This university has rigorous programs.
The networking opportunities with potential employers is superb.
This university is consistently involved in cutting edge research in most categories.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
It is a good idea to demonstrate your academic achievements clearly. Writing skills are valued here. I highly recommend contacting faculty involved with the program that you are pursuing. They can be an invaluable resource. International students can find great support through the on-campus i house office. They can walk you through the application process, study permit applications, and funding for international students as well as a number of other concerns (eg medical). The financial aid department offers a number of loan options and emergency assistance is available for those encountering unforseen circumstance. There is fantastic community support for student parents/single parents, and on-campus housing opportunities are unlike any I'm aware exist. Submit your application early to receive full consideration, and IMMEDIATELY get on the housing wait list for on-campus housing. It will make your life SO much easier! When applying for housing, it also helps to talk to residence life directly to notify them of extenuating circumstances and immediate needs. They can help! There is no shortage of on-campus activities, groups, athletics, and support. I love this school and if I had it to do over again, I would in a heartbeat!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I'm a doctoral student and I've never felt challenged until attending UBC.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
There is fantastic community support for student parents/single parents, and on-campus housing opportunities are unlike any I'm aware exist. The community is extremely active, and there are many opportunities for involvement on many levels.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Food is a bit pricey here, and it's about the same to grab a sandwich and soda as it is to cook something wholesome at home. On the up-side, there are many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores to fill whatever need. I rarely need to leave campus unless it is to grab diapers for my daughter at the larger grocery store just a few kilometers down the road.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Again, here there is NO shortage of things to do. Aside from the numerous community events, Vancouver has a hopping night life, jazz cafes, independent and mainstream movie theatres, a first rate aquarium, and museums. Stanley park in downtown is the most beautiful public space I have ever seen! There is also whale watching tours that are active seasonally, or try taking the ferry to Victoria and you may see some on the way! The campus offers a multitude of hiking trails or try your luck on some of the mountains north of town where the olympics were held. Squamish is right up the road if you have a vehicle, and is said to be the recreation capital of the work. The salmon run occurs in the fall where you can watch bald eagles trying to pick off fish that swim upstream.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Vancouver is EXPENSIVE! You have to pay to have this kind of quality of life and I had a bit of sticker shock when I arrived. However, with some smart planning, you can have fun on a budget. I have a baby in tow and I'm still able to budget and enjoy a bit of the town. Groceries are extremely expensive as are clothing stores. However, Vancouver has an active freecycle community and I have traded many a necessary item and met some great people along the way!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Adventurous! Smart and fun-loving. You should be tolerant of other views and cultures as you will encounter many here!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Too many to name, but they are listed on the website. Personally, I'm part of the yoga club.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
UBC has campus safe walk where you can pick up a phone at a designated location (or by cell phone) and request an security escort if you feel unsafe. In general, the campus is far safer than the city. The biggest concern here is petty crime, which makes up about 90% of all crime in Vancouver. Violent crimes are extremely rare. The only time I have ever had a bad experience was when I lived off-campus in east Vancouver (the shady side of town). My suggestion is to be aware of your surroundings and the risks associated with the different parts of town. In general, the campus is quite safe and I occasionally stick my daughter in her stroller and take her for an evening jog. I have never felt unsafe.
This university has rigorous programs. The networking opportunities with potential employers is superb. This university is consistently involved in cutting edge research in most categories.
It is a good idea to demonstrate your academic achievements clearly. Writing skills are valued here. I highly recommend contacting faculty involved with the program that you are pursuing. They can be an invaluable resource. International students can find great support through the on-campus i house office. They can walk you through the application process, study permit applications, and funding for international students as well as a number of other concerns (eg medical). The financial aid department offers a number of loan options and emergency assistance is available for those encountering unforseen circumstance. There is fantastic community support for student parents/single parents, and on-campus housing opportunities are unlike any I'm aware exist. Submit your application early to receive full consideration, and IMMEDIATELY get on the housing wait list for on-campus housing. It will make your life SO much easier! When applying for housing, it also helps to talk to residence life directly to notify them of extenuating circumstances and immediate needs. They can help! There is no shortage of on-campus activities, groups, athletics, and support. I love this school and if I had it to do over again, I would in a heartbeat!
I'm a doctoral student and I've never felt challenged until attending UBC.
There is fantastic community support for student parents/single parents, and on-campus housing opportunities are unlike any I'm aware exist. The community is extremely active, and there are many opportunities for involvement on many levels.
Food is a bit pricey here, and it's about the same to grab a sandwich and soda as it is to cook something wholesome at home. On the up-side, there are many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores to fill whatever need. I rarely need to leave campus unless it is to grab diapers for my daughter at the larger grocery store just a few kilometers down the road.
Again, here there is NO shortage of things to do. Aside from the numerous community events, Vancouver has a hopping night life, jazz cafes, independent and mainstream movie theatres, a first rate aquarium, and museums. Stanley park in downtown is the most beautiful public space I have ever seen! There is also whale watching tours that are active seasonally, or try taking the ferry to Victoria and you may see some on the way! The campus offers a multitude of hiking trails or try your luck on some of the mountains north of town where the olympics were held. Squamish is right up the road if you have a vehicle, and is said to be the recreation capital of the work. The salmon run occurs in the fall where you can watch bald eagles trying to pick off fish that swim upstream.
Vancouver is EXPENSIVE! You have to pay to have this kind of quality of life and I had a bit of sticker shock when I arrived. However, with some smart planning, you can have fun on a budget. I have a baby in tow and I'm still able to budget and enjoy a bit of the town. Groceries are extremely expensive as are clothing stores. However, Vancouver has an active freecycle community and I have traded many a necessary item and met some great people along the way!
Adventurous! Smart and fun-loving. You should be tolerant of other views and cultures as you will encounter many here!
Too many to name, but they are listed on the website. Personally, I'm part of the yoga club.
UBC has campus safe walk where you can pick up a phone at a designated location (or by cell phone) and request an security escort if you feel unsafe. In general, the campus is far safer than the city. The biggest concern here is petty crime, which makes up about 90% of all crime in Vancouver. Violent crimes are extremely rare. The only time I have ever had a bad experience was when I lived off-campus in east Vancouver (the shady side of town). My suggestion is to be aware of your surroundings and the risks associated with the different parts of town. In general, the campus is quite safe and I occasionally stick my daughter in her stroller and take her for an evening jog. I have never felt unsafe.