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Register now for Academic Essentials

By Crissy Campbell on June 7, 2024

Register now for Academic Essentials

If you’ve accepted your offer to UBC Vancouver, you can start sharpening the skills you’ll need to succeed in your first term by taking part in Academic Essentials. These free online courses 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 fundamental concepts, and the academic skills and mindset to succeed in a university setting, all so that you can hit the ground running in September.

All of the courses are offered for free and none of them are for credit (so they won’t appear on your transcript), meaning you can engage with them at your own pace and on your own schedule. As part of the curriculum, you’ll be able to access a library of online materials and resources, and you’ll to study on your own time. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with your course facilitators, who are all current UBC students and who will be happy to share their own tips and academic experiences with you.

All Academic Essentials courses run from July 4 to August 11, 2023.

What you’ll learn

Academic Essentials courses are self-paced and self-directed, with new content released every week. For each course, you’ll enjoy two-to-three hours of engagement with the material each week, and take part in assignments to help you get the most out of the content. You can register for as many courses as you like. Choose from:

Academic Essentials: Reading and Writing at University

  • Learn strategies for critical reading and active listening for your UBC classes.
  • Begin to develop your own writing voice, and explore different areas and contexts in which you will produce written work .
  • Become familiar with the UBC library system and the structures of academic articles.
  • Interact with course facilitators through discussions and short writing exercises.

Academic Essentials: Readiness for University Mathematics

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

Academic Essentials: Live Well to Learn Well

  • Get tips on how to transition from high school to university.
  • Develop study strategies and self-assessment skills that will ensure success in your studies.
  • Develop a personalized action plan to excel in your time at UBC.
  • Find out how to access academic and wellness resources at UBC.

How to register

Click the links below to enrol in the course(s) 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 admission package to sign up.

Register for Reading and Writing at University

Register for Readiness for University Mathematics

Register for Live Well to Learn Well

What students are saying

“[Academic Essentials] was a great way to get a taste of university life and explore different aspects of academic work. I was able to see how the same content taught to me can be approached and understood in different ways. The feedback and support from the peers and mentors in the program helped me feel more confident in what I knew, while allowing me to learn and grow.” – Rajalakshmi N., Bachelor of Applied Science

Ready for UBC 101?

By Crissy Campbell on May 22, 2024

Ready 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 series of online modules 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. As a new-to-UBC– Okanagan student, you’ll be automatically enrolled in UBC 101. This course contains a series of online modules that 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.
  • Help you take care of essential tasks, such as showing you how to register for your first-year courses.

The modules are designed to familiarize you with UBC Okanagan and the traditional territory where our students learn and grow. You’ll find out about all the advisors and orientation programs available to support you as you transition to UBC Okanagan. You will also learn more about the identity and cultural programs, career resources, learning supports, and wellness services that will assist you once you are on campus. Make sure you don’t miss the module that provides important information about course registration!   

When is UBC 101?

UBC 101 starts in mid-May and runs until mid-August, with asynchronous modules being released weekly. Completing the modules will take about one hour each week. It’s a relatively small time commitment with a big pay off!

How to access UBC 101

All new-to-UBC Okanagan students, except Bachelor of Education students, are eligible to take part in UBC 101. You’ll be automatically enrolled starting in mid-May.

You can access UBC 101 anytime by clicking the link to the orientation on your Canvas dashboard. That’s also where you’ll find any updates or news about the UBC 101 material.

All the ways you can pay your UBC fees

By Crissy Campbell on May 21, 2024

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 bank you are using, 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:

  • Online or telephone banking bill payment from any Canadian financial institution
  • Pre-authorized debit (PAD) from any Canadian financial institution
  • Payment at any Canadian RBC branch (you do not have to be a RBC customer)
  • Online credit card payment (a 2.5% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • In person by cheque or Canadian debit at the Student Records and Financial Services office at UNC 214 (UBC Okanagan students only)

You also have the option of:

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 TransferMate
  • Online credit card payment (a 2.5% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • Payment at any Canadian RBC branch

Did you know?

If you’re an international student, paying your fees via TransferMate 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.

TransferMate Price Match

If you find a better rate from a similar provider within 2 hours of completing a transaction through TransferMate, you can email rateassurance@transfermate.com within 1 month to receive suitable compensation for the price difference, subject to terms and conditions.

 

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, check out the links below. Please note that tuition fees and residence fees are paid to different departments at UBC.

 UBC Okanagan:

UBC Vancouver:

Questions?

If you have questions about paying fees, we’re here to help!

Your UBC Okanagan orientations

By Crissy Campbell on May 15, 2024

Your UBC Okanagan orientations

Congratulations on your offer of admission to UBC Okanagan! Once you’ve decided UBC is the right place for you and accepted your offer, it’s time to take a look at your orientations before classes start.

This summer, these activities and events will help you build your community and meet your first friends, learn more about campus life, and get ready for your first day in September!

UBC 101

As a new-to-UBC-Okanagan student, you’ll be automatically enrolled in UBC 101. This course has two streams: an Indigenous student stream and a general student stream. Both streams contain a series of online modules that will help you discover the history, traditions, and culture of UBC Okanagan, learn about the academic transition to university, be introduced to on-campus support services, and take care of essentials. Make sure you don’t miss the module that provides important information about course registration.

UBC 101’s modules will be released every week between mid-May and mid-August. Completing the modules will take about 1 hour each week and your learning will be led by an upper-year UBC Okanagan student who can answer your questions and help you take care of the essentials before classes start.

Who should take part

All undergraduate students coming to UBC Okanagan, except Bachelor of Education students.

Dates and deadlines

If you’re eligible, you will be automatically enrolled starting in mid-May.

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan will help you discover campus life and your new community, learn about opportunities, and connect with other students. This three-day event is a great way to make friends before the first day of term through fun social activities and educational workshops in small groups, led by upper-year peers.

You can take part in Jump Start’s commuter stream or residence stream, depending on whether you’ll be living on- or off-campus in your first term. Whichever stream is right for you, you’ll enjoy academic success workshops designed to welcome you to your degree, as well as the chance to connect with faculty members, staff, and other students who are available to help you throughout your time at UBC. You’ll find out what it’s like to learn in a university environment and can take part in sessions hosted by UBC Okanagan staff and faculty to show you the campus resources and services. By getting the fundamentals out of the way, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters on your first day.

Who should take part

All first-year undergraduate students coming to UBC Okanagan from high school.

Dates and deadlines

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan runs from August 28 to August 30. Residence students may move in on August 27.

Register now!

Create

Kick off your first year at UBC Okanagan with Create orientation. This free, campus-wide event is here to help you build connections to the people, places, and resources that will support and shape your university experience. Over the course of the day, you’ll meet other new students and connect with upper-level peers who are ready to answer all your questions.

You’ll learn about UBC Okanagan and be welcomed by UBC’s leadership. You can also discover more about the campus and Kelowna community at the Showcase Information Fair. After you’ve registered for Create, you will receive an official email in late August with your personal schedule, including your group number and other important information about the day.

Who should take part

All new-to-UBC Okanagan undergraduate students.

Dates and deadlines

Create takes place on September 2. Register now.

Indigenous Student Orientation

Indigenous Student Orientation (ISO) is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students prepare for a successful start at UBC and develop connections and meaningful relationships.

Join the Indigenous Programs and Services team during a fun-filled day where you will learn more about campus, get to know your peer mentor and other new-to-UBC Okanagan Indigenous students, and enjoy a lunch together while being entered to win some great door prizes.

Who should take part

Indigenous Student Orientation is open to all First Nation (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit students new to UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Dates and deadlines

ISO takes place on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Register now.

Your UBC Vancouver orientations

By Crissy Campbell on May 15, 2024

Your UBC Vancouver orientations

Your first day at UBC Vancouver is coming up fast! Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’re ready to start thinking about the orientation options available for you this summer. Together, they’re designed to help you meet your first friends, get ready to learn in a university setting, and hit the ground running as soon as classes begin in September.

Academic Essentials

Academic Essentials is an online program that will prepare you for academic success as you transition to university. There are three courses you can take: Reading and Writing at University, Readiness for University Mathematics, and Live Well to Learn Well. You can take one, two, or all three. Each is offered online as a self-paced and self-directed online course, and you’ll be guided by facilitators who are current UBC undergraduate students who can help you with the course material, share their first-year learning experiences, and give you some helpful tips for success. In all your Academic Essentials courses, you’ll build your academic skills, develop confidence in your academic readiness, and get access to a library of learning and wellness resources to help you get the most out of your first year and succeed at university.

Who should take part

All incoming first-year students to UBC Vancouver.

Dates and deadlines

Academic Essentials runs from July 2 to August 9. Registration is now open! Registration closes on July 15.

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver is a multi-day academic orientation program 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 at UBC Vancouver. This year, depending on whether you’re planning to live on or off campus in your first term, you’ll be able to participate in Jump Start’s residence or commuter stream.

You can take part in Jump Start’s commuter stream or residence stream, depending on whether you’ll be living on- or off-campus in your first term. In both streams, you’ll enjoy scheduled group events with your classmates, as well as sessions and offerings you can take part in at your own pace. You’ll be assigned to a learning community which will be led by two upper-year students and a faculty fellow. Together, you’ll take part in fun activities like trivia nights, sports, dance tutorials, and art activities, as well as opportunities to explore campus and learn how to successfully transition from high school student to university scholar.

Who should take part

All first-year students coming to UBC Vancouver from high school.

Dates and deadlines

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver runs from August 28 to August 30, and residence students may move in on August 27.

Register now! Registration closes June 27 at 11:59 PST.

Imagine UBC

Imagine UBC is an exciting full-day event that welcomes new students to the campus community and helps them get acquainted with university life. For most students, Imagine UBC replaces the first day of classes. If you are a first-year student, you will have the chance to meet other students in your faculty, your Dean, and some of your future professors. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn about support services available on campus and get introduced to hundreds of student clubs and groups to help you make friends and get involved. If you are coming to UBC from another university or college, Imagine UBC is also for you! By participating in Imagine, you’ll be able to make connections that will help kick start your UBC experience.

Who should take part

All first-year and returning undergraduate students coming to UBC Vancouver.

Dates and deadlines

Imagine UBC happens on September 3. There is no need to register.

In late August, every first year student will receive an email outlining their detailed Imagine Day schedule. If you’re already participating in Jump Start, your Imagine Day schedule will be included in your Jump Start program schedule.

Choosing your first-year courses

By Crissy Campbell on May 6, 2024

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 courses at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver begins in June. UBC will email you with your assigned registration date and time two weeks before you’re eligible to register.

 

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 at UBC Okanagan or an academic advisor for your faculty at UBC Vancouver.

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.

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!

Don’t forget to accept your offer of admission

By Crissy Campbell on April 29, 2024

Don’t forget to accept your offer of admission

If you’ve received an offer of admission to UBC, congratulations! Getting into UBC is no easy feat, so all of your hard work paid off. The next step is to formally accept your offer and pay your acceptance deposit before the deadline to confirm your spot.

 

How do I accept my offer?

To accept your offer:

  1. Log in the Applicant Service Centre.
  2. Click Admissions followed by Accept or Decline My Offer.
  3. Select Yes, I accept this offer.
  4. Pay your acceptance deposit ($500 if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or $1,000 if you’re an international student). This deposit will be credited to your first term’s tuition.

Why do some students have different deadlines?

The deadline for you to accept your offer will depend on when your offer was made, to which degree you’ve been admitted, and which campus you will attend. Please refer to your letter of admission or your Applicant Service Centre account for your specific deadline.

 

Where do I find my deadline to accept?

You can find the deadline to accept your offer in two places:

  • Your letter of admission (see page 2)
  • Your Applicant Service Centre account (click Admissions followed by Accept or Decline My Offer)

Be sure to accept your offer on or before the stipulated deadline. Spaces at UBC are in high demand, and if you miss the deadline, your offer is likely to be withdrawn and made to another student.

 

 

What you need to know about registration deposit deferrals

By Crissy Campbell on April 23, 2024

What you need to know about registration deposit deferrals

In most cases, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit in the Applicant Service Centre when you accept your offer of admission to UBC. The acceptance deposit counts as your first registration deposit, and is applied to your tuition fees after you register for classes.

There are some exceptions, though. If you’re receiving a major award or sponsorship funding – from UBC or a third party – and that funding is delayed, you can request for your registration deposit to be deferred until when your tuition fees are due, by contacting an advisor on the Okanagan campus or your Enrolment Services Advisor on the Vancouver campus.

For Indigenous students who have self-identified in their online application to UBC, your registration deposit will be automatically deferred in an effort to support students who are being funded by third parties, including their Band or Nation.

 

Who can help you with financial planning?

If you have financial concerns or you’re facing financial challenges, please contact an advisor on the Okanagan campus or your Enrolment Services Advisor on the Vancouver campus. We can help you plan how to finance your studies at UBC.