University of British Columbia
speciality: Economics

UBC is undeniably one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada—possibly even the world. Nestled between the ocean and forest, it’s hard not to be inspired just by walking around. Whether it’s studying under cherry blossoms in the spring or watching the sun set over Wreck Beach, the setting alone makes the UBC experience memorable.

In terms of school spirit, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There is spirit—you’ll find it at events like Imagine Day or during big Thunderbirds games—but it doesn’t always feel deeply ingrained in the student culture. That said, there’s a definite pride in being a UBC student, even if it’s not always shouted from the rooftops.

Where UBC really shines is in its academics. The professors are knowledgeable, the courses are rigorous, and there’s a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking. The Sauder School of Business in particular has a great reputation—offering a well-rounded and competitive program that prepares students for real-world challenges in the business world.

Opportunities-wise, there’s a lot technically available—clubs, co-ops, and career services—but actually navigating and accessing them can feel a bit daunting or confusing, especially for students who aren’t super proactive. It sometimes feels like you have to dig deep or know the right people to tap into everything UBC offers. (That being said, maybe I just haven’t figured it all out yet.)

Overall, UBC is an academically strong university with a stunning campus and solid (if slightly understated) school spirit. If you’re willing to take initiative, the resources are there—just be ready to chase them.

Studying at the University of British Columbia felt like being a part of something greater than the class itself. The campus is absolutely beautiful and full of opportunities to become involved in the community. Everybody is friendly, and there is a club or student group for all interests. The campus location is excellent for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors as parks, the ocean, and mountains are only a short way away. The professors I had the pleasure of meeting were all great and made learning feel challenging, yet rewarding, and my classmates were always supportive and looking to help each other. The people and culture are extremely diverse, and the community is inclusive and welcoming. Furthermore, the research and academic opportunities that UBC offers are hard to beat, despite being relatively competitive. The only downside is the high cost of living, which can make work-life balance a challenge. All in all, I would not change my undergrad experience at UBC for anywhere else, and I am very grateful to have had the privilege to study here. If you get the chance to visit or study at UBC, take it! You will not regret it. 

University of British Columbia (UBC) is a highly respected and well-regarded institution, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and is known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and commitment to sustainability and internationalization. What I liked about UBC was that it has a diverse student body and offers a great curriculum for Economics (my degree), paired with a great faculty of highly experienced personnel assisting students’ learning. UBC is also located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver, making the experience of attending university there all the more valuable; I would definitely recommend UBC.

As a psychology major, I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have gone to UBC. The professors in the psychology department are almost unilaterally very kind and intelligent individuals who show genuine care for their students and there is a wide assortment of courses to help expose you to knew ideas about the world. The campus is beautiful and I like that it’s tucked away by itself in a corner of Vancouver because while it’s near the rest of the city, it still feels like you’re in your own little academic world at UBC. The school could benefit from a better social scene, but overall, UBC is a fantastic school.

The University of British Columbia provides many opportunities for students to not only discover their passions but also with the resources that they may need to succeed in the workforce. The Economics program is a large program with many different branches, allowing students to expand their studies but also study a more narrow field that they find interest in. Professors are highly supportive of students in their studies and guide them in accomplishing their goals.

My experience as a first year student so far has been pretty good. A lot of the professors that I had understand the troubles of transitioning from high school to university, and are very patient in explaining concepts that are harder to get during office hours.

I love the location as UBC is close to the beach and the city. I like the cohort-based part of my program and that I know everyone in my cohort. International Economics is a challenging yet rewarding program and as a student, I was able to take classes with some of the most inspiring professors.

Campus is amazing, architecture looks fabulous, and is situated close by to a beach, so it’s amazing in the summers. Professors are very kind and decently receptive to questions, and overall seem quite passionate about their teachings.

My first year at UBC was filled with many educational obstacles, but I was able to overcome them with the support of my peers, professors, and services available to UBC students. The Vancouver campus offers her first-year program to help high school students make the transition to college by offering small classes and excellent support. We encourage you to attend one of these programs not only to facilitate your transition to a larger institution, but also to build the acquaintances and social support that are so important in college life.Campus It is also beautiful, and there are many places to visit and study.

The arts program has been an exceptional experience, especially as a first-year student coming with great uncertainty. Honestly, the first semester was difficult for me as I was completely overwhelmed with this new workload as well as being away from my family for the first time. However, the people I met along the way as well as the support from my professors made the process a lot easier. I found that almost all of my professors were prepared to be involved in each students learning experience, which was a huge help in such large classes. In general, the school is actually very concerned about the lives of the students as I was always kept up-to-date on important events and notifications. Emails were consistently sent out whenever significant news developed, which made me feel quite safe in the midst of a pandemic. Overall, my first year as an art student at UBC was memorable, I went through many ups and downs, but now, I am not only looking forward but certainly excited to be returning for my second year at UBC.