Hey everyone! Just for the record, I’m feeling much better, and as I expected the loneliness of moving here has indeed faded with time. The thing that bothered me most was just the unfamiliarness of EVERYTHING, people, places, food, routine, just everything. However, now that I’m getting used to things, I’m very much enjoying my time here :)
In particular, now that I’m not focused on how UBC isn’t my home, I can appreciate what a freaking amazing campus we have here. Seriously. Everything is beautifully landscaped, built, and designed. Flowers line the sidewalks and sculptures are plentiful. I’ve done a little exploring, and so far these are my favourite places on campus:
1. The rose garden. If you haven’t been there yet, what are you waiting for?! The roses won’t be blooming for long, and they are gorgeous.
2. The Chapman Learning Commons (aka the Harry Potter Room). It’s inside the Irving K Barber Learning Centre, third floor. It seriously makes me feel like I’m in the great hall in Hogwarts – and the hushed atmosphere and comfy armchairs make it a great place for studying.
3. The Aquatic Centre. FYI, UBC students get in for free with their student card. Ridiculous, I know. Also the pool is shaped like a thunderbird head. Whoa.
4. The hill outside the SUB. It’s a great place to just hang out and soak up the sun :) For that matter, pretty much anywhere on campus is a great place to just sit around and enjoy the scenery, providing the weather is nice like it has been these last few weeks.
5. Inside the SUB. It’s cool in there! I don’t know why, I just like it. Also, the Blue Chip Cookie is definitely something you need to try. I got this ‘Marble Cookie’ from there, and it was this warm, moist, chocolate cookie with a giant slab of melty white chocolate on top. Mmmmmmm.
I’m not nearly done exploring yet, but my poor feet can only do so much walking in a day! Post your favourite places in the comments :)
XO – Samantha.
That's me! I'm a fourth year, introverted, Winnipeg-hailing, blog-writing, cookie-eating, harp-playing, yoga-doing, blanket-knitting music student at UBC. I'm always trekking around campus in my Pumas and massive black backpack, and if you spot me, come say hi! It would be nice to know someone actually reads these things!
Glad to hear you’re feeling a bit more adjusted Samantha! The marbleous cookie is legendary. If you haven’t visited it yet, you should check out Nitobe Gardens, right next to Vanier. Your student card gets you in for free, and it’s beautiful and peaceful. I’m sure you’ll also be checking out the (new) Old Aud soon. It is amazing now that it has been renovated.
Go to Nitobe Gardens. Best place to study, because the zen environment helps you get into the zone :)
Mmm, Blue Chip’s Marbellous cookies are the best!! I’ve yet to work out just how they do it so I can make my own at home.
I second Nitobe, particularly in springtime. I think you’ll like the cherry blossoms down Lower Mall come February/March! The First Nations House of Learning near Vanier is also a really gorgeous building, and there’s a little waterfall by the library there.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Yeah, Nitobe Garden blew me away the first time I saw it, and UBC students get in for free. Totally agree with the Marbelous cookie love here. One of the best cookies ever. I haven’t even tried their other cookies because the Marbelous is so good. Also, anywhere inside Irving K. Barber is pretty cool. It’s a great library. Oh, and the view from the top floor of the Koerner Library. That was very cool. Cool cool cool.