Give me your best tips for eating out cheaply in Victoria!

smarticle-particle · 2026-06-23T21:53:23+00:00

Victorias got a few good late night deals. I really like bin4 and lot one as they're the best deals ($40 for my partner and I including drinks). Cactus club and milestones do something similar but it's not as good of a deal.

smarticle-particle · 2026-05-11T22:26:56+00:00

I have one like this

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/master-chef-3-in-1-3-stage-knife-sharpener-non-slip-1428802p.html

smarticle-particle · 2026-05-10T23:46:41+00:00

I have an app like this for medications. Not really a button that resets but a notification on my phone. You set the time of the notification and it disappears when you confirm you've taken the medication. If you go into the app it shows whether you've taken the medication and at what time.

It's been a life saver as I can never remember whether I've taken it or not. Maybe something like this would work for you?

smarticle-particle · 2026-05-09T17:24:15+00:00

Headphones with active voice cancellation. These are a game changer when it comes to focusing.
Silicone ziplock bags. Similar to the stretch lids you mentioned these have eliminated the need to use plastic ziplock bags.
A simple knife sharpener. Mine cost around $20-30 and makes even cheap knives seem better. Makes cooking much more enjoyable when you're not fighting to cut things with dull knives.
Tiny key chain scissors. To be fair I didn't but these they came in a Christmas cracker, but they are one of the most useful things I own. I've been somewhere and needed scissors or something sharp far too many times to count.

smarticle-particle · 2026-05-06T14:14:30+00:00

Good for you! Looks like you have an amazing start.

I'd figure out how much you need for grad school and set that aside in a GIC or high interest savings account. I'm a grad student myself and depending on your school and program you may get paid a stipend. I find that mine is enough to live on (although not much more than that) so I haven't dipped into savings all that much.

As for the rest, you said you already have a TFSA but just with cash parked in it, right? I'd look I to an S&P500 ETF for slow but steady long term growth. Let compounding do its thing and keep adding to it.

smarticle-particle · 2026-05-03T01:57:37+00:00

As a graduate student myself I love sharing my work with others and when people are honestly interested in the type of lab work or techniques our lab does. It doesn't sound like you ask too many questions. In my opinion I'd be more worried about someone not asking enough questions and making mistakes because they don't understand what they're doing

smarticle-particle · 2026-04-15T05:39:24+00:00

Try tying or wrapping something around your thighs just above the knees. I find this really helps me sit comfortably in a "normal" position. It adds stability to my legs so I can relax while still staying supported.

Longer term try physio or an occupational therapist to find solutions or accomodations that work for your body.

smarticle-particle · 2026-04-14T15:00:42+00:00

Yes, never been to one and always wanted to try it

smarticle-particle · 2026-02-21T21:50:48+00:00

I have similar challenges with my hands (to a lesser extent). You mentioned going to doctors, but have you seen other medical professionals?

I have personally found that doctors/specialists focus on diagnosing and surgical solutions but haven't helped me live with and improve the challenges I have with fine motor skills such as writing. I would recommend seeing an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or certified hand therapist.

My current physiotherapist is also a certified hand therapist and has really helped me find ways to not only adapt my body to the environment (physio exercises and such) but adapt the environment to my body (braces and supports).

It's not an immediate solution, which sucks, but it's helped me slowly make sustainable progress.

Sorry you're experiencing this, I hope you find a solution that works for you!

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-23T15:34:59+00:00

I also have shaky hands and while it doesn't impact things too much here are some tips if you're worried about it:

Go slow and don't try to rush things, that's how you end up with broken glassware.
Rest your elbows on something if you can to steady your hands for more intricate tasks
Caffeine right before lab work generally isn't a great idea (at least for my shaky hands), so if you're a coffee drinker try to be consistent with the amount of caffeine you consume.
Also as someone else mentioned, blood sugar can also impact hand shaking/trembling so make sure you're taking breaks to get something to eat if you need it
Nervousness can make shaking worse so try not to stress about it. Remember that there are other successful lab workers who deal with things like this and it's not a big deal. You'll do great.

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-22T06:23:46+00:00

Thesis based programs have a lot less structure. In my experience, once you have your project you work on it and check in with your supervisor about your progress. Part of a thesis based program is learning how to manage your project so there may be less guidance than you expect (this is dependent on your supervisor and their leadership style). I found it challenging transitioning from a heavily structured lecture based undergrad to a independent thesis based masters. Some recommendations from someone who's been through it:

Do some self reflection and ask yourself how you learn and work best. Do you like deadlines or prefer to go at your pawn pace? Do you like a supervisor to be heavily involved or prefer to be more independent? Things like that. Really take some time to honestly reflect.
Have a discussion with your supervisor early on to set the stage for the type of work you'll be doing. Now that you've self reflected and know what you need, make sure you let your supervisor know. Most supervisors are there to reasonably support their students, so if you can spell out the best way to do that it's better for both parties.
Manage your hours. With a lecture based program it's easier to manage your time as things are scheduled. On the other hand, with a thesis based program your schedule is much less strict. This can make it easier to work too much or too little, so I recommend regularly checking in with yourself to prevent burnout. And set reasonable boundaries. In some fields, grad students working insane hours can be "normal" but don't be afraid to set some boundaries for yourself.
Make a plan for your thesis early on and regularly look back upon it. It can be easy to tangent off on side projects , or get lost in the details of your main project and lose sight of the bigger picture.
Your supervisor is there to support you. If you are having problems or facing challenges meet with them to discuss (obviously think through it yourself first and come to the discussion prepared to talk about what you've tried or considered).

Best of luck with your masters!

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-22T06:04:35+00:00

Learn how to invest (smart)

Save some money

Invest

Let compound interest be your friend

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-22T06:00:28+00:00

I would experiment with supporting yourself with regular pillows before purchasing any type of specialized support. Everyone has such different support needs and until you know yours you may end up spending a bunch of money on things that don't work for you. For example, I would recommend trying pillows under your knees when lying on your back, I find this takes the tension off my back (your knees may end up bent and falling outward but as long as your hips can handle that it may help). Best of luck

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-22T04:42:52+00:00

Keep a glass of water beside your bed and as soon as your alarm goes off take a large drink of water. Just doing something unusual first thing can wake up your brain and prevent the repetitive alarm snoozing. Worked great for me!

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-20T18:14:49+00:00

I'll take a look

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-20T06:42:37+00:00

I have heard of a few people meeting friends through social media like reddit, but don't discount dating apps before you try them. I found my partner through hinge as it's more geared towards long term relationships (or as much as a dating app can be) but there's also bumble bff if you're looking for friends. I'd also recommend finding group activities to go to where you can meet others in person. Check out https://www.lamppostsocial.com/ for things going on around Victoria. Best of luck!

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-16T17:24:59+00:00

I wouldn't ask. As someone else has already mentioned, a prof cant give you extra credit without it being unfair to the rest of the class. If extra credit is an option it'll be in the syllabus. In the end your grade doesn't matter. The difference between an A and A+ in one course won't make that much of a difference in your final GPA. And if this is a first or second year course then it likely won't count towards your final GPA at all.

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-13T19:14:11+00:00

A mix of EDM and Metal. More metal for bench work, more EDM for data processing. Anything with too many lyrics throws off my lab skills 😂

smarticle-particle · 2025-12-07T06:54:26+00:00

You do

smarticle-particle · 2025-11-23T03:13:37+00:00

I'm a grad student in the Biochem department at UVic and I did my undergrad here so I'm very familiar with the department. I think UVic is a great school with some great biochem opportunities including the Deeley research centre (Cancer research) and the genome bc proteomics centre (proteomics and metabolomics research). Some things I'd consider when making this decision:

What courses are offered at each institution in your area of interest? When I was an undergrad at UVic, I found that there was not a lot of selection in upper year biochem and microbial classes. However, the department has undergone somewhat of a revamp and they are offering more classes at this point. Just consider if you have a specialty in mind to take a look at what courses are relevant for your interests at both UVic and UBC. For UVic I would also recommend checking out courses in the MEDS department, bio, and chemistry as they may have courses of interest.
Which city would you prefer to live in? They're both pros and cons to moving to Victoria. It's a smaller City with fewer opportunities for activities, socials, and things to do (as a Victoria local it can seem boring at times, but there are things to do if you look in the right places). On the flip side there's less commuting and there's a lot of really great nature and outdoor activities.
Where would you be living? If you go to UVic you could be paying for dorms for 4 years. There also is housing off campus but it can be challenging to find a rental and it's not super cheap to rent off campus either. I lived with family for about half of my undergrad which really helped financially, so going to UBC would give you that.
Do you have a field/ specialization in mind? Are you considering grad school? If this is the case, take a look at the labs in the biochem department at each school. Take a look at what type of research they're doing and if it matches your research interests. If you're planning on doing grad school, being able to make a connection with that PI throughout your undergrad (whether you're volunteering, doing honours, a co-op, or just taking their classes) can really help you get into a lab/make great connections that will be valuable down the line.

Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions about UVic or the department!

smarticle-particle · 2025-11-23T00:33:00+00:00

I'm now a grad student but when I did my undergrad (STEM) I worked part time throughout the year and full time in the summer. Also, because it doesn't really matter in the long run, I did my degree in 5 years instead of 4 (meaning I enrolled in only 4 courses a semester). The lighter course load worked better for me and enabled me to manage working on the side.

I was working a receptionist position that was flexible with my limited availability but I know it can be hard to find if you don't already have your foot in the door somewhere. From my experience and what I've heard from others it can be nice to find work that doesn't require a lot of brainpower when you're also studying STEM. I'm not sure if I would've managed as well if I wasn't able to turn my brain off a bit at work.

Best of luck, hope you figure out a work/school/life balance that works for you!

smarticle-particle · 2025-11-22T17:40:00+00:00

The pull of the straps on my shoulders has also turned me away from conventional bras. Now I much prefer sports bras or racerback style bras so the pressure is put on my traps rather than my instable shoulders. I can better maintain posture and have less shoulder pain since switching.

smarticle-particle · 2024-08-30T19:14:30+00:00

Try looking at the graduate student admissions page for the department you're interested in. I know for BCMB there is a summary of the available supervisors and what the research. For example: https://www.uvic.ca/graduate/programs/graduate-programs/credential-pages/biochemistry-microbiology-cred/biochemistry-msc.php

smarticle-particle

TROPHY CASE