Jump Start
Jump Start is designed for first-year undergraduate students coming directly from high school (or international equivalent to high school).
2025 Program dates: August 27 to 29
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.
- Move-in Day: If you are enrolled in the ‘Residence Student Jump Start Program’, you will be able to move into your residence room on August 26, 2025. 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 on campus.
Check out a Jump Start sample schedule
Note: this schedule outlines the type of programming that may be offered at Jump Start, however, actual programming may differ
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
Jump Start 2025 registration is now open! Registration will close on August 1 at 12 pm Pacific Time or until the registration limits are reached. Register early to secure your spot.
Are you entering first year at UBC Vancouver? Find information about UBC Vancouver Jump Start.
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
- Explore campus and Kelowna
Program fees include daily lunches, a welcome bag, and access to optional evening events.
Program fees do not include breakfasts, dinners, or costs associated with off-campus housing and transportation.
Domestic student program costs: $78 + GST (non-refundable)
International student program fee*: $25 + GST (non-refundable)
*Note: international student tuition fees cover the remaining portion of Jump Start fees for international students.
Residence Student Jump Start Program:
Designed for students who will be living on-campus during Term 1.
If you successfully enroll in the Residence Student Jump Start Program, you are welcome to arrive on campus on August 26. Shuttles from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will be available, free of cost. Details such as timing and location will be shared closer to the program date.
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
- Explore campus and Kelowna
Program fees include breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, a welcome bag, and access to optional evening events.
*You can only enroll in this program if you had applied for the ‘first-year housing guarantee’ or have already received and accepted a housing offer from UBCO Student Housing for the Winter term.
The Residence Student Jump Start Program fee DOES NOT include the housing fee for the duration of Jump Start. There is an additional housing fee of $168 to cover accommodation from August 26 – 29. Your Winter Term 1 housing contract will be in effect starting August 30. You will also, most likely, receive the same room as your Winter Term 1 room, during Jump Start. You are responsible to complete the payment of the Jump Start early arrival housing fee. Early arrival housing offers will be sent throughout August. You would receive an email confirming the early arrival offer and would need to pay/accept the offer through the Online Housing Service Centre.
If you need to arrive to campus prior to August 26, please reach out to information@housing.okanagan.ubc.ca to gain approval.
Domestic student program fee: $147 + GST (non-refundable)
International student program fee*: $25 + GST (non-refundable)
and
Jump Start Housing fee: $168 (tax inclusive)
*Note: international student tuition fees cover the remaining portion of Jump Start fees for international students.
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
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students are welcome to participate in Jump Start free of cost. Please contact jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca or your Indigenous Student Advisor for a discount code before submitting your application.
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.
Please contact the Orientation team for any accessibility accommodations during
Jump Start by emailing jumpstart.ok@ubc.ca.
