Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Depending on which semester you're going do some research on what activities there are to do. For example, going in the summer semester means you've got almost the whole skiing in BC which is amazing. I didn't know about the Epic Pass, which is a season pass for whistler, but a lot of my friends had one. If I did more research beforehand, perhaps I could have gone skiing more often. Other then that, just don't stress too much. Reach out to people that have been there before and inform yourself on what there is to do to get housing, courses, etc. Also the visa isn't difficult to get, compared to for example the US.

2. Accommodation

Even though it says only about 50% of applicants get housing, I have never heard of an exchange student not getting on campus housing. Apply in time and you should be good. There is too student housing complexes that the exchange students are allocated to (at least in my semester). Fairview is a bit further away from classes and all the happening, while Walter gage is located perfectly. If you're lucky, you get a room with amazing views in Walter gage which is not really possible for fairview. In walter gage you've got more room mates than in fairview. there is pro and contra for both. I would just apply for both and see which one you're getting. In the beginning of the semester it is also no problem to change rooms or even complexes, if you met someone, you want to live together with. From my experience, both accomodations have been safe, though walter gage might be safer due to a lot of key passings. Also, don't expect super clean and tidy units, for example in walter gage there is 6 people sharing one kitchen and one bathroom. Overall, I had a really good experience.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is big and spread out. There is a ton of different faculties. As you're studying business you'll have most classes in the sauder building which is more or less in the center. facilities are not comparable to US standards where they pump in millions of dollars into gyms etc. but there is everything you need. I can recommend doing more classes with numbers where there is a clear correct or incorrect. As there is the rule, that course have to have a certain average, teachers rarely give you full points if they don't have to. My accounting class was by far the easiest one and my best one, which I did not expect beforehand. Teaching style is very personal, small classes a lot of assignments and discussions.

5. Every day life in the host country

Busses are very popular and reliable. You get a semester ticket included, which you have to renew every month (for free though). I felt really safe on campus. Going downtown you need to be careful where you go and when. There is parts of the city you don't want to be alone at night. The welcome event was pretty underwhelming but you get the chance to meet other exchange students which I heavily recommend to take. For me it was super easy to connect with other exchange students as everyone has the mindset to get to know people and is open. UBC also has a student sports league where you can join teams to compete against other students from UBC which is super fun. There is a new gym on campus which is quite big but from my experience always super crowded.

6. Testimonial

Overall the exchange was amazing and I don't regret going to UBC at all. You should try to meet as many people as possible, say yes to people asking to do something and be open minded. Plan trips around vancouver, near vancouver or further away in BC. The nature and the possible activities are incredible. I really recommend going skiing in winter and for hikes in warmer months. Vancouver Island is always worth a trip, if not multiple (it is bigger than you would expect). Also be aware that the weather in winter month is disappointing but therefor even more stunning in the rest of the year.