Ä¢¹½´«Ã½life blog | Ä¢¹½´«Ã½| Undergraduate Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Admissions /ubc-life/blog/ Ä¢¹½´«Ã½| Undergraduate Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Admissions Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:45:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 /wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-ubc-favicon-32x32.png Ä¢¹½´«Ã½life blog | Ä¢¹½´«Ã½| Undergraduate Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Admissions /ubc-life/blog/ 32 32 Degree spotlight: Food, Nutrition, and Health /ubc-life/blog/degree-spotlight-food-nutrition-and-health/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:00:05 +0000 /?p=569798 Are you passionate about nutrition, public health, and food systems? Do you see food systems as a pathway to dismantling systemic barriers and creating equity within society? The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health explores the production and processing of food to its marketing, consumption, and impact on community and individual health. The […]

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Are you passionate about nutrition, public health, and food systems? Do you see food systems as a pathway to dismantling systemic barriers and creating equity within society?

The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health explores the production and processing of food to its marketing, consumption, and impact on community and individual health. The program prepares socially responsible students for a wide-range of science-based careers that align with their values including public health, nutrition, medical school, and graduate studies.

In the program students are encouraged to customize their studies to create a degree that balances required science courses with subjects they’re interested in such as social justice, climate change, and sustainability.

What you learn in Food, Nutrition, and Health

ÌýThe Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health has five different majors to choose from.

Dietetics

The Dietetics program is a professional program planned to meet the accreditation standards for the dietetics profession in Canada, and is the only dietetics program offered in British Columbia. You’ll explore general biological and social sciences courses, as well as specialized dietetics courses like basic and applied human nutrition, food and food systems management, and professional dietetic practice.

As a registered dietitian, you’ll improve and promote health through optimized food and nutrition, and fill a variety of roles in nutrition care, management, or population and public health.

Food Science

In the Food Science program, you will discover the chemistry and microbiology of food, its nutritional and sensory properties, and how it is engineered and processed for consumption. You will also explore concepts and controversies in nutrition, how to prevent food-borne illness, and how land, food, and community fit together.

Food, Nutrition, and Health

In the Food, Nutrition, and Health major, students explore the economic, ecological, social, and technological components of managed landscapes, agrifood systems, and communities comprising the land, food, nutrition, and health continuum. You can customize your degree as you study a broad range of topics related to applied nutrition and the science of nutrition.

The Food, Nutrition, and Health program gives you the flexibility to pursue your interests while gaining a deeper knowledge of issues related to food production, food security, and the role of nutrition in disease prevention. Choosing from a wide variety of electives, you’ll study a broad curriculum as you prepare for a career in the food and health sectors.

Nutritional Sciences

In Nutritional Sciences, you will build a strong foundation in basic and applied human nutrition as you delve into a broad range of topics, from community nutrition to how our bodies actually metabolize and use nutrients. You’ll explore opportunities to integrate nutrition with your interests in other areas within the fields of health and science, such as population and public health, and international nutrition.

The program will equip you to continue your education at the master’s and doctoral levels, or to pursue a career in nutrition or health research, or in research and development-related industries. Graduates can also further their studies in the health professions and veterinary sciences.

Food and Nutritional Sciences

Food and Nutritional Sciences is a competitive double major, combining the core degree requirements of the Food Science and Nutritional Sciences programs. You’ll discover the chemistry and microbiology of food, its nutritional and sensory properties, and the function of nutrients in health and disease.

Students graduate ready for a career in the food and nutrition industries or graduate-level study in health sciences.

Student scoop

Sofia on the beach in Vancouver

“My experience in the Dietetics program has been both enlightening and rewarding. It’s one thing to pursue a program that interests you, but actually experiencing it has shown me just how engaging and fulfilling it can be. The courses provide practical knowledge on how nutrition applies to real-world settings, from clinical nutrition in hospitals, to public health and food management.â€� Read about Sofia’s experience in the Dietetics program.

Why choose Food, Nutrition, and Health?

Students choose the Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health because they can explore relevant, complex issues facing today’s world related to food security, climate change, sustainability and land use from both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Throughout the program, you gain integrated knowledge of food science, nutrition, and human health to contribute towards healthier and safer food choices for our world.

You get to be part of a small cohort within a large institution, where you have the friendly and supportive Food, Nutrition, and Health community as well as the extensive opportunities and resources that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½offers. There’s also the ability to customize your program with flexible program requirements and a wide variety of electives.

What can you do after graduating?

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health are highly employable in diverse roles, with the majority working in the health care system.

Graduates from the program go into careers such as dentistry, nursing, midwifery, rehabilitation sciences, education, food system management, naturopathy, fitness, food service, publishing, pharmaceuticals, medicine, rehabilitation sciences, and veterinary medicine.

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Degree spotlight: Bachelor of International Economics /ubc-life/blog/degree-spotlight-bachelor-of-international-economics/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:10:15 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=578198 Do you enjoy economics, data analysis, and solving complex global challenges? Are you looking for a program that combines quantitative skills, business knowledge, and international perspectives? The Bachelor of International Economics (BIE) is UBC’s premier economics program, combining economics, business, and technical training within a small, cohort-based learning community. Through a global curriculum and hands-on […]

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Do you enjoy economics, data analysis, and solving complex global challenges? Are you looking for a program that combines quantitative skills, business knowledge, and international perspectives?

The Bachelor of International Economics (BIE) is UBC’s premier economics program, combining economics, business, and technical training within a small, cohort-based learning community. Through a global curriculum and hands-on opportunities, students develop the skills, experience, and international perspective to understand the global economy.

What you’ll learn in the Bachelor of International Economics

The curriculum combines economics and business skills. Students explore topics such as international trade, finance, development, environmental economics, and data science. Throughout the program, students build practical knowledge in business management and operations and receive rigorous technical training in quantitative methods.Ìý

Why choose the Bachelor of International Economics?

Students in the Bachelor of International Economics program participate in a cohort-based program with small class sizes. There are approximately 100 students accepted into the program per year. The cohort is made up of students from around the world. Approximately 35 countries are represented.Ìý

“I have yet to have a boring conversation with my cohort. I’m extremely grateful to have gotten to know them, and I think there are probably 25 countries where I could crash on a couch.â€� – Shaan Hooey, BIE graduate. Ìýfrom Bachelor of International Economics students.Ìý

There are many experiential learning opportunities including internships, exchanges, co-op, research, and teaching assistantships. These experiences allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom while gaining professional experience.

What can you do after graduating?

BIE graduates gain strong analytical skills that are valued across a wide range of industries.Ìý Graduates work in business, government, academia and some become entrepreneurs. The program prepares students for a variety of professional and academic opportunities after graduation.

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Degree spotlight: Applied Biology /ubc-life/blog/degree-spotlight-applied-biology/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:45:05 +0000 /?p=569789 Do you care about animals, food security, climate change, sustainable agriculture or the environment? Are you looking for a program where you learn from others, engage in debate and discussion, and take part in hands-on learning and research? The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology degree teaches the real-world application of life sciences through research-based […]

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Do you care about animals, food security, climate change, sustainable agriculture or the environment? Are you looking for a program where you learn from others, engage in debate and discussion, and take part in hands-on learning and research?

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology degree teaches the real-world application of life sciences through research-based and hands-on learning experiences. Students begin with a foundational understanding of biology and are encouraged to customize the program to explore what’s most interesting to them.

What you learn in Applied Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology degree has two programs to choose from.

Applied Animal Biology

In Applied Animal Biology, students learn the fundamentals of animal behaviour and physiology and explore the role of animals in human society and the ethical and environmental issues that arise. You’ll study the field of animal science as you apply your knowledge to real-world biological issues through hands-on field work and research on farms, as well as in laboratories, animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centres.

The program offers the flexibility to focus on your specific interests, while equipping you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue a career in this fast-growing field. Throughout the program, you’ll receive training that primes you for graduate work, or admission to veterinary or human medicine.

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

In Sustainable Agriculture and Environment students learn how to produce food in a way that protects our soils, water, and air. You’ll learn how to manage biodiversity and habitat for the organisms we rely on to help us grow our food, and how to grow food in urban environments. You’ll apply your thinking to a range of environmental challenges, including sustainable crop production, food security, biodiversity, soil and water resources management, and climate change.

You can also tailor your studies to focus on your particular interests – whether they’re in agricultural production, integrated agro-ecosystem management, or plant or soil science. The program will prime you for a professional career in shaping a more sustainable, food-secure future.

Student Scoop

 

“In my third year I was a field research assistant in northern BC. We lived in camper vans, caught sapsuckers, took DNA samples and released them back into the wild. It was an incredible experience.â€� – Afnan A. Read about Afnan’s experience as a student in the Applied Animal Biology program.

Why choose Applied Biology?

Students choose the Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology degree because they get to study real-world biological issues, problems, challenges, and their solutions. It’s also an opportunity to tackle a range of environmental problems within a single program.

This is a hands-on degree, where students get practical, in-the-field experience with plenty of opportunities for practicums and coops. Students also receive training in research skills for graduate work.

For students in the Sustainable Agriculture and Environment program, theÌýCentre for Sustainable Food Systems at is an on-campus living laboratory for experiential learning. The Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Farm is located on the Vancouver campus – unique among North America research universities – and offers a wide range of interdisciplinary learning, research, and community programs.

Student farming vegetables on the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½farm

What can you do after graduating?

Many Applied Animal Biology graduates go on to careers in veterinary medicine, natural resource planning, ecology, agronomy, conservation, land management, organic farming, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and more.

Graduates from the Sustainable Agriculture and Environment program are equipped to pursue a wide range of careers and may go on to careers as biologists, agrologists, geoscientists, natural resource planners, ecologists, organic farming specialists, conservation officers, and more.

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Go Global /ubc-life/blog/go-global/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:00:02 +0000 /?p=568175 Being a Ä¢¹½´«Ã½student doesn’t mean that you need to stay in British Columbia. Through Go Global, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½offers a variety of ways for you to explore the world while earning credits towards your degree. Whether you want to live in Scotland for a year, spend a summer semester in Costa Rica or complete a […]

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Being a Ä¢¹½´«Ã½student doesn’t mean that you need to stay in British Columbia. Through , Ä¢¹½´«Ã½offers a variety of ways for you to explore the world while earning credits towards your degree.

Whether you want to live in Scotland for a year, spend a summer semester in Costa Rica or complete a global health practicum in Ghana and Zambia, there are plenty of international study options.

Go Global programs give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, get a deeper understanding of current international issues and ideas in the real world, and connect meaningfully with people in a host country as a student—not just as a tourist. They also allow you to gain confidence, take courses not offered at UBC, and still pay Ä¢¹½´«Ã½fees outside of Canada.

The following are the programs that Go Global offers.

Exchange

With Go Global’s Exchange program, you can travel and study in another country for a term or longer while earning credits towards your degree. For example, you can explore pre-med or pre-law at Scotland’s or choose to go to at one of its campuses in Melbourne, Australia or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Research or .

Summer AbroadÌý

For the Summer Abroad program, you can spend the summer studying in another country—such as France, India or Costa Rica—have fun, and get to know a new culture without interrupting your winter semester course load. You can also add a summer term before you begin your winter Exchange program.

Explore or .

Research Abroad

As a Ä¢¹½´«Ã½student, you can get hands-on research experience at a university abroad and build non-credit work experience over the summer.

You can visit Switzerland’s and conduct research in a laboratory on the shores of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. Or you can build your own self-directed research experience at the while taking part in Japanese cultural activities.

Find an or a .

Global Seminars

Global Seminars offer you the chance to take Ä¢¹½´«Ã½credit courses taught by Ä¢¹½´«Ã½faculty members with a group of other students in a location around the world. Global Seminars are customized Ä¢¹½´«Ã½courses involving engagement with international partners. They run in the summer and are each unique in terms of location, course content, length and cost. Study geographical migration patterns in Spain and Morocco, for example, or learn about sustainable food systems in Italy.

Find out more about or .

International Conferences and Special Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

Through partnerships and memberships with international learning organizations, Go Global also offers a range of international programs beyond Exchange, Summer Abroad, Research Abroad, and Global Seminars.

.

Find more information and talk to a Go Global Advisor:


goglobal.okanagan@ubc.ca


go.global@ubc.ca

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What have Ä¢¹½´«Ã½graduates gone on to do? /ubc-life/blog/what-have-ubc-graduates-gone-on-to-do/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:00:07 +0000 /?p=566718 As one of the globe’s top 45 universities, it’s no surprise that some of UBC’s graduates have gone on to accomplish incredible things. Applying to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½opens the door for you to try many new academic avenues, clubs, sports, volunteer opportunities, and more. Your path might help you follow the footsteps of some of these […]

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As one of the globe’s top 45 universities, it’s no surprise that some of UBC’s graduates have gone on to accomplish incredible things. Applying to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½opens the door for you to try many new academic avenues, clubs, sports, volunteer opportunities, and more. Your path might help you follow the footsteps of some of these outstanding alumni.

Canadian prime ministers

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½has educated three prime ministers. Our former leader, Justin Trudeau, earned a bachelor of education from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½in 1998. Kim Campbell and John Turner, who have also held the top office, were both graduates from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC.

Nobel Prize winners

Eight Nobel Laureates are associated with Ä¢¹½´«Ã½â€“ most famously Michael Smith, who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993 for his ground-breaking work in reprogramming segments of DNA. Smith was just one of a longstanding community of faculty and alumni who have earned international recognition for their important work. At UBC, you can conduct research as an undergraduate, led by our outstanding academic faculty.

Olympic athletes

The Thunderbirds Varsity program has an enduring legacy of success. Their athletes have won more intercollegiate championships than any other Canadian university, and they boast an impressive roster of 67 Olympic medals, including 19 gold medals. During your time at UBC, you can join or cheer on some of the best athletes in the world.

Rhodes Scholars

The Rhodes Scholarships, established in 1902, were designed to bring outstanding students from across the world to study at the University of Oxford in the interests of promoting international understanding and public service. Eleven Canadians are selected each year to join a class of 84 Scholars from across the world. In that time, 76 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students have been selected for the prestigious award, including four in the last five years. You could be studying alongside them, or claim the honour yourself.

Royal Society of Canada Fellows

The Royal Society of Canada is the highest accolade a scholar can achieve in the arts, humanities and sciences in Canada. A total of 319 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½professors have been named to the Fellowship across multiple faculties – including Dr. Pieter Cullis who developed the lipid nanoparticle delivery technology that enables advanced nanomedicines, such as the highly effective COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. At UBC, a Royal Society of Canada Fellow could be teaching you in the fall.

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10 things you never knew about UBC /ubc-life/blog/10-things-you-never-knew-about-ubc/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:00:57 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=575220 Did you know Ä¢¹½´«Ã½has been named the most sustainable university in Canada, or that there’s an outdoor echo chamber in the middle of UBC’s Vancouver campus? UBC’s hallowed halls have produced some of the world’s best thinkers and leaders, as well as some exceptional curiosities, in its 100+ year history. Read on to learn […]

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Did you know Ä¢¹½´«Ã½has been named the most sustainable university in Canada, or that there’s an outdoor echo chamber in the middle of UBC’s Vancouver campus? UBC’s hallowed halls have produced some of the world’s best thinkers and leaders, as well as some exceptional curiosities, in its 100+ year history. Read on to learn more fun trivia about the university.

1. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum houses . It’s one of the few places in the world where you can get close to the biggest creature that has ever lived on Earth.

2. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½has a , based on the sport of Quidditch from the “Harry Potterâ€� series. Members compete at major events in North America, representing Ä¢¹½´«Ã½and the city of Vancouver. Past players have also participated as part of Team Canada in the World Cup.

3. UBC’s Vancouver campus is home to a number of apple trees that are direct descendants of those that inspired Newton to compose his theory of gravity in 1661. The trees are planted near UBC’s TRIUMF lab, which houses the largest particle accelerator cyclotron in the world.

4. UBC alumni include eight Nobel Prize winners, plus three Canadian prime ministers, 76 Rhodes Scholars (four Rhodes Scholars in the last five years), and 319 Royal Society of Canada fellows. Our varsity athletes have won a combined total of 67 Olympic medals, including 19 gold medals.

5. All the street signs on both Ä¢¹½´«Ã½campuses are bilingual. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Okanagan, the signs feature both English and Nsyilxcen, the traditional language spoken by the Okanagan’s original people. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Vancouver, which is built on the unceded territory of the Musqueam people, you’ll navigate by signs .

6. The buildings on UBC’s Okanagan campus are heated and cooled using energy from the groundwater under the campus. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Vancouver, the pools in the Aquatic Centre are replenished from rainwater that lands on the roof.

7. The Kryptonian language in the SupermanÌýmovieÌýMan of Steel was developed by Christine Schreyer, an associate professor of anthropology on UBC’s Okanagan campus. She was inspired by the Cree syllabic system to develop the look of the Kryptonian symbols.

8. UBC’s Vancouver campus is the . It’s served as the setting for many films and TV shows, including Off Campus, The Adam Project, Riverdale, The Butterfly Effect, Smallville, three X-Men movies, The X-Files, Legion, Supernatural, 50 Shades of Grey, and more.

9. The on UBC’s Vancouver campus has a mission to conserve precious seed varieties by allowing members of the public to sign out seeds in order to grow, harvest, and pass them on to other gardeners.

10. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Vancouver hosts the largest intramural race in North America, . One of UBC’s longest running traditions, every year about 3,500 participants swim, sprint, bike, and run before pulling themselves and their teammates up and over a 12-foot wall.

 

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Collegia on the Vancouver campus: A home away from home for commuters /ubc-life/blog/ubc-collegia-on-the-vancouver-campus-a-home-away-from-home-for-commuters/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:00:50 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=575215 If you’ll be commuting to campus, you’re part of the majority: more than 75% of students on UBC’s Vancouver campus bike, drive, or take transit to campus. As you begin to think about your first year at UBC, you may be wondering where you’ll be able to warm up your lunch, relax between classes, or […]

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If you’ll be commuting to campus, you’re part of the majority: more than 75% of students on UBC’s Vancouver campus bike, drive, or take transit to campus. As you begin to think about your first year at UBC, you may be wondering where you’ll be able to warm up your lunch, relax between classes, or meet people.

Ìýprovide all of this and more. Each space has a kitchen, comfy couches, and friendly advisors who are happy to chat and help you settle into life at UBC. There are also lots of activities designed to connect you with new friends, on-campus services, and peer support.

 

 

What you’ll find in your Collegia

In your first-year Collegia, you can expect:

  • Bright, open space with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Kitchen facilities with an oven,Ìýmicrowaves,Ìýrefrigerators, small appliances, dishes, and cutlery
  • Study spaces with desks, lamps, and shelves
  • Comfortable lounge chairs, sofas, and fireplace
  • End-of-trip facilities including showers and lockers
  • Secure Wifi and plenty of outlets to charge your devices
  • A social area with board games, cards, and activities

 

Å¡³æÊ·³Ù²¹:³Ùəχʷə³¾

is a community for Indigenous students of all years, both undergraduate and graduate, to meet one another, connect over their experiences at UBC, and learn from upper-year peer leaders and faculty members.

First-year Indigenous students will have access to both a first-year Collegia community as well as the Å¡³æÊ·³Ù²¹:³Ùəχʷə³¾ community.

 

What students are saying

“I always feel welcome when I visit Collegia, which is almost every day. It is an amazing place just to take a break from a hectic school day or to just visit and socialize.�

– Collegia member, first-year Arts, Vancouver campus


“̹½´«Ã½Collegia was a space where I could catch up with friends during the day and study in the evenings. I got a good head start on getting involved, learning about the resources on campus, and getting myself to delve out of my comfort zone. Overall, I definitely feel more equipped to venture off to second year with the start Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Collegia provided.â€�

– Collegia member, first-year Science, Vancouver campus

 

How to get involved

If you’re a first-year commuter student on UBC’s Vancouver campus and you’re interested in Collegia, .

If you’ve self-identified as an Indigenous student in UBC’s , then you will be automatically granted access to Å¡³æÊ·³Ù²¹:³Ùəχʷə³¾ in the fall!

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Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½orientation on the Vancouver campus /ubc-life/blog/imagineubc-orientation-vancouver-campus/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:00:08 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=575207 On September 8 join thousands of new-to-Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students and hundreds of volunteers for Imagine UBC, an orientation event that celebrates the start of the academic year. For most undergraduate students, Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½replaces the first day of classes. By late August you’ll receive an email with your personalized Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½schedule, where students will be […]

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On September 8 join thousands of new-to-Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students and hundreds of volunteers for , an orientation event that celebrates the start of the academic year. For most undergraduate students, Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½replaces the first day of classes.

By late August you’ll receive an email with your personalized Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½schedule, where students will be invited to attend a variety of events throughout the day.

What to expect: new students

Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½is an incredible opportunity for first-year and transfer students to:

  • Make new friends
  • Meet student leaders, professors, and the Dean of your faculty
  • Find out about services and resources
  • Learn all the ways to get involved at UBC

Over the course of the day, you’ll connect with other new undergraduate students from your faculty, check out hundreds of booths hosted by current students for UBC’s clubs and organizations, and start to find your place at UBC. New-to-Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students will receive an email by late August with their personalized Imagine Ä¢¹½´«Ã½schedule.

What to expect: returning students

Learn more about your department or program, stop by the Main Event to explore hundreds of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½clubs and resources, and feel the energy that comes with the start of a new academic year! Returning students will receive an email by late August with their personalized Ä¢¹½´«Ã½schedule.

No matter who you are and what you are interested in, there is something for you at Imagine UBC.

– Indra Hayre, Arts student

Questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out toÌýorientations.info@ubc.ca.

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Political Science alum Danilo on heading to Yale Law School /ubc-life/blog/political-science-alum-danilo-on-heading-to-yale-law-school/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:15:15 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=577576 When Danilo was choosing a university for his undergrad, one of the main reasons he chose Ä¢¹½´«Ã½was because of how international it is. He wanted the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world with different identities and experiences. Danilo was an International Scholar and graduated in 2022 with an Honours in […]

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When Danilo was choosing a university for his undergrad, one of the main reasons he chose Ä¢¹½´«Ã½was because of how international it is. He wanted the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world with different identities and experiences.

Danilo was an International Scholar and graduated in 2022 with an Honours in Political Science and International Relations. Since then, he’s earned an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Oxford as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar, and has spent the past several years working on humanitarian responses for United Nations agencies and international organizations in crisis-affected settings.

This fall, after being admitted to Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford Law School, where he was also selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Danilo is headed to Yale Law School.

Read below as Danilo reflects on his time at UBC, how Ä¢¹½´«Ã½helped him achieve his career goals and shaped his path to Yale, and what he’s most looking forward to at law school.

1. You graduated from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½four years ago. What stands out about your time at UBC?

What stands out most from my time at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½is how much the university made Tuum Est feel real. The motto, It is yours, captured the culture I experienced at UBC. Students were encouraged to take ownership of their education, pursue what genuinely interested them, and shape their own paths.

For me, that meant turning my interests in international law into something tangible through research, student leadership, and community engagement. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½provided the freedom, resources, and opportunities to explore those interests in meaningful ways while giving me the confidence to carve out my own educational journey.

2. How did your studies in Political Science and International Relations at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½help you achieve your career goals?

Studying Political Science and International Relations at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½gave me the tools to tackle questions that had long fascinated me: how institutions respond to armed conflict, how international courts deter atrocities, and how international justice can be pursued through innovative channels.

Through the Honours Program in Political Science and International Relations, I was able to conduct an honours thesis on the International Criminal Court, which allowed me to turn an academic interest in justice, made deeply personal by my experience growing up in Colombia, into rigorous research. The process taught me how to ask stronger research questions, engage critically with the literature, identify and address knowledge gaps in the scholarly conversation, and connect theory to real-world challenges.

Looking back, my studies in Political Science and International Relations at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½laid the foundation for everything that followed, from pursuing an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy at the University of Oxford to spending the past several years evaluating and designing humanitarian responses for United Nations agencies and international organizations in crisis-affected settings. More than any specific class or experience, what I remember most is being empowered to take initiative and build a path that felt uniquely my own.

Danilo standing outside of Yale Law School

“Looking back, my studies in Political Science and International Relations at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½laid the foundation for everything that followed…More than any specific class or experience, what I remember most is being empowered to take initiative and build a path that felt uniquely my own.â€�

3. Is there an experience or opportunity that you had at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½that you don’t think you could have gotten anywhere else?

The opportunity I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else was the freedom to build an education that felt like a mosaic. At UBC, I was able to bring together experiences that might have seemed separate at first, but ultimately became deeply connected: conducting an honours thesis on the International Criminal Court, co-producing an international documentary, designing my own undergraduate seminar, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Political Studies, becoming involved in student governance as president of The Ubyssey, working as a teaching assistant, and giving back to new and prospective students as a Student Ambassador and Senior Orientation Leader.

What made this so meaningful was that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½did not ask me to choose only one version of myself. It gave me the space to be a researcher, writer, teacher, advocate, and mentor at the same time. Each opportunity strengthened a different part of me, and together they shaped the way I think, lead, communicate, and engage with the world. That combination of freedom, trust, and possibility is something I do not think I could have found in quite the same way anywhere else.

4. You’re starting at Yale Law School this Fall. Tell us about your decision process. What will you be doing at YLS?

I was very fortunate to be admitted to Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford Law School, where I was also selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Choosing between these schools was an incredible privilege.

Ultimately, I chose YLS because it felt like the place where I could become the kind of lawyer I hope to be. I was drawn to its intimate and experiential approach to legal education, its small class size, the closeness of the community, and the freedom to explore different areas of law.

At YLS, I am excited by the opportunity to participate in clinics as early as my second semester, where I will be able to connect legal theory with advocacy and real-world application of the law. I am also looking forward to learning from faculty whose work has shaped and continues to shape some of the most important conversations in law today, while building friendships with and learning from peers who bring different life experiences to YLS. More broadly, I hope to build a legal career grounded in both intellectual curiosity and a practical understanding of how law shapes institutions, markets, and society.

The post Political Science alum Danilo on heading to Yale Law School appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½| Undergraduate Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Admissions.

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Student Tips: Choosing where to live in your first year /ubc-life/blog/student-tips-choosing-where-to-live-in-your-first-year/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:31:17 +0000 /?post_type=calendar-content&p=577436 Now that you’ve accepted your offer to UBC, it’s time to start thinking about what your first year will look like. An important decision to make about your first year is where you will live. Will you live on campus, off campus, or commute from home? Where you live will shape your Ä¢¹½´«Ã½experience, from […]

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Now that you’ve accepted your offer to UBC, it’s time to start thinking about what your first year will look like. An important decision to make about your first year is where you will live. Will you live on campus, off campus, or commute from home? Where you live will shape your Ä¢¹½´«Ã½experience, from who you meet, to where you hang out, to what you eat.

Here are some tips and advice from students on choosing where to live.

Tips for choosing where to live as a first-year student

There are so many opportunities to meet people at UBC, no matter where you decide to live.

Marleigh M headshot“I always wanted to live on campus during my first year at UBC, so first-year residence was a super exciting opportunity for me! I met many of my university friends in Place Vanier residence and really appreciated the social atmosphere there, having just moved away from home. However, I have many friends who love living off campus with their family or their friends. They enjoy having some separation between school life and their downtime. So, I’d say it is important to reflect on what you’re looking for and remember that there are so many opportunities to meet people at UBC, no matter where you decide to live.�

– Marleigh M., fifth year Philosophy student

If you’re looking for an easy way to meet people, live in first-year residence.

“I always recommend anyone who has the means to live in first-year housing, rather than commute from home or live off-campus. The community experience allowed me to make friends easily due to our proximity, and this set me up well for the rest of my time at UBC. Some of my favourite Ä¢¹½´«Ã½memories are centered around first-year residence and the spontaneity of being able to make plans with my friends that lived down the hall from me. For anyone looking for an easy and accessible way to meet many people, living in first-year residence was how I was able to do so.”

– Jessica J., fourth year Political Science student

Watch dorm tours on YouTube.

“I watched so many dorm tours on YouTube! Many of them are for upper year housing and may be outdated, but I found them helpful in giving me a sense of dorm life and considerations. They also just made me so excited to move in and to experience life at UBC!”

– Emiko W. fifth year Engineering Physics and Honours Human Geography student

 

 

 

Every residence has its own vibe, communities, and opportunities to get involved.

“First-year housing is guaranteed for all incoming Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students as long as you apply before the deadline and are coming straight from high school, and living on campus is an amazing way to meet people and feel part of the university community. While you can not really choose your specific residence, you can definitely put down your preferences. Every residence has its own vibe, communities, and opportunities to get involved. If commuting is a better fit for you, that is completely okay too! Keep an open mind, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Housing will try to make sure you have a great place to start your journey!”

– Nusaibah H., fourth year Economics and Statistics student

Emma MR hikingIt’s valid to want to explore the city more, to want to live at home, or to choose to live somewhere other than first-year residence in your first year.

“Living in first-year residence felt like the ‘obvious’ choice for me: I knew I wanted to immerse myself in on-campus life at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½as much as possible, and felt that living in residence would help me handle the adjustment to university life. Plus, as an out-of-province student who had never been to Vancouver, the extra convenience of living on-campus and having access to residence resources, like Residence Advisors and the Front Desk and Overnight Mobile Team, had a significant impact on my decision. But, this isn’t the case for everyone, and my friends have shared many reasons why they choose to live on- or off-campus, depending on their own circumstances, whether personal, financial, etc. It’s totally valid to want to explore the city more, to want to live at home, or to choose to live somewhere other than first-year residence in your first year, and that’s a perspective I think is sometimes missed!”

– Emma M-R., Sociology + Master of Management dual degree student

Lori K. headshotLive on campus and, if not, take advantage of collegia to meet people.

“For local students who have the option to do so, I really do recommend living on campus, especially for first year. It makes the process of building a community and meeting people one less thing to worry about, as this happens fairly naturally in first-year residences. However, if you do choose to live off-campus or in private housing, be sure to take advantage of the collegia program that’s meant to replicate the first year experience as closely as possible.”

– Lori K., third year International Economics student

Look at the campus layout.

“I chose Rits because it sounded more private, but if I could go back, I’d look at the actual campus layout more closely, like where your classes will be. I’d also think about how much social time happens in the dining hall. When things get busy during the term, mealtime becomes your time to catch up and meet people. If you live in places like Walter Gage or Rits, you won’t have a mandatory meal plan, so keep that in mind.

Shared rooms sound intimidating, but my best friend had a roommate in first year and now we’re all one big friend group. And yes, people do make friends in communal washrooms, it’s not just a rumour, I promise! So be open-minded here too, you might be surprised at how community forms in unexpected places.”

– Zaina A., fourth year Honours Psychology student

Samuella O standing on campusUse the first-year cost estimator.

“Consider cost. It’s important to think about what the costs might look like for you. The First-Year Cost Calculator is a great resource to help you plan.

Think about balance. Do you want to live in the same place where you study, like on campus, or would you prefer some separation? Living on campus can make it easier to get to class, while living off campus can give you more space to step away from academics at the end of the day.

Remember there’s no ‘wrong’ choice. No matter where you live, you can always find a sense of community, whether it’s through Collegia, residence events, or clubs.”

– Samuella O., fourth year Biology student

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