University of British Columbia
Canada

Reviews

University of British Columbia

Anonymous

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
Dorm Life
AMAZING. Make sure to live in first year residence, it will honestly be the funnest and craziest times of your life.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Clubs and Activities
There are SO many clubs at UBC that you can find your own.
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.
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.

Rachel from Canada

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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!
Academic Rigor
I'm a doctoral student and I've never felt challenged until attending UBC.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Clubs and Activities
Too many to name, but they are listed on the website. Personally, I'm part of the yoga club.
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.

Cameron from Tacoma, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clubs and Activities
There are 300+ clubs to choose from so take your pick.
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.
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.