In the pursuit of knowledge, The Ubyssey has compiled a series of wisdom nuggets from a panel of experts with the knowledge and experience on UBC so that they can responsibly push their opinions on unsuspecting first-years.

From hot dates to study tips, these folks have been through the wringer and are almost out the other side. Without further ado, your virtual mentors:

Our esteemed panel of experts

John Harvey: Sixth-year engineer. A victory-lap student with strong opinions about basically everything.

Mischa Milne: Fourth-year English major. Ron Swanson's #1 fan.

Jessica Hohner: Third-ish-year computer engineer. Once got in a fight with a pit bull and won.

Gurvir Sangha: Sixth-year international relations/accounting student. Personifies the day President Ono wore his first bow tie.

Aditya Jariwala: Third-year Sauderite in marketing and entrepreneurship. “I have a midterm in one hour, but I'm filling this out instead.”

Sara Chitsaz: Third-year sociology major. Loves dogs, burritos and first-year guides.

Katherine Kirst: Fourth-year international relations major. The person who says “y'all” a dozen times to cancel out any Canadian interjections she might have accidentally used.

Clubs and other involvement

“Focus on quality over quantity. It's easy to sign up for 10 clubs and be really ‘involved.’ But to truly feel like you're making an impact and forming a community, you need to figure out what you're truly passionate about. That could be anything from student government and Greek life, to volunteering for an AMS resource group. Keep an open mind and don't feel pressured to do everything at once.” — Mischa Milne

“Really, you'll find a community in any club that matches your interests, but I'd recommend Thunderbird Marching Band for the free varsity games, UBC Sailing Club just because sailing is a hoot and they're actually the cheapest way to get into it, and Varsity Outdoor Club because $30 is a very small investment for the number of cool activities they provide access to.” — Jessica Hohner

“It may sound cliché, but be willing to put yourself out there to seize opportunities and groups that interest you. Five years at UBC make me confident in saying most communities will invite you with open arms — it's just a matter of finding a community that you want to be a part of. Your undergraduate society, UBC Recreation, AMS clubs and social groups like The Calendar are a great way to expand your social network. I've come to find that most students get involved in multiple groups after they get their first taste of involvement. Be bold and take that first step.” — Gurvir Sangha

Frats and sororities

“Joining a sorority has been the best decision I've made since coming to UBC. You're surrounded by motivated, smart, supportive women who have your back. Everyone encourages each other to achieve their goals and it's also so much fun!” — Mischa Milne

“If the idea of Greek system interests you, it doesn't hurt to at least take in dry rush to meet the different chapters. There's enough variety between them that you may find one you really hit it off with.” — Gurvir Sangha

“Fraternities and sororities seem to be something of a self-fulfilling prophecy — if the stereotypes turn you off, I would steer clear. No, not everyone will be a drunk bro with a bad haircut, but there will probably be at least one. The exception is professional sororities — if there's a set of Greek letters attached to your major, then you should check them out. The connections with people working in your field and focus on your career path will make it worth it.” — John Harvey

Co-op

“Co-op is a great way to get some experience before you graduate with large corporations and I would definitely recommend it. The faculties have good ties with these companies and most students usually find a job through the program.” — Aditya Jariwala

“Co-op is a mixed bag. You're paying for the job board. In engineering, a lot of companies don't hire students who aren't in the co-op program, but there are still plenty that will. For me, the bureaucracy and cost without much tangible benefit wasn't worth it.” — Jessica Hohner

“Co-op is expensive. Some of the co-ordinators are awful to work with. You can find your own job. But you should absolutely do it. Co-op gives you a leg up and you don't have to finish it. Getting something on your resume is important. Do at least one term.” — John Harvey

Things to do off campus

“Biking the Sea Wall is a must. A $20 bike rental will have you set for an incredible scenic two-hour ride around Stanley Park and False Creek. The Grouse Grind, Lynn Canyon and Squamish Chief are other musts as far as recreational activities go.” — Gurvir Sangha

“Whistler is a hoot. Even if you're not inclined to skiing or snowboarding, there's hiking, tubing or just checking out the Olympic Village. Check out a Canucks game — they always have cheap tickets available the week before a game and it's a lot of fun watching a live hockey game.” — Katherine Kirst

“The Vancouver Marathon in May gives students a 50 per cent discount and has a great atmosphere. Best thing to do is rope your friends into it with you.” — Jessica Hohner

Partying (without regretting everything)

“Watch out for each other. It's all fun and games until someone gets too drunk and you need to call an ambulance — seriously, it's not fun.” — Sara Chitsaz

“Let someone who's not going out — your roommate, someone on your floor or a friend — know where you're going to be. Have a plan of action for getting home. Don't leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from people you don't know. If you go home with a stranger or bring a stranger home with you, wear a condom. Or don't, I don't know your life.” — Mischa Milne

“John F. Kennedy once famously said, ‘Hahah guys remember when I drank irresponsibly, threw up, made you worry about me and ruined your night as you spent it patting my head above a toilet at the party???’

“He didn't say that. Don't do that. Know your limits.” — Gurvir Sangha

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity. If you found this helpful, check out our other entries in our “Words of wisdom” series: managing schoolwork (coming soon) and sex, love and relationships.

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