Information for Students
Academic Support
Many key academic resources at UBC can be found in Faculties. Professors, teaching assistants, other instructors are dedicated to supporting students with information and support.
This link directs you to a list of additional support which include: The Aboriginal Health Initiative, The Indigenous Portal for information on various learning opportunities, Mentorship Programs, Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement program, and Tutoring.
Mental Health Support
Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Program
Counseling services committed to a process of Indigenizing and decolonizing mental health services at UBC. The IMHW program strives to be respectful of wisdom traditions practiced across our nations and with the individual experiences of Indigenous UBC students.
This program offers:
- Free and confidential drop-in and brief counseling services
- Planning sessions to help you meet difficult challenges while attending UBC which includes how to locate a doctor or find community resources like a daycare
- Mentoring from professional staff
- Connections with community resources that encourage wellbeing
- Facilitation and support of cultural work
UBC Counselling Services
As an Indigenous student you can choose to seek out support from other counsellors at UBC counselling services. It is the first point of contact for all of your mental health concerns, whether you would like to see a doctor, a counsellor, or if you need more information about mental health. This service offers virtual, phone, and in-person appointments
UBC Awards for Indigenous Students
The UBC awards for Indigenous Students include scholarships and bursaries. When you apply for these awards, they are considered for both merit and need-based awards.
- Scholarships are awards that recognize academic, community, or athletic achievement
- Bursaries are based on financial need. Student awards based solely on financial need are not included on your transcript.
Work Learn Program
The Work Learn Program supports and subsidizes meaningful work experiences on and off campus, offering current UBC Vancouver students the opportunity to develop their professional skills in a work environment.
This offers a chance to expand your professional network, gain work experience, and skills through a part-time UBC job while taking classes.
On-Campus Jobs
Many places on campus regularly hire student staff. You can apply for school-year positions in August or summer jobs in March.
UBC campus jobs include:
- Alma Mater Society (AMS)
- UBC Recreation
- Student Housing
- Food Services
- UBC Annual Giving
- UBC Libraries
By clicking the link below you can browse CareersOnline, which is a opportunities board for UBC students and alumni for on- and off-campus jobs and opportunities.
Longhouse
The Longhouse serves as a “home away from home” for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students, and for many offers an academic, social, spiritual, and cultural hub. Opened in 1993, the First Nations Longhouse is an award-winning building constructed with Western red cedar logs and designed to relfect a traditional Musqueam shed-style longhouse.
This includes a study space for Indigenous students and Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall, a 3,600 square foot multipurpose room adorned with carved houseposts and beams, which provides a wonderful setting for gatherings.
Indigenous student lunches are hosted every Tuesday during the semester, sponsored by UBC units offering support to Indigenous students.
šxʷta:təχʷəm student space
Located within the Longhouse, this is a dedicated gathering place for Indigenous students. The space includes a comfortable lounge, kitchenette, media room, private bathroom, and ground-level patio.
šxʷta:təχʷəm is designed to foster community and connection, it offers a welcoming environment where students can study, relax, and access a variety of resources.
X̱wi7x̱wa Library
The X̱wi7x̱wa Library is the only Indigenous branch of an academic library in Canada dedicated entirely to Indigenous scholarship. Its collections and services reflect Indigenous approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
X̱wi7x̱wa Library uses a locally developed classification and subject heading system to organize material in the collection. Librarians and staff specialize in Indigenous content and are able to provide support for students, faculty, and community members.
Students can explore a wide range of resources that honour Indigenous approaches to teachings, learning, and storytelling within a space that is culturally grounded.
Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
UBC’s MOA features a number of large sculptures, totem poles, and cultural artifacts. However, the collection does not just focus on the First Nations of the Northwest Coast, it also contains other ethnological objects from all continents.
The MOA is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing the world through challenging and innovative programs and partnerships with Indigenous, local, and global communities.
MOA places a high priority on ensuring that access to collections is provided for originating community members, researchers, and members of the public. It supports the principles of the UNDRIP by committing to developing close working relationships with Indigenous peoples, groups, and organizations that have a claim to, or interest in, the material in its care.
xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Garden
The xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Garden at the UBC farm is a teaching and learning garden that centres Indigenous food sovereignty and plant knowledge. This garden has been at the UBC farm since 2007, first under the guidance of the UBC Institute for Aboriginal Health and currently under the Indigenous Research Partnerships (IRP), Faculty of Land and Food Systems, under the direction of Dr. Eduardo Jovel.
The Garden also hosts student internships throughout the academic year that supports UBC students in gaining hands-on learning and research while gaining credit for their degree. The Garden embodies the principle that ‘food is medicine’ and follows the research ethic framework of the “4R’s: respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility” and a holistic understanding of health and healing.
Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC)
The IRSHDC is a powerful and reflective space dedicated to truth, dialogue, and education. It provides access to records and information on Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of the Residential School system. The Centre also works with partners at UBC and beyond to encourage dialogue about the Residential School system and the on-going repercussions of colonialism in Canada.
IRSHDC addresses the colonial impacts of Residential Schools and other policies imposed by the Canadian government on Indigenous Peoples, and ensures that this history is acknowledged, examined and understood within the UBC community.
The Centre’s goals are to challenge hierarchies and colonial narratives to educate and inform in both practical and theoretical ways. It also intends to develop content and resources in collaborative ways to present different perspectives, develop new understandings, and support agency for those affected by the Indian Residential School System and its legacies.
Housing
Living in residence makes it easy for students to meet new people, live in a study-oriented atmosphere, get help for academic and personal challenges, and be part of all that UBC and its surrounding neighbourhoods have to offer.
Campus residents have easy access to beaches, recreational activities, theatre, restaurants and special interest clubs.
Residence Advisors can help connect students with resources and support services and organize fun opportunities for students to get involved in.
The demand to live in residence is high and it is recommended to apply at the same time you submit your graduate program application. However, applications are accepted at any time and you do not have to wait for an offer of admission to apply to live in residence.