Advice from UBC Students

Andrea Kampen

I would encourage new graduate students to embrace their own non-linear narratives. There’s such beauty in not smoothing out the rough edges and corners of your inquiry. Some people may have a burning question they’ve wanted to explore and engage...

Risa Tonita

If you're experiencing imposter syndrome you are not alone! Please be kind to yourself in ways that make sense to you. Sometimes getting an A+ is not worth all of the stress that goes into it and it is better to enjoy a dessert with a friend or...

Yas Oloumi Yazdi

It’s very overwhelming when you first start. There are so many things to try and do. It may seem like a lot is being thrown at you but after the first couple months you start to feel a bit more comfortable and settled in. Communicating with your...

Erin Anker

There will always be something to do but it is SO important to take time to unwind, recharge and unplug. Scheduling out specific amounts of time for study has become hugely important for me so I am not bringing my laptop to bed with me at night...

Vivian (Xiao Wen) Li

Curate your community, seek opportunities, and set a healthy sleep routine! I've found it essential to find people I connect with on a deeper level, and I've loved finding ways to get involved in different artistic disciplines as well as research...

V. Pauahi Souza

Never let life hold you victim from becoming victorious! Set a goal and when you achieve that goal, set another one. Challenge yourself to make interpersonal relationships with people you may have never thought you would sit with at a table. As...

Madison Chapel

One of the first pieces of advice I received was "If you're going to fail, fail early". You shouldn't let concerns about an experiment or project potentially failing delay you from starting it. It's better to have a project crash and burn in the...

Alana Cook

Balance! I look to traditional medicine wheel teachings, and recognize that when I start to feel unwell, it is usually because I am not nourishing myself as a whole: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually/culturally. A wheel that's...

Grady Thompson

Consistent steady effort towards research is the most effective way I have found for working through difficult problems. Setting small manageable goals for each day and week helped me work towards the result for research problems. The problem can...

Kaitlin Gairdner

My advice for new graduate students would be to go for it. Take the leap and trust in yourself.

Brent Peekeekoot

Don't be afraid of failure. Once you're here in Vancouver studying at UBC, relax and know you've already made it. Work toward slowly finding the pieces of the harmony complex puzzle of mediating life.

Olivia Maracle

Talk to people within and outside of your circles. Think about what is missing in your workplaces, your studies - the gaps. Connect with your muses. Don't be afraid to reach out, raise your hand, or stand tall. Think about your advantages and...

Holly Reid

I would say spend time reflecting on your needs and boundaries before starting your program, or even at any point along the way. The more in touch you are with your interests, ways of learning, communication style, intellectual needs, work style...

Gracie Crafts

My advice for new graduate students is to ask lots of questions and set up check ins with your supervisors or other faculty members that may be able to offer guidance.

Rachel Dickens

Surround yourself with like-minded people, and do research that is close to your heart.

Taylor Arnt

Create deep, meaningful relationships with your supervisors. I think a major key to success is feeling comfortable going to them with questions.

Brandi Bird

I’m a new graduate student but I think I would tell my peers to make sure they talk to graduates of their program or people further along in their degree than themselves. I had spoken with graduates of the MFA before choosing to apply and that...

Jade LaFontaine

Find a community, create networks and share ideas with others in your field so that you can gain better sense of understanding as well as building meaningful relationships with those around you who will surely make your time at UBC more...

Meghna Mohandas

The PhD program can be a very isolating space. Make sure that you have a good social network and support group as it can be difficult to navigate this long process on your own.

Vriti Bhagat

Choose a supervisor whose mentorship style matches your learning style. This will be critical to ensuring you receive the type of support that you need to flourish as an early career researcher. Also, have a support system in place both within...

Vasileia Karasavva

Remember to be a person, not just a graduate student! It is important to try and keep some balance to ensure that you avoid burnout and continue to enjoy your graduate studies.

Cara James

Throw yourself into every social, academic, and professional opportunity that comes your way. Especially when you first arrive, as this is the best way to build a strong community around you. As a PhD student you will be at UBC for 3-5 years so...

Jonathan Beutler

Choosing the right graduate program is a very important decision. Ask a lot of questions before committing to any one program. Ask to meet with current students in the program as well as interviewing with the lead professor. Learn as much as you...

Abisola Kehinde

When starting your graduate studies, it's crucial to ensure that your living situation is conducive to your mental health. Don't hesitate to spend a little extra to get a comfortable apartment that promotes your overall well-being, including...

Emma Stirling-Cameron

Say yes to new opportunities, even if they're outside your comfort zone! And your cohort and lab members are your biggest supporters. Take the time to get to know them and don't be afraid to ask them for advice or guidance.

Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, KC

Depending on where your career will take you, you may not have the same opportunity of concentrated learning that graduate studies provide. I found that fostering a mindset of gratitude and treating graduate studies as a luxury, meant to be...

Ahmed Kabil

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer to new graduate students is to find a mentor who can guide you through your studies and career. This mentor should be someone who is not only knowledgeable and experienced in your field but also...

Kiarah O'Kane

Follow the path that you are passionate about! Believing in your research and being curious about the topics you are studying is so important for figuring out what you want from your graduate experience.

Varshaa Kumaran

Don't fret too much about planning your future or worrying about what's next, go ahead and just do it! I am sure you will not regret it.

Aria Malhotra

Enjoy all the beautiful things Vancouver has to offer!

Musanna Galib

Take your time. No need to rush and try to enjoy the journey of graduate studies.

Oludolapo Makinde

Graduate study at Allard Law is an exciting experience but getting into the program is quite competitive. So, it’s important that you do not leave your application till the last minute. Once you start your program, set your goals, establish...

Alexis Bahl

Meet with prospective advisors at least 6 months ahead of applying to the program. This will give you time to get to know the person and learn about the benefits/challenges of the program from the person and their students. While an aligned...

Fatemeh Asadi Zeidabadi

My advice is to build a professional network. Networking is crucial in graduate studies and beyond. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and participate in extracurricular activities to meet people in your field and build your...

Jerry Achar

All graduate students seem to be in the same boat. Academic activities, including research, can really make you enjoy your time at the University when you progress well with every effort you make. But this is not always the case; sometimes, you...

Shiva Zargar

My first piece of advice is to take care of your mental and physical health. Gaining the highest achievements without being healthy is not worth a penny. My second piece of advice is to look at graduate programs as a journey in which you will...

Dante Prado

It is common for graduate students to be confused and feel overwhelmed, but eventually, you will devise your methods to organize, making you feel more confident. More importantly, strive to be open, to use every resource and opportunity to grow...

Arun Kumar

Have fun with it! These are going to be some of the best years of your lives. Don't forget why you started this process and why you love it. There will be many moments when your experiments aren't working, or your week isn't going to plan. Remind...

Xaanja Free

Keep focused on your passion, this is your time! Graduate studies is an accomplishment, you should be proud to be here, and happy to do the work. This time is meant for you to stretch your wings, and show how you can fly--with the supportive...

Rachel Vivian Helmer

Surround yourself with a few mentors in the department who will guide you, and ask what the specific expectations are for your program (ex. timeline). Then make a schedule/research plan.

Ajibola Fabusuyi

Stay on course and make the best use of the numerous student- and research-friendly resources available on campus. Be willing to ask questions and challenge stereotypes. And if there is any need, ask for help. Nobody judges anyone because...

Susanna Cassisa

It is okay to feel like there's so much you don't know- you're here to learn! Also, your mental health is important and should be a top priority.

Cecilia Wang

Make best use of all the available university resources, enjoy the friendships and connections that you make, reach out for support, and take care of your own health and well-being.

Sharri Cyrus

The experience that you have at UBC is pretty much in your hands. For your academic journey endeavor to build healthy working relationships with your supervisor and your lab mates, as this will set the stage for a great working environment....

Haley Hrymak

I always remind myself to not worry about creating things that are perfect- there is no such thing.

Mahta Amanian

I would advise new graduate students to explore new opportunities, expand their network, and enjoy the experience! While succeeding in your program is always an inherent goal, it is also important to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Reaching...

Pardis Kazemian

My advice for upcoming graduate students is to stay creative in their work. Do not be afraid to pitch new ideas and take risks; however, be prepared and back it up with appropriate research. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to people within or...

Khair Mufti

Finding the suitable environment for your graduate training is of great importance and has a huge impact on your overall performance and graduate life experience. Make sure to surround yourself with supporting mentors and to get connected with...

Dorothy Lin

My advice to new graduate students is to not be afraid of asking a (possibly self-perceived) excessive amount of questions. I had realized that if you do not know something, there is likely at least one person that may be able to help you, and...

Jimmy Lo

Plan ahead. Write down clear, achievable short-term goals and to-do lists that help remind oneself to work towards achieving major long-term goals that one ultimately wants to accomplish within and beyond the course of studies.