A part of your success at UBC involves proactive financial planning. Review the resources below and connect with an Enrolment Services Advisor if you would like guidance on how to start.
Overview
Understand your costs
Tuition and student fees
The first step is to understand how much a school year will cost you and what the related expenses are. Knowing your costs will give you the foundation to build your financial plan. Start by understanding the costs for tuition, student fees, and books:
Living costs
Next, consider how much it will cost to live in Vancouver.
- If you are living on campus, you'll need to cover residence fees and a meal plan.
- If you're off-campus, you'll want to think about rent, groceries, and utilities.
Be sure to also allow for personal expenses such as your phone bill and entertainment. If it's in your financial plan, you won't be caught off-guard. Use the cost calculator to help you calculate what it might cost in your first year.
If you’re a graduate student, use the graduate cost calculator to develop your financial plan.
Know your resources
Once you know what your educational costs are, you'll need to find resources to cover those costs. Some students may have savings or help from their families, but there is also a range of financial assistance programs for students studying at UBC.
Map your timeline
Enrolment Services is committed to helping you, but it is your responsibility to meet important deadlines. Review key dates and deadlines.
You’re strongly recommended to apply for your student loan by mid-July.
Build a financial plan
Every student should have a financial plan. Once you’ve gathered the information above, you’ll be ready to make one and find what works best for you.
These tools and tips can help you get started on your financial plan:
- How to budget
- Spending Plan Template (Excel)
- Budget-Planning Worksheet (pdf)
- Understanding Credit (pdf)
- Sticking to the Plan (pdf)
- Student Loans and Graduation (pdf)
Maintaining your financial plan
Once you have a plan, it's important to use it. Sometimes this is easier said than done. If it's not working, it's okay to make adjustments as needed. Stay on top of your obligations with your previous loans and be prepared for your loan repayment.
If you're facing an unexpected financial emergency or experience a significant change to your financial situation, contact an Enrolment Services Advisor to discuss your options.
Financial wellness workshops
Sign up for free sessions on student loans, budgeting, creating a financial plan, and more, facilitated by Enrolment Services Advisors and Financial Wellness Peers.
Financial Resources Canvas course
In addition to Financial Wellness Peers workshops, you can use your campus-wide login (CWL) to sign up for the Financial Wellness Resources Canvas course for video recordings and additional information.
If you have questions
If you're an undergraduate student, please contact your Enrolment Services Advisor directly. To find your advisor’s contact information, log into your Student Service Centre (SSC) and select “UBC Contacts” under Personal Info.
Graduate, postgraduate, and all other students can contact an Enrolment Services Advisor by calling 604 822 9836 or submitting a question through the online form.
