By Tze Liew
Ah, university life. Some people say it’s sleeping three hours a day, sprouting panda eyes as you type papers deep into the night, wailing about your downward dog-facing GPA and… a diet of instant noodles and frozen pizzas. But there’s much more to your degree than laser-focused studying.
We asked Arts alumni what their most meaningful experiences were at UBC and they talked about finding their best friends, joining a community or club, and learning outside the classroom. Here are their 5 big takeaways and tips.
Join clubs, sports, and everything fun
Work hard, play hard. Join a club you love, or participate in UBC’s many exciting events.
“My involvement with the Arts Undergraduate Society was particularly pivotal for me — I joined on a whim, but became completely invested in building the Arts Student Centre, and the strong sense of community it provided. It was through the AUS that I truly developed my communication and leadership skills, and where I learnt to navigate the inevitable difficulties that come with working with others.”
Tomo Yamaguchi, BA ’17, Economics & Political Science
“I have two memories that come to mind. First is participating in Day of the Longboat with friends. Paddling on the cold water at Jericho was just exhilarating! A second amazing memory is when I ran as a torchbearer in the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay on campus, an opportunity I received as a result of my position as News Editor of The Ubyssey student newspaper. I got to pass the torch to George Hungerford, a Canadian Olympic gold medalist in Rowing.”
Samantha Bruin, BA ’11, English & Psychology
Explore the world
Always dreamed of travelling? The world is at UBC’s doorstep. Many Arts alumni have participated in global exchanges and seminars and had life-changing experiences.
“I participated in the International Service Learning Program. I was sent to a solar energy NGO called the Selco Foundation in Bangalore, India. My role as a design research intern was to interview children at schools to help design new classrooms. I interviewed women in slums to help their voices inform the design of new slum housing solutions in rural Karnataka. The opportunity to strive to do ethical research in an international setting was a highlight of my UBC experience.”
Hugh Knapp, BA ’18, Sociology
“My most meaningful experience was my semester abroad at KU Leuven. Going on exchange was one of the most impactful decisions of my life. I learned so much about myself and about different cultures. Studying Flemish Primitive art and then going to Bruges to see the art in person was indescribable. Eight years later, I still have friends across the globe from my time in Leuven. If you can go on exchange, go!”
Madeleine Natale, BA ‘11, French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies
Find your crowd
Community is key. An overwhelming number of Arts alumni say their most meaningful experiences at UBC centered around making friends, being part of a group, and building relationships that last beyond university years. So don’t just hole yourself up in your room. Get to know the fellow humans around you.
“Living in residence during my first year [was one of my most meaningful experiences at UBC]. I lived at Mawdsley house at Vanier Place in an all-girls dorm. I remember the very first day I met a girl just slightly older than me that lived on the same floor. She was in Pharmacy and I was in Arts. We hung out, navigated the cafeteria together, we shared instant noodles and buckets of Oreo ice-cream together and became lifelong friends. I also met other lifelong friends during those early years of exploration when I joined International House, and met students from all over the world. To this day we still keep in touch, visit each other when we can, and reminisce about all the great times we had being free and curious about the possibilities before us, twenty years later!”
Lilian Chau, BA ‘00, Anthropology
“What I enjoyed most about [my program] was the wonderful community of writers it introduced me to. Writing is such a solitary act, and this was the first time I felt a strong sense of solidarity and friendship connected to writing. Regardless of where students are based, they all share the same passion for writing, the same doubts and challenges. It was so rewarding to engage with people who encouraged me, helped me move from the initial idea for a novel to a published book.”
Ellen Keith, MA ‘16, Creative Writing
Work and volunteer
There are lots of work and volunteer programs at UBC that can have a valuable impact on your future career path. Arts Internship, Arts Co-op, Work Learn – try everything to figure out what resonates with you as an emerging young professional.
“It wasn’t until I participated in the Arts Internship Program as an editorial contributor and took on a position as a promotional coordinator for the Arts Undergraduate Society that I realized a career path in media and communications was a viable option for me.”
Emily Cheung, BA ‘17, Political Science
“I started working with the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions. They were amazing at providing me opportunities: I wrote reports with them, had my first op-ed (and then several more op-eds) published with their support, and got to speak and present some of my work to the public. I also worked with the Institute for Future Legislators, which was a great experience and directly led to the job I hold today.”
Megan Dias, MA ’17, Political Science
Breathe in campus life
At the end of the day, you’re lucky to be part of a beautiful campus with gorgeous gardens, beaches, historic buildings, state-of-the-art concert halls and museums, farm festivals and snowball fights. Enjoy it to the fullest!
“The best part of UBC is coming back right after the summer holidays. This is when BC’s diversity and beauty are out in full display. And this was when it was easier to meet new and old UBC students alike who seemed to represent both diversity and beauty in an effortless manner.”
David Michael Fonseca, BA ’14, Political Science
“I remember there were times when I was really stressed out with school and I just took a second to look around the campus and realize how amazing of a place UBC really is. I would go behind the anthropology building and hike down to the beach where I would just sit. I would look at the totem poles and think about the history and know that there is more to life than just worrying about an exam. It helped to be able to escape within minutes and be in one of the most peaceful settings in the world.”
Alex Ozols, BA ’09, Psychology
Ready to make the most of your time in UBC Arts? Explore involvement opportunities.
