When Kelsey was in high school, deciding on universities to apply to, she decided to apply to UBC Okanagan because “it offered the perfect balance between independence and familiarity.” Kelsey was born in Brooks, Alberta, but when she was thirteen, she moved to Oliver, BC (about an hour and a half drive from Kelowna, where UBC Okanagan is located). As she says, “It was close enough to home that I could visit on weekends, but far enough that I could experience living on my own.”
When asked if anything else about the university appealed to her, she said, “I was also really drawn to the Arts program, even though I didn’t know my exact career path yet, I knew UBCO had the kind of community and academic environment where I could explore different options and find my direction.”
Now a fourth-year Arts student majoring in English, Kelsey reflects on that time and, once she received her acceptance letter, how she eventually made her decision to enrol at UBC. For Kelsey, it was about stepping back and figuring out what she wanted from her university experience.
“I wanted a place where I could grow both personally and academically, and UBCO stood out because of its sense of community and support. I loved that it wasn’t too big or overwhelming; I could build genuine connections with professors and peers. I felt confident that UBCO would give me the space to figure out who I wanted to be while still having strong academic programs and opportunities.”
Kelsey’s tips for choosing a university
1. Don’t let other people’s opinions or expectations decide for you.
Do your own research, and apply to places that genuinely feel right to you. This is your life and your journey, no one else’s.
2. Look closely at what each university offers, especially in the programs that interest you.
It’s really important to consider the opportunities that each program offers for your future goals. Don’t choose a school just because your friends are going there; focus on where you can grow and thrive.
3. Think about what kind of learning environment makes you happiest.
Is it a big or small campus? Close or far from home? Choose what feels like the best fit for you and the type of community you want to be part of.
4. Visit the campus.
The best way to get to know a university is to visit the campus if you can, go to an open house, talk to current students, and get a feel for the atmosphere. You can also explore student life online through social media or virtual tours.