I came to the University of British Columbia – Okanagan (UBCO) campus in 2021. A little bit of context about me: I have moved around my whole life. It’s been hard, but finding that sense of community has helped me fit in. I also wanted to find that community during my undergraduate degree, which is why UBCO caught my eye. It had all the great benefits of a large university campus (facilities, outstanding professors, great clubs) but was in a smaller environment. This made it so much easier for me to make friends and connect with my professors, and as a psychology student, I even did a lot of research in my undergraduate degree. For example, I am involved in 3 research labs, and I am completing my honours thesis right now! Being in the beautiful city of Kelowna is also amazing because there is so much to do around town, and you are also surrounded by nature. My top tip: visit Parlour Ice Cream if you are coming to Kelowna; it’s the best place ever!!
I would also highly recommend students live on residence in their first year. It is guaranteed for first-year students as long as you apply by May 1st, and it’s where I could participate in many events such as a pop-up cat cafe, hot chocolate nights, Just Dance nights, and so many more! I also made my friends for life on residence, and I am now even a Residence Advisor!
In terms of academics, I think the best thing about Psychology professors is that they are experts in their own research fields and are excellent at teaching. Each professor is unique; getting to know each of them is a joy and makes the learning experience so much better.
If you are thinking about coming to UBCO, I would recommend it because it is a place that values community, high-quality education, and acceptance.
Attending UBC has been an incredible decision, both personally and professionally. From the first moment on campus, the student-focused environment made you feel welcome and supported. This support continued throughout your time at UBC, as you became a student ambassador and a business analyst for the university. In these roles, you were able to give back to the community that supported you so much. Through these experiences, you developed a deep love for UBC and the work that it does. Overall, attending UBC has been a life-changing experience that you will always cherish.
View moreIn my experience at UBC, I have been able to maintain a very good work/life balance. There’s tons of opportunities for all aspects. There are amazing clubs and club opportunities. Each club hosts events for professional growth which is highly beneficial. The university also provides lots of activities outside of school. There is a club at school which is an exciting time to have fun. Overall, I love UBC and its campus, there’s a lot to do. Many places to relax and have a good time.
View moreWith a big campus and a diversity of people, UBC provides education in a range of different facilities from arts to sciences to engineering, due to this it has a well reputable name and welcoming and friendly environment
View moreI feel that a university is what you make of it and therefore in those terms all educational institutions are equal. However, UBC Vancouver has the added benefit of being one of the most beautiful places in North America!
View moreI am in the Bachelor of Science program at UBCO. Being located at the Okanagan Campus comes with its perks and drawbacks. The class sizes in first year are decent and the lab provides opportunities to practice valuable scientific skills like open science and the process of science. However, each science course (e.g. biology) is only 3 credits and yet you are devoting at least 6 hours a week to this course. That would be fine if other courses like EESC101 was not the same amount of credits for only 3 hours of class time. It just feels like the courses that require more of your time should be more credits. Nevertheless, the courses that first year students are required to take are beneficial in narrowing your interests as you get exposed to bio, chem, physics, and calculus.
View moreThe professors are pretty nice, willing and able from what I have experienced to take questions outside of class and in office hours, but the exams have crazy low averages for some classes, ride the scale, and try not to have too many heart attacks.
View moreThe environment is very diverse, friendly and welcoming. However, I am struggling with keeping up with the classes. The classes are really hard and some professor are not the best. The academic pressure is also to much. On the other hand there are many clubs opportunities and event that I enjoy doing. The geographic location is also very nice – beach, ocean, mountain and forest in a pack surrounding UBC.
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