Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

WU application & interview: -The interview influences the final ranking, although its mainly based on your GPA -Clearly explain why you want to go to UBC -Show motivation, be authentic, and demonstrate that you genuinely engaged with your choice General preparation for the exchange semester: -Start planning early (documents, deadlines, finances) -Check course recognition and credit transfer requirements in advance -Prepare a realistic budget (rent, travel, everyday expenses) -Talk to former exchange students, often more helpful than official guides -Stay flexible: plans and courses may change after arrival Preparation for Canada: -Apply for the eTA (sufficient for stays under 6 months; No study permit required for short-term exchanges) -Mandatory UBC health insurance (pay via UBC Workday) -Payment setup: I can recommend Revolut -Phone & data: I can recommend Nomad eSIM (available for Canada-only or all of North America; very reliable) -Bring Canadian power adapters -Don’t stress about clothing, bring less rather than more, as clothes are noticeably cheaper in Canada -If you plan to ski, some airlines allow ski equipment to be checked in for free (e.g. Lufthansa); In addition you should consider buying a season pass before the semester starts, it’s usually much cheaper than buying individual lift tickets on site

2. Accommodation

UBC on-campus housing is the easiest and safest option and works very well for exchange students On-campus housing (highly recommended): -Simple but functional (not luxury, but everything you need) -Excellent location, close to classes -Shared dorms make it easy to connect from day one -Great way to meet locals and other exchange students quickly -Strong social environment, you build a network fast and have a lot of fun -I lived in Walter Gage and would 100% recommend it as a first choice -cheap in comparison to private housing Private housing: -Very expensive and difficult for short-term stays -Limited supply and real risk of scams -Often requires higher deposits Important tip: Apply asap, have a backup plan ready, as housing offers are usually confirmed only about one month before the exchange starts

3. Academic life at host university

UBC’s academic level is comparable to WU, but the structure is different Key differences: -2 × 1.5h lectures per course per week -Continuous assessment (assignments, midterms, participation) -Final exams usually weigh less than at WU -Late submissions are often penalized lightly instead of rejected -Super friendly and approachable instructors who are always happy to help Campus facilities & life: -Excellent libraries and study spaces (my favourite: Allard Hall) -Outstanding gym & sports facilities -REC North gym + Aquatic Centre access for CAD 60 per term -Tons of student clubs, events, and intramural sports -Vibrant American-style campus culture (Fraternities/Sororities, sports games, and social events) -huge campus, surrounded by nature, beach access, and breathtaking sunsets

5. Every day life in the host country

Living in Vancouver offers an exceptional quality of life. Leisure & social life: -Beach, mountains, and city all within close reach -Student clubs are a great way to meet people -Highly recommended: outdoor clubs and trips (hiking, skiing, camping) Tips & must-do experiences: -Plan courses smartly, try to schedule Fridays off, which makes weekend trips much easier -Weekend trips: -Vancouver Island (especially, Victoria and Tofino are stunning) -National Parks (Garibaldi, Joffre Lakes, and more for hiking and nature) -Banff & the Rockies (amazing mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures) -Trips (Toronto, Los Angeles, Mexico (during breaks, highly recommended!)) -Local adventures: Grouse Mountain at sunset, jogging along the beach, Cypress hikes, Harbour Air seaplane tours, swimming at Wreck Beach, Day of the Longboat -Campus life & sports: UBC Pit club, university games (ice hockey, basketball, football), concerts, and seasonal events -For sports fans, catch professional teams nearby: NBA (Vancouver doesn’t have a team, but Toronto does), NHL (Vancouver Canucks), NFL (Seattle Seahawks)

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at the University of British Columbia was without a doubt the best semester of my studies and an experience I would choose again anytime without hesitation. The combination of academic life, an open and international student community, and immediate access to nature made this exchange truly unique. Beyond academics, the semester had a huge personal impact on me. I left my comfort zone, became more independent, and grew significantly on a personal and cultural level. I built meaningful friendships with people from all over the world, many of which will last far beyond the exchange. Looking back, I did not regret a single second, every challenge, effort, and step outside my routine was absolutely worth it. I am incredibly grateful to WU Vienna for offering this opportunity and strongly encourage every student to take advantage of it. If you are considering an exchange, I can only recommend doing it wholeheartedly. Studying at UBC is not just an academic experience, it is a life-changing one.