Entering First Year

Ensure you are best prepared to enter your first year at UBC by following these steps.


Accept your offer

Accept your offer through the Applicant 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

The Bachelor of Arts First-Year Planning Guide is a self-paced online course that introduces you to everything you need to know to prepare for your first year in Arts.


Attend an Advising workshop

Attend an Advising workshop 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 Workday Student. You’ll receive an email with your assigned registration date and time one to two weeks before you’re eligible to register online.


Connect with Arts Academic Advising

Arts Academic Advisors 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.


On this page