Victoria Day Long Weekend 2025 Nest Hours

Safer Partying Do’s & Don’ts

Block Party is around the corner and we want you to party safe! Follow these 11 tips to have a good time.

DO:

1. Drink responsibly AND mindfully

Being safe when interacting with substances, including alcohol, is extremely important! Tips like staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and eating before you drink are staple rules to ensure a good night and a good morning (or afternoon, we’re not judging) for the next day. A general rule of thumb: For every standard alcoholic drink, aim for one non-alcoholic drink. Water is your best bet but if you prefer juice or pop, that works too! Electrolyte drinks/packs are also great. You can also try to set a limit for yourself and stay within it, you know yourself best.

2. Test your drugs and practice safer substance use

Test your substances

  • Free Fentanyl Test Strips are available outside of AMS Peer Support (NEST 3125), SASC (NEST 3130), and at the UBC Wellness Centre (LIFE 1400).
  • Get Your Drugs Tested is an organization in Vancouver that tests your substances to check for unexpected potent substances that may be in your substances
  • When testing substances, remember the “Chocolate Chip Cookie Effect”. When testing a substance, you are only testing one small sample of the substance. It’s possible that the sample you test has no potent substances (no chocolate chips), but another portion of the substance does have other substances (chocolate chips).

Know how your substances interact

  • Learn how your substances interact (including caffeine, OTC painkillers, prescription medication, and alcohol): http://www.tripsit.me
  • Avoid mixing substances that can have adverse reactions when taken together. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to one substance for the night. Pharmacists and your family physician can also provide guidance about your prescription medications and interactions with other substances.

Practice Safer Substance use

  • Using clean safer substance use supplies can help you avoid infections or other adverse effects. Free safer substance use supplies are available anonymously through AMS Peer Support, place your free order here.
  • Start low and go slow: Pace yourself and listen to your body if you feel unwell.

3. Figure out a safe way home before the event

Safewalk Block Party hours: 9 PM – 3 AM (call 604-822-5355). Campus Security is available outside of these hours for support (604-822-2222).

Spontaneous nights can still be fun with a planned way to go home! Whether it would be to take public transit, using Safewalk (604-822-5355), budgeting for Uber/cab costs, or carpooling home with your sober designated driver, having an idea of how to get home is a great way to make sure you end the night on a good note!

4. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and/or overdose. Be prepared to call 911 or alert event staff.

Signs can include:

  • Cold and sweaty skin
  • Being unconscious or unresponsive
  • Blue or grey lips/nails
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Seizures
  • Slow/irregular breathing (less than 1 breath per 5 second) or heart rate
  • Vomiting (especially for more than 30 minutes in case of alcohol poisoning)

Symptoms can look different for anyone. If you have any doubt, call 911. At Block Party, you can also alert event staff. There will be paramedics on site.

5. Be prepared

This can mean so many things. From carrying safer sex supplies, new and single-use safer substance use supplies (e.g. needles, pipes, straws, etc.), charging your phone or bringing a portable charger, to investing in some ear plugs. There are lots of ways to create a better time for yourself and your friends. At Block Party, AMS Peer Support will have ear plugs, safer sex supplies, fentanyl test strips, and more. You can also visit ams.ubc.ca/peersupport to order your supplies for free in advance. Being prepared can also mean eating before you go out or bringing cash for emergencies.

A safe night looks different for everyone. You can decide what you need for a fun and safe night.

6. Have a buddy with you

Whether it’s for getting home safe (splitting ride-share costs will be cheaper), using substances, or going to the washroom together, having a friend by your side means you can help keep each other safe and have fun together. Before an event, decide on a meeting point in case you get separated.

DON‘T

1. DON’T leave your friend(s) alone

We were taught the Buddy System at a young age for a reason. Have each other’s backs and keep an eye on each other. It’s not cool to leave them alone, especially if they’re feeling unwell. Get help from staff at the event. If your friend is not in the right headspace, keeping them company would be a good idea.

2. DON’T ignore consent

Consent is extremely important for going-out etiquette. Flirt respectfully! Is someone too intoxicated to consent? Leave them alone tonight. Learn more about consent here.

3. DON’T dress without thinking about the weather

For outdoor events, like Block Party, the weather can impact your ability to have fun. With the sun out during the day, it might be fine to not bring a jacket but when it gets dark (and possibly rainy), it can get really cold. A lot of people ditch the jacket because they want to showcase their fun outfits or because it’s annoying to deal with if you’re not wearing it, but the weather is still cold enough in April to need outerwear.

4. DON’T ignore your entrances and exits

Noticing the locations of bathrooms, exits, and first aid tents would make your experience better. Being able to know where everything is can come in handy when you need something, whether it is to use the washroom, knowing where medical staff are, or if you just have a question.

5. DON’T take Tylenol the day of or after drinking

Combining acetaminophen and alcohol can cause liver damage. For pain relief, opt for alternatives like ibuprofen (Advil) instead.

Pastels & Pinot Boozy Paint Night

Get Creative and Paint Your Own Boozy Creation! Join us for a chill evening of painting and boozy drinks* with classy sounds provided by the UBC Jazz Club! Let your artistry flow at this low-stakes event – whether you’re coming alone or with friends, you’ll be sitting down and connecting with someone over art and drinks*!

🗓️ Thursday September 12th 2024
⏰ 6:00PM – 8:00PM
📍 The Gallery Patio & Lounge (Nest 4th floor)
🎟️ https://www.bouncelife.com/events/66cf9b72eda3ecd9350a1c62
*You must purchase your own drinks from The Gallery if you want to drink.

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Beads & Bonds Bracelet Making

Get Beading and Make Your Own Bracelet! Join us for a chill evening of bracelet making where the only limit is your imagination. Create your own unique, wearable art – the ultimate back-to-school accessory! DIY bracelet making is the perfect low-stakes event to bond with your fellow students.

🗓️ Tuesday September 10th 2024
⏰ 5:30PM – 7:00PM
📍 Nest Room 2306/2309
🎟️ https://www.bouncelife.com/events/66cf991b05bfdb0808e2a555

UBC, UBC Vancouver, UBC students, UBC student life, UBC students, UBC events, events at UBC, UBC student events, UBC back to school, UBC back to school events, UBC campus, UBC campus events

Tote-ally Your Bag Tote Bag Painting

Get Crafty and Paint Your Style on Tote Bags! Join us for a fun-filled tote bag painting event where creativity knows no bounds. Grab some brushes, mix your favourite colours, and let your creativity go wild as you transform a simple tote bag into a wearable work of art. Get ready for an evening of artistic expression while making new friends!

🗓️ Wednesday September 4th 2024
⏰ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
📍 Nest Performance Theatre (Nest 2nd floor)
🎟️ https://www.bouncelife.com/events/66c528b5e47422eeb73d97b1

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A UBC Student’s Guide to the Richmond Night Market

by Sally Zhou

Image Credit: destinationlesstravel

It’s that time of the year again! Have you had any foodie adventures with your friends? If not…get ready for a feast!  

The Richmond Night Market, the largest night market in North America, is open from April 26th to October 14th 2024. This year, more than 100 food booths with different culinary options will be available at the night market. 

Cash-Only Event

Make sure to bring cash to the Richmond Night Market! Most vendors will only accept cash.

Transportation 

It takes around 1 hour to get to Richmond Night Market from the UBC bus loop. I recommend:

  1. Get on the 33 bus
  2. Transfer to King Edward Station
  3. Take the Richmond-Brighouse Canada Line

Make sure to check the arrival schedule on Google Maps!

Entrance Fee 

The entrance fee is $8 per person. There will be a long queue before the night market starts, so I recommend that you get a Zoom Pass, which costs $40 for 5 people and is transferable. Having a Zoom Pass will help you enter the market quickly. If you do not have 5 people in your group, you can do ticket pooling.  

Food/Activity Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for foods where you can get large portions for relatively low prices:

Ponchos Birria: Cheese lovers will definitely want to order this for a cheese pull! The serving size could be enough for 2 people to eat, since you will definitely eat other things at the market.   

Rotato: You can never go wrong with this order at a night market. The cowboy potato is served with a perfect crunch and a combination of all the available flavours.  

Super BBQ: A popular item at the night market. You can choose your own meat (lamb, shrimp, beef, etc.) for the 4 skewers – I recommend the beef!

Lemonade: A refreshing, freshly-made lemonade is highly recommended, and you can pick your own flavour. The drink also comes with a mini unicorn inflatable!  

Game Booths: There are lots of game options right next to the food booths, where you can spend quality time with friends, family, or a date.  

Your Ultimate Guide for a Day Trip to Bowen Island from UBC

Hey UBC students!  Looking for a fun, budget-friendly day trip without the hassle of a car? Bowen Island is your perfect escape. From stunning nature trails to delicious eats, this charming island has it all. Here’s your friendly guide to making the most out of a day trip to Bowen Island. Let’s dive in!

Getting There: Easy and Budget-Friendly

UBC to Bowen Island:

  1. Catch the #014 Hastings (or any UBC bus) to downtown Vancouver.
  2. Transfer to the #257 Horseshoe Bay Express bus.
  3. Take a BC Ferry to Snug Cove on Bowen Island.

A round-trip ferry ticket costs about $12, making it easy on your wallet. The ferry ride is a scenic 20 minutes—just enough time to get excited about your adventure! 

Food:

Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery 

6693 Nelson Ave Unit 101, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B2

If you want a quick dessert before your ferry to Bowen Island, consider buying some donuts from Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery. Their donuts are simply delicious! 

The Snug Cafe 

445 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Snug Cafe near the Snug Cove ferry terminal. Even if it was a bit rainy when we visited, the cozy atmosphere and delicious food lifted our spirits. Must-try dishes include the Snug Breakfast! We also ordered Snug Egg, BBQ Chicken Panini, and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Trust us, you won’t regret it! 

Branch on Bowen 

400 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

For a mix of ice cream and tacos, head to Branch on Bowen. They serve Earnest Ice Cream and handmade tacos. Pro tip: Try the cookies & cream and butter pecan ice cream. They are to die for! 

Nature Adventure: 

Crippen Regional Park 

Location: 430 Bowen Island Trunk Road #2, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

You must explore Crippen Regional Park. It’s filled with beautiful forests, peaceful lakes, and lots of wildlife. Perfect for hiking, picnics, and bird-spotting. Plus, it’s free—perfect for our college budgets! 

Killarney Lake 

This lake is part of Crippen Regional park. A short 2.5 km walk from Snug Cove will bring you to Killarney Lake, complete with picnic tables and stunning views. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Dorman Point 

Location: 370 Robinson Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1

As part of Crippen Regional Park, this quick 1.5 km trail hike leads to Dorman Point. The trail offers a short, steep climb to an ocean viewpoint. It’s a beautiful hike through serene nature, featuring old, big trees that add to the enchanting atmosphere.

Tunstall Bay 

Location: 1666 Tunstall Boulevard, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Accessible by bus from Snug Cove, Tunstall Bay Beach is a peaceful retreat. Known for its clear waters and beautiful sunsets, it’s a special spot for soaking during the summer.

Shopping:

Artisan Square

Location: Artisan Square, Bowen Island, BC  V0N 1G2

Artisan Square is a small community that offers a range of shopping options, including clothing, boutique, hand-made chocolates, fresh flowers and many more. The artisan Square is accessible via bus and walking. We highly recommend trying the delicious chocolates from Cocoa West Chocolatier, especially the Poblano hot chocolate that has a spicy kick from Poblano pepper.

Bowen Island Marina 

Location: 400 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Wander around Bowen Island Marina, where you’ll find multiple cafes, ice cream shops, and opportunities for sea kayaking. It’s a lovely spot to relax and soak in the island vibes.

Art & Culture 

Public Library and Heart Gallery 

Location: 430 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1

Explore the local art scene by visiting the public library and Heart Gallery. The gallery showcases amazing works by local artists and sells unique crafts and gifts. And yes, entry is free, making it a great budget-friendly activity. 

Wrapping Up: 

Bowen Island is an absolute gem. Whether you’re into hiking, art, or just chilling with friends, there’s something for everyone. To wrap up your day, don’t miss the stunning sunset from the ferry on your way back. So, gather your squad and set out for a transit accessible day trip!