σ – The (ESS)entials

February 19, 2019February 19, 2019

In case you didn’t know: Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival

Unlike western holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the date for Chinese New Year (aka Spring Festival) varies every year with a general range from mid-January to mid-February. This is as traditional Chinese festivals are usually based on Lunar/Moon Phase Calendar. In 2019, Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 5 for the Year of Pig.

If you are not familar with the Chinese Zodiac Story, you can take a look here! You can also check your Zodiac sign here.

The Lantern Festival is always 15 days after the Chinese New Year. The name comes from the tradition of hanging different types of beautiful lanterns. Another name for the festival is Yuan Xiao. Yuan means first, and Xiao means night. It symbolizes the first full moon night in the lunar new year.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the celebration for the Spring Festival. After eating a bowl of Yuan Xiao or Tang Yuan, which are traditionally small and round rice balls with sesame filling, everything returns to normal. People go back to work, and students go back to classes.

Traditional Yuan Xiao (or Tang Yuan). Photo credit: https://www.instructables.com/id/Tangyuan-Glutinous-rice-dumplings-in-sweet-soup/

Most Chinese schools and workplaces set their winter break according to the date of the Spring Festival. Hundreds of thousands of people begin their journey of going home right after the break. For some of them, this might be the only time of the year they can go back to their hometowns and visit family.

Living in Canada and in the western culture, the Spring Festival is not a statutory holiday. There are usually no days off to celebrate the Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival. Furthermore, as the two festivals always take place about one and half month into the second term, there are always numerous midterms and assignments either around or on the dates. The last time I spent Chinese New Year with my family was six year ago!!!!!!!

However, there are celebrations around Vancouver that aim to continue the traditions. Although the Chinese New Year has passed, the Lantern Festival is taking place on February 19, 2019.

Flight of the Dragon: Jan. 24 to Feb. 24, 2019

The Galleria of Imperial Inspirations: Jan. 29 to Feb. 19, 2019

Happy Lantern Festival!

December 10, 2018December 10, 2018

σ’s Tips for Finals Season

There are only 14 days until Christmas! But first, we have to conquer all the final exams.

A good study environment is essential to productive work. Study places on campus have become more and more crowded with students who are cramming last minute for exams. Luckily, there are some hidden gems that are yet to be discovered.

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

Hours: open 24/7 from December 3 to December 18

The IKB Learning Centre is one of the most popular places for studying. It is almost impossible to find a table after 11 am on its upper floors. However, most people do not know that there is also a floor under. Walking down the stairs, you can find more seats and study rooms, and the space is generally quieter. This is ideal for those who need to concentrate for a long time as the place is open 24 hours during exam weeks.

Woodward Library

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 10 pm

Friday: 8 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm

Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm

The library is probably one of the closest libraries to engineering buildings. They also carry engineering related books so it is your go-to place whether you want to find a textbook or additional material for studying. The hours for this library are slightly shorter but I usually go there to clear my head and do some final review right before an exam as it is close to almost all major exam locations. My favorite part about the library is its sunshine-covered carrel desks on the second floor. When it is not raining in Vancouver, you just have to enjoy the sun.

Law Library at Allard Hall

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 10 pm

Friday: 8:30 am to 6 pm

Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

This is a library that has been highly rated among UBC students. I have not personally visited the place but it is definitely on my to-do list. The library is a quiet study space in general. During exam weeks, there are reserved tables and carrels for Law students so please observe the signage when entering.

Beans Around the World

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 7 am to 7 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm

Beans Around the World is probably the best coffee you can find on campus. It is located about 10 minutes walk away from the main campus on Thunderbird Blvd. Enjoying a good walk and a cup of coffee before settling down to study on a sunny winter day in Vancouver can be so relaxing.

November 13, 2018November 20, 2018

Post E^0

Hello fellow Engineering students,

Right now, you’re probably struggling with midterms, catching up with last month’s class content, sleep deprived, and likely excessively caffeinated. If you’re in first year, welcome to the life; and for us upper years, it’s nothing new – and even fun 🙂

Either way, you made the right choice by taking a few minutes to check out our Blog and very first post on The ESSentials. Here, we will let you in on all the top secrets for success, and provide more insight on how your ESS works. Welcome!

The ESS (our humble home) ensures that students get all the support they need, so we will refer you back “home” if needed. In the meantime, you can find us at Room 1100, Fred Kaiser Building (beside Starbucks *wink *wink). You can call us at 604-822-6556 and our email is students@apsc.ubc.ca.

The ESSentials is managed by your fellow geeky but totally cool Engineering students (Peer Advisors). For the fun of it, we have decided to remain anonymous but considering that there’s only three of us, you should be able to figure it out – if you really want to. For now, you may address us as π-peer, φ-peer, and σ-peer.

Please feel free to drop by the ESS anytime. We have way too much love to give (and sometimes we even have candy)! For now, au revoir and stay tuned for our next post…. (sneak peek – finals!)

Love,

π, φ, and σ