UBC is home to lots of communities—and this year, many of them have moved online!
There’s truly something for every UBC undergrad, so join something that speaks to you, interests you, and maybe even inspires you! Here are just some ways you can make friends, build your own community, and get involved, no matter where you might be in the world.
Click on something below that interests you, or scroll through to browse them all!
Undergrad student associations
UBC events (low time commitment)
Clubs
UBC is home to over 350 AMS clubs! Connect with students of all years and faculties who share your interests or aspirations (however niche they may be). Check out our Club Spotlights series to meet some club execs, learn about their club's mission, and hear some inspiring stories.
Joining a club lets you get to know individuals you might never have a class with or can’t easily meet otherwise—particularly now when so many of our experiences are online.
Some ways to connect with a club:
1. Attend Imagine UBC (Tue, Sep 8)
Imagine UBC is a terrific way to meet your uni community! During the Main Event from 2:00 to 6:00 pm PDT, many campus clubs, as well as student groups and campus resources, will be hosting virtual booths. Drop by this online fair to ask questions, sign up for mailing lists, and meet current group members and execs.
2. Visit AMS Clubs Days
In late September, you’ll get to attend AMS Clubs Days (more info to come on the AMS website, so check back there for updates). You’ll get to explore more club booths during this fantastic multi-day event!
3. Reach out to club execs
Many clubs remain open to newcomers throughout the year. Search up the contact details of the clubs you want to join by visiting their Facebook page or exploring AMS CampusBase, a newly launched clubs platform!
And if UBC doesn’t have the club you want to join? You can apply to start your own club with a group of friends (instructions and application portal on AMS CampusBase). Applications are accepted in September and January.
Undergrad student societies
Each faculty is represented by a student society. Along with all the other students in your faculty, you can find faculty-specific events (and access support or resources) held by your faculty's society. Stay connected to yours on social media for the latest updates on how you can get involved.
Each of these societies is led by an elected executive team, and recruits student volunteers and council execs to organize events and services. Contributing to student societies can help you become a strong leader amongst your peers!
Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of the societies’ websites:
- Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS)
- Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS)
- Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS)
- Forestry Undergraduate Society (FUS)
- Kinesiology Undergraduate Society (KUS)
- Land and Food Systems Undergraduate Society (LFSUS)
- Science Undergraduate Society (SUS)
- UBC Vancouver School of Economics Undergraduate Society (VSEUS)
Undergrad student associations
Student associations comprise students in your (prospective) specialization/department (I hail from the Forensic Science Student Association!). They usually put on events and workshops related to the program/discipline you are in or want to enter, and are a great way to meet like-minded people and learn more about that particular area of study. Contact the association you’d like to get involved with for more details via Facebook, websites, and so on.
More ways to get involved
From volunteering opportunities to student programs, UBC offers more ways for you to find your niche! The time commitment of these opportunities may vary greatly, so do your research. Some ideas that come to mind:
- Write for The Ubyssey and Discorder Magazine
- Get trained on how to make a radio show with CiTR Radio
- Fix bicycles at the Bike Kitchen
- And more! Search “UBC volunteering” online (and visit AMS CampusBase) for more possibilities!
UBC events (low time commitment)
You can attend a wide range of events offered by UBC. Stay updated on exciting events and opportunities (online and, when available, in person) by checking out:
- Hot updates on the UBC website, UBC Events website, UBC Facebook, UBC Events Twitter, and AMS Events Facebook
- Shares on the UBC Life Instagram
- Workshops on the Equity & Inclusion Office website
- Concerts/events on the UBC Music website
- The occasional interesting opportunities on the UBC subreddit
Virtual Homecoming
An upcoming event that you'll want to add to your calendar now is virtual Homecoming on Fri, Sep 25, which will bring together UBC students and alumni in a festive celebration to kick off the academic year!
Presented by RBC Royal Bank, this special event will feature a line-up of musical performances like Canadian singer-song writer Scott Helman and hip-hop/rap and soul artist Missy D, along with UBC notables, and surprise guests.
UBC has many experiential opportunities—so many that you may not be able to try out everything you find interesting in your first year. So, start with a few that you know you'll enjoy and can stick to.
