“There’s a first time for everything.”

We’ve all heard the phrase. It may be the single piece of advice your older sibling or friend shared with you before your first year in university. It may even explain some of the unusual situations you’ve found yourself in. Either way, as a new member of the UBC community, you will be exposed to a lot of new experiences.

Some of these first experiences may be pleasant, exciting, and fun, while others may be uncomfortable, awkward, and confusing. To make the most of this oncoming wave of first experiences, it will be helpful to consider what boundaries you want to push, learn when to say “no” or “not today”, and recognize that some experiences will be unavoidable.

There can be a lot of pressure as a first-year student to try everything for the first time. You will find yourself pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone to try new things that excite and challenge you. You may also find yourself in situations where you’re not interested in or comfortable with trying something new.

Depending on your upbringing, faith, abilities, and financial situation, your comfort level for trying new things may vary, and it’s important to honour that. Saying “no” to things you don’t feel comfortable doing doesn't mean that your first year at UBC will be an unfulfilling experience – there doesn’t need to be a first time for everything.

While you will have the opportunity to choose some of your first experiences, other first experiences may be inevitable. For instance, when you arrive on campus, it may be the first time you’ll be surrounded by such a diverse community – people of all ages, beliefs, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. At UBC, we strive to build a welcoming and inclusive campus community and part of that means fostering an accepting attitude towards people different than ourselves.

University is an excellent time for you to observe, learn, and participate, but there’s no need to rush. The truth is you won't be 100% prepared for all the first experiences coming your way, but that’s part of the excitement. The important thing is to take your time, be kind to yourself, and ask for support. University is an incredible time of growth and change, but that can be easy to forget amidst your feelings of overwhelm. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that the culmination of your experiences – pleasant and challenging – will contribute to a more whole first-year experience at UBC. Sometimes it’s just a matter of staying open and enjoying the ride.