UBC admissions blog

Get a head start on your first term at UBC by enrolling in Academic Essentials. These courses are designed to ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals in math, academic reading and writing, and health and wellness at UBC, so you have a solid foundation to build on in September.

Your academic essentials courses begin on July 5, 2021, so there’s not long left to register!

What is Academic Essentials?

Academic Essentials is a series of three not-for-credit courses that will help you hit the ground running before your first day at UBC. 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.

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. These are current UBC students who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the course content or UBC.

Which courses can you choose?

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 successfully 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 at UBC.

You can take part in one, two, or all three courses. Each one is tailored to your campus.

When is Academic Essentials?

All Academic Essentials courses run from July 5 to August 12, 2021. Each of the courses are self-directed, with new content released each week.

How much does it cost?

Every course is offered free of cost.

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 campus wide login (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

Hear from past participants:

“The Academic Essentials courses were my first insight into what a university class feels like. They introduced me to the various resources UBC uses to conduct online learning in particular, and it was a very convenient head start that made my transition to university feel more familiar and comfortable.”
– Raiaan Khan, first year in Applied Science, Academic Essentials participant

University is more demanding than high school, and the transition can be challenging. As you prepare and adjust to life at UBC, it’s important to take care of yourself academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. The good habits you establish in first year will serve you well throughout your degree.

Be smart about your studies

Set clear academic goals for yourself, learn how to manage your time effectively, and strengthen your study skills. If you need a hand getting started, Learning Supports for UBC Okanagan students and the Learning Commons for UBC Vancouver students are great resources.

To make sure you’re set up for virtual classes in your first term, take the time to read up on UBC’s tips for online learning.

Take care of your body

Choose your food wisely and make time for exercise, especially when you’re taking online classes. Check out the virtual recreational facilities, fitness classes, and events available at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and discover what you can look forward to when the health authorities say it’s safe to return to campus.

If you have health concerns at any time, be sure to seek medical attention. Remember, the Health and Wellness Centre at UBC Okanagan and Student Health Service at UBC Vancouver offer digital resources and on-campus medical clinics that are free for all students.

Connect with others

The best way to meet people at UBC is to find something you’re interested in – a club, a sport, an activity, or an event – and get involved. There’s no shortage of opportunities on the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses, with many of them operating virtually while classes are online. Not only will you get to do something you love, but you’ll make new friends in the process.

Keep your stress in check

If you find yourself feeling worried, anxious, or stressed, talk to someone. As a UBC student, you have access to one-on-one counselling services and a variety of mental health resources at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.

Even though your classes might be online for your first term, it’s important to make friends and connect with your new UBC community. UBC Vancouver’s two online Collegia – Virtual UBC Collegia and the Indigenous Students’ Collegium – are designed for you to meet other students, ask questions to your peers and upper-year students, access resources, and enjoy social events together.

What to expect

Virtual UBC Collegia

• Join regular, small group gatherings with other first-year students from your Faculty to help build your friendships. As part of Virtual UBC Collegia, you’ll take part in social activities organized by upper-year leaders throughout your first term.
• Connect with faculty members who can offer guidance. You’ll be able to ask about topics like how to approach a project, where to find writing resources for a paper, how best to engage in an online class, or how to study for an upcoming midterm.
• Discover resources and opportunities. Through conversations, programming, events, and resources, you can find out how to explore your interests and learn more about what UBC has to offer.

Virtual Indigenous Students’ Collegium

• Meet other Indigenous students, and make your first friends. All Indigenous students are invited to participate in the community, so you’ll be able to ask questions and share experiences with people at different points in their UBC programs.
• Enjoy organized social activities. Upper-year Indigenous student leaders will set up online events you can take part in for your first few months at UBC.
• Receive guidance from staff and faculty members trained to support Indigenous students. Your peer leaders are connected to support staff across campus to make sure you have access to services to help you succeed at UBC. Find out how to follow a passion, sharpen your academic skills, or find the resources you need.

More information about the Indigenous Students’ Collegia will be shared directly with Indigenous students by email in mid-August.

Who can join

If you’ve accepted your offer of admission to UBC Vancouver, and you’re a first-year student entering your first term this fall, you’re able to register for Virtual UBC Collegia.

First-year Indigenous students can join the Virtual Indigenous Students’ Collegia community as well as their Virtual UBC Collegia group.

How to register

To register for either Collegia, visit the website to find the right online form. Registration closes on August 30, 2020.

Please note that Jump Start participants are automatically granted membership to Virtual UBC Collegia, and do not need to complete the form.

After you’ve registered, you can expect to receive a membership offer by email in early September. If you haven’t received a message, make sure you’ve added collegia.program@ubc.ca to your inbox safe list.

It’s only a matter of weeks until you’ll step foot on campus as a first-year UBC student. You’ll be greeted with tons of new experiences and you’ll meet loads of new people, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. To ensure a smooth arrival and a stress-free first week, you’ll want to take care of some important things before you get here.

Here are eight easy tasks that you can complete now to make your arrival a breeze.

1. Get ready for your orientation

On your first day, you’ll forgo normal class for a fun-filled, day-long series of welcome-to-UBC events. On the Vancouver campus, at the Imagine UBC orientation, you will be joined by the entire class of 2021 for a formal welcome, pep rally, lunch, and more. On the Okanagan campus, register for the Create orientation to join all new-to-UBC students for a day of events, including food, prizes, and more.

2. Find back-to-school events and programs

The UBC student societies – the AMS on the Vancouver campus and the UBCSUO on the Okanagan campus – host events and programs for first-year students like you.

3. Read the UBCfyi blog

Now that you’re an official UBC student, read the UBCfyi blog for campus updates and resources, plus info on events, health and well-being, money management, and more.

4. Update your email address

Make sure your email address is correct in the Student Service Centre and remember to check your messages regularly.

5. Learn about your student health plan

Visit the student health insurance website to learn more about your plan and coverage, or to opt out if you already have a health insurance plan.

6. Sort out your financials

Ensure that you have a financial plan in place for the upcoming academic year, and learn about the financial resources available to you on UBC’s Vancouver campus and Okanagan campus.

7. Pay your tuition online

Avoid lineups by paying your tuition online now.

8. Get access to public transit

UBC students on the Okanagan campus can get a U-PASS sticker that provides unlimited access to BC Transit in Kelowna and the surrounding area. Just bring your student ID card to the Student Union Office (UNC133) to get your sticker.

UBC students on the Vancouver campus can load their U-Pass onto a Compass Card for unlimited transit services within Metro Vancouver. Obtain your Compass Card from the UBC Bookstore – or any SkyTrain Station or TransLink Fare Dealer – and then link it to your U-Pass online at upassbc.translink.ca. Apply online at least 48 hours before you intend to travel, and visit planning.ubc.ca for more information.