Advice from UBC Students

Fiana Kawane

Every process of gaining an education is personal, especially a research degree, so take any advice with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, there are some elements that are transpersonal to be able to moderately thrive in university. Ask questions,...

Evelyn Arriagada

These are uncertain times. It is difficult to be engaged in academic activities when outside, in the 'real world', everything seems to be changing. However, I am convinced that academic work can serve as a platform to develop and enrich both,...

Calem Kenward

New graduate students should know that studies and research are important, but it is your time outside the lab or classes that will make your experience memorable and unlike any other period in your life. Vancouver and BC have tons to offer, so...

Enav Zusman

Enjoy your experience in grad school! It is your time to learn, ask questions and figure out what you are passionate about. Be positive, patient, and open to new ideas and concepts. Make friends, network, collaborate and support your peers and...

Andy An

Another student told me this, which really resonated with me: Treat your degree like a startup, and you're the CEO. That means you have to take ownership of your thesis project, because nobody else will. Taking ownership means having a vision or...

Anne-Cécile Delaisse

Graduate school allows you to take time to learn and do research about the things you are passionate about. You are given a lot of freedom and support. Take advantage of this unique and privileged opportunity to its fullest!

Emily Bliven

My advice for new grad students: set boundaries with your work, try not to compare your progress others, and don't be afraid to ask for help (whether it be academically or emotionally). Working sustainably at a high level simply isn't effective...

Tonje Molyneux

I think a key to surviving and thriving in a graduate program is forming strong bonds with peers. When you're connected with others, you can share the experience and be a support to each other. There's no reason to be alone or feel alone in this...

Abhinav Kumar Checkervarty

1) Setbacks are a part of life, but for hard times, I have a guiding quote which I would like to share “The obstacles in life are not some walls that you can’t penetrate, but just some extra distance that you have to cover.” So just keep on...

Virginia (Ginny) Pichler

All new graduate students should know that the experience is not always linear, not always optimal, and not always illustrious. There may be longer-than-desirable stretches of hurdles and pitfalls, but that is something we all face. It's the...

Madeleine Ransom

Keep firm boundaries and schedules in place in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Go to a lot of conferences and talk to your professors to figure out what areas of research are both interesting to you and promising in terms of...

Trevor Goodyear

Make sure to find supportive supervisors and a research topic you are passionate about. Try new things, make friends, and take the time to care for yourself and to have fun alongside your studies. And learn how to say no to things and to...

Elyn Rowe

Choose a research project that you're interested in, and a mentor that can support you both intellectually, and through the bumpy transition from a very defined undergraduate degree into graduate school. Grad school is tough, and imposter...

Daljeet Chahal

My advice probably applies more to those in medical school, but I think it is very important to find an area or topic that drives you, something you cannot help but think about. Keep an open mind – you do not necessarily need to do what everyone...

Alexa Norton

Ask meaningful research questions; be connected to and grounded in the communities you conduct research in, and always be a humble learner.

Jem Arnold

Take your time to find a topic of study that you love. Motivating yourself to do the hard work won’t be as difficult when you are genuinely curious about and invested in the topic. Reach out to colleagues, peers, and mentors. Take advantage of...

Callista Ottoni

You are never too old or too young to start graduate studies. As a parent of a young child, I also want to share that you can pursue an advanced degree while raising a family. It is challenging, and I would recommend establishing your support...

Xinyi Shen

Get started by talking to some alumni or student ambassadors. It is extremely helpful for you to plan your studies wisely.
Graduate school experience is much more than taking courses. Take some time to explore other resources that...
Read More

Halina Deptuck

First, prioritize your mental health. Things can get busy and stressful as a graduate student but making time to take care of yourself can go a long way in helping you succeed in grad school. Also, make an effort to create a community for...

Durjoy Baidya

Undoubtedly, graduate study is a very challenging path. But, you don't need to walk alone. Feel free to talk to your supervisors and peers when necessary. Take full advantage of U-Pass and enjoy the natural beauty of BC.

Laura Werbitsky

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! And attend free seminars offered by your department or any department or sessions offered by the Library, the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication (CWSC), etc. I attend talks by UBC Sustainability Reads...

Mirta Roncagalli

Grad school can be challenging and, from time to time, overwhelming. Try to make time for your own way to decompress and talk to your peers! You will realize you are not alone and that all grad students are in the same boat!

Ahmed Sherwali

My advice for new graduate students is to set clear goals by understanding what you want to achieve and why, make sure you don't forget to grow your network through involvement in different activities, and lastly, try to keep your career options...

Sasha McDowell

I would say be patient when learning new skills and to remember that there’s always an adjustment period when starting a new program. When I first arrived at UBC, I was very excited to meet people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, learn...

Oguzhan Can

Take the time to play, and do other things than research. Try to work on ideas that you find exciting and curious about. Graduate school is a great time to explore new topics. Don't lose your focus but keep an eye out for interesting problems and...

Bev Larssen

Don’t forget to take time for yourself to re-energize and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether that is playing outside or getting involved in an extra-curricular activity that you enjoy, Vancouver has a lot to offer.

Xing Zhang

There are ups and downs during grad school. Never lose confidence in yourself and try to keep motivated by your enthusiasm for your research. Also, it’s always beneficial to talk with people from different areas.

Robin Newhouse

Remember to live life while you’re going through this challenging degree. Graduate school is not without its serious difficulties and it’s easy to let the complex work, deadlines, and setbacks get to you throughout your time as a graduate student...

Emmanuel Kwarah

UBC has diverse resources to aid you to succeed in your graduate program so don't hesitate to make good use of them. Attend conferences, workshops, career fairs, and other UBC events to socialize and make connections. Finally, you may feel...

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...

Abiodun Ilemobayo

Remember to always stay positive. Graduate school is very lonely, so try your best to stay motivated and live in the moment

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...

Isaac Ohene Gyan

Academic work can be at times overwhelming, but UBC staff is there to support you. It is a community on its own so, do not live in it in isolation.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...