins to cluttered class timetables, maintaining a schedule throughout the term seems impossible… especially if you start the term without one set. Like many, I find the quick shift in September to be draining, with my sleep and outside life pushed aside for classes. While all hope might seem lost there is a solution, this 3-part blog series breaks down the importance of maintaining balance and how you can achieve it!
While the eat, study, sleep, repeat cycle can be enticing UBC has a lot more to offer than just stress and rain. Ever wondered what’s beyond the lecture halls or libraries? We’ve got you covered! From discovering ways to gain valuable job experience to having some good old fun this 2-part series has it all.
If you’ve ever submitted an assignment at 11:59 PM or missed it all together this blog is for you. While I usually live by the flawless “new year, new me” technique where I vow never to make another mistake ever again, I have come to realize this might not be an ideal plan. Even if you find yourselves always on time, there is room for improvement especially before classes start.
Each September I find myself scrabbling to grab a journal, write a Google calendar of my term and plan out my other activities. Despite feeling a wave of stress hit me each September because of this, I still repeat the same cycle wondering why nothing has changed. Turns out I have poor time management skills (the more you know ⭐). Join me in breaking the cycle with a blog solely dedicated to improving your scheduling abilities.
Every September, new students flock to beautiful British Columbia. I moved to Vancouver two years ago from Saskatoon, SK. At first, Vancouver felt nothing like home, making my transition nerve-wracking. I was fearful of living away from home as well as excited for the next chapter. It took me some time to find a new community here and settle in. Whether moving from another province or a different country, here are my tips for moving to BC to make your transition as easy as possible!
During my first bus ride in Vancouver, I was so scared I would miss my stop! Thankfully, using transit is super easy and convenient in Vancouver. UBC connects to almost all parts of the city by bus, with a large bus depot on campus. UPass is included in our student fees, and allows you to ride any bus, Skytrain, or Seabus around Metro Vancouver.
Car-share programs like Evo and Modo are great if I am in a hurry. Having a Saskatchewan driver’s license, I did not have to get a new one at ICBC (the office that handles driver’s licenses, car insurance, and Provincial Health Cards) when I moved, since I’m a student. This also holds true for international students while their study permit is valid, although international students will need to get a Provincial Health Card while students from other provinces do not.
There are even more ways to get around the city, like biking, rollerskating, e-scooters etc. Vancouver has a ton of protected bike lanes (meaning you don’t have to cross paths with any cars!) and they often connect with transportation hubs, like Skytrain stations, for longer trips too.
Employment Opportunities:
One of the first things I did when I moved to BC was find a part-time job. UBC has a plethora of opportunities in a variety of fields. The AMS job site is particularly useful, since most of the jobs are located right on campus. WorkLearn positions also provide excellent opportunities for on-campus jobs in research, library services and much more. Fun fact: the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk is staffed by fellow students in WorkLearn positions!
It can be hard to land a first job, I know! I found it helpful to go to job fairs on campus to connect with recruiters and fast-tracking the hiring process. There are also lots of resources and workshops on everything from writing effective cover letters to how to prep for an interview.
Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice! If you have any concerns, please check with a dermatologist or other certified professionals before making any health-related decisions.
From the earlier 10-step routines to the more recent trend of “glass skin”, skincare can almost feel like a fantasy sci-fi world with all its different terms. While part of it spoke to my inner child’s need to “make potions” on my face, I was also intimidated by it. I mean, retinol? Niacinamide? I’d seen these words floating around before, paired with things like “anti-aging” and “skin-brightening”, but were they really for me? What should or shouldn’t I use?
Many browser tabs, conversations, and routines later, I’ve officially gathered enough knowledge on the skincare world so that you don’t have to!
Ah, the age-old question – something that’s circled my mind every time younger-me fell victim to my mom’s sunscreen-covered hands. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to realize that sun damage isn’t just sunburns (which younger-me didn’t really care about), but rough and dry texture, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone + dark spots), and of course, an increased risk of skin cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Now, that doesn’t mean we should live a vampire lifestyle and avoid the sun – that’s what sunscreen is for! And to get the absolute most out of it, it should be applied every day as the last part of your skin routine. Ideally, this would include cloudy days or even when indoors (UV goes through clouds!) (Santhakumar, 2022), but it can depend on your skin’s needs (eg. sunscreen makes my friend break out). Additionally, sunscreen isn’t a complete shield – it can scatter or absorb UV rays (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2022), but even strong sunscreens need to be reapplied every few hours.
Double-cleanse Your Worries (and Gunk) Away!
“Why would I need to wash my face twice in one sitting?” is what I asked myself when I first heard about double-cleansing. It seemed unnecessary, especially as someone with dry skin. But the more I learned about it, the more it actually made sense.
To put it simply, double-cleansing is done by first using an oil-based cleanser to remove any makeup, sunscreen, and other oily gunk. Then, it’s followed up by a water-based cleanser for leftover sweat and dirt. Because I don’t wear makeup very often, I save the double-cleanse for the days I do so that my skin doesn’t dry out and hate me in return. Otherwise, it’s a great way to efficiently clean your face, especially for those with oily skin!
Now that we’ve gone through a couple staples of skincare routines, it’s important to match them based on your skin and its needs. With the rapid pace of internet trends, it can be easy to be convinced to try out every single product that pops up on our feeds. I remember considering nearly everything from hyaluronic acid to snail serum (which were both surprisingly great for me!), but sometimes we can lose sight of what we actually need. For example, retinol can help with various things like acne and enlarged pores, but so does niacinamide and salicylic acid (Nunez, 2020). So really, how do I decide which to use, if any?
A couple important things to figure out before taking a dive are the condition of your skin, and what aspects of it you’re most interested in managing. For example, I have dry skin with some acne and dullness, while my sister has oily skin with little to no acne, and some redness. My sister doesn’t really mind the redness, but I’d prefer to target a bit of everything. In this case, I might reach for something like niacinamide (an “all-rounder” ingredient in skincare) (Cherney, 2018) or retinol (similar to + stronger effects than niacinamide but should be used carefully!) (Nunez, 2020) while my sister might choose salicylic acid, which is often used to target acne, but tends to be drying (Frothingham, 2022).
It’s also worthwhile to consider a CRAAP test, which is used to check the reliability of where we get our information from and help figure out whether that one odd-sounding product is both safe to use and effective before hopping on the trend.
With that said, it all depends on your preferences and what works for you! It might involve a bit of trial and error, but hopefully this made the world of skincare a bit less intimidating and easier to understand.
Can you get sunburn on a cloudy day? (2022, February 28). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-get-sunburn-on-a-cloudy-day#sunburn-symptoms
Cherney, K. (2018, August 28). Everything You Should Know about Niacinamide (A. Carter, Ed.). Healthline; Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/niacinamide#product-types
Frothingham, S. (2022, August 17). Salicylic Acid for Acne: Benefits, Dosages, and Side Effects (C. Cobb, Ed.). Healthline; Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/salicylic-acid-for-acne
Mayo Clinic. (2023, June 24). Sun damage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/in-depth/sun-damage/art-20546834
Nunez, K. (2020, September 21). What to Know about Combining Niacinamide and Retinol (S. Perkins, Ed.). Healthline; Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/niacinamide-and-retinol
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022, July). All about Sunscreen: Why You Need It. How It Works for You. (E. G. Richard, Ed.). The Skin Cancer Foundation; The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
Did you know that UBC has hosted a variety of famous personalities, from Nobel laureates to royalty, and even a former First Lady? As UBC students, you might have seen filming on campus or recognized it in the background of your favourite shows and movies, making UBC one of the most filmed locations in the world. Join us as we explore the intriguing history of notable figures who have visited UBC over the years.
Hannah Simone at UBC Bookstore from FacebookPrime Minister Justin Trudeau Hosts Town Hall at UBCO by UBCO
Hannah Simone and Evangeline Lilly, Canadian Actresses
From campus halls to Hollywood, UBC has seen its fair share of star power. UBC alumnus Hannah Simone, best known for her role as Cece Parekh on “New Girl,” and Evangeline Lilly, best known for her role as Kate Austen on “Lost” and for her addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope Van Dyne.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau, a notable UBC alumnus, earned his Bachelor’s of Education from the university in 1998. Fast forward to 2017, he made a visit to UBC Okanagan (UBCO), where he hosted a town hall event drawing 2500 people, creating an engaging and memorable evening.
The brilliant mind behind Social Learning Theory earned his bachelor’s degree from UBC in 1949. His groundbreaking work revolutionised psychology, cementing his status as one of UBC’s most distinguished alumni. As a psychology major myself, I was shocked (and thrilled) to learn about this one!
Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama
In the early 2000s, the Dalai Lama visited UBC to attend a conference and was awarded an honorary degree, recognizing his global humanitarian efforts and contributions to peace and compassion. It’s not every day you get to say your campus was visited by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate!
Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin, Former Presidents of the U.S. and Russia
In 1993, the world’s attention was turned to UBC during the visit of the US and Russian Presidents. Their visit to the Norman MacKenzie House wasn’t just a casual drop-in; it was a momentous event that symbolised a new era in post-Cold War relations. Today, two leather-back chairs at UBC serve as a reminder of this significant visit.
Rick Hansen, Canadian Track and Field Athlete
Did you know that one of the final torchbearers in the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympics is a UBC alum? Rick Hansen, the man behind the legendary Man in Motion world tour earned his Bachelor of Education from UBC in 1986, making history as the first person with a physical disability to graduate with a degree in physical education.
The Queen with President Mackenzie in 1959 by UBC ArchivesHonorary Degree Recipient Princess Margaret in Congregation Procession by UBC Archives
The Royal Family
Did you know UBC has gotten the Royal’s seal of approval not once, but multiple times? Their first visit was in 1951, when then-Princess Elizabeth attended a UBC football game. On another visit, they took a grand tour of key campus landmarks. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the Queen’s 50 years on the throne, they returned to inaugurate the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. A twist to the royal story, years later, the 4th floor of IKB had the Queen’s Portrait stolen! Additionally, in the 1950s, UBC didn’t just roll out the red carpet; it awarded Princess Margaret an honorary degree. This royal nod further cemented the university’s regal connections and highlighted UBC’s tradition of recognizing distinguished visitors.
But enough about history—what about you? Have you ever crossed paths with someone famous at UBC? Or do you have a favourite spot on campus where you like to imagine all the incredible history that’s taken place? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate the amazing tapestry of experiences that make UBC truly special.
References:
Anderson, S. (2023, January 18). UBC is one of the most filmed universities in the world (PHOTOS). Daily Hive Vancouver. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/ubc-filming-locations
EduRank. (2021, August 11). 100 Notable Alumni of the University of British Columbia. https://edurank.org/uni/the-university-of-british-columbia/alumni/
AlumniUBC. (2020, June 1). Famous UBC Visitors. UBC Magazine. https://magazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2020/best-of-2010-2020/features/famous-visitors
Unknown. (1958). Honorary degree recipient Princess Margaret in Congregation procession [Photograph]. UBC Library Open Collections. https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/arphotos/1.0141669?v=oc
UBC (2017, September 10). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosts Town Hall at UBCO. University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. https://ok.ubc.ca/about/milestones/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-hosts-town-hall-at-u bco/
Ever since I was a little kid, I have always loved video games due to my older brother’s influence, as he is an avid gamer. Video games are one of the only things I can bring to UBC for a sense of comfort and nostalgia as an international student! For this reason, here are my 3 favourite games to play and relax with after a day of studying and working!
Stardew Valley
The appeal of a simpler life makes this video game popular! Stardew Valley is about becoming a farmer who moved to Pelican Town after being sick of their boring office job. Planting seeds, watering crops, and crafting scarecrows become second nature as you progress through the game. Additionally, an array of likable townies are present to befriend and romance! I have had the grandest of times running around town looking for my favourite character, Sam, while holding his favourite can of soda in an attempt to gift and woo him into marriage. I have this game on both my laptop and Switch. It’s amazing to have the option to play it on the go or as I am relaxing in my room!
Platform(s): PC/Mac/Linux, Nintendo Switch, Android/iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VITA
Price: $6.49 CAD – $19.99 CAD
Keywords: Farming, multiplayer, exploration, living the life of my dreams!
The Sims has always been an all-time favourite gaming franchise of mine. I enjoy having the freedom to make my characters do whatever I want, and could not contain my excitement when they announced that the Sims 4 is now free to play on PC! My favourite part of the game has to be creating new and pretty characters. After that, I like to make them start from scratch by moving them to an empty lot, and other times into pre-built houses when I don’t feel like building! I also love perusing the internet for fan-made content to add into the game; the possibilities are endless!
Platform(s): PC/Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Price: Free!
Keywords: Life simulation, casual, they gave me so much power…
I was introduced to Cats & Soup by a friend of mine while we were out having soup for dinner. The game is very simple: you hire cats and they work together to make soup! Cats & Soup offers a lot of cute graphics. Various cat breeds run around chopping carrots, shelling acorns, and harvesting honey, all for the collective goal of making soup! These soup dishes are then sold, and the money goes back into more soup-making! I did not realize how much I love cats and soup (separately) until I played this mobile game. What’s more, it’s convenient to play as a student without much free time as the cats continue to make and sell soup even when I’m not online! It’s nice to log in once in a while and check how much passive income I’ve made. I highly recommend this low commitment game if you are looking for one!
Platform(s): Android/iOS
Price: Free!
Keywords: Idle, casual, cats and soup-making festive fun!
Vibes: Cute, calming
That would be my top 3 relaxing games in my collection! Are there any games in this list you’re interested in trying, or have played before? What other video games would you recommend to unwind? We would love to hear them, let us know in the comments!
One of the best things about this time of year is being freed from the many deadlines that cast a shadow over us from the months of September to May. In the summer sunshine you can finally enjoy being outside– touch the grass, feel the sand slip through your fingers, perspire under the shades of blue that elude you otherwise. It is the perfect time to sink your teeth into some gripping narratives. After all, no beach day is truly complete without the perfect book. Pop on your sunglasses, it’s going to be a scorcher! Here are 5 books I think you should add to your reading list this summer:
“I was at lunch, this is two or three months ago, and it must have been a Monday, because it was shepherd’s pie. Elizabeth said she could see that I was eating, but wanted to ask me a question about knife wounds, if it wasn’t inconvenient?”
If you have walked past this book in your local bookshop, stop and purchase a copy right away (or borrow one from the library)! In a peaceful retirement village, four friends, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. One day, a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep. The Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Osman’s prose is crackling with wit and heart. It is intelligent, and a thoroughly entertaining mystery.
Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Humour
Best enjoyed with: Ice-cold soda on a big beach towel with a view of the waves 🥤🌊
“This morning Rino telephoned. I thought he wanted money again and I was ready to say no. But that was not the reason for the phone call: his mother was gone.
“Since when?” “Since two weeks ago.” “And you’re calling me now?” My tone must have seemed hostile, even though I wasn’t angry or offended; there was just a touch of sarcasm.”
Translated from Italian, My Brilliant Friend is the brilliant first novel in Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet. The series chronicles the transformation of a nation, as well as the intense lifelong friendship and rivalry between Elena Greco and Raffaella Cerullo—Lenù and Lila. The novel is a meticulous masterpiece. It is engrossing, compelling, with gritty, raw language that is so emotionally charged that it sucks you in straightaway. The quartet has also been adapted into a TV series, which is fantastic too!
Genres: Fiction, Italian literature, Coming of Age, Historical
Best enjoyed with: Limoncello under the shade of a giant beach umbrella 🍋⛱️
“This is the story of a five-year sojourn that my family and I made on the Greek island of Corfu. It was originally intended to be a mildly nostalgic account of the natural history of the island, but I made a grave mistake by introducing my family into the book in the first few pages.” Gerald Durrell was an acclaimed British naturalist, conservationist, zookeeper, and writer. My Family and Other Animals is full of heart and humour. It is the semi-autobiographical account of prepubescent Durrell’s time in Corfu with his eccentric, English family, and of course, the animals on the island. This is an entertaining read, peppered with Durrell’s richly detailed descriptions and playful humour. If you enjoy this one, you could also pick up Durrell’s Birds, Beasts and Relatives, or even check out the TV series, The Durrells!
Genres: Memoir, Humour, Travel, Natural History
Best enjoyed with: Ice cream float under a big, leafy tree 🍨🌳
“Each afternoon, when the whole city beyond the dark, green shutters of their hotel windows began to stir, Colin and Mary were woken by the methodical chipping of steel tools against the iron barges which moored by the hotel café pontoon.”
Colin and Mary are away on holiday together in an unnamed city. One evening, they find themselves lost in the labyrinthine streets and canals. They meet Robert, a stranger with a dark history, and become drawn into a world of violence and obsession. McEwan’s language is supple and fluid. The prose has a rich, cinematic quality that plays with perspective. It is chilling, ironic, and enthralling.
“It was the last letter in Irene Redfield’s little pile of morning mail. After her other ordinary and clearly directed letters the long envelope of thin Italian paper with its almost illegible scrawl seemed out of place and alien. And there was, too, something mysterious and slightly furtive about it. A thin sly thing which bore no return address to betray the sender. Not that she hadn’t immediately known who its sender was.”
In the 1920s, Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent life with her husband and children in the thriving neighbourhood of Harlem. One day, she happens to reconnect with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned. Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after rupturing ties to her past– going as far as hiding the truth from her racist husband. This is an American Literature modern classic. The recent film adaptation with Tessa Thompson as Irene is also brilliant. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the book before diving into the film.
I hope that you enjoy these recommendations. If you have any favourite books that you would like to recommend please share them in the comment section below!
Building a timetable is no easy task! As a current third-year student, it took me a while to figure out how to effectively build my course schedule to make space for extracurriculars and a social life.
How many courses to take?
I normally take four courses per term and would recommend trying different course loads to see what fits best. For example, in my first year, I tried five courses per term – that felt heavy given my other non-academic commitments. This might also depend on your faculty expectations too.
Achieving the right balance between course requirements for my major and electives is important for creating a good schedule. Adding interesting electives, and ones that I personally find easy, helps me ensure I don’t burn out throughout the term while also continuing to get good grades too!
I personally like to engage myself in electives that cover my areas of interest separate from my major. I like writing poems and prose, so Creative Writing seemed like an obvious choice for me. I can recommend the following electives from my and my friends’ experiences, but take the courses that interest you!:
FMST 210 – Family Context of Human Development
FNH 330 – Introduction to Wine Science.
CRWR 200 – Introduction to Creative Writing
MUSC 323 – History of Popular Music
CONS 101 – Introduction to Conservation
GEOS 102 – Our Changing Environment, Climate and Ecosystems
FNH 355 – International Nutrition
ISCI 350 – Darwinian Medicine
ISCI 360 – Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability
Once I have selected which courses I want, I start looking into the sections being offered. I like taking courses with multiple sections, which offers more flexibility when I’m building my timetable. Some of the courses are only offered in one term and not the other, so I need to be aware of that when planning my academic year’s schedule.
What if you don’t get your first pick?
Whenever I can’t get my first choice courses, I like to write a list of priorities. If it’s an elective that I can’t take due to a scheduling conflict, I would prioritize keeping the degree requirement. If the course is for my degree or faculty requirement, I try contacting the faculty or professor to see if there is a possibility of getting into the course before the Add/Drop deadline. Another option is checking if the requirement can be substituted with another course, and if yes – opt for that one!
The UBC Career Centre is a valuable resource for UBC students, offering guidance and support as to navigate various industries. They provide advising sessions, workshops, and opportunities to connect with alumni and employers and resources necessary for career building and professional development.
A platform that provides short courses and videos that can help you develop employable skills and training courses in areas of interest.
Your Turn
Take a look at the next steps when applying for jobs and learn how to better prepare yourself for interviews. Try using a chatbot such as ChatGPT or MS Copilot to engage in a discussion on cover letter writing and career development. Here are some prompts to get you started:
Act as a career advisor and provide me with 5 key strategies for crafting a standout cover letter that grabs the employer’s attention.
How might the content and tone of my cover letter differ depending on the industry or type of job I’m applying for? Let’s explore some examples to tailor my approach.
Act as an editor and provide feedback on a draft of my cover letter. What are some areas of improvement, and how can I enhance the clarity and impact of my message?
Let’s brainstorm creative ways to showcase my skills and experiences in the cover letter. How can I effectively demonstrate my qualifications while still maintaining a professional tone?
Drop your comments below to tell us what you think!
Disclaimer: All content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.
Being a teen with dry skin seemed easy to me. I didn’t have any acne, and I was grateful for that. Without any concern in the world, I would sometimes use a bar of soap to wash my face (I am not joking). Unfortunately, at some point, my skin became tight and started causing me discomfort. That’s when I realized I needed better skincare and found myself lost in the world of a million products. Where to start?
Luckily, my older sister had more knowledge about skincare than me and was available to help me out. She had asked me what I was using to cleanse my face in the mornings, and when I said a bar of soap – she was shocked.
Without extra moisture, my skincare would sometimes produce dry flakes. I showed them to my older sister, and she suggested I use a gentle cleanser and her moisturizers. It helped relieve the discomfort from dryness on my skin, but after that, I realized that it wasn’t enough moisture for me.
For those who are new to skincare, here is a small cheat sheet below.
My Skincare Cheat Sheet
Cleanser
Usually a gel-like substance that is basically a soap for your face! It very gently cleanses your skin from skin oil or other impurities.
Moisturizer
A heavier formula like a cream that hydrates the skin.
Sunscreen
Protective layer from UV radiation coming from the sun. Sunscreens can come in many forms but gel or cream are most common!
Sometime later, my mom scheduled an appointment with an aesthetician for me, where they examined my skin and told me that my skin was indeed dry. Their suggestion was to get a gentle cleanser, as some of the harsher ones would dry out my skin more (not to mention the bar of soap), to use a toner before the nourishing hydrating moisturizer, and to include sunscreen in my daily routine.
To this day, I use that advice and enjoy having elastic skin. I invested in some good products for dry skin like various night cream moisturizers and a specialized cleanser for dry skin. I wash my face once a day (usually every morning), and apply my moisturizing products afterwards. Then, after they are absorbed a bit by the skin, I apply sunscreen. Some people prefer to wash their face twice a day – after waking up and before bed – but I find that it’s too much for my dry skin.
I have wondered if there is anything beyond the products I use that could help improve my skin. Spoiler: there is!
My advice for those who are beginning their skincare journey is, of course, to consult a professional if possible. While appointments with aestheticians can get quite pricey, please bear in mind that there are skincare options that are suitable for all skin types. You might want to try some of the “all-skin-types” products first.
Start small – I find it important not to overwhelm myself with a plethora of changes to my lifestyle. After all, what matters is that you want to take care of yourself more – and I am proud of you for that! Hope I was able to provide some insights into this sometimes daunting journey.
What’s your skincare journey been like? Have you tried out any products or lifestyle changes for your skincare? Please share in the comments!
Today I explored some of the libraries on campus to check out some of the non-academic resources that they offer. I wanted to explore some options in the libraries that would let me de-stress. So, come along with me on an adventure to find some fun and relaxing resources offered through the UBC Libraries!
Woodward
The Woodward Library is a little out of the way if you aren’t in the Sciences, but it has a very fun addition that allows students a chance to have fun and embrace their creative side: The Lego Table! This fun activity is on Woodward’s main floor, right by the Great Reads section and the information desk, and has multiple bins of Legos for you to get building with! It’s a great spot if you want a fun, easy activity to take a break from studying or if you just want to enjoy a little peace, quiet, and Lego.
While the Education Library has a lot of great fiction books, I was in the mood for something more outdoors-y and that I might be able to turn into a hobby. My roommate and I have been talking about starting a garden, so that we’re able to get fresh herbs and veggies without having to go to the grocery store. Luckily for us, the Education Library has one of the many branches of the UBC Seed Library! The seeds are located at a couple of branches on campus, and the one in Education is right behind the reference desk on the left side. While gardening takes more work than building Lego, I’m excited to start and the Seed Library allows me to ‘borrow’ seeds for free. And all I have to do to ‘return’ my seed packet is to bring back some seeds from the veggies I grow!
Now that it’s getting a little later and all my studying is finished for the day, I’m thinking of taking the night off to relax and unwind. And what better way to take a longer break than with a movie night? As much as I enjoy streaming services, sometimes the amount of choices makes it too daunting to settle on just one movie and if I have an idea of what movie I want to watch beforehand, the frequent changes to their selection means that I usually can’t even find the movie. So, imagine my surprise when I found out that Koerner Library has an entire catalog of movies on DVD! The collection is located just behind the reference desk on the main floor, and has a large selection which includes just about anything, from Studio Ghibli films to National Geographic’s March of the Penguins documentary series. I have a DVD player at home, but if you don’t, come visit us at the Chapman Learning Commons Help Desk and we’d be happy to lend you one!
While I spend most of my time on campus studying or going to classes, this little adventure gave me the chance to explore campus and to find some new (to me!) things that can help me take a break from my studies, either during the day or when I’m at home! I’m so glad that I was able to share this experience with you, and I hope this adventure of ours will encourage you to check out everything the libraries have to offer! What’s your favourite library “hidden gem”? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
Dishes piling up? Laundry taking over the space? Trust me, I relate a bit too much for my own comfort. With the amount of exams, assignments, and other responsibilities we have as students, sometimes our space can get a little cluttered alongside our minds. All of a sudden, used cups are sitting in the bathroom (who knows how they got there), snack wrappers trail your path, and worn clothes seem to be the hottest new decor (don’t worry, we’re ahead of the game–the world just doesn’t know it yet).
As much as I try to avoid this every single term, it always ends up happening at one point or another. And you know what? That’s okay! I used to feel ashamed but life can get busy, and that can be reflected in our spaces. Sometimes, we just need a fresh start!
Make cleaning fun!
As someone that gets easily bored, something I like to do to add a little bit of spice in my routine is pretend I’m in a video game! And not just the same video game every time–I like to mix it up. One day, I’ll be in the Sims 4 with the “Neat” lifestyle trait. Other days I’ll be taking those often tedious but necessary side quests to max out my stats. It’s quite a literal way of making a game out of cleaning! Not a fan of video games? Not to worry! Sometimes I’ll take inspiration from the show I’m watching and channel some of my favourite characters instead.
If that doesn’t work, putting on a personalized “cleaning” playlist might help too. There always seems to be a certain refreshing feeling after getting a handle on that clutter. Although it can be taxing work, sometimes I find myself actually enjoying it as I bop to my favourite songs. It quite literally gets me in the groove, like one of those upbeat montages in films. As a result, cleaning days can end up being something to look forward to. While it’s still a chore, I like to think of it as a chance to listen to that one new album, or alternatively, catch up on a show or podcast!
Don’t have the energy to do a full deep clean? While it’s good to tackle any urgent tasks, focusing on the smaller things can go a long way and help to get everything started. This can be things like decluttering surfaces, wiping down countertops, sweeping the floor: things that tend to be overlooked in our day-to-day life. While they may seem small, it can really help tie the space together.
One thing I like to do is pick focus points. For example, say my trash bags are filling up – do I have any wrappers, tissues, etc in my room that I haven’t tossed yet? Most likely yes, so I gather it up then take it all out at the end! That way, not only can that first chore be checked off the list, but my room is a little less cluttered too.
Ready to move onto the bigger things?
Sometimes, we don’t have the capacity to worry about the fine details and only tackle the more obvious tasks. While those are great to take care of, it usually results in neglecting other just as important things!
Some examples include:
Cleaning small appliances like remote controls, toasters, coffeemakers…
Dusting obscure places (eg. the refrigerator coils)
Cleaning under spaces like beneath the bed
Wiping down handles, doorknobs, light switches – anything our hands frequently touch (yes, including phones)
These help not only with hygiene, but also maintaining devices/appliances.
You’ve probably read our previous blog posts, perused our website, or visited the Help Desk – or maybe even all three! If you’ve done any of those things, then chances are you know who we are. You’ve probably met some (or all) of us at the Help Desk, but there’s definitely a few characters that you haven’t met… our pets! Meet all the silly, crazy, sometimes annoying, but mostly lovable furry little friends that exist alongside us.
Animal companions have all sorts of great benefits. Petting them can lower our blood pressure (1), it seems like living with them might make us live longer (2), and personally, having them around makes me feel much less lonely. These buddies of ours do so much for us, but hardly get the recognition they deserve. You know how after a play the cast comes out to bow, and then they thank their stage crew for doing all that hard work behind the scenes because the show wouldn’t be possible without them? Yeah? Well, these guys are our stage crew! So here’s a bit about them:
Photo by Madeleine
Zoe
Zoe has the soul of a cat in the body of a 12-pound Havanese. She has pretty much nothing behind her eyes, she doesn’t bark unless you’ve forgotten her outside, and she likes to curl up on the couch and people-watch out the window.
Skills: Can balance on her hind legs for up to 40 seconds at a time. Sometimes sits when you ask.
Special Interests: Is known to escape the yard and go to the park on her own.
Fears: The vacuum, rain, large bodies of water.
Photo by Jaya
Pippin
Pippin, also known as PP, is the epitome of an orange cat. He is an indoor-outdoor cat who is known by everyone in the neighborhood. He enjoys belly rubs and head pats. When he is not sleeping inside, he can be found in my garden snoozing in the sun!
Skills: One time he stopped a car robbery with his cuteness (true story).
Special Interests: He gets very vocal when he wants something, and he refuses to eat his food when it’s cold.
Fears: water, literally nothing else – stupidity has no fear.
Photo by Lisa
Bean
Bean, also known as Beans, Beps, Beep Beep le Bop, and “get off the counter”, is a smol bean who likes snacks and naps. Bean is a very popular and well loved cat among the CLCA’s – come ask any one of us at the help desk about Bean!
Skills: Sits, stands, shakes paw, spins. More popular than you.
Special Interests: Bird watching via youtube videos OR through a window.
Fears: Tall men.
Photo by Emma
Luna
Luna is a little gremlin who knows she’s cute. Although Luna villainizes her pet carrier, she has no rifts with your everyday ordinary cardboard box. Luna is an international kitty, currently residing in Australia!
Skills: Playing the piano.
Special Interests: Food! And cardboard boxes.
Fears: Her own pet carrier.
Photo by Ciara
Ollie
Ollie, also known as Oliver, Olly-polly, Turkey, or Doofenshmirtz, is basically the cutest trouble-maker ever. Ollie frequently has stand-offs with the local crows, and has been known to assert dominance over the scarecrow by burying it and taking on the crows himself. (No scarecrow help needed by this guy.)
Skills: Cute face, sitting and sleeping weirdly, destroying mail.
Special Interests: Planning daring escapes.
Fear: Brooms or mops leaning against a wall.
Photo by Oishi
Gerald
Gerald is a straight up chiller and very low maintenance. Gerald comes from a large family and specializes in emotional support.
Skills: Tripping people and breaking scissors ✂️
Weakness: Paper
Special Interests: rock and roll 🤘
Fear: Nothing. (Except paper.)
These are the pets of the CLC! We hope you love them in all their silly little quirks and personalities as much as we do. Now that you’ve met our pets, we’d love to meet yours! Tell us about them in the comments below!
1. Odendaal, J.S.J., & Meintjes, R.A. (2003). Neurophysiological Correlates of Affiliative Behaviour between Humans and Dogs. The Veterinary Journal, 165(3), 296-301. ISSN 1090-0233. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(02)00237-X.
2. Koivusilta, L.K., & Ojanlatva, A. (2006). To Have or Not To Have a Pet for Better Health?. PLOS ONE, 1(1), e109. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0000109
Adapting to a new learning environment like university can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Connect with peers and learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed through tutoring & coaching services available here at UBC – free for students!
Take the quiz below to find which tutoring & coaching service might be right for youor scroll down to see our list of coaches & tutors on campus!
General Tutoring and Coaching Services
AMS Tutoring
Your Alma Mater Society (AMS) provides a tutoring service that is open to first and second year students, and offers group and private tutoring services to help students become more confident to tackle academic challenges. Their services cover content from 100/200-level BIOL, CHEM, COMM, CPSC, ECON, PHYS courses and more. Group tutoring is free for all students, while private tutoring is for a fee. Students can drop in during open hours without an appointment to attend a group lesson, or can schedule one-on-one time with tutors beforehand. Scheduling and some tutoring happens over the Nimbus app, which students can learn more about from the AMS Tutoring website.
UBC Centre for Accessibility
The Centre for Accessibility facilitates disability-related accommodations and programming initiatives that removes barriers for students with disabilities and ongoing medical conditions. Students must meet with an Accessibility advisor to register for the service and discuss the kinds of accessibility accommodations they might need (in terms of subsidized tuition and housing, academic support, exam accommodations, and funding and admissions related matters). To learn more about registering for this service and booking an appointment, visit the website.
Arts
Arts Peer Academic Coaches
Connect with upper-year students that will work with you to meet your academic goals.
Our coaches are friendly, inclusive, and knowledgeable upper-year students who:
Know what it’s like to learn and study in UBC Arts
Share a common goal of seeing other students succeed
Are trained to support student self-reflection and growth
Can provide you with strategies and resources to improve your academic experience
Chat with a coach to set academic and personal goals, discuss study habits, brainstorm ways that you can adapt your approach to learning and studying, and co-create an action plan going forward.
All conversations with a coach are confidential.
Aspire Coaching Program
By participating in the Aspire Coaching Program, you will be paired with an Arts Peer Academic Coach who will meet with you on an ongoing basis throughout the term. Participants are asked to meet with their coach three times throughout the term and will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program. Learn more about the program and sign-up here.
Learn more about the Arts Peer Academic Coaches on our website, or contact us directly at: contact.apac@ubc.ca
For Athletes
Varsity Team Academic Coaches
As a UBC Thunderbird student athlete, you have increased demands on your time, and balancing academics with athletics is key to your success. UBC Student Athlete Services provides a variety of academic supports available to support and enhance your learning experience at UBC.
Student Athletes have access to comprehensive information regarding Academic Supports, Eligibility, Sport Medicine, Mental Health, and Nutrition through their Student Athlete Portal. Current student athletes are added at the beginning of every year in August or when they join a varsity team.
Current Students: Log into Canvas to see the Student Athlete Portal on your dashboard.
Commerce/Sauder
The UBC Sauder School of Business offers a variety of academic support services. You can also receive advice from dedicated professionals about your program, academics, and career.
UBC Sauder Academic Support Programs and Services:
CLC Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), a collaborative learning environment led by an upper-year student, to help you understand the course material as well as connect with other students.
CLC Professional Communication Workshops, join an English Conversation Circle, practice impromptu speaking in Speaking on the Spot, or earn a certificate after completing the Professional Communication Skills Certificate series.
CLC Writing Coaching, one-on-one writing appointments to help with planning, idea development, tone, stylistic improvement, and error recognition.
CLC Math Coaching, one-on-one (or small group if you attend with a friend) appointments with our Peer Math Coach can help with improving your comprehension of difficult concepts presented in Math 100 or Math 101.
Presentation Coaching, led by peer coaches who are fourth-year BCom students who work as COMM 395 Business Communications teaching assistants. Bookings are 30 minutes in length, easy to set up, and flexible for individuals or groups.
Research Support allows you to connect with David Lam Librarians.
*Please note, the CLC mentioned here refers to the Canaccord Learning Commons, who you can contact here.
Commerce Undergraduate Society
The Commerce Undergraduate Society has information regarding clubs and services, student experiences and recommendations, resources and much more, to enrich your experience at UBC Sauder.
*Please note – The CLC mentioned here refers to the CanAccord Learning Commons, who you can contact here.
Economics
The Economics Learning Center (ELC) is an initiative of the Vancouver School of Economics (VSE), supported by the Vancouver School of Economics Undergraduate Society (VSEUS), to help Bachelor of Arts and Science students succeed in our core economics courses. The objectives of the ELC are to provide:
A place where students in our core economics courses can meet with their peers to review lecture notes, discuss assignments, study for their exams, and get help with their course content.
A staff of trained volunteers and peer assistants (PAs) who will help them form groups, engage in productive discussions, and encourage collaboration.
The ELC is located in the IONA building lower level, in room IONA 038.
Regular hours:
Monday-Thursday, 11am-5pm
Exam season hours (starts April 9th):
Monday – Thursday, 12pm-4pm
The ELC focuses on the courses:
First year: ECON 101, 102.
Second year: ECON 226.
Third year: ECON 301, 302, 325, 326.
However, PAs and students are welcome to discuss and work on other courses.
Please check the link to our canvas page is here: https://canvas.ubc.ca/enroll/9KXL4W — weekly schedule and courses posted there, as well as some additional resources to support students in their economics courses. The Centre is not open on holidays.
Engineering
UBC Engineering Undergraduate Society
The Engineering Undergraduate Society holds workshops for MATH 100/101, MATH 152 and PHYS 157/158. Their review sessions feature practice problems and trained tutors to help out when students get stuck. Find out more about sessions in the upcoming year on their website!
The Office of Student Services Peer Tutor Program matches students with upper-year student volunteers who provide guidance on study skills and learning strategies. In addition to one-on-one guidance, these peer tutors may work with the Director, Office of Student Services and an Academic Advisor to prepare resource materials addressing study skills, the preparation and use of notes, and exam writing.
The program is not intended to duplicate or substitute for the formal academic instruction that occurs in class and through discussions with faculty members or teaching assistants, but to supplement this instruction through a more structured approach to learning strategies.
For students interested in participating in this program, please contact pharmsci.advising@ubc.ca
Forestry
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions are free, structured group study sessions designed to help students understand key concepts and practice the skills necessary for success in traditionally challenging courses. PASS sessions complement what you learn in lectures, but are not a replacement. They’re also a great way to meet other Forestry or Land and Food Systems students in your classes.
Current Forestry students can learn more about it here.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology Peer Academic Coaches
Our coaches are friendly, inclusive, and knowledgeable upper-year students who:
Know what it’s like to learn and study in UBC Kinesiology
Share a common goal of seeing other students succeed
Are trained in self-regulated learning techniques to support student self-reflection and growth
Can provide you with strategies and resources to improve your academic experience
Coaching topics
Study strategies
Time management techniques
Ways to approach academic tasks
Campus involvement opportunities
Academic Transition Program
Participate in our Academic Transition Program to support you through the rigours of university academics. In order to complete this program you need to participate in 3 activities throughout Term 1:
1. Attend KPAC’s Start Off Strong Workshop on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 from 5:30-7:00pm. Register here.
2. Attend at least one coaching session with a KPAC Coach
3. Attend one other KPAC workshop of your choosing (e.g., Bouncing Back From A Bad Midterm, KPAC’s Finals Survival Guide)
To make a coaching appointment with KPAC, please email kpac.coaching@gmail.com or stop by drop-in coaching hours on level 3 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.
The KPAC coaching schedule for Winter Term 1 is:
Tuesdays: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Wednesdays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursdays: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Land and Food Systems
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions are free, structured group study sessions designed to help students understand key concepts and practice the skills necessary for success in traditionally challenging courses. PASS sessions complement what you learn in lectures, but are not a replacement. They’re also a great way to meet other Forestry or Land and Food Systems students in your classes.
Current LFS students can learn more about it here.
Land and Food Systems Mentorship Program
The LFS Mentorship Program supports undergraduate students in their career development by connecting them with alumni and professionals. The program provides opportunities to develop professional skills, including networking, informational interviews and using LinkedIn.
Location: 3rd floor of the Leonard S. Klinck Building (LSK) in Rooms 301 and 302.
Lenoard S. Klinck Building
About This Service
The Math Learning Centre (or MLC for short) is a space for undergraduate students to study math together, with support from tutors, who are graduate students in the math department.
Further Resources
Mathtutor
Mathtutor is an online resource that provides video tutorials, summary texts, and exercises on a wide variety of topics to help students transition to university level math courses.
Sciences
UBC Computer Science Student Association
The Computer Science Student Association connects students to a number of tutors interested in providing extra help to fellow students taking Computer Science courses. Students can reach out to any of the listed tutors via the email provided to understand more about scheduling sessions! Check out their website for current offerings.
Integrated Sciences Peer Mentoring Program
The Integrated Sciences Peer Mentoring Program provides help with the Integrated Sciences application, the essay associated with it and the Integrated Science program itself. This is a peer-led initiative and program which you can find out more about on the website.
Computer Science Tri-Mentoring Program
The Computer Science Tri-Mentoring Program was launched in 2002 as a pilot program to match junior undergraduate/graduate students with senior undergraduate/graduate students, who are then matched with industry or faculty mentors. Junior students can get advice on course planning, academic skills, student life, and extracurricular opportunities. Both junior and senior participants can in turn expand their network and explore career options by participating with mentors on activities like job shadowing, company visits, careers fairs and more. Look on the website to find out more about how you can get started!
Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) Membership
The Science Undergraduate Society Mentorship Program pairs undergraduate students (second year and up) with graduate student mentors in diverse scientific fields of study. Upper year Science Students can also sign up to be mentors to first year students. Students at all levels get assistance with CV formatting, finding extracurricular involvements on campus, communication skills, and expanding their professional network. Mentors and mentees are matched based on academic and personal interests and are required to connect with each other at least once a month. Find out more about signing up on their website!
Science Peer Academic Coaches (SPAC)
Students can fill out a form to be assigned a Science Peer Academic Coach for drop-in sessions or choose to drop into 15-minute sessions focused on specific academic skills. Video chat sessions with coaches can be based on goal setting, study habits, approaches to learning online and plans of action for studying throughout the term.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science
The Office of Student Services Peer Tutor Program matches students with upper-year student volunteers who provide guidance on study skills and learning strategies. In addition to one-on-one guidance, these peer tutors may work with the Director, Office of Student Services and an Academic Advisor to prepare resource materials addressing study skills, the preparation and use of notes, and exam writing.
The program is not intended to duplicate or substitute for the formal academic instruction that occurs in class and through discussions with faculty members or teaching assistants, but to supplement this instruction through a more structured approach to learning strategies.
For students interested in participating in this program, please contact pharmsci.advising@ubc.ca
Further Resources
Biology Online
Biology Online is an online database of Biology terms that provides detailed explanations of key words as well as tutorials on fundamental and advanced Biology topics.
General Chemistry Online
General Chemistry Online is a comprehensive digital resource that features a searchable database of Chemistry terms, companion notes, an interactive toolbox, and more useful tools for students.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom is an online collection of video tutorials and interactive simulations to help students build their Physics knowledge.
This blog post is not about the coziest cafes or the cafes with the best study vibes. This blog post is for java aficionados looking for a decent cup of Joe for a decent price. Read on for my personal ranking of the 5 of the most popular coffee fixes on campus.
Located near the bus loop, JJ Bean is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat if you’re in a rush. The espresso drinks are great: rich in flavor and with a great mouthfeel. I personally find that the drip can be a little sour in taste but still very good. This is one of my favorite spots to grab coffee on campus.
Bean around the world can be found at the end of campus near the forestry building. This coffee spot has great drip and espresso. The drip is rich, but the beans aren’t too sour, and the espresso drinks are great! When I’m on the forestry/ engineering side of campus this spot is my go-to.
Located at both the Alumni center and the Sauder building, Loafe Cafe has some great lattes! The drip coffee is delicious, and the latte drinks are tasty. While very convenient, the drinks are priced on the higher end. If you are looking for a little treat, this is the place for you!
This pawfect (a little dog pun for you all) coffee spot is located on the “arts” side of campus near the Iona building and is a great coffee spot with delicious lattes! A UBC classic and one of the first coffee places I visited on campus, I would highly recommend this spot if you are looking for some decent drip and espresso coffee!
Blue Chip Cafe – A UBC Classic located in the Nest! When I’m looking for affordable and decent drip and espresso drinks this is the place I go to. I personally think that their drip is better than the espresso, but both are good! Additionally, while this blog post is for coffee, I can’t help but mention that if you are there, the cookies make for a great snack!
I know that there are so many other great coffee spots on campus, but these are the ones I love the most and that in my opinion have pretty good coffee! What is your favorite coffee spot, and do you dare to disagree with the ranking?
Vancouver is such a diverse city, so many vibrant neighbourhoods each with their own unique histories and atmosphere. Searching for a place to live off campus can be very stressful, especially when thinking about what type of neighbourhood to live in and what type of people and cultures you want to surround yourself with. As a student entering my fourth year at UBC, I’ve come to live in quite a few locations around Vancouver as well as meet a variety of people who also live in diverse neighbourhoods. These are my top four neighbourhoods to live off-campus, based on affordability, things to do outside of school and commuting time – because at the end of the day we all want to live in an area that doesn’t take a million years to get to school from.
1. Kitsilano
By far one of my favourite neighbourhoods to spend time in, one of the nice things about living in Kitsilano is the proximity to UBC, the beach and downtown. Kitsilano is about a 20–30-minute bus ride away from UBC. When not studying hard on campus (or in the library) there are an abundance of cafes to study at, clothing stores to shop at, and beaches to sit on. Despite the costly rent, this neighbourhood is one of the best to live in.
Another one of my favourite neighbourhoods to live in is Kerrisdale, located on the west side of Vancouver and a 40-minute commute by bus to UBC. While the bus ride may be long, the cost of living is fair and there are an abundance of restaurants and small stores to shop in that really make this neighbourhood a great place to call home.
Photo by Jaya
3. West Point Grey
West Point Grey is one of the closest neighbourhoods to UBC, only a 10–15-minute bus ride away, if a short commute from campus is what you are looking for. While the commute time is short, rent is high and with most student living in basement suits, it can be difficult to being willing to pay a pretty penny for a subterranean experience. Even though basements may not be for everyone, West Point Grey has a close-knit feel, with plenty of small restaurants and fantastic places to meet with friends for a night out.
Mount Pleasant is located closer to the east side of Vancouver, just pass Cambie Village. Mount Pleasant is filled with vibrant murals, trendy restaurants, and several outdoor stores. Mount Pleasant is a 30–40-minute bus ride from UBC and has a multitude of apartment buildings and single-family homes to rent. While the housing price varies, restaurants and cafés are generally quite expensive.
While the thought of finding housing off campus can be stressful and finding the perfect neighbourhood can be daunting, I hope these rankings of neighbourhoods are helpful when trying to determine which areas to live in. Let me know your favourite neighbourhood in Vancouver in the comments!
Welcome to my list of five UBC bathroom gems! These are all clean, private, and accessible friendly bathrooms on campus. They are great if you are in the area and need somewhere to do your business in peace. I have rated each of these bathrooms based on their cleanliness, accessibility (wheelchairs and how easy they are to find), and privacy, along with a rating out of five stars. So here are my top 5 bathrooms at UBC!
How I rated the bathrooms:
Desperate times, call for desperate measures.
It doesn’t smell good, but at least it’s convenient!
It is good enough for a quick trip.
Comfortable, but there are no paper towels 🙁
The best bathroom ever, to do your business in privacy and peace.
The Law Library has my favourite bathroom on campus! Each of the bathrooms is private, clean, has no weird smell, and offers enough space to have a little dance party. It is a bit harder to reach because the Library is located on the second floor of the Allard School of Law building, but the bathrooms are worth the extra walking distance.
The 5th floor bathrooms in Koerner Library are great to use if you’re studying in the library or somewhere else in the area. There are two bathrooms on this floor: both are clean, dry, and quite spacious. The downside is that there are no paper towels, only a hand dryer. Koerner is centrally located on campus and the bathrooms are accessible via elevator or stairs.
The first floor bathrooms in the Biology north building are a fantastic place to go if you need to use the bathroom in between classes. On the first floor there are two huge bathroom stalls that are very clean! The biology building is centrally located on campus near the fountain on Main Mall. It’s accessible by taking the elevator or stairs.
Located just off Main Mall, the second floor MacLeod Building bathrooms are a good place to go if you’re on the southern part of campus. It is a big bathroom with multiple stalls and many sinks! The downside is that this is not a single-stall bathroom, and there are no paper towels. It is still good if you don’t want to wait in a huge line and just need somewhere to go quickly.
This hidden gem is located just off East Mall, close to Woodward Library. On each floor of the building, there is a men’s, women’s, and an accessible/single-stalled bathroom. I highly recommend this if you’re in the area and need somewhere private, clean, and equipped with paper towels!! Bonus: there’s a nursing room in each of the women’s bathrooms equipped with chairs, a couch, and a table.
It’s easy to get stuck going through the motions; from juggling courses and club activities to work and volunteering, we can easily fall into a repetitive school-work-extracurriculars cycle. I felt like I was in a rut, doing the same things over and over again. I soon realized it was impacting my academics: I felt less motivated and less productive. Upon reflection, I realized the days I felt most energized were the days I had done something outside my usual routine.
Seeking New Experiences
Eager to make a change, I challenged myself to try one new thing a day. I decided to start small and find ways to break up the routine I already had. Here are some easy, low time-commitment activities I tried to make even the busiest of days feel more interesting and exciting!
Making Learning Exciting
Study in a new spot on campus: I used UBC’s informal learning spaces page as a study space bucket list and tried to visit at least one new space every week. Seeing a new part of UBC got me excited about studying and gave me a chance to discover parts of campus that I might never have gone to otherwise!
Sit in a different spot in class: It’s easy to get used to a particular seat and group of people in class. Trying a new spot was a great way to meet new people and hear different perspectives.
Try a new study technique or note-taking method: When doing pre-readings, I tried making summary notes after every three pages instead of taking detailed notes for each page. Trying new methods like this improved my focus and helped me learn more about what strategies work best for me.
Try a new route to school: Starting my day off watching new parts of the city go by made me feel more excited and energized for the day ahead. Who knows, you may actually discover a more efficient route in the process! If you’re already on campus, consider switching up your route to get to class.
Mixing up my meals: Picking a new ingredient to add to my meals each week was a great way to diversify my diet and have fun experimenting with new recipes. If you’re grabbing lunch on campus, why not try a new food spot!
Take a Break
Change up study breaks by visiting a campus attraction you haven’t been to before: For example, I visited the Botanical Garden as part of a UBC Recreation Wellbeing Walk during one lunch break, and it was much more refreshing than my usual choice of scrolling through my phone.
Drop in for a campus event: I tried a candle-making workshop held by my faculty’s undergraduate society and it was a great way to learn a new skill!
Challenging myself to look for new experiences every day has helped me get out of my rut by giving me something to look forward to. I also feel a sense of accomplishment, further motivating me to keep this habit up! Let us know how you find novelty in everyday life in the comments below!
I first learned how to ski from my dad when I was just 7 years old and switched over to snowboarding when I was 12. Although I was nervous at first to try such an extreme sport, both experiences have been some of the best decisions I have ever made!
Want to try skiing or snowboarding but don’t know how to get started? Read on for tips and tricks to have a successful first day on the snowy hills!
Mt. Seymour
First stop, Vancouver has a few local mountains perfectly suited to different levels of ski-mastery!
Mt. Seymour is great for beginners and those just learning to ski. While just a 40-minute drive from the Central Vancouver area, Seymour is also reachable by shuttle. I found the mountain to be smaller than the other three mountains with shorter and easier runs. Seymour also offers many other activities, like snowshoeing, tubing, and tobogganing, which was great when I went with a group of friends who didn’t all want to ski! Rentals are the cheapest at this mountain, and also rent out winter clothes, like ski pants and jackets, which I found super helpful for my friends who are just winter activity-curious! Seymour offers student-value season passes, which can be purchased at the beginning of the season; however, because Seymour is a beginner mountain, I would recommend getting the regular passes, either all-day or night-ski, to practice before moving up this list to a more advanced mountain!
Grouse Mountain is a great family-sized mountain with runs for all beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. A 20-minute drive from Central Vancouver, there is a Grouse Transit route that goes directly to the mountain. The mountain is accessible by a gondola ride, and Grouse boasts a cute chalet with diverse menu options that gets very busy during traditional lunch and dinner times, so I always go eat at unorthodox times to skip the rush! Rentals are comparatively pricier and ski clothing is loaned on a first-come, first-serve basis, while smaller items such as gloves and goggles are not rented. Grouse also has a student-value season pass and regular lift ticket booking, both all-day and night skiing. Grouse Mountain also hosts many other activities that I love, such as the skating pond, snowshoeing, the light walk, theatre in the sky, and sliding zones! In my opinion, Grouse also has the best night views! (A small warning: the lines to get down the mountain on the gondola do get very long near the end of the day)
Cypress Mountain is the largest of the local mountains and my go-to slope as an intermediate/advanced rider. It’s a 30-minute drive out from Central Vancouver and is also reachable by shuttle. With a large chalet and plenty of meal options, I always love to unwind there with a cup of hot chocolate after a long day of snowboarding. Cypress offers rentals at an in-between price (compared to Mt. Seymour and Grouse Mountain) and has ski clothing rental options as well. While there are no student-value season passes available at Cypress, lift tickets are pre-bookable online for full-day, afternoon, and night-ski options. There are also great snowshoeing hikes, cross-skiing, and snow tubing options available to check out at Cypress Mountain!
Whistler Blackcomb is considered one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and I think that the best way to get the most out of a trip here is to already have some fundamental skiing or snowboarding experience, as the mountain is quite large. I’ve gone on quite a few ski trips to Whistler with my friends, and let me tell you, it is so much fun! With restaurants on the slopes and a huge village to shop and eat at, I can spend days here (I especially love Cow’s Ice Cream!). Whistler is a 2-hour drive out from Central Vancouver, but there is also a shuttle, which I always take when I’m heading up there. There are also student-value season passes and regular lift tickets available, but it’s always good to be aware of the opening and closing times at Whistler because they tend to close much earlier than the local mountains. Be sure to consider the different activities that Whistler offers, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ziplining, and the spa!
I grew up eating a lot of dishes that are heavily meat-based, like traditional Kazakh beshbarmaq. In university, I started cooking for myself and found that I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare food. I started relying on “quick and easy” recipes like pasta, stir-fry noodles, or sandwiches without really thinking about what I was eating. That’s why I’m challenging myself to diversify my diet by eating more veggies for a week!
To begin, I started by finding some yummy and easy-to-make recipes. Luckily, I’ve included my favourites below!
Baked Veggies
I love baked veggies, because they are so easy and delicious. I can just throw them in the oven and do other things while they’re cooking!
Step 1: Gather whatever veggies you want (or have) – my fav combo so far is broccoli, cauliflower, butternut squash and sweet potatoes!
Step 2: Mix the Wash them, chop them into slices, cubes, or chunks (whatever you like) and lay them on a baking tray.
Step 3: Add some oil and coat the veggies in your favorite spices – mine are just salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Bake them! I put them in at 350℉ for about 50 minutes. Check on them at the halfway mark (just to be sure they aren’t burning!). Gently poke the veggies with a fork to check if they’re done. If it’s soft, they are ready to eat!
Salads are a great way to eat more veggies by making them more fun & tasty! They also don’t require any cooking, so I can put one together in just 5-10 minutes!
Step 1: Slice up whatever vegetables you like – my favourite combo is tomatoes and cucumbers.
Step 2: Mix the sliced vegetables with some greens.
Step 3: Jazz it up! I like adding feta or bocconcini cheese to my salad.
tep 4: Drizzle some dressing (like balsamic vinegar or ranch) for a chef’s kiss salad.
Compared to the first day, I noticed that I am more mindful and intentional with what I am eating, which has made my meals more special and satisfying. I also noticed I feel more energized, which I have been loving!
Takeaways
Here are some tips I picked up during my week to help mindfully plan my diet:
When I don’t know what to cook, I like to check out the vegetarian or vegan recipes that student-staff put on the walls in the Food Hub Market. They make recipe suggestions based on the groceries that are available – super handy!
Live in a UBC residence? Make a one-on-one appointment with a dietician on-campus for free! Live off campus, but still want to chat with a dietician? Free access is available via phone and email through 8-1-1.
Before starting first year, I so nervous to meet a whole bunch of new people and find my place in such a large university! With so many clubs, volunteer opportunities, and jobs on campus, I found it difficult to figure out where to start. After a bit of trial and error, here’s how I found my chosen family on campus!
I started volunteering at the UBC Food Hub Market because I’m passionate about community service; I soon found some of my closest friends in the other volunteers. The first time I really connected with everyone was when we made Everything Bagel Seasoning. This was my first time making the seasoning and making it with new friends was such a great bonding experience because we started to talk about all the food we would like to try our seasoning with and started sharing our favorite recipes.
Going to different club events has been another way I’ve made friends on campus. Personally, I love joining UBC Kaba events because I get to eat the tastiest Filipino treats and listen to other people’s amazing karaoke skills! Through these events I have met so many amazing people and even went to go get coffee with a new friend that I made through our club events.
I also love getting to meet people in my faculty in a more casual, less academic setting. Recently, I helped the Commerce Undergraduate Society host a Paint Night for other second years and it was so great to see everyone let loose a little bit. While hosting this activity, I got to meet so many students in the same year & faculty and we bonded over our classes and favorite professors. From this activity, I got to meet tons of new friends that I now get to sit with in class!
Getting involved helped me find my family within the larger UBC community. I would love to hear how you found yours in the comments below!
Reading Week is my favourite time to get away with my friends and relax, before the stress of finals hits! The weather is (finally!) warming up, making it a great time to get out into nature. Don’t have any plans for the break yet? Here are some of my favourite adventures around Vancouver, for your consideration.
Not quite ready to say goodbye to snow? Lucky for you, Whistler is a winter wonderland! Riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is great way to check out those alpine views. There’s also tons of great skiing and snowboarding, if that’s your thing! I, on the other hand, had never done any winter sports before my first trip to Whistler. The ice rink in the Olympic Village is beginner-friendly, making it the perfect spot to try skating for the first time. Even though I managed to fall while holding onto a skating aid, I had a fun time laughing about it with my friends. Feeling adventurous? I tried bungee jumping into the glacier-fed Cheakamus River but after seeing my friends fall to their impending doom, I quickly learned it was not for me. Just looking for some rest & relaxation? Whistler has a plethora of pubs, coffee shops and fine dines offering a vibrant village life.
Fancy the island life? Just a ferry ride away, Victoria is my go-to stop for a short and sweet trip. I love strolling along the charming and historic Inner Harbor and stopping at the Fisherman’s Wharf to soak in the ocean views. I had the best tropical fruit juice ever from a small food truck right in front of the Fairmont Hotel on the pier. Butchart Gardens is another one of my favourite spots, with their wide variety of flowers – yes, there are flowers in bloom in February!
Looking to experience the rugged west coast? Tofino is the place to be! It’s my go-to spot to watch the sun sink over the ocean on a secluded beach away from the world and all your worries. Think that sounds a little boring? Think again! Tofino has world-class surfing; the adrenaline rush from riding the waves is so addictive! Being so close to the ocean, Tofino has some of the best seafood I’ve ever eaten. Planning ahead is super important, especially because BC can have very volatile weather during February. I always check the weather and road conditions before heading out on any adventure, but especially when passing through areas with no network coverage!
I have had the time of my life visiting all these places with my friends and making new memories. I would love to hear your favourite places to go on nearby adventures in the comments below!
Last summer, I worked as a barista in Hanoi, my hometown. When I came back to Canada, I also got a job working as a barista. I noticed the difference in workplace culture between the West Coast of Canada and Northern Vietnam, which resulted in several miscommunications for me at the beginning. Here’s how I’ve grown to understand some of the cultural differences and prevent workplace conflicts
In Vietnam we use a hierarchical structure, so we must use formal terms to show respect. Roles are usually defined in Asian workplaces. It is impolite for employees to disagree with senior management. Most Canadian companies have a flat structure, meaning everyone is equal and encouraged to share feedback and ideas. I’ve noticed everyone talks to each other quite casually, no matter their age or status.
This difference led to several misunderstandings for me initially. My manager in Canada used to think I was shy because I wasn’t talkative. In reality, the formal work culture in Vietnam made me more reserved. I used formal words when talking to him and wasn’t very good at small talk at the start. It made him think that I was unfriendly and then I felt uncomfortable approaching him when there was a problem. Over time, I adapted to the West Coast workplace culture and opened up more. My relationship with my manager and coworkers got better and our teamwork improved.
I’ve found that Canadian workplaces tend to appreciate honest and direct communication. Of course, we still have to be polite and considerate of the receiver’s feelings; however, in Northern Vietnam, people have a more indirect way of saying things; people value saving face and maintaining good group relations. They tend to prefer diplomacy. So, my manager in Vietnam provided feedback in a nicer and longer way. Whenever he wanted something done, he would drop hints. There were times I had to guess what he wanted me to improve based on how he said certain things. It also meant I could easily misunderstand what he meant! However, when I was working in Canada, a manager told me I tend to be long-winded, which made it difficult for him to understand what I was trying to say. Over time, I practiced and became more concise, which helped to prevent miscommunication.
These are a few of the workplace cultural differences I’ve experienced. It can be difficult to work in a different workplace culture. However, with time, patience, and an open mind, it can become a stepping stone towards better opportunities and new experiences. Please tell me about your experience working in Canada compared to other places. Share in the comments below!
During my first year at UBC, I would often find myself looking for new (and affordable!) places to eat whenever I would grow tired of home cooked meals. It took me a while and a couple of years of trying out different places to figure out which ones I really liked. Here are some of my favourite spots for a meal under $15 dollars and within a 30-minute bus ride from campus.
Jo’s is located on Alma and Broadway, around 15 minutes from campus. They have a good variety of pasta, as well as sandwiches, although I personally am obsessed with the pasta! My favorite is the Rosé sauce pasta, coming in under $12.
On West Broadway and Bayswater, Tachingon is around 20 minutes away. It’s a colorful and very cozy space offering authentic Mexican street food. Their tacos cost around $4 each; my personal favorites are their Beef Fajita and Pescado flavors. The churros, coming in under $7, are a hidden gem!
While not technically a meal, Koko Monk’s huge variety of hot chocolates make a great dessert or tasty treat, with most around the $10 mark. I recommend trying the Harem A La Turca, which has dark chocolate, salted caramel, and Turkish coffee (for a little extra kick). Koko Monk has two locations relatively close to campus; I love going to the one on W1st Ave, about 30 minutes away, and grabbing a cozy hot chocolate for a beach stroll at Kits.
I’m always searching for my next tasty spot; let me know your favorite affordable hidden gems in the comments below!
This blog discusses the flora and fauna found around UBC’s Point Grey campus and in Pacific Spirit Park. As a forestry student here at UBC I learn a lot about the history of Pacific Spirit Park, and I have spent quite a bit of time learning about the native vegetation. Pacific Spirit Park is such a special place and I want to acknowledge that Pacific Spirit Park and UBC are located on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.
UBC’s Vancouver Campus is known for its beauty and scenic views. Located right by the beach and Pacific Spirit Park there is an abundance of plant and animal life to be found. As busy students, it can be difficult to slow down to appreciate the diversity of native flora and fauna that is around us and see just how much life is around us on our busy day to day. Hopefully this blog post can serve as a reminder to take a step back and look around. Here are some common native trees, plants, and animals found around campus!
Sword Ferns! They’re everywhere and once you start seeing them you can never stop. These dark green ferns can grow up to 1.5 metres tall and are distinguished by the lobes at the base of the leaf’s stems (dandurston, 2016). These ferns can be found all over campus but are most abundant around Pacific Spirit Park and the Wreck & Tower Beach area.
Salmon berries, have you ever heard of them? Personally, I never knew about them until I moved out West. These thorny golden-stemmed shrubs grow up to a metre tall and bloom pink flowers in spring, producing a delicious raspberry-like fruit (habitatdana, 2016). Though the fruit is edible, I don’t recommend eating berries from plants you are unfamiliar with! Salmon berries can be found throughout Pacific Spirit Park and in areas of campus that are closer to the park.
Fly agaric mushrooms are an iconic and vibrant mushroom that can be found all over campus in the late fall months. These red and orange mushrooms with white dots on the cap are found all over the world and are deeply embedded in many fairy tales and folklore (Jenny, 2023)!
Walking around campus, this iconic BC tree species may be seen all over! Out of the two tree species mentioned here, cedars are the easiest tree to identify, in my opinion. Western Red Cedars are a softwood tree species that has grey stringy bark (B.C. Ministry of Forestry, n.d.). This tree species is found all over the coastal area of BC.
Dark–eyed Junco are a sparrow with a dark-grey or brown body, white tail, and pink beak (Cornell University, n.d.). You can often see these birds foraging on the ground and low in bushes (Cornell University, n.d.). I love seeing these little guys skitter around, chirping and foraging in the bushes. These birds can be spotted all over campus.
Conclusion
Interested in learning more about the abundance of wildlife found around campus? I suggest checking out the app iNaturalist. It is a great community science app that allows users to identify different plant and animal species and to help others with identifying different species as well. I would also love hearing about any of the flora and fauna you spot around campus in the comments below!
References
Cornell University. (n.d.). Dark-eyed Junco Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id
dandurston. (2016). A Guide to Ferns of the Pacific Northwest. IntoCascadia. https://intocascadia.com/2016/10/28/an-easy-guide-to-ferns-of-the-pacific-northwest/
Ministry of Forestry. (n.d.). Western redcedar—Province of British Columbia. Province of British Columbia. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/silviculture/tree-spe cies-selection/tree-species-compendium-index/western-redcedar
At least once in your life, you probably have been told: “the friends you make in university will be your life-long friends”. Well, in a school full of thousands of students, where exactly can we find those friends? School Clubs! Whether it’s your first year on campus or you are looking to meet people with shared common interests, joining a club is a great place to start!
Over 350+ AMS Clubs
When I first entered university, I was surprised to hear that there is most likely a club for each and every passion on campus. In fact, there are over 350+ clubs on AMS Campusbase, covering a wide range of interests to choose from. Whether it is a shared career path, vision of the future, or a hobby we do 3-5 times a week, there is a community out there waiting for us to join! As overwhelming as it can be, the website can filter through a plethora of clubs to show only the ones we are interested in! I study Global Health and am interested in philanthropic clubs. My personal favorite is Islamic Relief @ UBC. Besides Campusbase, AMS also hosts an in-person club fair at the beginning of each term. It’s an excellent opportunity to interact with clubs in person.
How to Join a Club
Though joining a club might seem overwhelming at first, there are multiple roles with varying commitment levels to suit everyone’s needs. This ranges anywhere from commitment-free general member positions to high commitment executive positions. Not sure if it’s the right club for you? Try attending their first event to get a glimpse of what the environment and the club is truly about. Most clubs have social media pages with information about their upcoming events.
Despite the many clubs there are, some passions are waiting for someone to build a home for them. Yearning for a specific club? Why not start it! Trust me, it is a rewarding journey that is much easier than it seems.
Now that we have reached the end, it is time to start your journey. Just like how Mickey Mouse has his Clubhouse, I wish you the best in finding, or creating, your own clubhouse that brings you joy!
Snow and Vancouver are two things that do not go well together. Every year our rainy city is taken aback by the soft white flurries that come with Canadian winters. Fortunately, we only get a few days of snow every year, but things can get pretty dysfunctional. To help navigate these rare snowy days, here is what I make sure to do every winter!
Clear out the Driveway Before It’s too Late
It’s the first day of snow and as much as I want to sit back and admire the snow-capped roofs, I need to get to work and clear up any snow that has piled up on my driveway and car. I’m tempted to sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, but I’d rather get my workout at the gym instead of spending multiple hours shoveling a mountain of snow.
Avoid the Road
This is something that every Vancouverite knows – our transportation infrastructure can grind to a halt once we get a few inches of snow. A lot of transit delays and accidents happen, and it is generally safer to avoid being on the road if possible!
Grocery Shop before it Snows
This is something I learned the hardest way possible – by falling on an icy sidewalk with a 5kg bag of rice in my hand. Carrying heavy groceries around Vancouver’s icy roads is not a good idea, especially when taking public transit. I always run to the grocery store the moment I see snow in the weather forecast and shop for a month’s worth of groceries. This tip has served me well over the years.
UBC Flickr
Wear Good Snow Shoes
I excitedly bought a very cute pair of rain boots when I first moved to Vancouver thinking that they would survive everything the weather could throw at them. Unfortunately, my boots were not sufficient for the slush and black ice that takes over the pavements during snow season. I spent my first winter slipping every time I got off a bus and walking at a speed of 2km/hr. To avoid being in the same situation, I would highly recommend some sturdy shoes with a grip that can stay balanced on slippery surfaces.
I hope the tips above are as helpful for those looking to navigate Vancouver’s occasional encounters with snow as they are for me! Share your cold weather tips in the comments below.
As someone fortunate enough to not have to think about paying living costs because I lived with my parents, I never fully understood the value of money until I got my first job. I will be honest, learning how to budget is overwhelming. There are so many resources – I did not know where to begin! Here’s what I found helpful when planning out my own budget for the first time.
Writing down every transaction is time-consuming. I like to use an app, specifically Mint although there are many others, to help me track all the expenses. I find it helpful to track my spending based on my budgeting goals. I categorize my expenses, and the app lets me know if I have exceeded my targeted budget, which is really convenient. It also provides notifications for any upcoming bills, low balances in the account, and unusual activity. If you are a beginner budgeter like me, give this a try!
Initially, I was unsure how much I should budget and wanted some advice from a professional, so I booked an appointment with my Enrolment Services Advisor. My advisor, located in the Enrolment Services Advising Center, provided some helpful tips:
Look at all my transactions and the remaining budget I have in an area like food, transportation, and entertainment once a week. It made it easier for me to stick to my budget as I was more aware of how much I was spending and how much I had left in my budget.
Plan out a budget for the entire year: From compiling all the expected income and fixed expenses, I could see how reasonable my budget was. Initially, it felt like a waste of time drafting the plan because I didn’t think I would end up following it. Eventually, it gave me a sense of direction in what I needed to do to achieve my goals and made the process seem less overwhelming.
Pay with actual cash instead of using credit/debit cards to meet my budget goal. This made it easier for me to keep track of how much money I had left to spend. After one or two months, I became more aware of my spending habits, which allowed me to manage my spending better.
Budgeting seems like a complicated task, but it is not as intimidating as it seems after getting started. I would love to learn more about your experience with budgeting and your tips in the comments below!
“2023 is almost over? No way!” is what I keep thinking as December comes to a close. But, after a term full of (what seems like) endless midterms and assignments, we could all definitely use the time to kick back and relax. Winter break is perfect to do just that, so we’ve put together a list of cozy activities to make the best out of your holiday!
Not sure where to get your entertainment fix? Have no fear! UBC gives access to thousands of films and books; all you need is your Campus-Wide Login (CWL)!
For all the book worms out there, Novelist Plus Database is a literary treasure trove. Want to find your next read? This is the place to go.
Want to go back in time? Women Writers Online features early writing from women, dating all the way back to the 16th century! How’s that for a history lesson?
Looking for some comfort and entertainment this break? Read these blog posts for some ideas:
Take a look at this Winter Movie List of some holiday favourites to find your next watch!
Whether you’re on vacation on a tropical beach, or staying in the comfort of your home, breaks are a great time to pick up a new hobby. Read Mika’s blog post on Journaling for a Week for some inspiration!
Moral of the story: take the time to recharge and be kind to yourself! Juggling academics with work, friends, and other life stress can be draining. Getting through this term–whether as a first year or a seasoned student–is a huge achievement and a step towards greater things. Now, go get that well-deserved rest and let us know if you tried any of our suggestions in the comments!
As the winter break looms just around the corner, I’ve been starting to think about all the movies I’m going to watch on rapid fire the second my last exam is done. Growing up, I would always watch tons of holiday movies with friends and family, usually Christmas movies, since that’s what we celebrate. These movies have always been a fun, cozy, and magical way for me to spend the time off and the days spent indoors avoiding the rain, so I wanted to share some of my own personal favorites with you this holiday season. That being said, I know that there are countless amazing movies out there, holiday themed or otherwise, and if you’ve got any that you love and wouldn’t mind sharing, please do so in the comment section below!
Frostbitten Fantasy Extravaganza:
These are my movies that are not exactly holiday movies, but they ARE. It just feels right to be watching them when you’re all cozy in bed and it’s snowing outside.
The entirety of the Harry Potter octalogy: These are a classic for me; an absolute must watch every holiday season, it will make you so happy and nostalgic. There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Hogwarts.
Frozen: Outside is frozen, this is Frozen, it just makes sense.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended versions only): Ready to take on a big adventure this break? I know I am, from the comfort of my bed. Also, who has the time to watch these during the term?
Worried about how your mom will react to all the family shenanigans this holiday season? Laugh the pain away with one of these comedy jackpots.
Any Adam Sandler movie: duh. Notable mentions include Just Go With It, 50 First Dates, and Jack and Jill.
Adam Sandler’s The Chanukah Song: This should possibly fall into the “Any Adam Sandler movie” category, but I think it deserved its own recognition.
SNL Holiday Sketches: If you haven’t watched Saturday Night Live before, I’m sorry about your Saturday nights. Seasonally appropriate holiday sketches are a great place to start!
Elf-tastic Hilarity:
These are still comedic gold, but more pointed ears and tiny stature.
Elf: It’s not the holidays without Will Ferrel and secondhand embarrassment.
Shrek the Halls: Maybe ogres don’t typically celebrate Christmas, but that doesn’t mean they can’t.
The Santa Clause: If anyone knows Elf Judy’s hot chocolate recipe, I’m dying to know. In the meantime, you can try this recipe by Oishi, a Chapman Learning Commons Assistant: Cooking for Comfort: Recipes to Soothe Your Soul.
Epic, tragic, gut-wrenching, heart-bursting, devastating – just a few ways to describe what these movies will put you through.
Happiest Season: Personally, if I was dating Kristen Stewart, I would know how lucky I was (I’d get to hang out with Dan Levy, for one), but we can’t all have that figured out I suppose.
Love Actually: Come ON Alan Rickman, don’t do us like that! (If you know, you know).
The Holiday: If you need a reason to watch another holiday rom com, I’ll give you two: Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.
When Harry met Sally: Looking for a reason to cry? To be honest, I’m not even totally sure why I’m crying, but I am (Oh, and you’ll laugh too).
Sleepless in Seattle: In case you watched When Harry Met Sally and thought “Man, I could go for more Meg Ryan” (Who couldn’t?!).
Goblin: A K-drama classic without any love triangles? I thought it was impossible, but lo and behold!
Festive Nostalgia:
Last but not least, my personal classics that I rewatch every single year, without fail. Haven’t seen them all? Your time is now!
The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper: If you are going to watch anything from this list, let it be this. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private are the timeless penguin quad squad you need. Watch them overcome adversity and the challenges of penguin pandemonium in this heartwarming testament to friendship and family.
The Grinch (with Jim Carrey): it’s giving *maniacal laughter*
Barbie: A Christmas Carol: Don’t sleep on Barbie (Greta Gerwig knows that); now it’s time for you to know it too.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Cat enthusiasts, avert your eyes! (TW: cat + Christmas tree + electrical cords = you do the math).
Charlie Brown Christmas: Makes me feel better about whatever sad crippled little Christmas tree I bring home each year.
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Chaos & delight, brought to us by our beloved green frog friend Kermit.
Reply 1988: My mom’s personal favorite, this K-drama will make you fall in love with all (and I mean ALL) of the characters.
Fiddler on the Roof: it’s time for TRADITION! (Yes, this is a pun. Yes, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out).
Now you’ve seen my list, I’d love to see yours! If you have any movies or other activities or traditions that are special to you this time of year please share them below – I would love to expand my repertoire!
Covered by the AMS Health and Dental Plan, the Student Health Service offers a variety of resources for mental health care, including counselling, wellness workshops, primary care, and more.
Time can often feel out of our control – how can we tame it? Learn about balancing life and its demands to fit your needs!
Your Turn
Now that you’ve learned about ways to reframe learning challenges, try using a chatbot like ChatGPT or MS Copilot to engage in further discussion. Here are some prompts to get started:
Act as a clinical psychologist and provide 10 reasons why I might have negative thoughts with strategies to combat them.
Act as a cognitive behavioural therapist and ask me questions one at a time to reframe this negative thought: ____.
Drop your comments below and tell us how you’ve reframed some negative thoughts!
When I moved into my first apartment at the end of my freshman year at UBC, one of the things I found great joy in was cooking meals for myself. With the move, I acquired a new sense of freedom to cook what I wanted to eat, and I was no longer restricted by the options in the dining halls around campus. Whether I am stressed from trying to complete assignments and readings, or I am feeling a little down from missing my family, I find a lot of comfort in food.
Today, I will be sharing some recipes to keep you warm in the cold weather, and to give you maximum comfort during a grueling submissions period. Mushrooms are a special feature in a couple of these recipes as they are great in cold weather! These recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and easy on the wallet. And, delicious (obviously!).
Recipe 1: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Who said fancy can’t be simple? Don’t be daunted, this risotto actually only takes twenty minutes to whip up, and it is warm, silky, and decadent.
You will need (for a single serving):
6-7 sliced cremini mushrooms
Half of a small white onion, OR one shallot, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
About 2 1/2 cups of chicken OR vegetable stock
½ cup of arborio rice
Some chopped parsley
Some olive oil
Salt and pepper
Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Photo by Oishi
Step 1: Heat up some oil in the pan (medium-low heat), then add your onions and sliced mushrooms. Once soft and fragrant, add your minced garlic. We add the garlic in the end to avoid burning it. Step 2: Add your uncooked rice to the veggies and the oil and mix for a minute to get the grains a bit toasted. Step 3: Add one cup of stock to the pan and mix well to get any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring, as the stock gets absorbed. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add another cup of stock to the pan and cook with the lid covered for about 13 minutes. Keep checking on it and stirring it to avoid it sticking together. Step 5: After most of the liquid has been absorbed, taste the rice and check if it still has a bit of a bite in the middle. If you would like it softer, add more stock and keep stirring, until you have a glossy, smooth consistency, and the rice is cooked to your liking. Step 6: Add in your cream and mix well. Add your seasonings, salt and pepper to taste. Step 7: Turn the heat off, and add in your parsley and mix. Step 8: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some cheese if you like!
Recipe 2: Mars Bar Hot Chocolate
Photo by Oishi
A low effort recipe yielding a rich, caramelly, chocolate drink that competes with coffee shop quality? This mug of comfort is out of this world (get it?). You can thank me later.
You will need (for a single serving):
One whole Mars bar
3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips/chunks
1 cup milk
Optional: a couple tablespoons of heavy whipping cream
Step 1: Heat up milk in a pan. Step 2: Break up your Mars Bar into smaller pieces and add it to the milk. Also add in your chocolate chips. Step 3: Mix and heat until there are no lumps and all is silky smooth. Step 4 (optional): In a separate bowl, using a whisk whip up your cream. Step 5: Pour your hot choc into your favorite mug, garnish with some whipped cream if you’d like. Wrap your fingers around the warm mug, and sip the chocolatey goodness.
Recipe 3: Mushroom Toast
This makes for an easy (that’s an understatement) light lunch or snack. Not a fan of mushrooms? Try it out with tofu or chickpeas!
You will need (for a single serving):
7-8 mushrooms, sliced or diced (I like using cremini mushrooms, but use whatever mushroom you like)
Two pieces of thick bread (sourdough goes great with this!)
3 tablespoons of butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
A pinch of oregano or pizza seasoning
1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)
A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper
Step 1: Stick your bread in the toaster, or fry it in a pan! Step 2: In a pan, add your butter (medium-low heat). Once melted, add your mushrooms. Step 3: Once your mushrooms are nice and toasty, add your garlic. Step 4: Add salt and pepper to taste, the oregano, and the chili flakes. Turn the heat off. Step 5: Remove your bread from the toaster, and spoon your mushrooms on to your toast. Drizzle the top with a bit of olive oil to garnish if you’d like. Enjoy!
Photo by Oishi
Want to try making these recipes in a dorm? A rice cooker should do the trick! Let us know how it went or if you have any comforting recipes you want to share in the comment section below!
The Wellness Center is a peer-hosted space on campus, offering many different wellbeing programs for students. Drop by in-person or submit a question online!
Explore the benefits of intense focus and concentration in an age of constant distractions, with strategies to cultivate profound productivity and achieve meaningful results.
Investigate the impact of the internet on our cognitive abilities, and whether constant online engagement is reshaping our brains and changing the way we think.
See how your ability to focus can play a role in your ability to harness your attention and enhance creativity in this Ted Talk by Chris Bailey. Learn how to harness your focus and minimize distractions to live a more meaningful life.
When I was in my first year, I struggled to find plant-based options that I really enjoyed! Now that I’ve scavenged around campus for 3 years, I’m here to share some of my favorite spots. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just PLANT-curious about trying some vegan options, I’ve got you covered!
Porch
The Porch, located in the Nest, has a plethora of vegan options – from bowls, sandwiches and wraps, there is something for everyone. I like to get a custom wrap or salad when I go.
I discovered the Porch in my first year during COVID and it quickly became one of my go-tos because of the limited vegan options offered during COVID and the variety it offered. Whether I was craving a fresh salad or a warm curry, they always had options. Throughout the years at UBC, their menu has slightly changed, always making me curious and excited about their new offerings! Now in my 4th year, it serves as a nostalgic place I can always count on for food during busy school days.
Stay energized between classes with a vegan protein smoothie – they offer an array of flavors to choose from. Try one of my favorites: vegan activist Erin Ireland’s To Live For vegan banana bread!
They also offer a vegan breakfast wrap, falafel wrap and a Greek wrap (my personal go to) in the refrigerated section so whenever I am in need of a quick meal, I know where to go!
Great Dane
My favorite spot and arguably the best veggie sandwich on campus – scurry towards Iona and try one out.
Great Dane was recommended to me by my friend and it has been a staple for me ever since. Their sandwiches are served on fresh focaccia bread and if you order their veggie sandwich without cheese, you can enjoy a unique vegan option. It comes with a variety of veggies, hummus and a balsamic glaze – yum!
Try their vegan vanilla ice cream or explore their seasonal rotating flavors. It’s a perfect treat for those sunny (or rainy…) days on campus.
Whether it’s after a club meeting, or a hot summer day, Rain or Shine has been my go-to on campus spot for ice cream.
Honorable mentions: Mercante, Jamjar, Kokoro, Agora Café, The Gallery (in the Nest), UPmeals vending machine in Ike’s Café
Exploring vegan options at UBC is not only delicious, but also a step towards a more sustainable and ethical future. Whether following a plant-based diet or looking to try something new, UBC has something for everyone. Let me know some of your favourite plant-based spots on campus!
References:
Chai, Bingli Clark, Johannes Reidar van der Voort, Kristina Grofelnik, Helga Gudny Eliasdottir, Ines Klöss, and Federico J. A. Perez-Cueto. 2019. “Which Diet Has the Least Environmental Impact on Our Planet? A Systematic Review of Vegan, Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets” Sustainability 11, no. 15: 4110. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154110
In my second year, I was experiencing some terrible tooth pains and needed to see a dentist as soon as possible. However, as an out-of-province student from Ontario, I was wildly unsure of how I was going to pay for the dentist visit, but I knew I had no choice. I had never used the AMS Student Health Care Plan and didn’t know how it worked.
I visited the dentist on campus and was prepared to go broke paying for the visit. However, they informed me that the visit was covered through the AMS Student Health Care Plan, and they directly billed the insurance company, meaning I only had to pay for a small portion of the visit. I was amazed that I saved over a hundred dollars using the student Health Care Plan (all while not having to do any extra steps myself)!
After this experience, I was thrilled to see what other services I could save more money on. For example, psychologists visits are covered up to 80% a visit (to a total of $1,250 a year)! I could not have guessed they also cover chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and naturopaths, each for $20 a visit and up to $400 per year. Heading on a trip or going on exchange? The plan includes up to 4 months of travel insurance as well!
I also saw that the plan covered $50 on eye exams and $80 on contact lenses or glasses every two years. I was beyond ecstatic because I have terrible eyesight and wear contacts on a daily basis. After I was done with my eye exam, they also directly billed the Health Care Plan making it easy peasy on my end!
I encouraged my friends to book (their long overdue) appointments to make the most out of the $338.00 they pay in student fees for the twelve months of AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan. Share your favourite ways to use the AMS Student Health Care Plan in the comments below!
Starting a new book can be a bit like rolling the dice, the excitement of entering a new world on one hand and the fear of disappointment on the other. This time around, I decided to switch things up. Instead of relying on the usual bestseller lists or recommendations from friends and strangers, how about reading books written by people I walk past every day?
As students at UBC, we are surrounded by professors who are experts in their fields, and they have some amazing experiences to share. So, here are four books from my reading list, penned by UBC faculty!
Between the countless books with the names of our faculty on the shelves, this bright yellow cover and comic image grabbed my attention from the first glance. As if this was not reason enough, turns out that the story is also set in Vancouver’s Chinatown, one of my favourite places for weekend strolling. Written by Kevin Chong, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, the premise of the story sounds very intriguing. We have a writer, Benson Yu, a teenage boy, Benny, and a supposedly reincarnated medieval samurai, Constantine. Behind its pleasant cover, there appears to be a dark secret unfolding; perhaps this a sign to read and find how it unfolds?
When life gives you lemons but you don’t know how to turn it into lemonade, a book could be the best way to get the recipe. Marlowe Banks, created by Associate Professor Jacqueline Firkins from the Department of Theatre & Film, seems to be the right company for my next “turn your life around” journey. Set in the behind-the-scenes of a TV show, we are promised an inspiring story of self-empowerment, redemption, and embracing second chances, with a sprinkle of heart fluttering romance. Surely this will be a good escape after exam season stress!
As a university student, nothing is more relatable than campus stories—tales full of chaos, dreams, unknown feelings, and shifting thoughts. Right up my alley, In the Defense of Liberty unfolds on a U.S. college campus in 1964, against a backdrop of cultural and personal turbulence. With a diverse cast of complex characters and relationships, UBC School of Creative Writing Professor Keith Maillard captures the essence of that era brilliantly. A book where can I imagine myself as part of the cast? I am all in!
Being a huge fan of dystopian fiction, the synopsis of the book immediately caught my attention. The Birth Yard by UBC School of Creative Writing Lecturer Mallory Tater promises a thrilling tale set in a world where female fertility and sexuality are controlled by a cult known as the Den. It seems like a combination of all my favorite tropes, including thriller, mystery, female empowerment, and an alternative reality. What more could I ask for?
Whether it is the weekend, or reading break, these books will be great companions for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As a self-proclaimed bibliophile, I’m always looking for my next read!
Let us know your book recommendations in the comments, we would love to hear them! All book cover images are from Amazon.
Interested in other books written by faculty? Check out this list by the UBC Bookstore!
Picture this: It’s a typical day in the life of a university student. You wake up, check your phone for messages, attend classes, complete assignments on your laptop, and unwind with some good old scrolling. Screens are our constant companions, right?
The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Mental Health
Excessive screen time can creep into our lives without us even noticing. Personally, I’ve experienced restless nights, scrolling through feeds, and felt a growing sense of anxiety and disconnection as a result of excessive screen time. Digital fatigue, that feeling of mental exhaustion after hours of screen use, can creep in unnoticed. It’s hard to ignore the constant stream of perfectly posed content that floods my feed, making me question if I’m measuring up. And let’s not forget the physical toll—my screen often keeps me glued to my seat, reducing physical activity.
Time for Change
A Digital Detox is going a period of time without using any digital devices. I thought I wouldn’t survive one! Not only did I survive, I felt mentally refreshed afterwards. I began with a simple commitment: going without my phone for two hours a day at first, then for an entire day! My first digital detox was hard, I would unconsciously reach for my phone in the middle of a task, but my productivity shot up, that was the motivator itself.
Implementing a digital detox can be transformative. Here’s what works for me:
Setting Clear Boundaries – I set dedicated times to be screen-free, especially during meals and the hour before bedtime. I step away from my computer, stretch, take a brief walk, read a book, or put my time and energy in a new hobby, for me that’s crocheting.
Digital Free Mornings – I’ve discovered that beginning my day without immediately reaching for my phone sets a positive tone. The night before, I intentionally place my phone far from my bed. This way, I have to get out of bed to turn off my alarm and can start my day right away. This habit has made me feel significantly less lethargic in the morning.
Phone Free Day – Once a week I set my phone aside for the whole day. I find this opens up so much time in my day and I get so much accomplished!
One Screen at a Time – When I’m attempting to get work done, I try to make it a habit to avoid reaching for my phone as much as I can. This is because once I get distracted it takes a lot more effort to focus again.
Join me on this journey to find balance in the digital age. Share any tips you have for going phone-free in the comments below!
Growing up, I was never brave enough to take on classic horror films, but the stories always intrigued me. Whether reading a pile of Goosebumps books, or watching the latest Youtube videos, I was clearly drawn to the paranormal. While spooky, it’s fun to think that we might not be as alone as we think, even on our very own campus.
Intrigued? Then join me on this haunted hay ride through the ghost stories of UBC!
Among the various stories that linger around campus, one of the most famous has to do with UBC’s hitchhiker ghost.
Legend has it, as drivers go down Marine Drive at night, they may encounter a young woman in a white dress. If passersby dare give her a ride, she disappears from the back seat. In her place? A slip of paper with the address of the old UBC Main Library (now IKBLC). It’s speculated that she’s the ghost of a student who was on her way to the library with her boyfriend. Shortly, she stepped out of the car during an argument and met a tragic end.
Interestingly, mostly male students have encountered her… and although she seems harmless, many say to keep driving.
Eerie Encounters in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Speaking of UBC’s old Main Library (now IKBLC), this building, while a hub for students, also appears to be a hub for ghosts.
A ghost that students have described as an old woman dressed in white, is often suspected of throwing items–like books–across the room.
Similarly, two staff members–Julie and Kristen–have experienced their fair share of oddities. During late hours, Julie would often hear an unexplainable typing sound. In any other case, she may have shrugged it off… but aside from one security guard, she was the only person left in the entire building-alive that is!
What’s more, her colleagues can vouch for her story. For some time, Kristen only knew about this ghost through her colleague. So when she first heard the typing, she couldn’t help feeling eerie as she peeked over the cubicles and found no one around. But whenever she or Julie would investigate further, the sound would promptly stop.
Kristen also encountered heavy wooden doors slamming on their own (despite there being no person or breeze) and elevators operating with no one on them. Furthermore, she heard from a night-shift guard that he would sometimes hear tapping in the Heritage Core. Curious, he would tap on a nearby wall–and something, or someone, would tap back in the exact same pattern.
Whether any of these stories are related to the old woman in white is unknown. And why IKB holds so many stories, no one knows.
In theory, there may be a connection between the hitchhiker and the library ghost. Both are women dressed in white–one of them is on their way to UBC’s old Main Library, and the other is already there. Perhaps our hitchhiker found her way to her final destination?
Regardless, it’s fun to hear some spooky campus stories–I hope you enjoyed the spine-chilling tales! Feel free to share your paranormal encounters in the comments below!
As a second-year graduate student, I thought I was quite familiar with the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC). I love using the dual display stations at the Chapman Learning Commons, enjoying the view from the Harry Potter Room (Ridington Room), and using the bookable study rooms to study with friends. However, it wasn’t until I started as a Chapman Learning Commons Assistant (CLCA) that I realized how many interesting spaces there are that I had never explored before!
Photo by Ruiying
Silent Study Spaces
Apart from the quiet study rooms, I discovered that the lounge on the first floor is very peaceful and rarely visited. To access it, simply go down the stairs near the southwest door (the one facing the Clock Tower). There are several green sofas and desks with chairs, making it a great spot to take a quiet break during lunch or read papers.
I can vividly recall the anxious moment when I needed to re-record a section of a podcast for an assignment, only to find that all the study rooms at IKBLC and Koerner Library were booked, meaning I couldn’t find a quiet room to finish my assignment. This term, I discovered the DIY Media Studio, which is the perfect spot to record audio for podcasts!
The DIY Media Studio is sound buffered and equipped with microphones, a mixing board, a webcam, and a Mac computer with audio and video software.
Tip: Bring an external memory device to save large files, since they cannot be saved to the workstation and are deleted between sessions.
Exam Period Meditation Space
During each exam period, I often wonder where to find a place to relax on a bustling campus filled with people. Now, as a CLCA, I know that there’s a room reserved in IKBLC during exams to provide a quiet space for students (and others) to reorganize their thoughts. I will definitely give meditation a try this December!
Those are a few of the “secret” spaces I have discovered so far in IKBLC. Let me know in the comments below if you have any other “secret” spots around campus!
Maneuvering through school jitters can be overwhelming; I find it so easy to stress myself out trying to keep up with all the deadlines! To cope with all the stress, I decided to try incorporating journaling into my daily routine to see how it would help me.
Journaling is the process of writing down thoughts and emotions to help understand them more clearly. Journaling can be done by responding to specific prompts or by writing down everything that is on your mind without using any structure whatsoever. I like to use prompts to get me started and write my responses down on my iPad for 10 to 15 minutes every morning as soon as I wake up to set the tone of my day. This allows me to spend some time with myself before I have to start working on all those deadlines!
Journal Prompts
Want to start journaling but don’t know where to begin? I find great prompts online – here are a couple of my favourites that I use to get started:
I am grateful for…
Something I did today that I am proud of is…
The highlight of my day is…
How do I treat myself after I have a bad day?
When I started to journal, I struggled with trying to make my responses “good” or “deep”, which made the process of journaling significantly less enjoyable. Answers do not need to live up to any expectations or standards, they just have to be honest answers. These responses are not seen by anyone so there is no need to stress about feeling judged. One of my moments of gratitude for today is that the sun is shining and I can go for a walk!
I found that journaling has helped me understand myself and think of ways that I can take better care of myself. For example, when journaling about how stressed out I am about school, work, and keeping up with all the deadlines, I realized I would greatly benefit from spending time doing something I love like watching a show – even if it is just for a couple of hours.
Give these journal prompts a try and see what works! If you have any interesting journal prompts, I would love to hear them in the comments below!
The housing crisis is an ever-present reality in the life of students. As a result, room sharing has become a popular option among students hoping to split the hefty rent bill. In my experience, beyond the financial incentives, having roommates is an adventure filled with wonderful memories. Sometimes, however, there is trouble in paradise. Occasional conflicts arise as each roommate tries to express their unique perspective. So, how does one deal with such conflicts?
The Importance of Realistic Expectations
When I had my first roommate, my mind swelled with utopian imaginings of how life together was going to be great. So, when we had our first misunderstanding, I was taken by surprise. “I can’t believe such a smart university student can be so immature”, I thought. My roommate probably thought the same thing. Wrong expectations and beliefs about having roommates can hamper conflict resolution. The following are some beliefs that I had to change:
“We have conflict because I am or they are a bad person”: A dispute does not always mean one or both people involved are bad or wrong. Conflicts are normal and they can be a sign that the involved parties are being transparent with each other. Sometimes it’s with those we feel closest to that we fight the most, because we feel comfortable with each other.
“It is my roommate’s fault that our conflict is ongoing”: Conflicts involve 2 or more people, and while it takes at least one person to start them, it also takes the effort of one person to stop them.
“My roommate is so immature”: We all come from different backgrounds which influence how we approach situations. So, it’s always important to try viewing the conflict from the other person’s vantage point.
Prioritizing “Let me listen” over “Let’s talk” in communication
“Let’s talk”! In the past, I’ve approached communication with the expectation of being heard, which can lead to an unmoderated debate rather than conversation. I once argued with a roommate about the “right way” to close our front door—yes, the door. When we tried “to talk”, the conversation became a vocabulary battleground. It wasn’t until I went to the discussion table with a “listening” mindset that communication started to help resolve the conflict. Suddenly, I started understanding why he wanted the door closed his way. The more I listened, I discovered that he had a bigger underlying worry. In fact, I discovered that the door was not the problem. It’s important to know that sometimes the source of the conflict is more nuanced, and listening can help you tease it out.
Ask for advice and help
Sometimes, roommates are not able to resolve disputes on their own. Third parties can be helpful in this case. If living on campus residence, it’s usually advised to talk to a Residence Advisor. If the conflict is threatening physical harm, it is important to call campus security or the police. Safety first! The following are some important contacts:
Campus Security: (604) 822-2222
Vancouver Police (Requiring Immediate Action): 911
Vancouver Police (Not Requiring Immediate Action): (604) 717-3321
Changing your expectations and beliefs is a step towards understanding the person and the conflict better, which can help resolve it. Let us know your tips for solving roommate disputes in the comments below!
Check out the University of Ottawa’s guide on staying motivated in college with unique strategies for setting goals and making it through each semester.
All right, picture this. The breeze is whisking curled leaves across the grey tiled path on Main Mall. If you are like me, you have emerged from a bright classroom, where you were watching the trees dance under the drizzling rain, hoping your professor will mistake the rumbling in your stomach for thunder. And now, there are only twenty minutes left to eat lunch before the next class! Where can you go? Fear not: here are my top 4 grab-and-go food spots on campus to satisfy hunger at lightning speed!
The Delly is on the lower level of the Nest. It has a wide selection of sandwiches (both pre-packed and fresh), salads, pastries, and even curries. You can also pick up snacks, fruits, and drinks. My go-to is the chicken salad sandwich and the lemonade.
The Corner Store next to the UBC Bookstore
The Corner Store carries various pre-packed sandwiches, salads, sushi bentos, and so much more. Pro-tip: I love picking up a Melona bar from their freezers in-between classes as a sweet treat!
Food at UBC Vancouver – Harvest Market (food.ubc.ca)
Harvest Market at Ponderosa Commons
Harvest also offers a medley of pre-packed and fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks, fruits, drinks and much more. My favourites are the chicken caesar salad, and the fresh pesto pasta salad.
The UpMeals vending machine at Irving K. Barber Learning Center and the Sauder School of Business
UpMeals has a rotating menu of individually packed breakfasts, entrees, snacks, and juices available 24/7. Convenient, wouldn’t you say? Go have a look at today’s menu by tapping on the screen!
I love that the meals are delicious and healthy. Moreover, the service is swift, and the locations are convenient. Let me know which one was your favourite in the comment section below!
As the fall term kicks off, it’s the ideal time to soak up the last bit of Vancouver’s sunshine while studying on the UBC campus. Here are my favorite outdoor study spots to make the most of before the weather changes!
MacInnes Field
Situated between the UBC bus loop and the AMS Nest, MacInnes Field is a well designed turf field perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Taking a study break? This spot is also great for catching up with friends or tossing a frisbee! Keep in mind, though, it lacks covered seating, so make the most of it while the sun is still shining.
Harvest Table
If you prefer a quieter place with outdoor seating, the Harvest Table just outside the School of Population and Public Health is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for chatting with fellow UBC students during lunch or taking a break between classes. Seating is limited however, especially when the weather is nice.
Although technically an indoor location, the Forest Sciences Centre seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, mimicking the ambiance of Pacific Spirit Park. It provides spacious covered seating, making it great if it’s drizzling and has tons of seating options for group study sessions.
Looking for a peaceful outdoor study spot close to residences? Abundant benches and open field space, this spot provides a serene environment for connecting with study pals. Note, there are only a few dedicated outdoor study tables here.
For a stunning view of UBC, visit the AMS Rooftop Garden on top of the Nest building. This outdoor oasis offers a mix of sunny and covered tables, perfect for focused study sessions. Plus, it tends to stay less crowded, making it an excellent choice for productive studying.
Have you discovered any hidden gems or personal favorites not mentioned here? We’d love to hear about them! Feel free to share your top picks in the comments below.
Lenoard S. Klinck Building
