Surviving University Away from Home

This guide will be your go-to for those first few weeks of University. I’ve learnt quiet alot since arriving August 18th at UBC, now, it’s my turn to shed some light for all you new comers, or those planning to move away from home next year…

First off, shout out to anyone who’s crazy enough to move across the country alike myself, you have your work cut out for you! Moving a few timezones away can feel incredibly overwhelming… As soon as I knew it, my room was bare, my e ticket was printed off, and I was onto the next chapter of my life. The last activity to check off my list was no walk in the park; especially since all I’d know was a southwestern suburban community in Ontario!

Saying farewell to all those who had touched my life in London comes with it’s highs, and lows. Want to know who truly cares about you? Move across the country… Ironicly, within less than a month until departure, I managed to get myself into a long-distance relationship, and breakup with my so called “highschool best friend” *exhale of relief*. Accepting my offer of admission to the University of British Columbia didn’t feel like reality. Not until those last few hours of warm hugs, tears, and best wishes, did it sink in. All those procrastinated finals, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs paid off! I’m off to the West Coast!

Now that I’m finally here, and settled, here’s a few words of advice:

1. MAKE A CHECKLIST. Lists are always a must. Check the weather to determine what-to and what-not-to pack for University. I made the mistake of packing as many clothes as I possibly could (guess what ladies? You DON’T need an outfit for everyday of the week). TIP: A good indicator if you’re packing too much is if it takes three people to get your bags zipped up! (Thanks Laura, and Chandler!)  

2. SELL EVERYTHING. (Or as much as you can!) Lugging a ton of things around an International airport is not something you want to do… trust me. You’ll want to avoid pathetically scrambling around with bags flying everywhere, it’s just some not-so-needed-stress you can easily avoid. In addition, you’ll have a ton of things to be mailed. Unless you have some extremely reliable people who will mail your possessions, you’ll most likely find yourself stranded with no control of where the rest of your items back home end up. I’ve been in Vancouver for almsot three weeks now, and have no clue of when I’ll be recieving my guitar… or backpack for that matter!

3. ASSURE YOU BOOKED THE RIGHT FLIGHT. Check, double check, and triple check that flight! I almost ran into the fault of being stranded in Calgary with no seat selected for my flight to Vancouver… Thankfully I called West Jet to confirm my flight (West Jet Lady I’m forever blessed you caught that mixup).

4. START HANDING OUT THOSE RESUMES. My third day in Vancouver I printed off my resumes and begun applying… The day later I got a job! TIP: Prime-hiring-time is late August (just before students arrive). If you want a part-time job while in University I highly recommend coming a few weeks early so you are trained before classes start, and to reduce your competition before all your peers arrive! 

5. BE FRIENDLY. Us freshmans are all on the same boat. Sure, there comes highs and lows to meeting new people, but, a simple hello can go a long way… Maybe it’ll backfire, maybe you’ll meet a new friend! If someone acts ignorant towards you, they are only missing out! Just don’t let it get you down, and try again. Be sure to always lend a hand. (That’s how I made my first bestie here!) As I continued to struggle with my overload of bags into my residence, this angel offered to help carry my bags to my room. Afterwards we exchanged numbers, and have been friends ever since! TIP: I cannot express how important the art of listening is. Be a friend, to have a friend! 

6. PLAN YOUR ROUTE AROUND CAMPUS. The last thing you want to do your first day of classes is be late… (perfect way to start your professor/student relationship off wrong!) Get ahold of a campus map, and plan that out!

7. GET A BIKE AND U-LOCK. Where ever you go, there’s a tire missing here, bike lock broken there… Avoid losing your precious and buy yourself a U-lock! Bikes are much more eco-friendly, and cheaper in comparison to a car; unless you like overpriced parking, insurance and gas prices – all the power to you! Campus is HUGE, bikings cuts your travel time in a quarter. Sometimes all you will have is 10 minutes inbetween classes, which we all know, will leave you doing the I’m-carrying-way-too-much-and-am-not-dressed-for-this-light-jog. I highly recommend checking out Craiglist. It’s your go-to for afforable used items in Vancouver! I managed to get my bike delivered and in good condition for a grand total of $105. This was way cheaper and convenient than any of the bike stores I checked out, which were trying to sell me a half delapidated bike for $200… with rust included!? No thanks. 

8. BUY TEXTBOOKS FROM THE UBC BOOKSTORE LAST. There are plenty of other options to cutting costs on textbooks. Checkout Facebooks groups such as Buy and Sell – UBC textbooks, or search Craiglist. Just be wary that you’re not purchasing an edition no more than a year previous. You will run into barriers. The content maybe dated, and the order of your textbook will leave you lost when you’re prof assigns readings per page, and refers to the textbook in lectures! There is also a handy store around the corner of the UBC Bookstore called Discount Textbooks. (Thank you UBC Bookstore staff member for giving me this insight! Even though your manager got mad!) This discount bookstore assures at least 10% less on the latest textbooks, which is better than nothing! They are located on 2150 Western Pkwy, on the second level of the plaza.

9. RESIST MAKING DOUBTFUL ASSUMPTIONS! There is no room for pessimism at University! I learnt the hard way… My roommate was  M.I.A. for the entire two week Jumpstart Orienation. Day, after day, I anticipated her arrival… but she never showed! I begun to assume that she already hated me, and would become “the roommate from hell” (sorry Ang!). I never recieved her contact info beforehand, ASSUMING she didn’t want to meet me! Once finally arriving with the Canadians, it turned out her Visa hadn’t came in time for Jumpstart, and I had been the one who forgot to allow her to see my contact information! We are already super close, and she turned out to be a Saint. Just goes to show, NEVER anticipate for the worst if you don’t have all the facts! All pessimism will do is put you in an unnecessary bad mood.

10. TAKE RISKS. This is what University life is all about! Meet new people, join a club, try something new that you’d never imagine doing back home… You only get one University experience, just make sure you find a balance between fun and study…

11. PUSH PAST BEING HOMESICK. The number one struggle freshmans have is missing home. Before you dive into all the maybe’s, and what you should or shouldn’t have done; GIVE IT A SHOT. You picked UBC for a reason, stick with your decision! You can always transfer next year closer to home… but who knows, you may even love your first year in Vancouver once you change your mindset, get involved, and stay positive! 

Hopefully I’ve helped assist your transition, and was able to clear up some confusion, or struggles you’ve had adjusting to life at University! If you have anymore tips feel free to share them in the comments section below.

Lots of love,

Nicole