Phew.

I have officially been in Vancouver for a week and today’s basically my first day off. It’s been really tough since I’m an only child and I’ve always lived in the same house, so everything has pretty much been the same for me for my entire life. Now I have a shared bathroom, everything smells weird, and there’s a bunch of people without pneumonia having a lovely time around me, which makes it a bit harder of a transition, but I’ve learned a bunch already.

Here are some of the weirder things I learned:

• Check the washing machine’s reputation: I had an experience today where there was a bit water sitting on the inside of the washing machine, but since everything was just foreign to me, I thought it could be normal. 30 minutes later, the whole thing was filled with bubbles, so I thought I put too much soap in and I ran it again. 30 minutes after that, there were still bubbles and all of my towels were soaked and quite disgusting. It was at that point I found out that washing machine was broken XD
• Choose the bigger shower: We have two showers to choose from, I took a shower in both and I was so cramped in one, I could barely move to do the things I needed to, the other was just a little bit bigger, but it made a big difference.
• If you aren’t 19, bring a parent if you can: It’s difficult to get a phone and a bank account if you aren’t 19, I’m told. I had my dad with me (Thanks, Dad!) so I didn’t experience any of this, but a bunch of friends have had difficulties.
• Go to places with international students: I’m from the States so technically I’m an “international” student, but we still have Safeways. It is amazing to see someone who has never been to a Safeway look around. You can definitely learn a lot from them.
• Know where there is food: I walked to a bunch of different places today and nothing was open, so I’m glad I had a bunch of different options. Also, crepes are amazing. I already knew this, but in California, honestly there’s only one good crepe place that I know of and in Vancouver, every crepe place I’ve been to is outstanding.

And a list of things I’m really glad I have:

• A laptop: There have been a bunch of people without one and it’s been really useful in staying connected with people and being in the same routine (getting up in the morning and checking Facebook and other various sites). Even if you don’t get internet in your room for some reason (mine is currently broken), there are other places to get it.
• A cell phone: This really made my life a lot easier by not having to buy calling cards/figure out pay phones/have a private conversation in a not so private place. Since I only have to call back to the US, there’s a plan for that, so I feel more connected, especially since it’s an iPhone. Also, if you can get tethering on your phone, I would recommend it (A few months ago I would have entirely ignored that). My internet has been broken and the only way to get internet in my room is through tethering.
• Flip flops/thongs: I don’t know what you call them, but I call them flip flops and they are amazing for showers. I’m one of those people that doesn’t like to touch/use other people’s things, so having my feet not touch the floor is just wonderful.
• A fan: It’s Vancouver, and it’s supposed to get cold, but if you’re one of the people who came here because it’s going to be cold, you’ll still want a fan just to make sure you’re cool enough :)
• Bowl/utensils: Again, I don’t like to use other people’s things, so having my own bowl and whatnot is lovely.
• Water: I get randomly thirsty, so having water within arm’s reach is useful.
• Personal items: This really goes by the person, but I brought my pillow and stuffed animal, which always makes me feel more at home and I also brought the kind of shampoo/soap that I use. Even though it’s a new adventure, that doesn’t mean that you need to buy too many new things, you’ll feel more foreign.
• Planner: Good for organization/remembering people’s birthdays/knowing when to do laundry :3
• Tissues: They’re like paper towels, but softer :D You can use them for a bunch of things (cleaning something up, blowing your nose, crying, making a place mat for your food, leaving notes on) and they’re not that expensive.
• Canadian currency: I brought $200 in American with me to convert and I opened up a bank account, so I won’t have to deal with trying to find someone that takes American dollars (and looking like an idiot in the process) or entirely run out of money since I didn’t bring enough to convert.
• Knowledge of where things are at UBC: I felt like I really didn’t know many places, but the places that I did know were the most useful ones, so I ended up helping a bunch of people find things even though I’m new too. Some good places to know the location of: your residence, your friends’ residences, SUB, the village, IKBLC, the bookstore, and the bus loop.

Anyone have any tips to share?