My experience at UBC as a Psychology major has been both rewarding and, at times, overwhelming. The academic environment is competitive, and professors expect a high level of independence. While that has pushed me to grow, it can also feel isolating—especially in large lectures where building personal connections with professors is challenging unless you actively seek them out.
One standout experience for me has been the opportunity to get involved in research as an undergraduate. UBC provides a lot of avenues for students to explore research, especially if you’re proactive. I’ve worked on lab studies and applied to research assistant positions that have helped clarify my career interests in clinical psychology and health tech.
Outside the classroom, the campus is absolutely beautiful—honestly one of the biggest perks. Walking through the trails or watching the sunset at Wreck Beach never gets old. However, the size of the university can make it difficult to find community at first, and you really have to put yourself out there to meet people and stay grounded.
If you’re self-driven and ready to take initiative, UBC can be an incredible place to grow both personally and academically. But be prepared to advocate for yourself—resources are there, but you often have to dig to find them.