Settling into university takes time, and that’s exactly what Six-Week StART is for.
Start strong with this free transition program that connects every new-to-UBC Arts student with an upper-year Orientation Leader (OL). No sign-up required.
Think of your OL as your go-to insider. In the lead-up to Imagine UBC and through mid-October, they’ll check in with resources and involvement opportunities and answer your questions.
Why participate?
new-to-Arts students
Upper-year Orientation Leaders
of students felt more connected to Arts
Automatic go-to insider: An upper-year Arts student who’s been in your shoes will be with you every step of the way. You can reply to their emails with questions, no matter how small.
Three check-in emails: Your Orientation Leader sends you bi-weekly emails, each with a different focus. Think of them as friendly touch points, not homework.
Arts-specific resources: Each email highlights real, useful information about academic advising, peer coaches, student clubs, and more. All curated for you as a UBC Arts student!
Orientation Leaders at Koerner Plaza
Orientation Leaders at Koerner Plaza
Six-Week StART participants
Six-Week StART group and IKBLC
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC)
Six-Week StART group near East Mall
Can you spot UBC Recreation North on the right? It's the black building with vertical windows.
Arts Undergraduate Society members
Handing out Arts tote bags and other merch at Buchanan Plaza
Six-Week StART group
Exploring the area between Buchanan Tower and IKBLC
Faculty of Arts Welcome event
Located at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts
Orientation Leader
Six-Week StART participants
Gathered for pizza along Main Mall
What can I expect in the first six weeks?
Early September: Welcome and get involved
Your Orientation Leader introduces themselves and shares Arts involvement opportunities, including AUS and Compass.
Late September: Academic resources
Take a focused look at Arts Academic Advising, Arts Peer Academic Coaches, and study support available to you.
Mid-October: Reflection
A check-in as the first half of the term wraps up, with a chance to share your feedback about the program.
Do I need to sign up?
No. All new UBC Arts students are automatically enrolled. Just watch for your OL’s first email in early September.
Should I reply to check-in emails?
Yes, please do! Your OL is a real person who wants to hear from you. Questions, thoughts, or a quick hello are welcome. You can reply directly to any email they send.
Play Six-Week StART BINGO until October 16
Complete activities across campus, from connecting with your OL in person to discovering your new favourite UBC Arts spot. Play for a chance to win prizes, with a grand prize up for grabs!
Winners will be contacted by email by October 23, 2026.
1. Complete five squares in any row, column, or diagonal to get a BINGO.
2. For each square, do the activity described. Mark it off with signed initials (when prompted) or get it stamped by a staff member.
3. How far can you go?
- BINGO — complete any 1 line of 5 → prize draw entry
- BINGO Bonus — complete any 2 lines of 5 → bonus prize draw entry
- Purple Out — complete all 25 squares → grand prize draw entry
4. Got BINGO, a BINGO Bonus, or a Purple Out? Fill in your name, student ID, and contact information on the card to be entered for a prize draw.
5. Drop your card into a prize draw box at the Compass Student Engagement Hub in Brock Commons South, Level 3.
You don’t need to do everything in order, and you don’t need to do it perfectly. The point is to get out there, try something new, and make UBC feel a little more like home.
Didn’t get a BINGO card in your welcome tote? No worries. Extras are available at the Arts Undergraduate Society office at the Arts Student Centre or at the Arts Co-op front desk in Brock Commons South, Level 3.
