Getting Ready for September
May 24, 2016
As a new student in UBC Science, you’ve successfully registered for your courses for the upcoming school year…but now what?
1. Get Your Student ID Card (UBCcard)
Your UBC Student ID card (UBCcard) is essential for your years at UBC. You can use it for:
- Getting your Compass Card on campus
- Mandatory ID during midterms and final exams
- Free admission to UBC museums and gardens
- Copying, printing, and scanning self-service at UBC libraries
- Pre-loading money for on-campus services (e.g. UBC Bookstore, Food Services)
- Discounts on food and more
Get your UBCcard by applying online.
2. Obtain and Register Your U-Pass (on a Compass Card)
Your U-Pass is a transit pass for Vancouver’s public transit system – get unlimited use of the buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus, paid for through your student fees. To apply for a U-Pass exemption (how to opt-out of the program), learn more here.
Getting your U-Pass benefit:
- Purchase an adult-class Compass Card at the UBC Bookstore, TransLink’s FareDealers, or a skytrain station.
- Request your U-Pass benefit for the upcoming month online. The request may take some time to process.
Learn more about the U-Pass and how to transit around campus
3. Find out Where to Buy Textbooks
Each course requires a specific textbook for the term. Find your personalized book list online, or type in your student number at a UBC Bookstore computer kiosk to print out your booklist.
Recommendation: Wait until the first lecture before buying the book – the instructor might specify a certain textbook version/edition. Buy textbooks in the first week or so, or you may not have materials for pre-reading quizzes. Textbooks can sell out soon! Some instructors allow older textbook editions to be used.
Where to buy textbooks:
- UBC Bookstore – Buy new or sometimes used textbooks or rent textbooks (requires a credit card to rent).
- UBC Textbooks 4 Sale Facebook Group – Join the group to buy (or sell) used textbooks from other UBC students.
4. Prepare Your Lab Equipment
UBC Science students must complete courses with a lab component. You may need lab goggles, a lab coat, and lab manual(s) for your chemistry labs. Purchase them at the UBC Bookstore, second-hand from a UBC student, or in the Chemistry department. You may receive more info through emails from your Chemistry instructor or during your Chemistry lectures.
5. Set up Your Own UBC Email Address
All UBC students can set up their own UBC student email inbox. Send and receive mail from your @student.ubc.ca email address, or have @student.ubc.ca emails forwarded to your personal email account. Learn more.
6. WiFi Connections on Campus
When you are on campus, you may see three UBC WiFi connections available:
- UBC Visitor
- Avaliable to the general public (no need to be a UBC student)
- To connect, enter a personal email address and accept the terms and conditions
- UBC Secure (recommended)
- Available to all UBC students with a CWL login
- To connect, use your CWL login info when prompted
- UBC Private
- Not available to UBC undergrad students
Having trouble connecting? Find support from UBC IT.
7. Learn about UBC Science Orientations and More
Participate in the Jump Start program, or find your orientation group for Imagine UBC.
8. Download Microsoft Software
UBC Science students have free access to Microsoft software. Sign in with your CWL to download:
- Microsoft Office 365 (includes Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, etc)
9. Know how you'll be evaluated at UBC
Read about course formats at UBC, final exams, and helpful academic resources.
When you've reviewed the information on the website, if you still have questions, you can drop in to Science Advising.
