Welcome (or welcome back!) to a new year in UBC Arts! Your Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS), the student government for UBC Arts, has been busy behind the scenes—planning events, getting things rolling, and creating more ways to bring the Arts community together.
We caught up with a few of your AUS execs to hear what they’re excited about, what they’ve learned so far as Arts students, and what they think you should know as the term gets underway.
Meet Sarah (she/her) 💜
AUS President, 5th year, International Relations major with the BA+MM dual degree
Favourite campus study spot:
The Arts Student Centre
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
Taco Tuesday at Rain or Shine!
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
I’ve realized how valuable it is to be open to new experiences at UBC. With so many events and opportunities happening every day, getting involved is the best way to meet people and feel part of the community. Saying yes to things has helped me build connections and get the most out of my time at UBC.
“Being part of the AUS has shown me how much can be accomplished when students come together with passion. What keeps me coming back is the sense of community, seeing ideas turn into reality, watching students make memories, and knowing that we’ve played a role in making their UBC experience even better.”
Meet Erin (she/her) 💜
Senior Director, Internal Affairs, 4th year, Psychology major
Favourite campus study spot:
Orchard Commons, 19th Floor Lounge
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
Bean Around the World for their Vietnamese coffee
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
To utilize the UBC campus to its fullest! Enjoy lunch at the Nitobe Memorial Garden, spend time between classes at Wreck Beach, go on a walk down Main Mall Greenway, etc.
“I discovered the AUS during my first year Imagine Day welcome event. I was instantly drawn in by the enthusiasm and energy of the volunteers and knew I wanted to be involved. The community and student leadership here is truly something special!”
Meet Khushi (she/her)
Vice President, Finance, 3rd year Psychology major and Sociology minor with the BA+MM dual degree
Favourite campus study spot:
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
Taro Boba Tea from Teadot! 😍
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
Almost everyone is actively looking to make friends. I used to think that friendships would just naturally happen with a few people, and I didn’t want to exaggerate or force connections. But I quickly realized that most students actually want to meet as many people as possible and grow their network. If I had understood that earlier, I would have been more open to conversations, more willing to put myself out there, and less hesitant about approaching new people.
“Being part of the AUS has truly been a wonderful and transformative experience...The friendships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve shared are what keep me coming back. I’m deeply grateful to have found a space that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.”
Meet Akuol (she/her) 💜
Vice President, Student Life,
4th Year Sociology major and Psychology minor
Favourite campus study spot:
Woodward Library
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
I love the Wednesday karaoke nights at the Gallery. It is always a good time and a great place to hang out with friends!
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
If you have the option to leave a course that is not serving you, then take it! In your first few weeks, attend different classes to see what fits. You have the freedom to change and find a course that aligns with your passion, interests, and future goals! (Just make sure you do it before the Add/Drop deadline, trust me on this one)
“I joined the AUS in my second year and developed a deep passion for serving the Arts community. It means the world to me when I hear how much students enjoyed our events, or how they were inspired to join the AUS from attending KickstART. We are here for the Arts community, and we are here to serve YOU!”
Meet Maral (she/her) 💜
Vice President, Academic,
3rd year, International Relations major
Favourite campus study spot:
Law Library at Allard!
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
Iced lattes from Great Dane!
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
It’s easy to feel behind or uncertain during undergrad, especially at UBC, where you’re surrounded by highly motivated and passionate students. It’s important to remember that everyone navigates university at their own pace. Moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome are normal, and in those times, it helps to pause and appreciate your own growth and progress!
“I joined the AUS in my second year as an Equity and Inclusion Strategist and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made! The AUS has helped me become an active part of our Arts Community, creating meaningful opportunities for us to forge friendships, celebrate each other and make memories.”
Meet Cindy (she/her) 💜
Vice President, External,
4th year, International Relations major, minor in Health & Society
Favourite campus study spot:
Second floor of the Nest, specifically by the staircase facing the Egg.
Top UBC rec (snack, class, café, etc.):
The Great Trek, Day of the Longboat, and a MUST-DO: STORM THE WALL!
One thing I wish I’d known sooner:
Your well-being always comes first. You can always make up for a missed assignment or exam, but you can never get back your health once it’s gone—so take care of yourself! UBC has great resources like the Wellness Centre and AMS Peer Support. The AUS also organizes plenty of initiatives like Yoga with Bunnies, Movie Nights, and Exam Care Packages, to advocate for our students’ well-being. Remember that you always deserve that sweet treat!
“I joined the AUS because I wanted to give back to students and improve affordability. Working with 20+ partners for our Purple Card Program has been incredibly rewarding—we get to showcase small business owners while making student life more accessible!”
📅 What’s Coming Up
Whether you want to plan events, help shape Arts advocacy, or just meet new people, the AUS has space for you.
- KickstART Welcome Week | September 8–12: A week of events to help you get to know the campus, the community, and your fellow Arts students. (Think movie nights, finance tips, food, and more.)
- AUS Fall Recruitment | September 15–24: Open volunteer roles across all portfolios. No experience needed—just curiosity and a bit of enthusiasm.
✨ Get Involved
Whether you want to plan events, help shape Arts advocacy, or just meet new people, the AUS has space for you.
- Follow @ubcaus on Instagram
- Drop by the Arts Student Centre to say hi
💬 One last thing…
If you’re hoping to feel a little more connected in Arts this year, the AUS is one of the best places to start.
Whether you attend an event, join a committee, or simply follow along for now—we’re glad you’re here and we can’t wait to see you around.
