First memories at UBC
Upon arriving at the University of British Columbia (UBC), I was immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty of the campus. The first ten days were dedicated to orientation week, during which I had the opportunity to learn more about the campus and the community where I would spend the next four years of my academic journey. This period was invaluable, as it allowed me to connect with fellow students, explore the facilities, and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to me.
However, shortly after orientation week, I fell ill—an experience shared by many of students. I later learned that this phenomenon, often referred to as the "freshman flu," is quite common among freshmen students living in dorms.
Overall, my first week at UBC felt like a summer camp filled with learning, meeting new people, and experiencing the culture. I was always busy with the different programs UBC offered, which made the experience both exciting and immersive.
Work-life balance at UBC
Coming to UBC from NIS, one of the most demanding schools in Kazakhstan, was a significant change for me. At NIS, the intense academic program required me to study even on weekends, leaving little time for anything else. Living on campus added more pressure, as we were expected to focus heavily on our studies. Extracurricular activities were also academically driven, and most of our time after school was spent completing homework or preparing for classes.
However, studying at UBC taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The flexible schedule allows students to choose their own class times, which helps me manage my workload more effectively. My major is considered one of the most challenging at UBC, but thanks to the strong foundation and discipline I developed at NIS, taking six classes feels manageable. Most of my classes finish by 1 p.m., giving me the opportunity to connect more with the community, work a part-time job, and spend quality time with friends. This balance has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned during my time here.
Belonging at UBC
UBC has truly become my second home, and for the first time, I feel like I truly belong here. I’ve created so many memories, but one that stands out vividly is from my sophomore year when I was an orientation leader. During orientation week, I was responsible for assisting freshmen. One of my favorite moments was leading team chants with hundreds of students in the school arena. Standing there, cheering together, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging — it was the moment I realized UBC is where I’m meant to be.
UBC students also know how to have fun on campus. One of the most entertaining traditions is Storm the Wall, where students participate in different activities like running, jumping, and climbing — though most don’t take it too seriously, which makes it even more fun to watch. Another memorable experience happens when it snows in Vancouver, which only happens once or twice a year. Whenever it does, students gather on campus and have massive snowball fights together — it’s moments like those that make UBC feel like a true community.
Opportunities on campus
One of the things that surprised me most about UBC is the wide variety of companies that sponsor student clubs and organizations. Many well-known companies like Google, Amazon, and others actively support these clubs, creating incredible networking opportunities for students. It’s easy to connect with professionals in high-ranking positions from some of the world’s most popular companies. UBC offers countless opportunities that help students build valuable connections for their future careers. The university also regularly invites CEOs and industry leaders to campus to share their experiences, ensuring that students are constantly learning and expanding their professional network.
Student life at UBC
Student life at UBC is vibrant, with many activities organized by the student union. One of the most well-known events is the Polar Bear Swim, where students gather to jump into freezing cold water. After the swim, the celebration continues downtown. The student union also works hard to stay relevant and often invites famous singers to perform on campus.
Beyond campus, Vancouver is a perfect city for students. Many famous artists come here during their tours. Traveling is also easy and accessible — you can drive to Seattle or catch a flight to San Francisco, which takes just about two and a half hours. Living at Vancouver helped me to explore the world and connect to people which I never thought could happen.
