There’s a trove of services, resources, and programs at UBC you may not even know about!
There’s so much going on at UBC that it can be hard to keep track of everything you hear about. This guide is a great place to start if you’re looking for resources on degree planning, getting involved, health and wellness, and more to help you have a safe, healthy, and rewarding year.
Resources to help you get organized
Enrolment Services
Did you know that every undergrad in a degree program has an assigned Enrolment Services (ES) Advisor? ES Advisors can answer questions about admissions, transcripts, enrolment letters, registration troubleshooting, tuition, financial support options, and more. Learn how to find your Enrolment Services Advisor’s contact info in Workday.
International Student Advising
The folks at International Student Advising are experts on study permits, visas, health insurance, work permits, working in Canada, and adjusting to life in Canada in general. Take a look at the International Student Guide for info on travelling to Canada and resources on immigration, health insurance, step-by-step tutorials for your next immigration application, and more!
If you have questions you can visit International Student Advising in the UBC Life Building, drop in to Zoom advising, or send in your question through a handy webform.
Academic advising
When the nuts and bolts of your degree start to feel like they’re coming loose, or if you just want to make sure you’re on track, contact your faculty’s academic advising office. They can help with degree planning, program requirements, and other issues related to your courses to ensure things are running smoothly at the pace you want. Visit your faculty's academic advising website to find the best way to reach an Academic Advisor.
Chapman Learning Commons
Want to level up your studying and writing skills? Get in touch with the Chapman Learning Commons for study tips, advice on citations, and appointments for writing help. Drop by the desk on Level 3 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre during their open hours or visit the Chapman Learning Commons website to find out more.
Resources to help you connect to your community
Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL)
Interested in effecting social change during your time at university and beyond? At CCEL, you can build skills and address critical social and environmental issues by participating in community experiences.
Take your first steps as a changemaker by working with other passionate students and community organizations at a UBtheChange event or for a short-term Community Action Days project. Apply your research skills to social change through the Map the System competition and Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC). You can also access funding to lead an impactful community project by applying for a CCEL Grant, or help develop solutions to social and environmental challenges by joining a Social Impact Lab.
First Nations House of Learning
The First Nations House of Learning (FNHL), located in the First Nations Longhouse, provides various services to Indigenous students—including organizing student events and initiatives across UBC as well as hosting the Indigenous Students Collegium at the Longhouse. If you are an Indigenous student new to UBC, you will be automatically subscribed to The Talking Stick, FNHL’s e-newsletter, which serves to keep you informed of upcoming events, activities and opportunities. You can also follow the Longhouse Facebook page, and monitor the Indigenous Events calendar for ongoing event information throughout the year.
Located adjacent to the Longhouse, UBC is also home to X̱wi7x̱wa Library, the only university library in Canada dedicated to Indigenous content. Check out its website for information on its collections and resources.
Resources to help you get support
Centre for Accessibility
Accessibility Advisors can help if you have a disability or ongoing medical condition that you think will impact your academics or any other aspect of university life.
Advisors can answer your accessibility questions and assess and facilitate accommodations to support all parts of your academic life, including exams, assignments, and classroom access. Appointments are available in person, over Zoom, and on the phone.
Wellness Centre
The UBC Wellness Centre believes that a healthy mind, body, and spirit are foundations for students to achieve their personal and academic goals. Located in the UBC Life Building, the Wellness Centre is a peer-hosted space offering a range of wellbeing programs. You can enroll in their asynchronous and self-directed Canvas courses to access strategies and resources on wellbeing topics (simply log in using your CWL).
Wondering what health and wellness service or resource is right for you? Connect with the Wellness Info Desk at 604-822-8450 or submit a question through their webform.
Please note: the Wellness Centre does not offer crisis support or medical advice. See crisis support for emergency situations.
Counselling Services
If you’ve been having a hard time coping with feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed; are missing home; or if you have mental health concerns that interfere with your daily life, Counselling Services is here to help. When you contact Counselling Services, you can choose between a Wellness Advising appointment or a drop-in counselling appointment. Drop-in appointments are a great option when you just need someone to talk to for a single session. For example, you may want coping skills or assistance with decision-making, or need guidance in handling a particular issue you are facing. If you need a little more support or want to consider a range of options, including medical treatments, you’re recommended to meet with a Wellness Advisor.
Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO)
SVPRO is a confidential place for those who have experienced, or been impacted by, any form of sexual or gender-based violence, harassment, or harm, regardless of where or when it took place. Support is available for those who identify as survivors, those who aren’t sure about their experiences, and those who are supporting individuals who have been harmed.
All SVPRO programming and services are available online, by phone, and in person. After-hours service between 4:30pm and 8:30am are provided by Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (formerly WAVAW) on behalf of SVPRO.
SVPRO also offers workshops, training, and volunteer opportunities to encourage students to take action against sexual and gender-based violence.
These are just some of the many resources you can access as a UBC student. Additionally, check out the Student Services support page for info on managing your money, health, and more!
