It’s almost time for you to get started at UBC! Four years ago, I was in your shoes feeling both excited and nervous about finding my place on campus. I was excited for the fresh start, but nervous about pretty much everything else — from academics to making friends.

As a fourth-year student now and having been a first-year orientation leader, I’ve become familiar with the places and people you can turn to for support. If you want to make the most of your years at UBC, take advantage of the services this school has to offer. Here’s the 101:

Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (CSI&C)

If you’re looking to get involved and to make friends, this is a great place to start. The CSI&C run career-building initiatives like the Arts Internship Program and the Student Leadership Conference. If you’re looking for career advice or resume-writing help, you can meet with an advisor or a peer coach who will go over anything you need, one-on-one.

Academic Advising

Academics in university are different than in high school. If you ever you ever feel overwhelmed with your course load or have other academics-related questions, reach out to an Academic Advisor in your faculty. Don’t fret if you still don’t have a major in mind (I sure didn’t four years ago), and remember that no major is set in stone. You’re allowed to test the waters, Academic Advising can help you understand your options and plan your degree.

Centre for Accessibility

Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. If you have a mental or physical disability, Centre for Accessibility is a resource you can turn to in order to accommodate your needs, whether through academic concessions, or access to support in an inclusive environment. Centre for Accessibility also posts notetaker jobs on CareersOnline during the first few weeks of class.  If you apply and are selected, you get to help a classmate by sending them your course notes. I have a few friends that took this on as a way of earning some money while attending classes.

Student Health Services

This is your go-to for any medical or health-related issues. Stay safe and healthy during your time here! Your physical and mental well being is one most important things you’ll have to keep in check.

Counselling Services

Starting university can be a stressful time in your life, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help if and when you need it. Your mental health shouldn’t be overlooked in the wake of all these new experiences. You can set up in-person appointments with a counsellor or get peer support.  If seeing someone in person isn’t your thing, you can also access a multitude of helpful online resources.

International Student Development

International students have an extra set of responsibilities to deal with just to be able to study in Canada. International Student Advisors are important people to get to know if you have any questions or concerns. There’s also an in-depth International Student Guide with all of the information an international student needs to know.

Here are some other good-to-know resources on campus:

• The First Nations House of Learning is a supportive space for Aboriginal students and a resourceful place to learn about UBC Aboriginal initiatives.
• If you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly, you can voice your concerns to the Omsbuds Office. This, completely, impartial body will do their best to resolve issues you have with the university.
• The Chapman Learning Commons in the Irving K. Barber library offers tech support (phone/laptop chargers), tutoring and writing support. If you need help with planning or editing your papers, you can get help here.
• students.ubc.ca is the hub for any and all student-related topic at UBC!

This is a quick run-down of just some of the services available on campus for you. If you have more questions, be sure to contact your Enrolment Services Professional (ESP) –  they will get to connected to the right information. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in September!