Name: Venice
School: University of British Columbia
Program, Year: BA (Psychology), 4th year
What was the deciding factor that made you choose this school? It’s super close to home so I can be fed whenever I need to be (I’m from Deep Cove) and yet far away enough to get away from the rents, aka FREEDOM. Oh, and of course, the prestige of going to UBC.
What do you love most about your school? I love the diversity of the student population and the fact that I can wear gumboots without being judged. But then again, my gumboots are polka-dotted and super cute so…
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? Well, you kind of have to be involved in extracurricular activities to survive at UBC. The competition is pretty intense…I joined a sorority in my first year and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m involved in UBC Peer Programs and I volunteer in two UBC Psychology labs as a research assistant. I also work for UBC Learning Exchange as the student program assistant for the Trek program.
What’s your best advice on how to meet new friends? Join a sorority/fraternity. Live on residence/campus. Commit to an AMS club (don’t just join for the sake of joining).
Where’s your favourite place for:
A cheap dinner: Some KindaPasta (4409 W. 10th)
Brunch: Enigma (4397 W. 10th). Super chill atmosphere and large portions.
Lunch: Pendulum in the SUB.
Coffee: Starbucks of course! I’m definitely a West Coast girl.
Where do you go if you wanna dance? VENUE (881 Granville St.) but I run into too many high school “friends” there…
Any party nights we should know about? Definitely the Pit on Wednesday nights. Tuesday nights at the Gallery has karaoke but you’ve gotta get tables early. Monday nights at Koerner; they’ve got great pitcher deals and live music.
Do you have a favourite clothing store? I shop anywhere and everywhere. I love vintage but you’ve gotta find the right deals. I’d recommend any vintage store on Main St (you never know what you’ll find)!
Where’s your favourite place to study? The School of Theology has a pretty quiet (and little known) library. Sometimes if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag one of their study rooms. It’s even got a cute little window and whiteboards!
Do you have a hairdresser / salon you’d recommend? I get my sister to trim my hair. But for big changes like highlights and big cuts, I have a hairdresser in Richmond in one of the many Asian malls. I do NOT recommend the Fringe located in the SUB. Definitely go off-campus for a haircut.
What has been your favourite class thus far? Social Psychology (PSYC 308). It’s really applicable to life and I got to watch cool videos and films. Plus my prof used to be a professional ballet dancer from India; he was really exuberant.
What class are you looking forward to most this year? Sociology of Sexualities. The name of the course just struck me.
What’s your best piece of first-year advice? Put yourself out there to meet new people and try new things. Actually. Just don’t get arrested trying.
What did you learn the hard way? That losing 3 rounds of beer pong when you haven’t eaten all day is not a good call. Especially when you know you’re a light weight, but hey! I’m a little Asian girl.
Any misconceptions you want to clear up about your school? Yes. UBC students are smart, for the most part, but we’re not as cocky as you’d think.
Before you graduate, you are going to make sure you: jump off the high dive of the outdoor pool naked (or try).
What do you love most about your university town/city? The huge number of sushi/Japanese places to eat (that are affordable). I heart gyozas and chopped scallop rolls!
Best memory so far? Spray-painting the E (Engineer’s block) with my sorority sisters.
Got any weird /specific tip that would only apply to your school? Not really…
Anything else you want to share with first year students? Don’t assume everyone at UBC knows what they’re doing. Pick your seats strategically on the first day of classes ‘cause that’s probably where you’ll stay for the rest of the term. Also, the eager beavers may not be as smart as they seem. People may surprise you.