Why you should join the Imagine UBC team

Remember when you were a first year: fresh-faced, full of nerves, and excited about your new beginning at UBC?

I had the opportunity to relive that excitement through another lens—as an Orientation Leader. It felt like it had all come full circle, like a rite of passage to return to Imagine UBC as someone with sage wisdom to share, a new perspective on your studies, and the enthusiasm to inspire the next graduating class.

Now it’s your turn to welcome new students and make the most of their first day on campus.

As an Imagine UBC Orientation Leader (OL), you’ll be among the first connections that incoming students will make at UBC. You’ll take on the role of mentor, navigator, and a familiar face for new students as they settle into their UBC community. Or join the Welcome Team and make sure the whole day runs smoothly from start to finish.

My time as an OL was a rewarding opportunity for learning skills in leadership, collaboration, and communication. But don’t just take it from me! We asked past OLs to share their experience and takeaways:

What did you like most about working with new students?

"Each individual came with a fresh perspective...which gave me insight into their unique views of life: aspects about education, cultural descent, and mannerisms." – Parth, Interdisciplinary Studies (Economics)

"Seeing first-years getting excited about coming to university. After being at school for 4 years, it's easy to develop senioritis and become a bit unmotivated to start again, but seeing their energy really gets me excited." – Ian, Political Science

What’s the most valuable skill you learned or developed as an Imagine UBC OL?

"The most valuable skill I learned is how to understand perspectives and to be more considerate of others having a different background than myself." – Dana, Chemical and Biological Engineering

"Confidence. No one will want to listen or respect you if you do not believe in yourself. Even when some people are unwilling to listen to you, that’s no reason for putting yourself down." – Candice, Undeclared

"How to actually listen! I think it's easy to just bombard each student with a bunch of information, but each of them has different goals, questions, etc. After being an OL a few times, I've learned to listen to each of their needs and try to help them based on what they’re actually asking for." – Ian, Political Science

Why should other students consider applying for the Imagine UBC OL role?

"It gives you the opportunity to play a monumental role in this important phase of incoming students' academic journey; also, as the face of UBC to new students, you set the tone for their expectations, which is a huge role!" – Rotimi, Economics

"You should apply to be an OL because it gives you the chance to give back to your faculty community and provide comfort and knowledge to students whose shoes you were once in." – Elliot, Urban Forestry

What’s your favourite part of being an Imagine UBC OL?

"The OL team was almost like a family, where everyone supported each other throughout the orientation for OLs, during Imagine UBC, and even after. Imagine UBC would never have been the same if not for the amazing group of supportive peers!" – Candice, Undeclared

"Getting to know people in your faculty as you wouldn't have the chance to while everyone is busy during the school year." – Steven, Forest Resource Management

"Getting to share knowledge with first-year students, answering their questions, and serving as a mentor-like figure to them." – Paul, Psychology

Why should students apply for the Imagine UBC Welcome Team Leader role?

“Apply for Welcome Team Leader to get a chance to be involved with Imagine UBC as part of the bigger picture. I think that the position of Welcome Team leader is unique in that you're much more involved with making sure the entire day runs smoothly.” – Sarah, Integrated Science

“Being an Imagine UBC Welcome Team leader is a great opportunity to get involved and give back to our UBC community. You can work with peers from different years and faculties and connect with more people on this campus. This rewarding experience can definitely help you develop your interpersonal skills while creating wonderful memories.” – Phyllis, Accounting

What’s your favourite part of being an Imagine UBC Welcome Team Leader?

“Getting the opportunity to meet and work alongside people outside of the Faculty of Science!” – Sarah, Integrated Science

“My experience of being part of the Welcome Team this year helped me switch my role from a participant to a leader that represents UBC. I want to help more new students to grow on this beautiful campus. It also helped me reflect on my journey at UBC so far and remind myself to keep on growing to be a better person.” – Phyllis, Accounting

Build your campus community and apply to join your faculty’s Imagine UBC team!