Malika

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology Honours

Where is home for you? Surrey, BC

What three adjectives best describe you?

Organized, ambitious, and sincere

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I served as a co-director for MURC 2025 and volunteer with AMS Peer Support. I also work as a research assistant in a couple of psychology labs and part-time as a Youth Education Program Leader with the YWCA, where I help facilitate workshops on health equity and social issues for youth.

What is your best study strategy/tip?
At the start of each term, I create a detailed schedule that includes all major deadlines and exams. This helps me stay on track and avoid last-minute stress. I also recommend breaking large tasks into smaller steps and using time-blocking.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would let myself enjoy the first-year experience more instead of constantly worrying about academics. I’d also try to get involved in more clubs and student events early on because it’s such a great way to meet people and feel more connected to campus life.

Oscar

Year and program: Third-year, Media Studies major

Where is home for you? Anywhere with my friends and family (Vancouver & Ho Chi Minh)

What three adjectives best describe you?

Hungry, chill, outgoing

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

In my first year, I joined the basketball intramural league with friends that I made 2 days before that. I really enjoyed playing sport in an competitive league while having professional referee, scoreboard, organizer on a weekly basis for the whole term. That is also where I make a lot of friends, teammates or opponents, and find my grounding first at UBC. Being inspired by the experience, I joined as a basketball official and a fitness centre facility staff in my second and third year. Staying active is a great way to distract me from the overwhelming amount of study and reset again for a bigger push. That’s why I always tell my friends to balance study/work with recreation. “A healthy body is a healthy mind.”

What is your best study strategy/tip?
I find the “divide and conquer” line is really helpful for me (ignore the cliche!). By splitting big assignments into smaller actionable steps, I am more motivated to get started and executing the achievable tasks one-by-one. It also help me to keep track of my work progress, allowing me to navigate back and forth for revision if needed. Setting more realistic, smaller goals and allowing double-check is my go-to.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would definitely tell myself to get involved more. There a lot of resources that you can make use of: professors, learning centre, libraries, etc. Or maybe just joining in some clubs, associations, societies and get involved with all the opportunities and resources they offer. I think doing that would have given me a big push into my journey as an UBC international student… So maybe learning to say “yes” and be bold.

Romina

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology major

Where is home for you? Tehran, Iran

What three adjectives best describe you?

Empathetic, creative, adaptable

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I was a peer tutor in my second year at Douglas College before transferring to UBC, and I also volunteered for a time as a call taker at the Fraser Health Crisis Line. At UBC, I’m currently a Cultural Ambassador for the Arts Vancouver Summer Program and will be an Orientation Leader this upcoming September. I also occasionally volunteer at my local women’s shelter, and in my free time, I love to paint…or at least try to 🙂

What is your best study strategy/tip?
START EARLY 😉 Review content in small chunks throughout the week so that by the time finals hit, you’re already familiar with most of it and not cramming. Also, try Active recall!! Instead of rereading notes, quiz yourself or try to explain the material out loud. Remember life happens, and sometimes we might have to study last-minute. If that happens, do your best to get a good night’s sleep. It helps with memory consolidation way more than an all-nighter. And finally, read your syllabus and set up a calendar with reminders so deadlines don’t sneak up on you.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I wouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t understand a concept or something unexpected comes up, go to your professors’ office hours. Most of them are incredibly kind and understanding. I’d also reach out to my academic advisor much earlier (and more consistently) they’re a great resource for course planning and finding solutions when things get tough. And finally, I’d get involved on campus a lot sooner, to gain experience and build a stronger sense of community early on.

Mara

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology major and Honours English Language and Literature

Where is home for you? Calgary, AB

What three adjectives best describe you?

Hardworking, creative, and compassionate

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

Other than APAC, I spend my time at UBC as the events coordinator for our AMS Book Club and as a tutor for YNOTFORTOTS! I am also a Co-op student. Off campus, I have been a chat group moderator for Looking Glass Foundation and Certified Listeners, as well as a volunteer with Room Magazine. I’d love to chat about any and all of these experiences if anything seems interesting to you 🙂

What is your best study strategy/tip?

I suggest blocking time and breaking tasks into small, bit size goals. By committing to do a little bit of a reading every day, or coordinate a study group/office hours to bounce ideas off of one another, these intimidating tasks become a little more attainable because you have structured when you’ll take the time to work on these tasks!

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would get more involved! I know it’s a cliche answer, but I let myself get too comfortable with just going to class and spending time with friends. If I could do it again, I’d actually put myself in situations that are a little out-of-my-comfort zone in order to make the most of the UBC community (like going to office hours, or going to by myself to random club meeting)

Also, I’d actually use the Aquatic Centre. A surprisingly hidden gem amongst us students – take advantage of it!!

Mya

Year and program: Fifth-year, Psychology

Where is home for you? Langley, BC

What three adjectives best describe you?

Efficient, reliable, dedicated

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I have been volunteering with the Arts Undergraduate Society for 4 years and am currently the Executive Assistant to the President. I am a volunteer research assistant in UBC’s Social Cognition lab and B.R.A.I.N lab. I have previously been involved in the Psychology Students’ Association, UBC’s REX club, and CiTR 101.9. I also just completed my final Co-op term!

What is your best study strategy/tip?

Break down what you need to study into smaller parts and allot studying each part to specific days so you don’t get overwhelmed with all the material.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would definitely plan to go on Exchange. I have heard nothing but good things about other people’s experiences abroad and I really regret not doing it!

Isha

Year and program: Third-year, Psychology major and Education minor

Where is home for you? Dubai, UAE

What three adjectives best describe you?

Creative, empathetic, driven

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I’ve worked with YNOTFORTOTS tutoring children in underprivileged schools, I’m currently an ECE assistant at one of the UBC daycares and I’ve worked in a psychology research lab MHSS under the minder project to offer free youth counseling and peer mentorship.

What is your best study strategy/tip?
Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t when it comes to studying, especially if you don’t have a set routine yet. Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Make it fun!

Time Blocking! I like to mark out times that are for rest, scrolling on my phone, working out etc and then add in my work time. I like to give myself a non negotiable of doing work everyday in pomodoro sets for about 2 hours and then I’m free for the rest of the day!

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would try everything! Everything that scared me, or I had the slightest interest in, I’d talk to people I found interesting and not be the one to limit myself to what I can do.

Hitechha

Year and program: Third-year, Psychology major and Journalism and Social Change minor

Where is home for you? New Delhi, India

What three adjectives best describe you?

Ambitious, empathetic, poised (but quirky)

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I’ve been an Orientation Leader at UBC, and I have worked on an independent journalism feature series where I interviewed international students and student entrepreneurs on campus, it was a really cool way to hear people’s stories and highlight their work. This year, I’m also excited to be a UBtheChange Student Activator, where I’ll be helping lead projects around community building and social impact.

One of my go-to study strategies is breaking things up into 30–45 minute chunks with short 5-minute breaks in between. It keeps me focused without burning out. I also try to actively review stuff instead of just rereading, like doing quick quizzes or practice questions. It helps me actively recall and actually remember things, not just feel like I do.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

If I could go back to my first year at UBC, I think I would’ve pushed myself to reach out more — to professors, to events, to people. As an international student, I thought I was really prepared, but adjusting was harder than I expected, especially in my second term. I struggled both academically and mentally, and I kind of stayed in my bubble. Looking back, I wish I had gone to more events, joined clubs, and just let myself be a little overwhelmed in a good way, because that’s what helps you find your people and feel more at home. And honestly, profs aren’t as scary as I thought.

Mi

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology major and Health and Society minor

Where is home for you? Saigon, Vietnam

What three adjectives best describe you?

Adaptable, creative, ambitious

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

During my second year, I went on exchange to France for six months through Go Global, I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering exchange, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Outside of university, I volunteer as a Youth Services Facilitator with the Vancouver School Board and serve as an ambassador for Cam’s Kids Foundation. I’ve also worked various part-time jobs alongside my studies. I also love fashion, pilates, and traveling!

Try explaining what you’re learning to someone else, like a younger sibling. Go into detail and be clear, like you’re teaching it. If you can do that, I would say you’re already 90% there, aside from the bits that just need straight-up memorization.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would give myself more free time to rest, instead of taking five courses and working part-time. I also tried to attend many club events at UBC and keep up with my social life, so I barely had time for myself. If I could go back, I would prioritize giving myself time just for me.

Mehka

Year and program: Third-year, Political Science honours

Where is home for you? Toronto, ON

What three adjectives best describe you?

Kind, passionate, hard-working

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I was involved with the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) for my first two years at UBC. I started as First-Year Representative/Co-chair of the First-Year Committee and served as Equity Commissioner in my second year. This past summer, I completed a Go Global Seminar + Summer Abroad in Paris/Lyon France (the best six weeks of my life). Additionally, this year, I am a Project Coordinator in the Partnerships committee of the Student Alumni Council. Aside from this, I have participated in Intramurals since I started at UBC.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

Physical cue cards!

In university, I struggled to find an effective study method that worked best for me, but using physical cue cards has been a complete game-changer. Even for courses that don’t require memorization, I found that creating a deck of cue cards reinforces my learning, through engaging in active recall.

However, beyond simply actively recalling various terms/concepts, I recommend playing around with the cards and envisioning different ways in which you can understand the information. For example, laying the cue cards on the table and grouping terms/ideas based on similar traits. Or even create a sort of mind map on your table in which you configure your cue cards to reflect a common idea.

When studying, I strongly advise conceptualizing the material in different ways so that your brain can understand the information in more than just one way. I believe that cue cards are a versatile tool for this. All that being said, everyone studies differently, which is why it is important you try a bunch of methods to figure out what works best for you!

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

Take a breath! While coming to university for the first time is exciting, it is also quite overwhelming at first – new friends, new classes, and ultimately, a completely different lifestyle. I was very stressed during my first year trying to navigate university after moving to a completely new province. Now looking back, I put a lot of pressure on myself and did not give myself a lot of grace during this transition. I wish I put less stress on myself during my first year, as the adjustment to university does not happen overnight. Taking a couple of breaths when I got stressed and reminding myself that the transition to university is not easy would have allowed me to have a smoother transition in my first year. If you are like me and are in your first year, just know that things always work out one way or another, and you are exactly where you are meant to be!

Simi

Year and program: 4th year, Political Science major, Law and Society minor

Where is home for you? Surrey, BC

What three adjectives best describe you?

Caring, loyal, responsible

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I have participated in some research for non-profitable organizations for coursework, as well previously being an AMS coordinator. I also volunteer at a local elementary school and help out with their reading program. Outside of volunteering and positions, I love to read, play soccer and go swimming!

What is your best study strategy/tip?

One of the most effective ways for me to study is through hand-written notes. That doesn’t mean writing down all your lecture notes by hand, but when you are starting to study and you need to remember key concepts or definitions, instead of typing them on a document, I find that the action of writing them on paper is almost more intentional and I retain it quicker. I also like using quizlet, but I typically make my own sets rather than finding a flash card set that’s already been made and going through that. By making my own set it lets me write out questions and answers I think would show up on a test, which better prepares me!

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would look into taking electives less related to my major. In my first couple years I took electives that were relatively similar to my program, but when I’ve taken electives that are more different, it has really helped me feel like I’m diversifying my education and if you don’t like the feeling of always doing the same thing, it breaks things up a bit. Another thing I would do differently is to join more clubs earlier. It feels overwhelming when you get to UBC and that can hold you back, but clubs don’t just have to be for positions, they can help you relieve stress and help you meet people you never would have otherwise.