Choosing a university is a big decision, and it often comes down to how a place feels as much as what it offers.
Meet Deborah, Maja, Romina, Mehka, and Natalie! Five current Arts students who recently made the same decision you’re making now. Here’s what first drew them to Arts, what’s stood out so far, and what they wish they’d known earlier.
Deborah
Deborah is a Political Science student committed to social justice and learning about global perspectives. Deborah describes Arts in three words: Interdisciplinary. Collaborative. Transformative.
“UBC Arts gives you the flexibility to pursue many interests—through electives, diverse communities, or adding a minor, there’s room to explore. Courses often involve discussion and group work, which makes learning more interactive and strengthens collaboration and communication skills. The experience is transformative because Arts challenges you to think critically, step outside your comfort zone, and grow in ways you don’t always expect.”
I chose UBC Arts because I knew it was a place where I could grow intellectually, personally, and as an engaged member of a global community. As the most culturally diverse Faculty on campus, Arts stood out to me for the chance to engage with a wide range of perspectives and deepen my cultural understanding.
I was also drawn to the Faculty’s rich research culture. UBC Arts offers a wide range of research opportunities, and I’ve been able to take part in projects I never imagined I could do. As someone committed to social justice and community-building, I value how Arts fosters advocacy, leadership, and meaningful opportunities for personal and community growth.
My favourite thing about studying in UBC Arts is the exceptional educators in this Faculty. Within my program of Political Science, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from world-class educators, many of whom bring remarkable experience in publications, international organizations, and public policy.
Being taught by these professionals has been immensely impactful in expanding my worldview, strengthening my critical thinking, and helping shape my future career path.
My advice is to keep an open mind and actively explore the opportunities available. The Faculty of Arts is expansive, and so are the paths you can take within it. Take time to look into courses, exchange or summer abroad programs, and different clubs and student groups.
While it’s helpful to think ahead about your goals, it’s just as important to stay flexible. I’m still discovering new opportunities, even in my third year at UBC.
Maja
Maja is a Psychology student who is especially interested in the social side of learning and how relationships shape success. She describes UBC Arts in three words: Community. Growth. Opportunities.
“UBC Arts gives you the chance to build real connections—with professors, instructors, and staff who want to support your journey. Those relationships can open doors that help you move toward your goals, whether that’s research experience, mentorship, or graduate studies. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors or attend office hours—those small moments can make a big difference.”
Arts felt like a natural choice for me. I’ve been interested in psychology since early childhood, especially the social side of it, and sciences were never really my forte.
One of my family friends had been praising UBC as a diverse community with a stunning campus since I was in Grade 10, so I wanted to come and check it out for myself.
My favourite thing about my UBC Arts experience so far has been participating in the Imagine UBC program—both as an Orientation Leader last year and a Senior Orientation Leader this year. These experiences helped me develop leadership skills, learn more about the many academic and social resources UBC offers, and better understand how those resources support students’ different needs.
If you’re nervous about choosing courses, or already have an idea of what you might want to major in, I highly recommend looking into Arts One or the Coordinated Arts Program (CAP). These programs offer curated sets of courses designed to help you explore your interests and feel more confident choosing a major in second year. They’re cohort-based as well, which can make the transition to university feel less abrupt.
Don’t be afraid to get involved right away. The Arts Undergraduate Society hires its First Year Committee each September, which is a great way to make an impact, get connected, and find your people.
Romina
Romina is a Psychology major who values exploration, belonging, and giving herself the space to grow at her own pace. Romina describes Arts in three words: Supportive. Exploratory. Transformative.
“UBC Arts offers strong academic and personal support, so students don’t feel like they have to navigate their journey alone. It encourages students to explore different disciplines and opportunities, helping them figure out what truly interests them. Experiences both in and beyond the classroom have shaped how I understand myself and the world around me.”
Coming into post-secondary, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when it came to my long-term academic goals. Because of that, I was drawn to an institution that offered flexibility and gave me the space to explore my interests and better understand what I enjoy, at my own pace.
The beautiful campus also stood out to me. As a student, being surrounded by UBC’s beautiful nature felt grounding, and I knew that UBC’s strong reputation would open many doors for me in the future, both academically and personally.
My favourite thing about my UBC Arts experience has been that there truly is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for academic support, clubs, events, research opportunities, volunteer roles, or workshops, there are many ways to find support and challenge yourself.
Some of my most meaningful memories came from volunteer roles and classes I was initially hesitant to take on, as those experiences pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged how I saw myself and the world around me.
What I would like to leave prospective UBC Arts students with is the reminder that you are never alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. UBC’s Faculty of Arts is large and can feel overwhelming at times, but it is also full of resources, so give yourself grace, connect with your professors, reach out to advisors and peer supports, and make use of what’s available to you. Those moments of uncertainty are often where the most learning happens.
Finally, if you are deciding between universities, I would say choose a place that supports both your academic growth and your personal well-being. Once you are here, buckle in and enjoy the ride 🙂
Mehka
Mehka is a Political Science student whose Arts experience has been shaped by exploring new ideas, and global exploration. Mehka describes Arts in three words: Flexible. Vibrant. Promising.
“There’s a lot of flexibility in an Arts degree, including room to change paths and sit with uncertainty—which is important, because your university journey isn’t always linear. The Arts community is vibrant and supportive, with advising, workshops, and events that help you along the way. It’s also promising, because the skills you build in Arts prepare you for a wide range of future opportunities.”
Originating from Toronto, I chose UBC because of the flexibility and versatility of the Arts degree—and of course, the beauty of the campus. As part of your degree requirements in UBC Arts, you’re encouraged to take courses across writing, literature, science, and program-specific areas, which challenged me to think in new and unfamiliar ways.
I also can’t downplay the setting. As someone who grew up in a big city, studying on a campus surrounded by nature still feels like a dream.
My favourite thing about my UBC Arts experience so far is the unique opportunities that are offered. This past summer, I participated in a Go Global Seminar on the French Revolution in France (Paris and Lyon), and extended that experience through a summer abroad at Université Lumière Lyon 2.
Learning about the French Revolution in the place where it actually happened—and immersing myself in local culture while living with a host family—was surreal. Your Arts degree extends beyond academics; it also includes the experiences you gain, whether through Go Global, Arts Co-op, or Work Learn.
If you’re thinking about UBC Arts, I’d recommend exploring the different programs, opportunities, and clubs ahead of time to see if it feels like the right fit. If you do choose UBC, my biggest piece of advice is not to limit yourself early on. Take a wide range of courses and try new things. You might arrive set on a particular major or minor, but through exploring different classes, you could discover a path that speaks to you even more. Joining clubs is also a great way to meet people with shared interests and build community.
Natalie
Natalie is a Psychology student who enjoys exploring new ideas, building connections, and learning from diverse perspectives. Natalie describes Arts in three words: Inspiring. Supportive. Dynamic.
“I believe that UBC Arts is a supportive community that allows students to build meaningful personal and academic connections. The professors and global research here really inspire students to explore their interests, and cool programs like Go Global encourage students to experience a world outside of their own. I also appreciate how the department is constantly adapting and changing based on new perspectives and values.”
I chose UBC Arts because of how diverse and welcoming the community felt. We have a big population of students from all around the world and a ton of fun events, including Storm the Wall which really made me feel like this was a campus I could get involved in. I was also super impressed by the range of interdisciplinary courses that UBC offers. Being able to take unique classes, like Cantonese, along with German fairy tales and the Psychology of Happiness (just to name a few), made UBC Arts feel exciting and different from all the other universities that I was considering!
One of my favourite experiences in class was taking PSYC 217 (Research Methods), as a requirement for my Psychology major. We got to design our very own research study and present it amongst 800 students from across all the other sections of the class during what we call “poster night” (my group’s research was the effects of cute animal videos on stress levels, in case you were curious!).
It felt like a real academic conference and completely changed how I see research. Seeing everyone else’s research projects and being able to present my own really inspired and motivated me to actually dabble in psychological research in the future.
My biggest advice is to stay open to new experiences and perspectives. Starting first year at a large university like UBC can feel intimidating at first. Some of the most meaningful moments came from trying things I didn’t expect, whether that was a class that challenged me or stepping outside my comfort zone to engage with people who had different perspectives.
I’d also encourage everyone to really take advantage of the wide variety of courses that UBC Arts offers, and not be afraid to take classes that interest you, even if they’re not related to your future major. It’s completely normal to test things out at first, and doing so might change your mind about your future major or help reaffirm your choice.
What these students have in common
Across programs and experiences, Arts students consistently talk about the freedom to explore, the people who support them, and the ways learning extends beyond the classroom.
Your path starts here.
At the heart of UBC Arts are curiosity, growth, community, and the freedom to shape your own journey. Whether you’re arriving with a clear plan or still exploring, there’s space for you here.
