Admitted to UBC Okanagan but still have a few questions? Questions like “What’s life like in Kelowna?”, “Is it easy to make friends?” and “What’s student life really like?” are commonly asked by incoming students. If you’ve been wondering the same things, you’re in the right place. We’re answering your most frequently asked questions right here. Starting with…
“How is Kelowna as a city and the city life?”
Kelowna is one of the coolest cities in Canada and is a huge tourist location for a reason. It has just enough of a metropolitan area to have cool things to do, while still allowing you to experience the laid-back Okanagan lifestyle.
Wineries, cideries, and breweries, oh my
Kelowna is known for its wineries, cideries, and breweries, which are always a great place to go with friends. Some of our top recommendations include Jackknife Brewing (the best pizza in town), Red Bird Brewing (great live outdoor music!), Upside Cider (plenty of board games to play), Truck ’59 Ciderhouse (the best lawn game location), and Frind Estate Winery (the first beachfront winery in North America).
Not into wine, cider, or beer? Most of these spots also have great non-alcoholic options! And, we also have a ton of local cafes that make great study spots as a bonus. Some of our favourites include Bright Jenny, Sprout Bread, Pulp Fiction, Bean Scene, and Milk Shed.
Beaches
Undeniably, one of the best things about Kelowna is the Okanagan Lake! We have some of the nicest beaches in Canada. If you’re looking for the best beach spots, you can check out some of our favourites in this Instagram post, but we recommend exploring around and finding the one that best fits your vibe!
mountains
As a university student, if you don’t stick around for the summer months, your beach time will be limited, but fear not, Kelowna also has two of the best ski resorts in Canada, Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort. Skiing and snowboarding are not a necessity if you live here, but are highly recommended! Don’t let being new stop you – I never snowboarded until I moved here, and learning was the best decision I ever made.
If you’re new to the mountains, UBCO Recreation makes it easy (and more affordable) to get out and explore with fellow students. Join one of our student ski days to enjoy discounted lift tickets, rentals, and a shuttle ride to the slopes. Not a fan of downhill skiing? No problem! You can still experience the outdoors by trying tubing, cross-country skiing (no downhill required!), or heading out on a scenic winter hike. Follow UBCO Recreation on Instagram to stay in the loop for ski trips this winter.
City life
While nature and the outdoors are a highlight of Kelowna, don’t worry if that’s not your thing. There are tons of things to do if staying indoors is more your vibe. Here’s some of our favourite indoor activities in town:
Bernie’s is a super unique spot downtown Kelowna where you can enjoy high‑quality food and drinks on the main floor, then head upstairs to a boutique cinema with comfy couches, food service, and a curated mix of classic, indie, and new films. We love it because you can order snacks and drinks right to your table throughout the movie, and the atmosphere is so much cozier than a standard theatre.
Scandia is one of the top spots in town for a study break or to hang out with new friends. It has an arcade, mini golf, go-karts, and more. We definitely recommend checking it out!
Exploring local restaurants
Kelowna’s food scene is student-friendly with plenty of affordable options that balance taste and budget. You can grab top-value Asian fusion downtown at Mad Mango Café (famous for its laksa soup) or Bamboo Chopsticks. For filling, budget-friendly eats, head to Mediterranean Market for giant subs or Latin Fiesta in Rutland. These spots are ideal for students because they’re delicious, affordable, and low-key.
“What is student life like at UBCO?”
UBCO student life is what you make it! We know that sounds a bit corny, but there really are so many opportunities to meet new people, get involved, and grow your community. Follow UBCO Student Life on Instagram to stay tuned for all the events, resources, and ways to get involved throughout the year.
Iconic annual events
UBCO hosts tons of incredible events for students. Some of our most iconic annual events include our homecoming soccer game (one of the best places to make friends and show your school spirit), Dirty Dash (a just-for-fun mud run/walk where you can win a prize for the best costume), and the year-end Carnival. These are just a few of the many events to expect this year!
Student clubs and course unions
Student clubs and course unions are also known to host the most frequent events on campus. Join us at Create orientation day for the Club Showcase or the Club Expo at the start of each term. These events allow clubs to set up booths around campus so you can explore all that UBCO has to offer! You can also browse all the clubs and course unions currently active at UBCO through the club directory, and if you don’t find one you’re looking for, it might just be a sign to start your own this year! Your UBCO experience truly is yours to create.
Small community feel
Ultimately, one of the best parts about the UBCO campus is that it’s small enough that you see people you know everywhere you go. It’s so easy to make friends who have a similar schedule to you or to just say hi to anyone you see because, really, everyone is always happy to make a new friend.
TLDR? Tuum est. Your university experience is yours to create.
The most important thing to take away from this is that your university experience can be incredible at UBCO if you choose to make it that way. The opportunities are endless, and the people are amazing, so don’t be afraid to say hi first, get involved, or ask someone you just met to go to an event with you. The more you jump in, the faster you’ll build your community, and the better your experience will be.
We can’t wait to welcome you to campus this fall. Welcome to the Heat!
– The UBCO Student Life team <3
