By Jensen Kirby, Gustavson external relations co-op student
After four years at UVic I like to think I’ve picked up a few useful tips about student life. So, I figured I’d share what I’ve learned with students new to Victoria. Being in university can be stressful, but there are certain tips and tricks to campus life that can make things just a bit easier. Whether you’re brand new to UVic or have been here for years hopefully you’ll learn something new!
1. First off, coffee: you want it, UVic has it. There are lots of options on campus and one clear winner in my opinion: Munchie’s in the Student Union Building (SUB). They have the best coffee and are in a convenient location close to the bus loop and residences. Ready to venture off campus? Discovery Coffee is worth the trip, and there are multiple locations around the city.
2. Before fall really kicks in, make sure to check out one of the many nearby beaches. Cadboro Bay is the closest to campus and the most popular, but Hollydene Beach is the true hidden gem in the area if you ask me.
3. Find the perfect place to study. The library’s always a good choice, especially if you need silence to stay focused. But if you want to switch things up try the Vertigo Lounge in the SUB or find a spot in the Clearihue Building. There are also study lounges for different departments. Looking for the BCom lounge? Head to BEC 123.
4. Try something new! University is all about experiencing new things, and campus has a lot to offer. Why not join a club or go to a karaoke night? By trying new things you can meet people, explore your interests and learn new skills.
5. We all know school can be stressful and there is no better way to de-stress than cuddling up with some animals. Thankfully there’s a weekly Pet Café at the Interfaith Chapel on campus. So take a break from your seemingly endless hours of homework this semester and spend a little time with some therapy animals.
6. You may or may not have heard about Victoria’s amazing reputation when it comes to food, and brunch specifically. While there are plenty of amazing options, be sure to check out Blue Fox Café, my personal brunch favourite. On the weekend you may have to wait in line for an hour to get a table, but believe me when I say it’s worth it.
7. Textbooks can be expensive, but thankfully there are other options than buying them brand new. Subtext in the SUB is a consignment bookstore that specializes in used textbooks, so be sure to check them out. Also, if you can make it to the bookstore before they run out, there are often used versions of textbooks available for a reduced price.
8. Try ALL the classes! Well, maybe not all of them but as many as you can. Trying courses in different department or on topics that you don’t know much about can help you learn new things. So give all kinds of courses a try – you’ll likely get a better feel for what interests you.
9. Make use of the beautiful trails on campus! Whether you’re a runner or a walker, the Alumni Chip Trail is the perfect way to get moving between classes. You can also access Mystic Vale off of the trail, which is a beautiful forested ravine near Parking Lot 5.
10. Take care of yourself. Studying, attending class and actually doing your readings are all important parts of succeeding in university. But it’s equally important to get a good night’s sleep, eat proper meals and take a break from your homework once in a while. Not only will these things make you feel great, but they will likely help you do better in school as well.
