Student support services at UBC Okanagan

Starting university is an exciting journey – a time of growing independence and exploration. But it can also bring challenges that require support and guidance. As an engineering student at UBC Okanagan, you have access to a comprehensive range of student services designed to help you thrive academically, socially and personally.  

These include academic advising, free tutoring, mental health resources, accessibility services, and dedicated support for Indigenous and international students. Whether you need help with course planning, wellness, or simply want to connect with peers, student services are here to help you make the most of your university experience. 

This article focuses on services at UBC Okanagan; UBC Vancouver also offers a full suite of student services. 

Student services at UBC Vancouver

Academic support  

Looking for tutoring or extra help? Wondering how to better manage your time? There are many academic support resources on campus. These range from drop-in supplemental learning sessions to more structured academic support. The Student Learning Hub offers free tutoring in math, sciences, languages and writing. It also includes help with time management, learning, and study skills. The Student Learning Hub also includes self-guided resources and links to other on-campus supports 

Student Learning Hub

Mental health 

Your mental health is important to your overall well-being. UBC offers a range of mental health supports, from self-directed online tools and resources to on-campus counselling and group sessions.  

Counselling & Mental Health 

Indigenous students 

Indigenous Programs & Services provides culturally appropriate services and supports for Indigenous students, including: 

• Designated Indigenous student advisors 

• Indigenous research mentorship program 

• Indigenous student orientation 

• Tutoring and learning services 

Indigenous student services 

The Indigenous Centre is a welcoming on-campus space for students to hang out between classes, participate in social and cultural events, connect with Indigenous peer mentors and attend weekly workshops. 

Indigenous Centre 

International students 

International students can take advantage of all UBC student services, as well as a few other resources specific to their needs. Our International Students page includes links to a wide range of resources, from visas to transitioning to life in Canada. We also have dedicated international student advisors who you can meet with any time. 

International students  

UBC Okanagan offers unique programming  for international students to help them pursue their professional goals after graduation. The Global Pathways program will help you develop a personalized career and immigration plan covering topics that include career goals, immigration pathways and connecting with employers in the Okanagan region. 

Global Pathways 

Disability Resource Centre 

The Disability Resource Centre advances access and inclusion and is the place to go if you have a disability that requires an accommodation. It also has information about other supports for students with accessibility concerns, including accessible housing. 

Disability Resource Centre 

Other first year supports 

If you’re living in residence, you’ll be assigned a residence advisor, an upper-year student who organizes residence events and can be your go-to person with questions about wellness and healthy living. 

Residence life staff 

For students not living in residence, UBC Collegia offers lounge-like spaces across campus where you can study or hang out with friends between classes. In addition to study spaces with desks and lamps, the collegia spaces include kitchen facilities.  

UBC Collegia 

A strong start before you start  

Once you accept your admissions offer at UBC, you’ll be invited to UBC 101. This is a series of online modules released over the summer that provide information about the many resources available to support you throughout the year.  

Consider signing up for Jump Start. This is a multi-day orientation that happens on campus in the days before university officially starts. You’ll take part in a range of fun activities where you’ll start making friends while getting familiar with the campus, your faculty and student life. 

Jump Start Okanagan 

Thrive at UBC Okanagan 

UBC Okanagan has a wealth of resources and dedicated staff to help students thrive. Whether you want to chat with someone about something on your mind, connect with an upper-year peer to make sense of an upcoming midterm, or work with your advisor to plan out your degree in the way that’s best for you, there are resources and assistance available to support you.  

Finally, remember that an important part of your university experience is learning how to grow in independence and build a well-balanced life. Recognizing when you need extra assistance and seeking it out is part of this important process.