Listen to your elders: Advice UBC students have for freshmen

The first day of university for freshmen is usually nothing short of terrifying. A huge campus, thousands of people, lectures that go on for hours – how does one handle it all?

We asked some older, more experienced students at the University of British Columbia for advice they would like to share with incoming first-year students. After all, the older the wiser, right?

Emily

Fifth-year/ Faculty of Arts, studying political science

“Get as involved as you can. Try out everything. Try to find your groove. If one thing doesn’t work out don’t give up.”

Kelly

Fifth-year /Faculty of Arts, studying English and law and society

“Figure out what kind of classes work best…so you can organize your schedule around when you actually go to class.”

Manraj

Second-year/ Faculty of Arts 

“All first years should be open to new experiences and not take school so seriously.” 

Matt and Rupert

Matt (left) Fourth year/ Mechanical Engineering 

“Get involved around campus. There is a lot going on. There are hundreds of clubs to join.” 

Rupert (right)  Second year/ Engineering 

“Prioritize.”

Candy and Brody

Candy (left) Fifth-year / Faculty of Arts, studying geography 

“Join a club … or else (you won’t) get the most out of UBC.”

Brody (right) Third-year/ Sauder School of Business 

“Don’t fall for the classic freshman mistake… avoid 8 am classes.”

Benjamin

Third-year/ Faculty of Arts, studying political science 

“Get involved. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn a lot about your campus and discover what you like to do.” 

Simran

Sixth-year/ Faculty of Arts, studying visual arts and psychology 

“Take courses for learning and (don’t) take them for grades.”