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Register now for Jump Start at UBC Vancouver

By Kate Wilson on June 10, 2021

Register now for Jump Start at UBC Vancouver

If you’re entering first year at UBC Vancouver and coming directly from high school, you’ll want to register for Jump Start. The event is designed to give you a first look at university life, let you meet your professors and academic community, and help you make your first friends!

 

What to expect

UBC is working closely with public health authorities to determine what a safe return to campus will look like in the fall. This year you can choose which of the three streams best suits you.

Residence stream

Join Jump Start’s residence stream if you’re planning to live on campus in the fall. Jump Start gives you the opportunity to move in early, get to know your profs, explore your new campus, and meet your first friends in person. This hybrid stream offers three days of in-person programming, and two days of a mix of on-campus and virtual programming. You can enjoy scheduled group events with your classmates, as well as sessions you can take part in online at your own pace.

You’ll move into your room at UBC on Sunday, August 29, and the five-day program begins on Monday, August 30.

Commuter stream

If you’re planning to live off campus and will be commuting to UBC in your first year, Jump Start gives you the opportunity to practice your route to classes, get to know your instructors, explore your new campus and your collegium, and meet your first friends in person. Like the residence stream, you’ll enjoy three days of in-person events, and two days of virtual programming. Some of those sessions will be scheduled group events with your classmates, and there will be activities you can take part in online at your own pace.

This stream will begin on Monday, August 30.

Virtual-only stream

Jump Start’s five-day, fully-virtual stream includes both live and pre-recorded activities to accommodate for time zone differences and accessibility. Each day will include two to three hours of scheduled events with a small group of your peers, student leaders, and a professor from your Faculty. You’ll also enjoy a number of sessions, socials, and other offerings that you can take part in at your own pace. The virtual-only stream allows you to participate in Jump Start from anywhere in the world.

This stream will begin on Monday, August 30.

  

Register now

Registration is now open! First, find out more about your Jump Start options, and then click the registration link to sign up. 

You must register for Jump Start before July 12. 

 

What students are saying:

“Jump Start was amazing! I am currently STILL communicating with all my Jump Start friends on social media. It was such a relief to make some connections before school, even if they were online. With our small group we all are already helping each other out. Our leaders were super fun, engaging, knowledgeable, and reassuring. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” – Isabella Guthrie

“I met a lot of great people in Jump Start whom I am still hanging out with. We mostly have classes together too so we helped each other in transitioning during the first week of class. Best decision I’ve ever made!” – Martina Francisco

 

 

Register now for Academic Essentials

By Kate Wilson on June 8, 2021

Register now for Academic Essentials

Learn the skills you’ll need for your first term at UBC by taking part in Academic Essentials. These online courses cover content relevant to your first year at UBC, and will help you develop strategies and techniques to successfully transition to university learning – all at your own pace.

 

Why Academic Essentials?

The Academic Essentials courses are designed to make sure you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals in math and academic reading and writing, so you have a solid foundation to build on in September.

Each of the three courses are not for credit (they won’t appear on your transcript), and are offered free of cost. As part of the curriculum, you’ll be able to access a library of online material to study in your own time while also having the opportunity to talk to Course Facilitators, who are current UBC students, for coaching and support.

All Academic Essentials courses run from July 5 to August 12, 2021.

 

What you’ll learn

UBC’s three Academic Essentials courses are self-directed, with new content released each week. Each course includes about three hours a week of instruction, and may include short weekly assignments. You can register for as many courses as you like.

You can choose from:

 

Academic Essentials: Reading and Writing at University

  • Learn strategies for active listening and critical reading in your UBC classes.
  • Become familiar with the UBC library system and the structures of academic articles.
  • Begin to develop your own writing voice, and explore different areas of research.
  • Interact with Course Facilitators through discussions and short writing exercises.

 

Academic Essentials: Readiness for University Mathematics

  • Discover the habits you’ll need to be successful in your math classes at UBC.
  • Learn how to approach new problems, and when to ask for help.
  • Practice fundamentals like algebra, functions, graphs, and geometry.
  • Self-assess the prerequisite skills and concepts needed for UBC calculus classes.

 

Academic Essentials: Live Well to Learn Well

  • Get tips on how to transition from high school to university.
  • Develop a personalized action plan to excel in your time at UBC.
  • Learn about the resources and strategies available to build a sense of community at UBC.
  • Find out how to access academic and wellness resources in an online setting.

 

How to register

Click the links below to enrol in the courses of your choice. You can choose from one, two, or all three courses, and you’ll need to register for each individually. You’ll need your CWL from your UBC application to sign up.

When you register, make sure you select the courses for the campus to which you’ve been admitted (Okanagan or Vancouver).

UBC Okanagan

Live Well to Learn Well

Readiness for University Mathematics

Reading and Writing at University

UBC Vancouver

Live Well to Learn Well

Readiness for University Mathematics

Reading and Writing at University

 

 

Tour UBC online with us

By Kate Wilson on June 3, 2021

Tour UBC online with us

Choosing which universities to apply to isn’t easy. Many factors will go into your decision, including the program you want to study, the reputation of the university, its location, the facilities available to you, and whether the school feels like the right fit.

How do you know where to start? The best way to learn more about a university is with a campus tour. At UBC, our students are excited to connect with you online to share their experiences, show you their favourite spaces on campus, and answer your questions about classes, housing, and beyond – all from the comfort of your own home.

 

What you’ll experience

UBC Okanagan

If you want to learn more about UBC’s Okanagan campus, join our student ambassadors for a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute tour. You’ll get an in-depth look at the most interesting places on campus and find out what your experience could be like at UBC Okanagan. You’ll also have the chance to ask your questions about student life in a Q&A panel at the end of the tour.

Tours are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, and some Saturdays.

 

UBC Vancouver

To discover UBC’s Vancouver campus, take part in our tours that also last for one hour and fifteen minutes. Upper-level students will discuss what they enjoy most about living and learning at UBC Vancouver, and showcase the stunning campus with images and their own stories. The tour ends with a student panel and the chance to have your questions answered.

You can join a tour every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and some Saturdays.

 

How to register

To view all upcoming tours and to register, visit the Future Student Portal’s Tours and events page and select the “On campus” tab.

 

Keep exploring

If you are unable to attend one of our live tours or you want to learn more about UBC at your own pace, you can also experience our two campuses by taking a pre-recorded virtual tour.

 

 

Register for UBC 101

By Kate Wilson on June 2, 2021

Register for UBC 101

Once you’ve been admitted to UBC Okanagan, it’s time to start getting to know your new home. UBC 101 is a self-guided online course that will help you learn more about your campus, and take care of the basics before classes start.

 

What is UBC 101?

From textbooks to housing, medical insurance to degree planning, UBC 101 will set you up with the knowledge to help you succeed when you arrive on campus. UBC 101 is designed to provide a general guide for new students for all things UBCO, and will:

  • introduce you to the history, traditions, and culture of UBC Okanagan,
  • guide you through your academic transition to university,
  • introduce you to on-campus support services, and
  • help you take care of the essentials prior to the start of classes.

Best of all, you can meet and chat with other new students on UBC 101’s discussion boards, and get your questions answered early.

 

How long does it take?

Most students complete the online orientation in less than two hours—a small investment of time that will pay off big on your first day and beyond.

 

When should you start UBC 101?

You can start UBC 101 any time from May to September. Because you’ll learn important information about course registration, though, we recommend completing UBC 101 before the end of June.

UBC 101 is available 24 hours a day to all new-to-UBC-Okanagan students.

 

To access UBC 101

  1. Visit the Canvas self-enrolment portal, and log in with your Campus Wide Login (CWL) when prompted.
  2. Click “enrol in course”.

Once you are enrolled, you can access UBC 101 anytime by clicking the link to UBC 101 on your Canvas dashboard.

 

 

All the ways you can pay your UBC fees

By Kate Wilson on May 27, 2021

All the ways you can pay your UBC fees

Once you’ve accepted your offer of admission and registered for courses, there are many different ways to pay your tuition, student fees, and residence and meal plan fees. The payment options available will depend on the specific type of fee you’re paying, which campus you’re attending, and where you are in the world.

 

If you’re a Canadian student or paying from a Canadian account

Here are just a few of the ways you can pay your tuition and fees:

  • Electronic funds transfer (EFT) from any Canadian financial institution
  • Online or telephone banking bill payment from any Canadian financial institution
  • Interac® Online from Canadian accounts at select financial institutions
  • Online credit card payment (a 1.75% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • Payment at any Canadian HSBC branch (you do not have to be an HSBC customer)

Did you know?

If you’re a Canadian student on UBC’s Vancouver campus, you also have the option of applying your TD and Aeroplan loyalty points toward your tuition and fees through the HigherEdPoints program.

 

If you’re an international student or paying from an international account

You can pay your fees in a number of ways. Here are a few options:

  • International funds transfer (IFT) with Western Union Business Solutions
  • Online credit card payment (a 1.75% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • Payment at any Canadian HSBC branch

Did you know?

If you’re an international student, UBC’s international funds transfer option with Western Union Business Solutions lets you pay in your home currency, secure a competitive exchange rate for up to 72 hours, and avoid additional transaction fees – no Canadian bank account required.

 

Step-by-step instructions

For a full list of payment options and to get step-by-step instructions for your payment method(s) of choice, read through the links below. Please note that tuition fees and residence fees are paid to different departments within UBC.

Okanagan campus

Vancouver campus

Need help?

If you have questions about paying your tuition or fees:

  • Contact Student Services and Financial Support at ubco@ubc.ca or +1.250.807.9100 on the Okanagan campus.
  • Contact an Enrolment Services Advisor on the Vancouver campus.
  • If you do not have an assigned advisor on your campus, you can also reach us through our online form.

 

 

Programs spotlight: Education

By Kate Wilson on May 10, 2021

Programs spotlight: Education

Do you believe education should put students and the quality of their learning first? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge with others and helping people find and develop their innate talent? Consider one of UBC’s seven Bachelor of Education degrees for an internationally recognized learning experience that will launch your career as an educator in Canada and beyond.

Explore your program options

Teaching Elementary, Middle or Secondary Programs

Gain hands-on experience teaching elementary, middle or secondary school curricula in one of UBC’s education programs. UBC Vancouver offers two pathways, Elementary and Middle Years and Secondary, while at UBC Okanagan students can choose between the Teaching Children and Teaching Adolescents programs. Students in all programs will complete school-based practicums and engage in collaborative learning with instructors, classmates, practising educators, and community partners, and have the opportunity to participate in place-based learning opportunities.

West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP)

If you believe rural and small school settings present exciting educational opportunities for teachers, WKTEP could be for you. Based in the WKTEP Learning Centre in Nelson, BC, and in the surrounding communities, this 11-month post-degree program offers an opportunity to develop the professional qualities and practices necessary to teach in today’s complex learning environments. With a strong focus on community, collaboration, and innovation, you’ll graduate prepared to teach in an elementary, middle, or secondary school setting.

Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP)

Build upon your Aboriginal identity and cultural heritage while learning how to be an effective educator in public, band, and independent schools in BC. In NITEP, you’ll develop the skills and academic knowledge expected of beginning educators and complete a specialization in Indigenous Education. As a student on UBC’s Vancouver campus, you’ll have access to the Xwi7xwa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship.

 International Baccalaureate (IB)

Join a community of students focused on international education in Canada’s first IB-recognized teacher education program. You’ll learn key concepts and transdisciplinary themes through enriching, hands-on learning opportunities that promote discovery, exploration, and thinking about real-world issues. You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in the educational practices and underpinnings of IB, and will be eligible for the Level 1 IB Educator credential.

 

See a full list of education programs at UBC

 

 

International students: Remember to apply for a study permit

By Kate Wilson on May 6, 2021

International students: Remember to apply for a study permit

Unless you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you’ll likely need to apply and receive a study permit before you travel to Canada and start your UBC classes, and you’ll need to ensure your permit remains valid for the duration of your studies. Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Learn more about study permits at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Once your initial study permit application is approved, you will automatically be issued a TRV or eTA if you need one.

 

When do you apply?

You should apply for a study permit online as soon as you receive your letter of admission to UBC. Applications can take several months to process.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada recently announced that if you submit a complete study permit application by May 15, 2021, you will receive a decision by August 6, 2021. We urge you to apply by May 15 if you are able.

If you are missing some required documents

If you are unable to provide all your documents, you can apply for your study permit by May 15 and add a section to your letter of explanation to address the reasons why a document is missing. You’ll need to include proof for the delay, such as your future medical exam appointment confirmation, and then combine this with your other supporting documents in the ‘client information’ section of your application. When you receive your outstanding document, you should send it to IRCC by uploading it in your online portal. If you don’t have a request in your online portal, send it through a webform and request that the document is added to your application.

If you cannot apply by May 15 due to documents you still require, such as biometrics or a medical exam, submit a complete application as soon as possible for your study permit to be processed in a timely manner.

If IRCC sends you a request for documents after you apply, it is important to submit it by the deadline indicated or provide an explanation and proof for why you are unable to submit it in time. Find out more information for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

 

How do you apply?

To prepare your application, visit UBC’s step-by-step initial study permit tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver. Here, you’ll learn about the application process, how to fill out the application form, and what documents to provide .

If you are a resident of China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam, and are considering applying through the Student Direct Stream, we recommend you apply through the regular stream. Please see our frequently asked questions.

If you are a US citizen, US permanent resident, or a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you can apply for a study permit at the airport or land border crossing on arrival. Read through the study permit tutorial above to find out more, and remember to bring all your original documents with you.

 

What if you’re already studying in Canada?

You are coming to UBC from a Canadian high school

If you have been studying in secondary/high school in Canada and you have been admitted to UBC, you must apply to extend your study permit. You must do this within 90 days after receiving written confirmation of high school completion or before your study permit expires – whichever comes first.

You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of admission from UBC.

  • If you are inside of Canada, apply for a study permit extension for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.
  • If you will not be in Canada in time to apply to extend your study permit, apply for an initial study permit from outside of Canada. Learn more about what to do for UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.

You are transferring to UBC from a Canadian college or university

If you already have a valid study permit for post-secondary study in Canada, you might be able to use that permit to study at UBC.

  • If you did not complete your previous program and your study permit has not expired, you must inform the government by changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) online via your MyCIC account.
  • If you completed a program at your previous institution, you must extend your study permit for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver within 90 days after you received written notification of program completion or before your study permit expires – whichever comes first.

 

What do you need to prepare before travelling to Canada?

Before making travel plans, be sure to carefully review all pages of our Travelling to Canada Guide for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver to learn about COVID-19 testing, making a quarantine plan, what documents to bring, health insurance, and more.

 

If you still have questions

We understand that this may be a stressful time for you, given the global disruptions due to COVID-19. Remember: you are not alone. If you’d like to talk to a UBC advisor, our International Student Advising team at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver is here for you. The UBC International Student Guide for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver is also a great resource and reference handbook for everything you need to know about coming to UBC.

We also recommend that you enroll in iPREP, a pre-arrival course designed for new students to learn about immigration documents, health insurance, and more.

 

 

Choosing your first-year courses

By Kate Wilson on May 5, 2021

Choosing your first-year courses

As soon as you’ve been admitted to UBC, you can begin thinking about the courses you’ll take in first year. If you familiarize yourself with how to read course descriptions now, you’ll have a head start when it’s time to build your course timetable. Registration for first-year programs on the Okanagan campus and registration for first-year programs on the Vancouver campus both begin in June.

 

Review your degree requirements

It’s important to be aware of your degree requirements. These are the courses you must complete to graduate with your chosen degree. Step seven of the Next steps for admitted students guide lists the basic requirements for each degree, but some degrees may require additional courses.

For a full list of your degree requirements, check out the Academic Calendar and your faculty website:

If you have questions, you can contact Academic Advising on the Okanagan campus or an academic advisor for your faculty on the Vancouver campus.

 

Pay close attention to any English requirements

Most undergraduate degrees at UBC also have an English, communication, or writing requirement that applies to all students, regardless of first language or citizenship.

Most UBC faculties on either campus will require you to take three or six credits of first-year English, and you should check your Faculty requirements before you register to be sure that you are taking the right ones for your program.

Learn more about first-year English courses on the Vancouver campus.

Learn more about first-year English requirements on the Okanagan campus.

 

Start exploring your options

Most students are able to fit in a few courses beyond their degree requirements – and there’s a wide range to choose from. Taking courses outside your faculty is highly encouraged at UBC, so don’t be shy about choosing electives that take you beyond your degree and help you pursue other interests. Start exploring the Academic Calendar and see what you find!