Written by Leslie Rose
Photos by Link Editorial and BCIT Library Services
Going into my third and final year at BCIT, I am excited and reflective about my experience. I’ve spent the past term learning more about the place I, for better or worse, call home five days a week. The more I look into it, the more resources I learn about—things that would have helped me a long time ago. Whether you live on campus or spend most of your time here, only going home to sleep, here are some resources you’re going to wish you knew about sooner.
Staying Active
Staying active as a student is important, but gym memberships are pricey. This is why the free classes offered at the BCIT Recreation Centre are worth checking out. The Rec Centre offers a different fitness class each day that is free to students and staff on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whatever type of workout you prefer, from HIIT to spin classes, find some time to step away from the books and get moving—your body and mind will thank you. Explore fitness and recreation at BCIT!
Headshots
If you’re looking for a professional headshot for your IMDb page, or just a new LinkedIn profile picture, BCITSA’s Career Services provides free headshot days. This helps students prepare for their careers without having to bear the cost. Be sure to book your spot early, as they tend to fill up fast! Check the BCITSA Events Calendar to see when the next headshot sessions are happening in September.
On Demand
Not everything needs to be strictly educational, though. The Criterion on Demand provides free streaming content to post-secondary institutions. Just log in with your student ID, and you’re all set to select from more than 6,000 titles. Yes, there is educational content on there, but a top tip from a streaming warrior is that you will find most of your favourite Hollywood and indie movies on there too.
Habitat Pub
If you’re like me and find yourself craving the Habitat Pub’s chicken strips between classes, you’re in luck. The pub has plenty of student favourites to satisfy those betwee-class cravings, plus a rotating soup of the day and happy hour from 3–6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Hungry? Need a study break? Check out the menu and head to the pub for a bite!
Mindfulness
Do you need a break? If you answered yes, then that makes sense. It also means that you should check out the Mindful BCIT group. They host a five-week program to help students practice mindfulness. You will be led through 60-minute sessions that include a guided practice and time for group sharing, with lessons to bring mindfulness into daily life. I wish I knew how to manage my stress going into post-secondary, and I think many of my peers and I would have benefited from these lessons. Sometimes it feels like you have no time left; you need to get that assignment done, or cram for that final. The truth is if you don’t take the time to give your mind and body a break, it will force you to take one.
And if you’re at the Downtown Campus and need a break, then they have weekly mindfulness breaks on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. where students can meet in room 400 to decompress.
Student Discounts
Beyond campus resources, being a student can benefit you in all kinds of places. You can go and enjoy your day off from studying at the Vancouver Aquarium. Just show your student ID, and you’ll be able to get in at a discounted rate. Science World, Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra also offer students admission at a discounted rate.
Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to just ask if places offer a student discount. After all, these student years won’t last forever.
Student Price Card (SPC)
If you’re all about saving money, the Student Price Card (SPC) is worth considering. It isn’t free, but for $11.99, you can access discounts of up to 25% off at retailers, restaurants, and subscription services such as Nike, Tim Hortons, and Disney+. So, if you’re keen on shopping and can bear the cost of $12, I’d say the SPC is a worthwhile purchase.
