Choosing a university can feel especially complex when you’re considering studying in a new country. You might be wondering what day-to-day life will actually feel like, who you’ll meet, and whether the place will feel right once you arrive.
Meet Dhira, Oscar, and Hiya! Three 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.
Dhira
Dhira is a PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) student whose Arts experience has been shaped by taking classes in a variety of diverse subjects and staying connected to home while studying abroad. She describes UBC Arts in three words through our university motto, “Tuum Est”: It is yours.
“When I moved 13,000 kilometres away from home, my biggest fear was losing touch with where I came from. I worried that studying at such a ‘foreign’ institution might distance me from my roots, or limit my ability to keep learning about or contributing to my home. To my surprise, UBC Arts gave me the space to do exactly that.
In the past three years, I’ve been able to study what truly matters to me — my identity, my history, and the issues I care about in Indonesia — all through an international and interdisciplinary lens. This freedom to intellectually engage with where I come from, even while being so far away, made Arts feel like the right home for my academic journey. UBC Arts showed me how to make university truly mine — and that’s exactly what ‘it is yours’ means to me.”
I chose UBC Arts because it gave me the freedom to explore both the world and myself. At first, the Political Science department stood out to me for its academic reputation and for how closely many professors’ research interests aligned with mine, especially around Southeast Asia and deliberative democracy.
What truly drew me in, though, was the flexibility of the Arts experience. I’ve been able to study sociology, philosophy, sustainability, and even French alongside my core PSIR courses. That kind of academic freedom is rare, and it’s what allowed me to shape a truly interdisciplinary perspective.
My favourite thing about UBC Arts has been the freedom to explore, even when you’re not sure where to start. Over the past three years, I’ve been able to dive deeply into topics that matter to me across multiple subjects — sometimes even placing German political theorists in conversation with Indonesian thinkers.
That freedom has allowed me to ask big questions, stay connected to my roots, and think across cultures and contexts. UBC Arts gives us the space and support to follow our curiosities, challenge assumptions, and truly make our degree our own.
Cherish the diversity of UBC Arts. From my very first day on campus, I was surrounded by people with perspectives, backgrounds, and ways of thinking completely different from my own. The flexibility of an Arts degree means you’ll meet classmates from all kinds of academic paths in any given course.
Even now, in my third year, I’m still learning from Psychology students about voting behaviour, History professors about narratives and memory, and Computer Science students about quantitative methods in politics. It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and readings and forget how special that is — but it’s one of the best parts of being in UBC Arts.
Oscar
Oscar is a Media Studies student with a minor in Journalism and Social Change who enjoys creative work and being actively involved on campus. Oscar describes Arts in these three words: Purple. Large. Active.
“UBC Arts stands out to me because it’s vibrant and always moving. Arts has a distinctive presence on campus. It’s the largest faculty at UBC, and there’s always something happening, whether in class, in residence, or through student events.”
I chose UBC Arts because the chance to explore different subjects immediately stood out to me. With so many programs and courses to choose from, I felt like I could follow my interests without having to narrow things down too early.
The Media Studies program also provides a strong foundation for my goal of pursuing a graduate degree at the UBC School of Journalism. And with Vancouver’s thriving media industry, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to study in such a beautiful and multicultural city.
As an international student, living in residence has been one of the highlights of my UBC experience. Sharing a space with other students made UBC feel like a second home and kept me close to the energy of campus life. There is always something happening, whether it’s student club events or activities from the Faculty of Arts, and it’s hard to miss out.
One of my favourite courses has been INFO 250, where we worked in groups to support UBC and non-UBC community-engaged partners with social media and branding projects. The experience helped me understand how organizations use media to promote their work, and it’s something I’m always excited to mention in interviews.
Even if it feels scary or difficult at first, you are not alone. UBC Arts can be your backbone, with transition resources and a strong sense of community you can become part of. Be bold and step outside your comfort zone. You’ll create some of your best memories here.
Hiya
Hiya is a Psychology major, and health and society minor who has shaped her UBC Arts experience through leadership, research, and strong campus communities. Hiya describes Arts in three words: Transformative. Reflective. Community-driven.
“UBC Arts challenges you to grow both intellectually and personally, shaping how you think, learn, and engage with the world beyond the classroom. It encourages critical thinking and self-awareness, pushing you to question assumptions about society and yourself. That learning is grounded in strong relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, creating an inclusive and nurturing community that extends far beyond academics.”
Choosing to study away from home in India was not easy, but I knew I wanted to challenge myself beyond familiar boundaries and grow independently. UBC Arts stood out for its diverse student body and the flexibility to explore different areas of study while developing depth in my chosen field. As a Psychology major, I was especially drawn to the strength of the faculty, whose teaching and research excellence reinforced my decision.
What ultimately made UBC Arts feel like my place was the sense of belonging I experienced upon arrival. The Vice President of Students’ speech during Imagine Day was both empowering and deeply relatable, and helped create a feeling of shared purpose. The friendships I formed, the kindness of those around me, and the passion of my classmates and professors made the transition easier and helped UBC quickly feel like home.
My favourite part of my UBC Arts experience has been the range of opportunities that have shaped me both academically and personally. Every day brings new learning through coursework, meaningful interactions, and even moments of rejection. What has mattered most is the independence UBC Arts encourages: the freedom to make my own decisions, learn from mistakes, and take ownership of both successes and setbacks. Arriving in Canada on my own was daunting at first, but the communities I found at UBC made that transition meaningful and empowering. Serving as a Senior Orientation Leader, an Arts Peer Academic Coach, and a Research Assistant gave me purpose, mentorship, and lasting connections that have prepared me for life beyond university.
If you’re choosing between universities, think about where you see yourself growing, not just studying. Look for a place that excites you, challenges you, and allows room to reinvent yourself. For me, taking a holistic approach — considering academic flexibility, student support, safety, inclusivity, and overall fit — helped me make a decision that aligned with both my academic goals and personal well-being.
If moving away from home feels scary, that’s okay. Growth often begins with uncertainty. Surround yourself with supportive communities and say yes to opportunities, whether that’s a leadership role, a campus tradition, or a new experience. Each step, no matter how small, helps this campus start to feel like yours.
What these students have in common
Across programs and experiences, Arts students consistently talk about UBC Arts as a place where they’ve been able to stay connected to who they are, while discovering new interests and possibilities along the way.
Your path starts here.
Choosing to study in a new country comes with a lot to consider. At UBC Arts, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you arrive. There’s space to take your time, find your footing, and build a life that feels like your own — while shaping an academic path that reflects what matters to you and prepares you for what comes next.
