UBC Incoming Pre-Arrival Information Session 2017 Getting Ready for Life at UBC
Introduce yourself!
Hello and welcome! Use the chat box to introduce yourself. Tell us your name and what city/country you’re from!
Sound Check Please click the check mark if you can hear the presenter speaking, and the X if you can’t
Presenters
Outline • Presentation will cover Academics and Student Life at UBC • Time frame: roughly 1 hour • Websites are underlined in blue • During the presentation please use the chat box to ask questions • This session will be recorded and archived • Follow prompts to respond to group questions and polls
Question
What is one thing you are most concerned about or would like to know for your upcoming exchange at UBC?
Introduction to Academic Life
Overview of Academic Life • • • • • • • • • • •
Imagine UBC UBC Campus Map The First Day of Class Readings & Textbooks UBC Connect In the Classroom Discussions, Labs, Tutorials Exams The UBC Library Computer & Internet Access When you need help…
Imagine UBC Campus-wide orientation Sept. 5th • Mandatory for first year students • Replaces all undergraduate classes • Except classes classes that begin at, or after 5pm and meet only once per week • Great way to get to know the campus and make friends!
International Student Orientation for exchange students
Regent College
UBC Village & Market Place
The First Day of Class On the first day of class, you will receive: • The course syllabus, which typically includes: • A description of course content • A breakdown of assignments, readings, marking, and exams • Professor’s contact information and office hours • Expectations for classroom environment, format of lectures and participation
Class attendance is very important! We generally recommend students to take 4-5 courses (i.e., 12-15 credits) per term
Readings & Textbooks Readings include textbooks, course packages, books • Made available for purchase or rental at the UBC Bookstore • Find your personalized booklist online here
UBC Bookstore • Option to buy new, buy used or rent textbooks • Renting your books can save you up to 55% for each book, but must return the book at the end of the term • E-books are also available for some books
Readings & Textbooks Other alternatives to the UBC Bookstore • Discount Bookstore in the University Village • Craigslist • UBC Textbooks 4 Sale Facebook group • SaveOnBooks • Amazon Tip: Unless you’re 100% certain you’ll stay in the class, hold off on buying textbooks until the second week of classes
UBC Connect Online platform giving you access to: • • • • •
Course information Online readings Resources Upload assignments Class discussions
Important to check regularly! Log in using your CWL here
In the Classroom Class structure: • Student participation and questions are encouraged • Most professors allow the use of laptops in class • Atmosphere is informal
Classes end 10 minutes early to allow students enough time to reach their next class
Discussions, Labs, Tutorials Many UBC courses have discussion, tutorial or lab components • Led by TA’s • Class sizes are smaller – around 20 students • Attendance and active participation is important
Exams Midterm and final exams make up the majority of your course grade Midterms • Exam dates announced on the first day of class • Usually held mid-October • Very busy time!
Final Exams
• Exam dates released by the University mid-October and posted on the SSC • Held December 5th-20th
The UBC Library
Koerner Library
OR…
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Vancouver Public Library is the (off-campus) public library system for the city of Vancouver • Click here to know how to get a VPL Library Card
The UBC Library There are several branches spread across campus which make up the UBC Library : • Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Koerner Library, Law Library, Asian Library, etc. • Primary study spot for many students
Remember your student card is your library card!
Computer & Internet Access High-speed UBC Wireless Network is accessible almost everywhere on campus • Exception: No Wi-Fi in residence rooms – only in the commons block. High speed internet is provided in rooms via Ethernet cable
There are computer workstations in almost every branch of the UBC Library • UBC Library also has a laptop lending program • Printing can be done at any library branch with your Student Card, which you can load money in
When you need help . . . Study and time management tips: • UBC Learning Commons • Student Services
Free AMS Tutoring for UBC students (Chemistry, Math, Physics, Economics)
Question
Are there any questions about the material we have covered so far on Academic Life at UBC?
Introduction to Student Life at UBC
Overview • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Orientations What to Bring Arriving in Vancouver Life in Vancouver Living in Residence Off Campus Housing Logistics Getting around Vancouver Staying Healthy Health Coverage, Work Permits & Student Fees Safety on Campus Getting Involved on Campus Making the Most of Your Exchange
Orientations • Residence Move In Day: Sept. 2 • UBC Imagine Day: Sept. 5: • International Student Orientation: Sept. 5
What to Bring Documents: Passport Temporary Resident Visa or eTA (depending on your nationality) Letter of Acceptance from UBC Letter of Introduction issued by the Canadian Visa Office (if applicable) • If studying for more than 6 months, submit this letter to the Canadian Immigration Officer when you arrive at the border to obtain your actual Study Permit • Make photocopies for yourself and family/friends back home • Be prepared to show these to Canadian Immigration officials at the airport (don’t pack them in your check luggage!) • • • •
More information can be found here
What to Bring Other essentials: • • • • • •
Raincoat/rain boots Dress clothes Travel power adapters Medication Unlocked phone Leave space in your suitcase for everything you’ll bring back!
Is there anything else we forgot that you would like to share?
Poll Question When is everyone arriving in Vancouver? a) I’m already here! b) In the next couple weeks c) Residence Move In Day (September 2nd)
Arriving in Vancouver Getting to UBC from the airport • Taxi: $40 • Public Transit: $10 • Translink website
Short-term accommodation: • • • • • • •
The Cambie Hostel SameSun Backpackers Lodge Hostel International Jericho Centre for Digital Media Hostelling International – Vancouver Central Menno Simons Centre YWCA Hotel
Life in Vancouver • • •
• •
Also known as Hollywood North, the City of Glass and Raincouver Fourth most densely populated city in North America One of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada – 52% of residents have a first language other than English – 30% of Vancouverites are of Chinese heritage Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world (currently ranked 3rd!) Striving to be the greenest city in the world by 2020
Life in Vancouver Climate: • Mild but very wet Cost of Living: • UBC Go Global webpage Tax: • Provincial Sales Tax (PST at 7%) – collected on most goods and services • Notable exemptions: basic groceries, restaurants, gas • Goods and Services Tax (GST at 5%) – collected on all goods and services • Total sales tax on most goods and services = 12% (PST + GST) Tipping: • At restaurants and bars, it is customary to tip 10-20% on the total bill before tax • Ideally you should tip for any given service (taxis, hotel services, hairdressers)
Moving In UBC Housing • What to expect on Move In Day
Tips: • Front desk is open 24/7 • Bedding isn’t provided • For sheet sizes, refer to this webpage • Pre-order from Campus Linens of Canada (optional) • Residences organize a trip to IKEA during the first week • Head to HomeSense downtown • There will be student volunteers to help you move in!
Moving In Roommates • Room assignments will be released to you by mid-August • Be sure to release your contact information to your future roommates so they can reach out to you! • To do this, log on to the SSC, and click “Housing & Food” • Then click “Contact Room/ Unit Mate” to release your information
Residence Advisors Residence Advisors (RAs) are upper level students who live in each residence They are available to assist with: • Lending a hand with moving in • Study tips • Campus information • Anything else you need help with! RAs also facilitate study sessions and organize social events
Off Campus Housing Private companies • APT Living • Unique Accommodations
Individual Vacancies/Postings • •
Craigslist, Kijiji, AMS Rentsline Best to look for sublets/roommates to avoid signing a lease
Off Campus Housing Resources: • UBC Housing • The Ubyssey Guide to Vancouver’s neighbourhoods
Recommended areas: • • • • •
Kitsilano Mount Pleasant Main Kerrisdale West End
Poll Question Where will you be living? a) UBC b) West Side c) West End d) East Vancouver e) Other
Logistics UBC Student Card Apply for UBC Student Card online here
•
Transportation U-Pass BC • • •
Compass Card
Universal transit pass for UBC students Paid as a part of your student fees Unlimited use across Metro Vancouver
U-Pass BC Benefits
• •
Link
Durable, reloadable fare care that works across Metro Vancouver Can be purchased at UBC bookstore, any SkyTrain station or online at compasscard.ca
Logistics Transportation • •
Link your U-Pass to your Compass Card every month on or after the 16th of each month to ensure you can ride transit the following month How? 1. Visit https://upassbc.translink.ca/ 2. Select UBC as your Post-Secondary Institution 3. Enter your CWL login and password when redirected to UBC 4. Link your Compass Card if prompted, request your U-Pass BC benefit 5. Allow up to 24 hours for activation
U-Pass BC Benefits
Link
Logistics Food Nearby Grocery Stores: • Save On Foods (Wesbrook Mall & W 16th Ave) • Safeway (Sasamat & 10th Ave) • Whole Foods (Vine & W 4th Ave) • No Frills (Alma & W 4th Ave)
Logistics Food UBC Meal Plans •
Optional; only recommended if you’re buying a lot of food on campus
• UBC Savings Plus Meal Plan • • • •
Save 12% off on food and beverages at campus discount locations 3 plans: $250 for a month, $980 for a term, $1960 for a full year Purchases get deducted from your balance Plans can expire and are non-refundable
• UBCCard Plan • Save 5% off on food and beverages at campus plan discount locations • Add money as you go (online and at cash register)
Logistics Banking
• Where to go: CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank in the University Village • Each have student bank accounts with no monthly fees • CIBC and Scotiabank offer unlimited Visa debit card transactions • ATMs located throughout the Nest and residence commonsblocks • UBC Banking
Logistics Phones • Expect to pay between $40-60 • Major carriers: Rogers, Telus, Bell • Mid-sized carriers: Virgin Mobile, Fido, Koodo • Smaller carriers: WIND, Mobilicity, Chatr • Unlimited plans but known to be unreliable, spotty reception – although it is getting better • Some phones are not compatible with their network • Where to go: Rogers store in the village • Tips: Bring an unlocked phone, utilize prepaid services of mid-sized carriers (Virgin Mobile, Koodo)
Getting Around Vancouver Biking • Large network of bike lanes throughout city • Check out the Bike Kitchen for refurbished bikes • Purchase a helmet and a high-quality bike lock, or use a bike cage/rent a bike locker on campus
Public Transit • Keep your Student Card with your Compass Card; you may be asked to present both • Buses are tap in only (don’t accept coins)!
Getting Around Vancouver Public Transit • Text 5-digit bus stop number to “33333” to look up the next bus • Translink mobile site • Transit and GoogleMaps apps for smartphones
Safety on Campus • Try to avoid walking around alone at night • Walk with a friend or use services such as AMS Safewalk, Translink Shuttles and Campus Security. • AMS Safewalk – call them at 604.822.5355 – look out for the UBC Blue phones – and ask for Safewalk!
Staying Healthy Doctors • •
UBC Student Health is located in the UBC Hospital Walk-in clinic in the University Village
Other services • Wellness Centre • UBC Counselling Services • AMS Speakeasy
Staying Healthy Get active! • Small gyms in each residence
The Bird Coop • Large gym in the Student Recreation Centre • $30 gym pass per term
UBC Aquatic Centre • Free drop in access with UBC card
Health Coverage, Work Permits & Student Fees International Student Orientation • Sessions will cover health insurance plans and work permits
Student Fees • Fees such as iMED and your U-Pass can be made on the SSC
Getting Involved at UBC
Where to Find Information Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
• Located in Brock Hall • Learn about opportunities to work on campus, volunteer, or participate in student-led projects
Global Lounge
• Great resource for students with global interests and a focus on international issues
Community Experiences • Trek Program • Reading Week Project
UBC REC UBC REC offers a variety of sports programs and activities • Intramural leagues (soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, etc) • Drop-in sessions for swimming, hockey and tennis
UBC REC Events • Day of the Longboat • Storm the Wall
UBC REC Fitness Classes • Yoga, cardio-kickboxing, dance and martial arts • During “Shopping week” at the Student Recreation Centre you can try out different classes for FREE!
UBC Clubs Clubs • • • • • •
There are over 300 clubs to choose from! Great way to meet local students! Ski and Board Club UBC Surf Club Parks Canada Club Full list of clubs here
UBC Clubs Exchange Student Club • Social club that connects fellow exchange students • Organizes trips to Whistler, the Okanagan and Tofino
UBC Events UBC Events
AMS Firstweek (August/September) Day of the Longboat (October) TEDx Terry Talk (November) UBC Student Leadership Conference (January) • Storm the Wall (March) • AMS Block Party (April) • • • •
The Calendar
• Promotes various events on campus
Poll Question What campus activity are you most looking forward to? a) Gaining international volunteer/work experience b) Participating in UBC REC c) Joining a club d) Attending events at UBC
Making the Most of Your Exchange • Before you come, write down some intentions, expectations or goals you’d like to accomplish during your time at UBC • Take some time to reflect throughout your exchange • Post updates on a blog, keep a journal and take lots of photos • Use the exchange Facebook group to organize outings and trips!
Question
What are you most excited about for your upcoming exchange?
Resources Resources: • • • • • • •
Student Services Know My Campus UBC Events UBC Blog Squad The Ubyssey UBC FYI Twitter UBC FYI Instagram
International Community Update • Sign up for the newsletter here!
UBC App
• Download it for your smartphone here!
International Student Guide
Questions?
I House Resources Go Global:
• Course registration • Paperwork for your home uni • Issues relating to your exchange • Email:
[email protected] • Office hours: 9am-4:15pm Mon-Fri
Regular drop-in advising hours: Mon, Tues, and Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 pm Extended drop-in advising hours in September: Sep 6th-8th & 11th-15th from 9:30-11:30am & 1-4pm
I House Resources International Student Advisors: • • • • •
Visas/Immigration Employment Health Insurance Email:
[email protected] Office hours: 9am-4:15pm Mon-Fri
Regular drop-in advising hours: Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 pm
Thank you for listening!
