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 | TBC |
| 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 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 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.
Friday, September 4th | 11 A.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore and learn more about campus and community partners, student resources, and involvement opportunities.
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.
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.