Advice from UBC Students

Tomiyosi Bola

My advice for new graduate students would be to take advantage of the amazing resources and support available for students on campus and to maximize every opportunity that comes in form of training and workshops. The UBC CTLT has amazing events...

Nancy Sunday

As an aspiring public health professional, take advantage of the rich Global Health curriculum and the prestige of a world-class and socio-culturally diverse learning space. Reach out to professors you admire and ask for an informational...

Abigail Amoakoa Okyere

Graduate studies is more about what you make of it. Build sustainable connections with both faculty and your course mates. That definitely would take you far!

Yinghong (Amy) Wu

Be open to new experiences, and don't be too hard on yourself. Many graduate students hold themselves to such high standards, but remember to mindfully take in this unique time in your life.

Bingxin Zhou

It is important to sharpen your skills in college, but we should keep in mind that study is only a part of life. Enjoy yourself beyond your research projects and courses, do not put too much pressure on yourself and develop your own hobbies....

Marian Orhierhor

Be prepared for opportunities and explore all opportunities that come your way. It is important to network and form life-long friendships. You can do this by attending career fairs, networking events, professional workshops, luncheons, and...

Pan Deng

Being confident and seize any opportunity to stretch yourself. If you are afraid of failure and let opportunities slide through your fingers, you might lose the chance of developing valuable skills and experiences by staying in your comfort zone...

Wenlin Chen

Stay open-minded and read extensively, science is a process of trial and error, you can start by doing several projects in parallel and carry the most promising one forward. Make friends with people around you including your classmates, program...

Rohit Vijh

Be open to all opportunities! Take courses that challenge you and will help build skills that you don't have. If you have specific interests or passions, reach out to faculty that align with them. Also, just enjoy the campus (if you have time)! I...

Abhinab Kadel

Make the most of the resources on the campus. There are many different clubs and graduate societies that allow you to make new friends. While finding housing in Vancouver is challenging, you will see more options while you are here. So, it is...

Yaning Yang

During the times of remote learning and social distancing, reach out to your cohort and faculty. They have a lot of support to offer. Also, taking initiatives in programming and activities pays off as well.

Eve Wicksteed

I'd suggest you get all your courses done in the first year of your degree if possible. It means that you'll be able to spend dedicated time the whole of the following year on your research which will hopefully enable you to finish up your degree...

Candace Ho

Take advantage of Vancouver’s nature and food scenes to connect with others and build unforgettable memories and friendships! Don’t be afraid to try new things; I got ClassPass (pre-COVID) and went to my very first dance classes with my...

Mariam El-Temtamy

Always remember to put your physical and mental health first! Starting your graduate studies can already bring on some stress, especially during a pandemic, so it’s very important to make sure that all aspects of your health is in check - whether...

Elisabeth Gross

I would tell new graduate students to enjoy what you are learning and who you are becoming. You've worked your heart out to get into the program you are in today, so soak it in. You're learning to become a competent clinician or researcher,...

Ana Pozas

Whether you feel it or not, 'the world is your oyster'. Making an impact, overcoming new challenges, getting where you want to be, are all part of the learning process of completing a graduate degree and in my opinion, knowing what your...

Ali Zwicker

Enjoy it! It can certainly be easy to get bogged down with assignments and deadlines, but I’ve found that practicing gratitude and reflecting on all the incredible things I’ve learned have helped me to stay in the moment and really enjoy my time...

Adeerya Johnson

Grad school is not a race. Take your time and be kind to yourself as you matriculate through your program.

Ni Gusti Ayu Nanditha

Get yourself an umbrella and a rain coat... the city is called Raincouver for a reason :) On a more serious note, there are a lot of great advices for new graduate students out there, but my advice would be one word: self-care. Like others have...

Jen Edgecombe

I was scared to go to grad school and waited years to start. Within weeks of starting, I wondered why I waited so long. My advice to others is to just do it. Don’t wait. It’s more manageable than you think!

Iain Robertson

I would suggest that you create a schedule and physical space where you can do your work. I would also encourage them to reach out if they have questions or concerns. The Faculty and support staff at UBC are top-notch and truly interested in your...

Cheyenne Christopherson

Do your research and find a program/research group that suits you! Grad school is a long, difficult, confusing but incredibly rewarding journey. You want to make sure you're in a program that you truly love, that you can come back to day after...

Asmita Sharma

The one thing I would like to tell all new graduate students is - relax! It may seem like you don't have all the answers right now. We all go through a confused phase where we don't know what we are meant to do. Take advantage of any opportunity...

Bonnie Tulloch

Make time to develop friendships with colleagues in your program. The challenges of graduate life are easier when you have people to navigate them with. Also, it is important to celebrate each other's progress! When we help each other succeed we...

Kate Kysow

You can't do everything at 100%. If you want to still enjoy your life outside of graduate school, it's a better bet to aim at 85% or pretty good. The clinical psychology program at UBC takes 6 years plus an internship to complete--that's a long...

Gaylean Davies

I think most people who apply to and end up in graduate school are over-achievers. My advice would be to release the idea of perfection if it is something to which you have traditionally been attached. Everyone sounds like they know exactly what...

Verena Rossa-Roccor

Widen your horizon and do not focus all your time and energy on your studies. Branch out and take/audit courses in other faculties; make use of the ample opportunities to get involved both on campus and beyond; and strive to become a well-rounded...

CHINCHENG LIN

Enjoy the experience of being a UBC graduate student. Don’t be shy to ask any questions. Exploit plenty of resources provided by UBC.

Connie Fan

Vancouver is such a great place to study and enjoy! Go outdoors and brighten your "best years of life" here studying at UBC!

Trevor Arsenault

Plan your time in Vancouver as if you may only be here for the duration your graduate program. Take advantage of the opportunities to explore the area; experience the art galleries, museums, restaurants, food trucks, stores, parks, performances,...

Yuejian Liu

Keep enthusiastic and curious about your research and every day in life.

Petar Iliev

My advice would be to find a good support network during your studies. Be proactive and introduce yourself to classmates and peers in your faculty. Join the graduate society and become part of the community. The graduate programme is challenging...

Jordie Fischer

Don't rush the process by constantly thinking forward about the next step, next degree or next job. Learning to become content with the life stage you are in brings more joy and allows you to recognize that life is not about the final destination...

Adelia Jacobs

As a new graduate student, starting in the midst of a pandemic, I've realized how important it is to practice self-appreciation, self-compassion, and gratitude.

Jens Johnson

I think that keeping a planner/agenda (physical or virtual) is a big help, both for remembering the gallery of moving target obligations and for scheduling relaxing or hobby time.

Michael Rowley

Don't forget to take time for yourself. I have seen many people bury themselves in research to the point where they have no time to focus on their mental health. Graduate studies can be stressful when you do this, so make sure you have a way to...

Jasper Heaton

Have a hobby or activity or *something* that you enjoy that is not in any way related to you studies, and make sure you find some space for it every week. Writing a dissertation can be lonely but it doesn't have to be. Find a working group, share...

Danielle Hanke

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Starting grad school, especially if you are starting grad school at a new school or in a new country, can be confusing and a little overwhelming at the start, but asking questions can help alleviate a lot of the...

Arman Hejazi

Try to have an appropriate work-life balance. I saw many graduate students dealing with this, which is somehow expected if you don't manage your time well, as the workload for a graduate student is not low, especially during the first half of the...

Kaili Vesik

Expect to get completely overwhelmed at some point in your first year; then at least it won't be a surprise when it inevitably happens! Also, living close to - or on - campus if you can is a wonderful way to improve your mental health by reducing...

Athanasios Kritharis

My advice is get involved in 1 or 2 side activities, one for recreation and the other to complement your professional development. Research is not life and coming out of graduate school you will be a much more well rounded person if you DONT...

Megan Zeni

There is a lot of life to live outside of being a graduate student in Vancouver. Be sure to make time for play and joy. Get up in the mountains, get out on the water, and into a garden! This is just one season of your life, not your whole life....

Melody Salehzadeh

I would advise new graduate students to find a hobby that helps them take their mind off of work for a few hours a week. As graduate degrees are very demanding, there is always more work to be done. Therefore, it is important to actively take...

Steve Commichau

Visit the events hosted by the SASC. They are important, interesting, and usually there is free pizza. Also, don’t forget to rest and hydrate.

Matt Naylor

Take advantage of the opportunities provided by the university and your department. Go to extra seminars. Enjoy your teaching opportunities. Remember that you're in a graduate program because you enjoy the subject matter and you're good at it,...

Hiroshan Gunawardane

Find what you truly love and do it, it doesn’t have to be what someone else expects you to do.

Kate Minniti

Do not over-commit and, if possible, find time to relax! Join a club, work out, nap, play videogames with friends...whatever helps you unwind.

Zhaohua Cheng

Follow your heart - focus on what you are passionate about. Plan ahead - pace out your work, plan some breaks in between. Work hard - no matter what program you are in, it is not easy. Hard work is the key to success (graduation). Enjoy life -...

Mikayla Pachkowski

Figure out what is important to you, in terms of your work and career goals, but also your personal life. Then, put your time and energy there. In graduate school it's possible to get pulled in a hundred different directions, and there are...

Christine Yu

While extremely rewarding, graduate school undoubtedly brings with it stresses and, at times, a sense of immense pressure. My advice for new graduate students is to foster relationships with their cohort. Take opportunities to bond with each...