Winter session starts in less than a month. We’re excited for you to get here, and we hope you’re excited to join us for a great year at UBC.

Read on for some super practical tips that will help you get ready for university life. And if you’re moving into residence, don’t miss our list below of 10 must-do’s before you leave home. (It’s worth the scrolling, we promise!)

Skip the lines by ordering your books online.

Starting August 14, you can order your books online from the UBC Bookstore. They will package your books for you and have them ready for pickup for the first day of class! Save yourself time, effort, and the inevitable long lines that form when 50,000 other students get their books too. Plus, order early and you’ll get first choice on rentals and used books, both of which can save you up to 50%!

Be prepared for lots of rain.

Invest in a good pair of rainboots. Trust us, you’ll need them. That and an umbrella will save your life come rainy season (around 9 out of 12 months in Vancouver). Bonus points if you spring for the rain jacket and rain pants combo as well - fashionable!

Don’t forget to hydrate!

Choose a sturdy reusable water bottle that you can take with you everyday. Drinking lots of water is the best way to minimize study headaches.

Remember the essentials for the first week of classes.

Memorise this list: pen, laptop charger, snacks, and some sort of folder or binder to put a syllabus in that’s not the bottom-of-your-bag. Thank us later.

Save money by downloading free software for students through UBC IT Services.

Microsoft Office is the big one that’s free for students for up to 4 years. You’re also eligible for free subscriptions to Camtasia (video software), VideoScribe (more video software), and 6 months of Amazon Prime. Pretty sweet!

Moving into Residence?

Now for those of you who are preparing to move into residence, here are 10 things you should do before you leave home. They will make your transition to UBC as smooth as possible.

1. Buy or order bed and bath linens. You don’t have to lug sheets around: order them ahead of time, and they deliver right to your dorm room for move-in day.

2. Apply for a UBCcard if you don’t have one. We’ve mentioned this before, but why not avoid the lines and have your card ready for when you’re here?

3. If you have a car, apply for parking. You can’t park in the parkades unless you have a pass, and the last thing you want is an expensive parking ticket.

4. Get renter’s insurance to protect your belongings. You may be covered under your family plan, but double check. Your comic book collection is too valuable.

5. Review important Residence Standards and be prepared to live by them. You’re joining a community built on mutual respect.

6. Know what services and amenities are available in residence and how to access them, especially how to use waste sorting areas that will help you live sustainably. We all do our part at UBC!

7. Contact your roommates online to coordinate shared items. There won’t be enough space for two bean bag chairs.

8. When you receive your residence and room assignment, look at the residence map to locate your residence and plan your route. You won’t want to carry your stuff across campus if you’re at the wrong place.

9. Leave your residence mailing address with family and friends. Who doesn’t love receiving an actual letter and gifts?!

10. Know what time you’re supposed to arrive and other things to expect when moving in. You’ll get an email from your Residence Life Manager at the end of August with all the important details - but here’s an overview of what to expect on the big day.

We’ve also put together a handy post that will help you decide what to pack...and what not to pack! Check it out.