I remember what it was like to start my undergraduate degree. It was my first time living away from home, and I was totally unprepared. Managing a weekly budget. Paying rent. Juggling social and academic responsibilities. It was a real shock to the system.

I also had to make a whole new set of friends, get used to writing academic papers, and apply for student loans. As the first person in my family to attend university, I had no one to turn to for advice.

If I had had access to someone like a UBC Enrolment Services Professional (ESP), it would have made a big difference.

ESPs are here to make sure that you have access to the help and support you need. Every undergraduate student has a dedicated ESP. Think of us as your general campus advisors – a friendly face when you just need to talk to someone. We are here to provide you with personalized support from your very first term to the day you graduate.

You can contact your ESP for help with many things, like:

• working out your financial plan for the year
• scholarships, awards, and student loans
• your goals and what opportunities could help you meet them
• questions about your Student Service Centre (SSC) account and making payments
• financial emergencies

I wonder what my time at university might have looked like if I had had someone to connect me with opportunities and support. Someone who knew me over the four years of my undergraduate experience and understood the challenges I was facing.

You don’t have to wonder. Reach out to your ESP – we’re here for you and happy to help any way we can.