University of British Columbia Reviews
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Mona from Canada
02/22/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 1 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety if you feel unsafe walking on campus alone at night, safewalk is readily available by calling them on your phone or using the blue stations set up around campus. campus doesn't feel threatening at all though, not to me. just make sure you don't leave your laptop unattended at any time because people will swoop in and you'll never see it again.
Greek Life i'm not very familiar with these but we do have fraternities and sororities that i've heard people greatly enjoy!
Clubs and Activities too many clubs to name: from horse back riding to theatre to wine tasting!
Great for these types of students if you want a variety of social events: ubc is for you. if you want a beautiful and lively campus: ubc is for you. if you want academic prestige: ubc is for you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the only thing you're allowed to vandalize is the giant e pyramid block on main mall. every faculty can have a go at it: draw on it, glue feathers onto it, try to blow it up. just what ever you do, do not let the engineers see you do it or you're bait.
Bang for the buck the courses are worth it but they paid millions for a cobblestone road when it was perfectly fine before...
What to do for fun there are many clubs to join as well as athletic activities to take part in.
Food and Dining a bit expensive (especially the fruit) and the cheese is weird but it's better than i thought.
Dorm Life friday and saturday nights are noisy but what can you expect? your ra is always there if you need help or advice; take part in house activities (there are loads of them!)
Academic Rigor i'm in the arts faculty and there's a balance between the work being difficult but extremely enjoyable!
Tips for prospective students you're on your own: no more high school teachers or parents telling you to finish your homework. don't procrastinate and be organized; get things job on time and you can enjoy your new life more!
In three sentences it has a social and lively campus with many events hosted. ubc is up-and-coming in green sustainability (just take a look at the cirs building!). academic life here is enriching and fulfilling.
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Rachel from Canada
04/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety 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.
Clubs and Activities Too many to name, but they are listed on the website. Personally, I'm part of the yoga club.
Great for these types of students Adventurous! Smart and fun-loving. You should be tolerant of other views and cultures as you will encounter many here!
Bang for the buck 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!
What to do for fun 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.
Food and Dining 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.
Dorm Life 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.
Academic Rigor I'm a doctoral student and I've never felt challenged until attending UBC.
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!
In three sentences 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.
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Anonymous
04/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are so many resources on campus that can keep you safe. First of all, there's safewalk where if you don't feel good about walking on campus alone at dark, you can call them and they will send over one boy and one girl to walk with you. Of course there's campus security which goes 24/7 and will pick you up if you need. There's also polls all around UBC that if any case you are in an emergency, you can press it.
Greek Life The greek life is an important part of UBC party life, however, it's not the only source of party life. The frats have their own houses while the sororities are in panhelinic houses.
Clubs and Activities There are SO many clubs at UBC that you can find your own.
Great for these types of students really, ANY type of student can thrive at UBC. Whether you party, whether you do sports, whether you're really serious about academics.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Too many to name. Some of the more famous ones include LDOC (last day of classes) BLOCK PARTY. Which is this huge party out in the UBC Mckinnes field where we have live DJ's and bands play like MSTRKRFT and Mother, Mother. It's fairly popular and everyone just get drunk out of their mind. Another funny one is called the Undie Run where during the night before exams, students to gather to run in their underware around UBC for one last night fun before exams.
Bang for the buck As an international student, I did have to pay more but it is fairly priced and way more cheaper than the schools I looked at in the US
What to do for fun Vancouver is a great city to live in so if you're looking for some fun, you can take a fourty minute bus to get to the buzzing down town area. However if you're looking for more outdoorsy fun, there is a beach right next to campus which is always crowded around summer time. There's also skiing and snowboarding available 40 minutes away, or if you're really serious about winter sports, there's Whistler, the host of the 2010 winter olympics.
Food and Dining Although it's a little bit repetitive, it's still fairly decent and convenient. Both residences also have a convenience store which is sponsored by your meal plan so it is easy for freshman fifteen to happen.
Dorm Life AMAZING. Make sure to live in first year residence, it will honestly be the funnest and craziest times of your life.
Academic Rigor UBC has two four month terms with very little breaks in between. The classes itself are challenging but very doable if you study. Sometimes midterms occur 2-3 weeks into the course and you have to prepare yourself.
Tips for prospective students If you can afford it, make sure to live on campus! Residence life has been the shaping factor that has made my year. There are always new and exciting things happening on residence that are either planned by your Residence Advisors or just put together by residents. Whether you're looking to party or just relax, residence life looks to accommodate that desire.
In three sentences 1. Although UBC is huge, it is easy to feel a little bit lost at times but it but because of its big size, it's also easy to find your nietzsche. 2. UBC has one of the most gorgeous campuses in the world, hands down. 3. UBC has a great international community and is extremely diverse.
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Susan from Canada
12/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 11
Categories Comments Food and Dining In the residences there are cafeterias in the common room open for early morning to 11pm. The food is very good, especially the wraps. However, it is also expensive - like everything on campus. The meal cards that are mandatory with first year dorming are very convenient and can be used in almost every store that sells food on campus.
Dorm Life Apart from the on-campus convenience it holds, residence life is a great way to meet new people. However, it has many downsides. Some of them are: sometimes there aren't enough showers in the morning, people talking loudly in the hallway when you are studying in your room, drunk and high people, etc.
Academic Rigor As a science student, it is essential to stay on top of all your work and readings. Some days we cover an entire chapter in a 50 minute class, so you need to learn ahead of time the material that you are learning.
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Ngoc from Franconia, NH
09/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety I feel fairly safe on campus. All streets are well lit and well, there's just something about this atmosphere where you don't really feel too endangered.
Clubs and Activities There's a club for everything here and with a student body of over 47,000 There's bound to be a group for anyone.
What to do for fun There are plenty of activities to do! Things such as, hiking, rowing, sports, clubs, shopping, and dining. Even making friends and having a movie night in your room or dorm lounge. It depends on if the student is willing to take advantage of all the new experiences to have a good time.
Food and Dining They only use the best Vancouver grown greens, and they work very hard to stay as green and clean as possible. The food is wonderful and will fit to any dietary needs. There are also restaurants throughout campus and off campus, most even except student cards as payment.
Dorm Life Dorm life is wonderful. Most of the dorm buildings are new and beautiful and you may even be able to sign up for a single as a freshman.
Academic Rigor Depending on what faculty a student is interested in, the more rigorous the class. The professors will be available to the students though and it won't be difficult unless the student stays organise and is aware of their priorities.
Tips for prospective students My tip for prospective students is to work extremely hard, even before coming to university. If you'd like the best experience as possible, work. Be friendly and walk around with a smile on your face. When you come learn something new. Take up frisbee, dance, or even quittage.
In three sentences The University of British Columbia is a large, beautiful school located in an extravagant area off the coast of Vancouver BC. It has spirit and liveliness to it and it's as if this energy engulfs you into it. The options are endless here.
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Aimi
12/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety I haven't had any issues with people on campus even if it is at night time.
Greek Life One of the Fraternities was mysteriously shut down.
Clubs and Activities There are lots of clubs and activities on campus although it's not always easy to go to all of them if the student is off campus.
Great for these types of students Great for all types of students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The rose garden is a gorgeous place. Also we have a nude beach right on campus.
Bang for the buck All the items are usually overpriced but once in a while there will be something worth buying.
What to do for fun Go shopping at Metrotown or Richmond outside of campus. If on campus it is better to visit club events.
Food and Dining The food at the cafeterias are often undercooked or overcooked and taste bad. It is better to go out of campus for food.
Dorm Life Unless living in one of the newly built housings, the on campus dorms are not that spectacular. For example, my dorm recently had a water tank break and our water mixed with rust.
Academic Rigor There are quite a few courses which are extremely challenging. For example for first year Chemistry there is a chance that 1 out of 4 people will fail the course.
Tips for prospective students Although UBC hosts a lot of parties be careful and only go to them once in a while. Focus on studying.
In three sentences It has a beautiful campus and it is a fun place to take a walk. Also, it has lots of nice faculty members and students. Most of the people here however are of Asian descent.
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Ava from Canada
12/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety As far as I know it's decent. I haven't heard of problems, and I know there are different resources for help.
Greek Life The presence of fraternities and sororities only detracts from the school.
Clubs and Activities I'm not active in any, but there are a wide variety of clubs and athletics.
Great for these types of students Studious and academically-inclined. The student population is probably mostly international, so you can meet people from all over the world, too.
Food and Dining I rarely eat at school (I'm a student! I can't afford to eat out!) but there is decent food here.
Dorm Life I don't actually live on campus, because it costs far to much. In fact, all of Vancouver is expensive, especially the closer you get to UBC (which is on the western coast of the city). Instead I live in East Vancouver, where I pay $980 for a two-bedroom suite, and groceries are cheaper.
Tips for prospective students UBC is a bit cryptic to newcomers, even if you've spent a few years at other schools like me. Expect your marks to drop by up to 20% from what you were getting in high school. For both your marks and your pocketbook I highly recommend doing your first few years at another school if you can, then transferring.
In three sentences As a large and old school, UBC tends to follow the status quo; the emphasis, as with most universities, is on hyper-specialization, though they are very good at it. However, if you look for it, there are lots of small initiatives for community integration with courses, for example, or programs that teach about social activism.
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Philip from Indianapolis, IN
01/01/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 11
Categories Comments What to do for fun Go exploring with mountains, oceans, stanley park, granville island and all of Vancouver withing reach there is plenty to do to occupy your time.
Food and Dining Spectacular world class dining everywhere.
Dorm Life I live off campus as a first year but have made tons of friends who love the dorm life, the cafeterias are phenomenal and the dorms are close to the beach.
Academic Rigor Incredibly challenging academically but it will be a worthy payoff in the long run.
Tips for prospective students Don't take easy classes in your senior year of high school, you need to challenge yourself to begin to prepare for the work load of UBC.
In three sentences University of British Columbia very focused on academic success. The school is incredibly international and amazing for expanding ones horizon. UBC is such a beautiful campus surrounded by oceans and mountains.
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Scott from Modesto, CA
03/14/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
9 of 11
Categories Comments Food and Dining Researching.
Dorm Life Researching.
Academic Rigor Researching.
Tips for prospective students Something for everyone in a city like this, just be sure you have an appreciation for outdoors.
In three sentences Skiing. Vancouver. Academics.
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Cameron from Tacoma, WA
04/10/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety I walked for the bus loop to my dorm at 4 am by myself once, and I was still not afraid. Honestly, there haven't been an issue walking by yourself at night, but always stay safe.
Greek Life If you are looking for the traditional Greek life, then UBC is not your school. There are 9 fraternity and 7 sorority which the sorority do not have houses. Out of the 9 fraternity, two of them do not have houses. Girls have to pay to get into the Greek parties so sorry ladies. The Greek life at UBC is really small, but all the fraternity and sorority are really close.
Clubs and Activities There are 300+ clubs to choose from so take your pick.
Great for these types of students Honestly, UBC is great for every type of students. UBC is great academic school and we do have some great parties so there is nothing more you can ask for.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus During exam period, we have the undie run where everyone is basically running around campus in their underwear. We also have two huge parties in the beginning and the end of the year which famous artist came to perform like Morgan Page, Dillon Francis, and also K'naan. We also have Storm the Wall which is the largest rec event for a college. It is basically a relay race all around the campus where a team of 5 people races other teams to whom can climb the wall first.
Bang for the buck It is a top 30 school for the price of a top 1000 school. Tuition is affordable and is cheaper than a private school in the states.
What to do for fun UBC is 30 minutes away from downtown Vancouver so it is really close. The drinking age is 19 in Vancouver so just be prepare for that. There is something for you to do on any given day.
Food and Dining The food is nothing special but the chefs are the coolest people ever. Make friends with them and they will take care of you! Trust me! The dining hall have booths and a fire place. It is really cool.
Dorm Life I love my dorm. I think UBC have the best dorms a freshman student can ask for. I have a room all by myself which is sweet. A couple of my friends have their own bathroom with a shower! That is unheard of for a freshman.
Academic Rigor UBC is rated top 30 in the world so of course it is difficult here. The work is hard and you have to put a lot of time into it to get a good grade.
Tips for prospective students For international students, go to Jumpstart. Jumpstart is a program to introduce international student to Vancouver and make friendships before school starts. For all students, just relax and take your time picking a school to go too. Make the decision if the school feels right to you.
In three sentences University of British Columbia is a fantastic school. It is located next to 7 beaches and have their own rose garden and Japanese garden. UBC is top ten in Science as well.
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Carlo from San Jose, CA
05/06/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
11 of 11
Categories Comments Campus Safety They take their campus safety very seriously, the tour guide said he always felt safe there. But he knew people who did not and they used blue phones that you can call and then someone will come to escort you to your room.
Bang for the buck From what i can tel (based on what i heard on the tour and what they told us at the briefing) it is very good, it is a fairly inexpensive school, but it is one of the top ones in Canada.
Food and Dining I did not see any restraunts, but then again i did not look so im not sure.
Dorm Life The dorms are very nice, if i remember correctly 60 percent of them are singles and the other 40 percent are doubles. So you can choose whichever you like.
Academic Rigor I am fairly sure that the academic rigor is high, because only recently did they adopt a profile for application. Before that i think it was purely transcript.
In three sentences I thought that the campus was amazing. It is in the middle of a forest like place, and one area that really impressed me was their Asian garden. It is definitely the best college campus i have been on so far.
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