Your first day at UBC Okanagan will be here before you know it! 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 enrolled in UBC 101 shortly after accepting your offer. 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 enrolled on a rolling basis 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 checked off your list, 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 direct from high school.
Dates and deadlines
Jump Start at UBC Okanagan runs from Wednesday August 27 to Friday August 29. Residence students may move in on Tuesday August 26. Space is limited. Registration closes Aug 1 at 12pm PT or when registration limits are reached. 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 schedule including your group number and other important information about the day.
Who should take part
All new-to-UBC Okanagan undergraduate students, including transfer students.
Dates and deadlines
Create takes place on Monday September 1. Registration will close in late August. Register now.
Indigenous Student Orientation
Indigenous Student Orientation 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 meal 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
Indigenous Student Orientation takes place on Sunday, September 1, 2025. Register now.