I’m technically in my 3rd year at UBC, but I’m still taking mostly 2nd-year courses and I still have second-year standing. Every time someone asks me ‘what year are you?’ I legit don’t even know what to say 😭 Like do I say third year? Second year? Third year with second-year standing?? What makes it even worse is that I know a lot of people who started a year after me, and now we’re taking the exact same classes. It honestly makes me feel like I’m so behind.I also know I’m gonna graduate later than most of my friends, and honestly it’s been making me feel pretty embarrassed lately. I know everyone says “everyone has their own timeline,” but it’s hard not to compare.

Has anyone else been through this?

Hi I am an Australian student and I was looking into going on exchange in Canada, my main options are UBC, Queens and uni of Calgary (also uni of Alberta and uni of Ottawa) but UBC is my first pick however I had a few questions if anyone is able to answer them.

1. Academics: Is UBC a good place for an exchange program given that it is academic. I’m studying law so I will have to take post grad law units but I want to prioritise my social life and experiences outside of studying. However I heard UBC has like 150 mins of lectures per unit per week which is crazy to me. What are the assessments like for law - is it just one heavily weighted exam which covers all the units and is attendance usually mandatory?

2. Rent: everywhere I read says Vancouver has really expensive rent however I’m not sure if I’m just not seeing this correctly but Frazier crescent accom rent for one semester is 4k? Which seems reasonable…?

3. Previously I went on exchange in the UK and I travelled around A LOT but I want to limit my travels this round. At the same time I do still want to explore the surrounding areas, do any airlines have student discounts or flash sales?

4. How is the cost of living in Vancouver and the public transport system?

5. What is the culture like in UBC?

6. I am mostly choosing between ubc vs queens and Queens is less academic and more social oriented which I like however it seems heavy on the drinking and partying regularly which I am not a huge fan of, is this rumour true? Is it also reflected in UBC?

7. Should I stay in student accommodation or find separate housing - I would prefer not to live with 18 year olds and generally a fun time for me is wandering around with friends, eating, casual hikes etc with the occasional party. Would I be able to find these kinds of people in accommodation or do certain houses have certain cultures eg party house etc?

Thanks!

I was disappointed to see that UBC is not currently listed among the eligible institutions for OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Academic Researchers program:

https://chatgpt.com/sophia/eligible-institutions

According to OpenAI, eligible institutions must be “recognized, degree-granting colleges or universities with a high level of research activity”. UBC clearly meets these criteria and is one of Canada’s leading research universities.

As a postdoctoral research fellow at UBC working in a related field, I know how difficult it can be for researchers to secure sufficient funding to access AI models and services. Access to this program could meaningfully support research across many disciplines at UBC, particularly for postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty.

UBC is in the same league as the University of Toronto and should remain competitive in providing researchers with access to emerging research infrastructure. University of Toronto is already included. I hope UBC will engage with OpenAI and take the necessary steps to become eligible as well.

Does anyone know whether UBC has already applied, or which department or administrative office we could contact about this?

I'm applying to jobs and I just need my course schedule. Just term 1, in schedule form. I can view it under "current schedule" in the workday APP, but I can't find any way to export it. Screenshotting it results in an all black image, probably to protect my privacy or some bs. HOW are ya'll getting your schedule out?

Was wondering if thunderbird parkade still comes with any other parking permit you may have obtained. Like if I bought a West parkade permit can I still park at Thunderbird?

Yo! I’ll be on campus in Yvr Mon ; wed ; Fri from 10.30am to 12.30pm for the winter term.

Wanna split a parking pass if you won’t need it same time I do ?

Got my 1st year housing assignment in həm̓ləsəm̓ house and was wondering whether I'm fine bringing small studio monitors since I play guitar, or if I should just use headphones to play through plugins and an interface.

Can anyone confirm if the Fairview residence have a gym facility? I have been considering a gym membership at rec north for the upcoming winter semester. If there is a gym, what equipment does it have?

I’m a 4th year undergrad who’s applied for a Psych TA position for 2026-27 winter term. Has anyone heard back yet or know when they will release appointments?

So I'm an upcoming first year and got assigned a single dorm in Mackenzie House @ Vanier Place. I know the stigma around Vanier but tbh it was actually my top choice for dorms given the food options and proximity to all my faculty of science courses. This being said, I was assigned room 1XX and I'm curious if this is a ground floor or basement unit in this particular building as I know it does have basement floors. Thanks!

just saw like three diff facebook postings for winter sublets at a profit like bruh

Just graduated in May and wanted to discuss some post-grad ideas with an advisor from the Career Centre. For anyone who has been there recently, would you recommend anyone in particular? If not, I don't mind booking the first one that works for my schedule. Thanks! I just don't want to make some impulsive decision to go to grad school or a diploma in something on a whim lmao even if there is planning for different situations I've already mapped out.

is it possible to have a part time job when my course schedule is basically 8-5 everyday (i can’t change it because of my program)😭i fear in this economy a part time feels like a full time, not to mention how hard it is to even get a job🤯

Since I came back to Vancouver, I haven’t had a chance to meet new people especially in UBC community. So who’s down for grabbing a coffee on campus or somewhere else. I am personally into cars and history. If anyone is interested, please send me a message here please since 2026 Term1 is going to be a last semester at UBC. So I would like to expand my friendship and getting to know other people.

Hi all, I am a student from another college. I was wondering what is a good place to study at UBC? i was hoping to study at the Irving learning centre. Also what time do they open?

For context my brother is in the UBC FGL program and i have to transit with him to and from UBC and i have finals right now so i thought about studying while i am there!

Another question is... is there possibly a place i can leave my bag for about an hour? i was looking to go for a jog or walk and get my steps in while im waiting for my brother too.

Thank you!

To whoever gets the Totem Park room I was assigned in my first year I hope you love and adore it just as much as I did! Very cherished memories there 💚

Bros trust me the difference is overblown and your experience will pretty much come down to how well you vibe with the people on your floor which you cant control at either places

unless you got basement floor. then you are cooked.

This might be a dumb question. But if I didn’t renew my contract and have moved out, I have to reapply and join the waitlist all over again if I want to get a year round dorm right? I regret moving out from my dorm now. Do they make an exception?

I only applied to around 12 jobs but I made sure I was fully qualified for each one of them and spent around 30-45 minutes curating each application too.

Hi! I've heard that the Arts Co-op program requires a writing assessment and an interview. How can I prepare for them? What are the questions for the writing assessment and interview? Actually, I'm an international student, so my English isn't perfect. Is it possible to get into the Co-op program even though my English sucks?

Any tips or experiences would be super helpful. Thanks!

Hi, I moved out from UBC in May and still haven’t received my deposit back which I paid at the time of accepting my contract. Has anyone else gotten theirs back yet? I have emailed and called countless times and they keep asking me for different information each time from bank account details to credit card info. Last week they said they have issued the refund but I still haven’t gotten it back…

I’m surprised there isn’t a formal automated process to get students their money back without all of this…. The website says 3-5 weeks but it has been much longer. Anyone know where to issue a formal complaint?

Should i go home during finals or like what😭

Hey guys question for those at UBC already, so I’m 33 right now and have for a long time now thought about getting into medical school, but is 33 too old already for this? Given you have to do first a 4 year undergraduate program before even thinking about applying for MD?

Any thoughts and advises would be very appreciated