Ensure you are best prepared to enter your first year at UBC by following these steps.
Accept your offer
Accept your offer through the Student Service Centre by the date indicated in your letter of admission.
Apply for a study permit
You’ll need a valid study permit to attend UBC for longer than six months if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (international students only).
Plan your finances
Learn more about tuition and the various funding opportunities available to you as a UBC student.
Find housing
Explore on- and off-campus housing options and find a home that is best suited for you.
Browse program options
Tailor your degree to your interests by browsing through over 90 program options.
Select your first-year study option
Start your academic journey in the Bachelor of Arts degree by choosing one of three approaches to your first year of study, including Arts One, the Coordinated Arts Program, or by building your own custom timetable.
Review your degree requirements
Arts students are required to fulfill faculty-wide requirements for their degrees, as well as program-specific requirements.
The Writing Component of the Writing and Research Requirement is the only requirement that must be completed in your first year of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Pay close attention to the language requirement in your first-year as well.
Use the First-Year Planning Guide
Plan your courses effectively and ensure you are on the right track before registration by using the First-Year Planning Guide.
Attend a registration tutorial session
Attend an online planning session before you register for classes to learn more about course planning, the registration process, first-year programs, and transfer credits.
Register for your courses
Plan and register for your courses on the Student Service Centre. You’ll receive an email with your assigned registration date and time two weeks before you’re eligible to register online.
Connect with Arts Peer Advising
After you are admitted to the Faculty of Arts, you will receive a four-part email series from the Arts Peer Advisors.
They will help you navigate your transition to UBC and share information on degree requirements, course selection, and the registration process.
Join the Aspire Academic Mentorship program
Connect with an upper-year Arts Peer Academic Coach to learn more about studying strategies, time management techniques, campus involvement opportunities, and more.
UBC Collegia
If you plan to commute to campus in your first year and are looking for a home away from home on campus, join UBC Collegia.
Take a break between classes to socialize, use a kitchen, or relax in a comfortable, friendly, and welcoming environment.
Get ready for life at UBC
Meet new people while learning about your new academic environment by attending welcome and orientation events — including Jump Start, Imagine UBC, and more.
