Because we were all new to CapU, once, and we wished someone had gave us all these tips and tricks before we had to find out on our own… And because a “mixed-mode term” makes everything feel a bit different, we thought we could all use a little guidance. Here’s how you can best prepare for the Fall 2021 term.
Getting your textbooks
First, you need to access your myCapU account > Student Services > Registration > Textbooks and select the current term to review the list of textbooks assigned to the classes you will be taking. If you have been on campus before, you probably have seen the Capilano Bookstore by the main theatre in Birch (BR) Building. Apart from fabulous CapGear and merchandise, you can also buy new textbooks, notebooks, and supplies for the upcoming term.
Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash
However, you don’t need to go to the physical store. You can simply order and purchase your textbooks online, ahead of time, and even have them delivered to your door. Depending on availability, you might choose if you want new or used books, which are cheaper. Now, if you’re really looking into saving money and contributing to the CapU community of fellow students, there are two non-official Facebook groups to buy and sell books: CapilanoU textbook Trade/Exchange and Capilano University Used Books.
Getting vaccinated
Capilano’s plan for a safe return to campus strongly depends on collective immunity and, following the provincial health orders and guidelines updated on August 25th, there are two important requirements that everyone coming to campus, residence, or any other Capilano facility should follow:
If you are not yet fully vaccinated, we encourage you to get this done before coming back to campus in order to protect you, other students, teachers, staff and members of our community. Find the closest drop-in clinic here or come to the Vax for CapU event at Birch Building Lower Cafeteria on September 7 and 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are taking classes in person, remember to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and constantly do a self-assessment. For more information on Covid-related cautions and in-campus practices, visit Capilano’s Return to Campus FAQ.
Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
Getting your U-Pass
No matter how you choose to commute to school, as a Capilano student, you have access to the basic means of public transportation in the province with Translink’s U-Pass BC. This means you have unlimited bus, skytrain, and seabus rides for a monthly fee of $43.35, which is already included in your student fees, unless you are eligible for an exemption. If you are travelling to school, to buy your groceries, or anything that requires you more than 12 rides per month it’s already worth activating your U-Pass. Here is how you do it:
Photo by Diego Mazz on Unsplash
- Have your Compass Card ready.
- Go to https://upassbc.translink.ca/ and select your school: Capilano University.
- Log-in using your CapU ID information.
- Link your card to your account by entering the 20-digits and CVN (on the back) of your Compass Card.
- Request your U-Pass BC for this month.
You will need to repeat this procedure, except for step 4, every month… Yet, as you can see, it’s easier than paying your bank bills!
Getting around campus
One thing is getting to Capilano University and another is finding your way once you are here. We know learning how to navigate a new space can be overwhelming, especially when you are running late for class! So, apart from this campus map that might be handy to keep around, here are few tips on how to avoid crowds and save time from a fellow SDA:
- When moving across campus, try to use the buildings’ side exits and outside corridors. Especially in crowded common areas and buildings such as Birch, Cedar, and the Library.
- Most bus routes will take you to Phibbs Exchange platform where you need to take a last bus to CapU. During peak hours, the line for this bus is quite long, so you should plan to get to Phibbs ahead of time to be on time.
- When possible, schedule your meal breaks and study sessions at “odd hours” to avoid crowds. There are more people on break from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, so you will most likely find a spot on the food service area before or after that. Afternoons (anytime after 2:00 pm) are usually a good time to find a quiet study space at the Library and Writing Centre.
- If the weather allows, outdoor spaces are a great way to spend your break and get some of the fresh air, sunshine, and Vitamin D we all need. Even better, if you have enough spare time between classes, go for a walk in one of the trails near campus.
Getting support
We all need some kind of support to get through our everyday life experiences, even more during difficult times, let that be a global pandemic or a personal situation. Whatever you are going through, know that you are not alone! CapU has many different resources for its diverse community of students with a diverse range of needs. From recreational events and groups to connect with others to individual support tailored to your own needs, our school is committed to fulfilling its students’ well-being.
Click on the categories below to get more information on the kinds of support provided at Capilano or talk to a counsellor if you want help figuring that out.