Jump Start

UBC's multi-day enhanced orientation is designed to introduce you to university life, your faculty, and new friends.

August 28 — September 1, 2023

Jump Start is open to all first-year students coming to UBC from high school. Whether you are an international or domestic student, whether you plan to live on- or off-campus, Jump Start is for you.

Students are expected to be in Kelowna before the start of Jump Start on August 28. If you’re living in residence, plan to arrive on August 26/27.

Why attend Jump Start?

Make friends

Jump Start will help you connect with campus life, learn about opportunities, and connect with other students. It’s a great way to make friends before classes start through fun social activities and academic workshops. 

Prepare to learn

Resources on-campus: You will learn about support resources for a successful transition to university, understand expectations and policies specific to UBC, and connect with faculty members, staff, and other students who can support you throughout your time at UBC. 

Resources off-campus: Build a sense of belonging at UBCO and in Kelowna by learning about the city and its resources and opportunities through our workshops and your Orientation Leaders. 

Academic skills: Our academic success workshops are designed to welcome you to UBC’s academic environment. You will engage in workshops that will teach you the skills to succeed at UBCO and give you the opportunity to connect with faculty members before classes start! 

Get organized

We get it—there are a lot of things to take care of before starting university, like buying textbooks and getting organized. You may also want to explore work and volunteer opportunities and find activities that interest you. By taking care of the essentials early, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters later. 

  • Early Arrivals Weekend: If you choose to arrive on August 26 or 27(additional residence rate applicable), you will also be able to access services such as setting up your mobile phone, setting up a Canadian bank account, and setting up your residence room.  

If you’re planning to live on-campus or in Kelowna in the fall, Jump Start will welcome you to life at UBC.

Whether you’re planning to live off-campus or in student housing on campus (known at UBCO as “residence”) in your first year, Jump Start gives you the opportunity to arrive early, get to know your new campus, and meet your first friends in person. You can enjoy scheduled group events with your classmates, as well as sessions you can take part in with student leaders, and other campus experts.

REGISTRATION

Registration for Jump Start is now open!

Register now

Commuter Student Jump Start Program:

Designed for students who will be living off-campus

  • Join us on campus during the day for Jump Start programming, and (optionally) in the evenings for social events
  • Connect with other students in small groups
  • Meet senior students in your faculty
  • Meet and get advice from UBC professors
  • Attend workshops and sessions designed for academic success
  • Attend our signature Jump Start Event – a hike on Big White!
  • Program fees include lunches each day, Big White transportation/fees, swag bag, access to optional evening events
  • Program fees do not include breakfasts or dinners, or costs associated with off-campus housing and transportation

Program costs: $75 + GST (non-refundable)

Residence Student Jump Start Program:

Designed for students who will be living on-campus during Term 1

  • Join us on campus during the day for Jump Start core programming, and (optionally) in the evenings for social events
  • Connect with other students in small groups
  • Meet senior students in your faculty
  • Meet and get advice from UBC professors
  • Attend workshops and sessions designed for academic success
  • Attend our signature Jump Start Event – a hike on Big White!
  • Program fees include breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, Big White transportation/fees, swag bag, access to optional evening events

*You can only enroll in this program if you had applied for ‘first year housing guarantee’ or have already received and accepted a housing offer from UBCO Student Housing for the Winter terms. 

*The program cost DOES NOT include housing fees for the duration of Jumpstart (August 28 to September 1). It also does not include early arrival housing fee (August 26 and 27, offered at a nightly rate). The cost for housing during Jump Start is $280 in addition to the program fee. You are responsible to complete the payment of the Jump Start housing fee and if required, the early arrival housing fee. This can all be done through you Student Housing account on the Residence website.

Program costs: $220 + GST ($75 + GST non-refundable) 

Check out a Jump Start sample schedule

Financial support

Due to the positive impact Jump Start can have on a student’s academic success and transition to university, UBC is committed to ensuring Jump Start is accessible to all direct entry students. If the cost associated with Jump Start may prohibit you from participating, please contact us directly at jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca 

Self-Identified Indigenous Students are welcomed to participate in Jump Start free of costs provided they have self-identified through the SSC. Once you have self-identified, please contact jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca for a discount code.

Learn more about Self-Identification.

Accessibility

UBC provides individual support and programs designed to remove barriers for students with a disability or ongoing medical condition. This includes academic accommodations, exam accommodations, academic concessions, priority access to housing, and transportation and access.  Learn more.

Please contact the Orientation team for any accessibility accommodations during
Jump Start by emailing jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca.

If you have any questions about Jump Start, please contact jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca.

Looking for Jump Start at UBC’s Vancouver campus?