Jump Start Orientation
September 3 to 7
Open to all new students beginning their studies at UBC this September, UBC’s flagship multi-day orientation is designed to introduce you to campus life, your faculty, and new friends.
Residence Move-In Day
September 2
If you will be living on campus, you will be able to move into your residence room on the first day of Jump Start (Wednesday).
Incoming Graduate Student Orientation
September 3
This year’s Incoming Graduate Student Orientation features a day of core workshops and events. Incoming Graduate Student Orientation is open to all graduate students who will be starting their programs in September 2026 and all graduate students who began their programs in January 2026 and May 2026.
Register for this session via the Jump Start Orientation link
Accessibility
UBC provides individual support designed to remove barriers for students with a disability or ongoing medical condition.
Please contact the College of Graduate Studies to discuss any accessibility accommodations we can provide to support your participation in Grad Student Orientation by emailing gradadmin.ubco@ubc.ca.
graduate student orientation schedule
Kick off your graduate experience with a day designed to set you up for success! Our Graduate Student Orientation brings together essential information, campus resources, and practical tips to help you navigate your program and make the most of your time as a graduate student.
Begin the day by connecting with fellow students over coffee, followed by a welcome session introducing key supports and resources available to you throughout your academic journey.
Hear directly from experienced graduate students during our engaging panel, “What I Wish I Knew When I Started Grad School,” where they’ll share honest advice, lessons learned, and tips for thriving in graduate school.
Enjoy lunch while continuing to build connections, then wrap up the day with an informative session on graduate awards and funding opportunities to help you plan for financial success.
Whether you’re new to campus or returning to advance your studies, Graduate Student Orientation is your opportunity to start strong, build community, and discover the tools you need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming you!
| Time | Location | Session |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. | TBC | Check in and coffee |
| 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. | TBC | Welcome to Graduate School
Learn about key campus resources & services, graduate student spaces, workshops, events, community, and important policies and procedures. |
| 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | TBC | Get to Know the Library and the Centre for Scholarly Communication
Learn about the research and writing tools available to graduate students at UBCO. |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | TBC | What I Wish I Knew When I Started Graduate School Student Panel |
| 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. | TBC | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | TBC | What You Need to Know About Funding Your Graduate Studies Journey
Learn about graduate award funding opportunities and make a plan to fund your degree. |
| TBC | TBC | Graduate Student Social |
additional recommended programming for graduate students
The following sessions will be held during Jump Start and are recommended for graduate students. Register to attend through the Jump Start app.
Please note that there are many more opportunities listed in the Jump Start app that you are welcome to attend.
The information listed in the Jump Start app is the most up-to-date information.
Friday, September 4th | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Looking for tips on how to get graduate school off to a healthy and productive start? Wondering what to do if you have questions about plagiarism when marking? This session explores some of the questions you might experience as a new graduate student, and healthy tips on starting your graduate projects with integrity.
Friday, September 4th | 11 A.m. – 12 p.m.
Showcase is UBCO’s official welcome to new students and your chance to explore everything campus and the local community have to offer. During this interactive information fair, you will meet campus services, student union clubs, and community organizations all in one place. This is a great way to find involvement opportunities, access support, and make the most of your time at UBCO.
What to expect: You can expect a lively, drop-in style fair that will be busy, loud, and full of energy, with many students and booths to explore. You will walk through displays featuring campus resources, student clubs, and community partners, giving you the chance to ask questions and discover opportunities. You might be thinking three hours is a long time, and you are right. It will take about an hour to comfortably explore Showcase, so you can plan some free time in your schedule to stop by.
What to bring: Bring a bag for any giveaways and comfortable shoes for walking around, it is outdoors so dress for the weather and bring a hat and suncreen if sunny!
Who can attend: Everyone! It is highly recommended to save some time in your schedule to check it out.
Friday, September 4th | 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
It takes more than attending classes to make the most of your university experience. In this session, you’ll hear from recent UBCO alumni who turned their first year into a launchpad for building strong networks, getting involved on and off campus, and using those experiences to shape meaningful career pathways after graduation.
You’ll take part in light, low pressure activities designed to help you meet new people, explore your interests, and start building your own community at UBCO. Through interactive games, guided small group conversations, and an energizing alumni Q&A panel, you’ll hear stories and practical ways to get involved, grow your confidence, and make the most of your time as a student.
What to expect: You can expect a lively, conversation based environment with a mix of interactive activities and a 30 minute moderated alumni panel. You’ll have the chance to connect with peers and the alumni panelists, ask questions, and hear real stories about navigating university life, from first year to graduation and beyond. Participation is encouraged but always optional, and you’re welcome to modify the experience to your comfort level.
Who can attend: Everyone! This session is recommended for any student who wants to build community, learn from relatable alumni, and discover how involvement at UBCO can open doors during and after your degree.
Friday, September 4th | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Highly recommended for all incoming international graduate students.
Join us for International Graduate Student Orientation! This session is designed to help you transition to life at UBCO and in Canada, connect with campus resources and support services, and build community with fellow students. You will learn how to take care of important essentials for studying and living in Canada and meet the Global Engagement Office team.
What to bring: Something to take notes with (notebook or device), and any questions you may have about studying or living in Canada.
Who can attend: All new graduate international students at UBC Okanagan, this is a part of core programming and important to attend.
Friday, September 4th | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop will take you through the building-blocks of consent! Learn healthy consent practices, how to communicate effectively with sexual and romantic partners, and how to be a respectful partner. Also get introduced to the campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO). Learn about our support services, and exciting volunteer opportunities. Start your school year off right by learning the basics of consent and healthy communication, and enjoy ice cream sandwiches during the session.
What to expect: This is an interactive workshop, but you will not be forced to participate if you are uncomfortable. This will be a relatively quiet environment. Please arrive on time. You do not need to ask to leave and can step out at any moment, but we do ask that you have respect for the presenter when doing so
Who can attend: Everybody, this is a part of the core programming and it is important to attend. You will be assigned a classroom according to your group number.
saturday, September 5th | 10 a.m. – 11 A.m.
What goes into a thesis anyway? This session will help you to set yourself up for success in your thesis writing process, and explore resources and policies related to writing a UBC thesis.
GRADUATE STUDENT SPACES
UBC’s Okanagan campus offers two spaces for exclusive use by graduate students. Access to both areas is granted to current graduate students who agree to abide by the terms and conditions. Learn more about graduate student spaces.
To gain access to graduate student spaces, please submit the Space Access Request form.
UBC 501
UBC 501 is a self-guided, online orientation designed to help prepare you for your arrival at UBC Okanagan. UBC 501 is made up of five modules and can be accessed anywhere, anytime with an internet connection. Each module takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. The modules cover topics such as graduate student expectations, working with your supervisor, familiarizing yourself with Kelowna and the Okanagan, history and traditions of UBC Okanagan and important on-campus resources to help you along the way.