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Your UBC Vancouver orientations

By Crissy Campbell on May 15, 2023

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 4 to August 11. Registration will open June 5th, 2023.

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.

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 residence stream runs from August 28 to September 1, and residence students may move in on August 27.

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver commuter stream runs from August 30 to September 1.

Register now!

Choosing your first-year courses

By Crissy Campbell on May 5, 2023

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 degrees at UBC Okanagan and registration for first-year degrees at UBC Vancouver 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 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 28, 2023

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 you accept your offer?

To accept your offer:

  1. Log in the Student 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 Student Service Centre account for your specific deadline.

 

Where do you find your deadline to accept?

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

  • Your letter of admission (see page 2)
  • Your Student 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 20, 2023

What you need to know about registration deposit deferrals

In most cases, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit in the Student 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.

 

After your deferral has been approved

Don’t worry if you are still prompted to pay a deposit on your registration screen. If you have confirmation that your registration deposit has been deferred, you can safely ignore this default warning.

 

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.

 

 

You’re Invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon

By Crissy Campbell on April 10, 2023

You’re Invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon

If you’re an international student or Canadian living abroad and you have been admitted to UBC for 2023 you’re invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon!

What is the UBC Chat-a-thon?

The UBC Chat-a-thon is a two-week long virtual event where you will have the chance to connect with other students, faculties, and UBC advisors about programs and general UBC questions through a text-based live chat. Each session will include a Dean’s, Associate Dean’s, or director’s kick-off, a prize giveaway, and an opportunity to chat with advisors and specific faculties.

 

Why should you go to the UBC Chat-a-thon?

Over the course of the events, you’ll get the insider perspective as you hear directly from your advisors and start building your community early by connecting with your new classmates.

 

Dates and schedules

From April 17 until April 29, we’ll be running live chat sessions. Check out the schedule and sign up to ensure you don’t miss out on asking your questions and meeting your first friends.

 

On-demand website

We’ll also be uploading on-demand videos every week to stream at your convenience. Keep checking back regularly for new content and to climb the leaderboard to win exciting prizes.

If you register for the on-demand website, you’ll be able to:

  • View curated recordings of presentations from the UBC Chat-a-thon
  • Watch UBC student experience videos
  • Earn points by engaging with our website with the possibility of winning prizes

 

How to register

Visit UBC’s events page and select the UBC Chat-a-thon sessions that work best for you. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you want!

Remember: if you register with your UBC applicant email, you’ll be in the running to win prizes!

Tips from UBC students for after you’ve been admitted

By Crissy Campbell on March 9, 2023

Tips from UBC students for after you’ve been admitted

All of your hard work has paid off, and you’ve been admitted to UBC! The road ahead is filled with crucial tasks to ensure that you’re ready for your first year of university – including planning your finances, registering for courses, and getting mentally prepared for life at UBC.

Take a look at these tips from four UBC students and one UBC advisor on how to make the upcoming months simple and stress-free.

Meet the students

UBC Okanagan student An Goto

An Goto | Bali, Indonesia

Chemistry (Honours), Mathematics (Minor)

“I chose UBC because I thought that the learning environment offered at the Okanagan campus exactly met the criteria that I had for an ideal university.”

 

UBC student Abdullah Khair

Abdullah Khair | Amman, Jordan

Chemical Engineering

“The student-centred environment at the university stood out to me and made me realize that there are endless ways to grow and discover myself on this campus.”

 

UBC student Thao Atkinson

Thao Atkinson | Métis, Midway, Canada

Commerce

“I loved the values UBC had and the high level of support UBC has for Indigenous students. I felt it was important for me to be in a community where I could exceed academically, but also have a sense of community.”

 

UBC student Moozhan Ahmadzadegan

Moozhan Ahmadzadegan | Lake Country, Canada

Visual Arts (Major), Art History (Minor)

“UBC is one of the best universities in the world, plus, I was born and raised in the Okanagan. It seemed only natural that I attend university in the place I call home.”

 

Enrolment Services Professional Claudia

Claudia | UBC advisor

As a UBC staff member dedicated to helping students, Claudia has many useful tips for you: “As a UBC advisor, I wear many hats. I specialize in financial advising, but I can also answer questions about undergraduate admissions, fees, tuition, registration, financial support, exams, graduation, transcripts, and so much more. If you have a question I can’t answer, I likely know the person or department who can.”

 

 

Accepting your offer

accept-ubc-offer

“My Peer Mentor helped with the transition into university by letting me know about events and other opportunities for students on campus.” – Moozhan

“My UBC advisor was extremely helpful to me, and especially at the beginning of my university career as I was still figuring out the very little details about being a student at UBC. This included things like how to pay my tuition, registering for courses, and transferring over some of my high school credits.” – Abdullah

 

 

Applying for a study permit

study-permit

“UBC’s International Student Guide is your go-to online resource for information on immigration, health insurance, taxes, and more. There’s even a study permit tutorial.” – Claudia, UBC Advisor

 

 

Planning your finances

“My UBC advisor helped me make sure how I knew how to handle money and how to budget for the year. He’s awesome!” – Thao

“Look for external awards and opportunities through banks, companies, and Internet-based databases like Scholarships Canada and yconic.” – Claudia, UBC Advisor

 

 

Finding a place to live

“If you live in residence, you have to vacate your room at the end of each academic year. Keep your belongings as compact as possible for smooth moving.” – An

“My residence room must-haves are a comfy pillow, snacks, and an alarm clock.” – Thao

“I always kept some late-night study snacks as you don’t really get access to a kitchen or hot food past a certain hour in university residence.” – Abdullah

 

 

Exploring your academic options

“The best part of being a Chemistry major is about the opportunity to be able to meet with professors who not only shaped me towards being a well-rounded chemist, but also a more independent individual.” – An

“When I picked my program, I was intrigued by the programs that the Sauder School of Business offered. This included co-op opportunities, global exchanges, and the various clubs offered by UBC.” – Thao

“I picked Engineering as I was interested in different sciences and mathematics. The best part about my degree at UBC is that they provide a general engineering program during first year and then you get to choose which specialty you’d like to be enrolled in.” – Abdullah

“My Visual Arts Course Union offers different opportunities to plan or volunteer at. It really creates a community within a program and is a great way to make connections and gain valuable experiences. It’s also a great chance to be involved and learn new things outside the classroom.” – Moozhan

 

 

Registering for courses

“Throughout my journey at UBC, I planned my courses by referencing the degree requirements for my Chemistry and Mathematics degrees, which were located in UBC’s Academic Calendar.” – An

“I had to register for some extra electives, and found that the Degree Navigator tool in the Student Services Centre was extremely useful in laying out what courses satisfy the elective requirements I had.” – Abdullah

“There is a lot to choose from, and it can be a challenge to narrow down your interests. Most of my courses were required, so that helped. My advice for first-timers: pick something you think will sustain your interest over the semester.” – Moozhan

“If your faculty does not have a standard timetable, reach out to older students who can help you with the process! UBC’s welcome events were a great way to meet upper year students who love to support and help incoming students.” – Thao

 

 

Getting ready for life at UBC!

“UBC offers a variety of support, courses and clubs that will undoubtedly pique your interest. If you’re thinking about coming to UBC, go to the orientations they provide, ask other students your questions, and research the things that you value!” – Thao

“Make sure university is what you want – it’s a commitment and can be a really great experience. UBC is an exceptional university and having the opportunity to attend a place of inclusion and acceptance is definitely a good incentive.” – Moozhan

“Finding community may seem a little overwhelming. However, with time and as you settle in, you will slowly find yourself immersed in many smaller groups at UBC. Whether that’s through your faculty, classes, or clubs, the smaller communities will make UBC feel like a bigger home to you.” – Abdullah

 

 

What to do if your study permit hasn’t arrived yet

By Crissy Campbell on August 15, 2022

What to do if your study permit hasn’t arrived yet

This blog post will be updated as new information becomes available. Check back regularly. 

Last updated: August 25, 2022 

We know that waiting for your study permit can be very stressful. We understand that you’re excited to start classes in September. However, it’s important to wait until you have all of your documents ready before coming to Canada. 

Here are some steps you can take if your study permit does not arrive on time.

 

Study permit processing times right now

For a number of reasons (post-COVID challenges, recent world events), the Canadian government is taking longer than usual to process study permits. 

UBC is aware of the situation and has reached out to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to encourage faster study-permit processing times. 

Unfortunately, there is no way to get your study permit process rushed. And UBC is not able to influence processing times or contact IRCC on your behalf. We know how frustrating this must be for you.

 

Wait for your “Letter of Introduction”

It’s important to wait until you have all your documents before coming to UBC. Do not travel to Canada before you receive your “Letter of Introduction” (study permit approval letter) from IRCC. The “Letter of Introduction” is what you’ll present to the officer at the airport or border in Canada to get your study permit.

 

If your study permit isn’t processed before classes start on September 6 

Most courses at UBC are designed for in-person attendance, and you need to attend from the first day of classes if possible. However, UBC is determined to support you if your study permit isn’t processed in time. The options available to you will depend on your specific program. Options might include your professors finding ways to help you keep up with the course materials if you’ll be arriving late, like class recordings and other support. In some programs, deferrals may be an option to consider. Your program’s advising office is the best place to support you in what options may be available to you.

Check with your academic advisor directly to find out what your options are:

 

Online courses

If you are unable to attend in person due to a delay in the processing of your study permit, you may be able to start some courses online. This option depends on the courses you are enrolled in and the specific policies developed by your faculty. If you are not sure if online courses are an option for you, check with your academic advisor:

Please note: If you start your courses online, this does not guarantee that you will be able to continue your studies if your study permit is then not approved.

 

Online courses and your PGWP eligibility

The temporary distance learning measures for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have been extended to August 31, 2023. This means that 50% of your studies can be completed online outside Canada and you’ll still remain eligible for PGWP.
 

Deferring your start date

If you aren’t able to make it here for your September 2022 classes because of study permit processing delays, you may request to defer your start and begin your studies at the start of a future term.  

You’ll need to complete the request form and submit it to UBC as soon as possible, and when you’re able to defer until will depend on your faculty. 

If your deferral request is approved, any payments already made to UBC can also be deferred toward your future tuition fees.

 

Arriving late for student housing

If you had secured UBC student housing for September 2022 and you need to defer your start date, email UBC Student Housing at information@housing.ubc.ca (Vancouver campus) or information@housing.okanagan.ubc.ca (Okanagan campus) to let them know.  

Your housing deposit may be transferred to a later start date or refunded in full if you choose to cancel your spot in student housing. 

  • By September 2 – full refund, with no cancellation fee 
  • Between September 3-19 – pro-rated refund based on date you cancel, no cancellation fee 
  • After September 20 – you will pay a cancellation fee of 25% of the contract 

More information about student housing cancellations and refunds can be found at: 

 

Arriving late for Jump Start 

You can arrive any time during the week of Jump Start (Okanagan campus, Vancouver campus). Group leaders are prepared to support you if you arrive partway through the orientation program. 

If you are not able to participate in Jump Start at all due to study permit processing delays, Jump Start can issue a refund or credit for both the orientation fees and the housing fees for that week. To request a refund: 

If you have questions about arriving late for Jump Start, you can email: 

 

Course drop/withdrawal dates

If you decide you have to drop or withdraw from your courses, you’ll want to keep these deadlines in mind:

To find out how you can get a refund of your tuition fees, visit: 

 

More information 

Find out more about what you can do if your study permit isn’t processed in time: 

What to do before classes start

By Crissy Campbell on August 5, 2021

What to do before classes start

It’s not long now until you begin your studies at UBC. As a first-year student you’ll meet loads of new people and have tons of new experiences, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. Set yourself up for a stress-free first week by taking care of a few things before classes start.

 

Get ready for orientation

Surprise! There are no lectures or labs on the first day of class. Instead, you’ll take part in a series of welcome-to-UBC events as part of Create if you’re at UBC Okanagan, or Imagine UBC for UBC Vancouver. Think kick-off ceremonies, school spirit, and discovering your first clubs and societies.

 

Check out the UBC Life Blog

Now that you’re an official UBC student, the UBC Life Blog will be your go-to resource for updates and information on Vancouver campus services and events, health and well-being, money management, and more. UBC Okanagan students should take a look at the Student Life page to discover more about what to expect in your first year.

 

Update your email address

Double check the email address you have listed on the Student Service Centre to make sure it’s correct, and then keep an eye on your inbox.

 

Learn about your student health plan

Visit the Studentcare website to learn more about your student health plan – including what’s covered and how to submit claims – or to find out how to opt out if you already have equivalent coverage elsewhere.

 

Plan your finances

Make sure you have a financial plan in place for the upcoming academic year. Need a hand? There are online resources for both campuses ­– Okanagan and Vancouver – that can help.

 

Pay your tuition online

Gain peace of mind by paying your tuition online. Check out the payment methods available for your campus – Okanagan or Vancouver – and choose the option that works best for you.