University of British Columbia Questions (houses, dorm, transfer to) - City-Data Forum

sochocklover17 · 08-28-2009, 01:04 PM

Hi, recently i've been looking up colleges that have my major (Asian Studies/East Asian studies) with Korean language as a class and I found British Columbia and Also Hawaii Manoa. I became interested in Asia when I went to Vietnam in 10th grade with my Vietnamese friend, and ever since then I've wanted to travel and learn more about it, specifically South Korea.
I just have some questions that hopefully someone can help me with.

1. Is this school hard to get into? My GPA was only a 2.7 something and SATS were average.

2. Is there a study abroad program and is it good?

3. Is it expensive to live Vancouver? (I would be staying in a dorm but i mean food wise and extra things)

4. Is it hard to find a part time job? (I don't plan on staying in Vancouver after college I'll probably be moving to Asia I just need one for the time I'm in College)

5. If this school is not good for me, do you know of any others that have the korean language and asian studies/study abroad programs?

6. Is this school crowded?

StarshipPoopers1 · 08-31-2009, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

Hi, recently i've been looking up colleges that have my major (Asian Studies/East Asian studies) with Korean language as a class and I found British Columbia and Also Hawaii Manoa. I became interested in Asia when I went to Vietnam in 10th grade with my Vietnamese friend, and ever since then I've wanted to travel and learn more about it, specifically South Korea.
I just have some questions that hopefully someone can help me with.

While I can't answer all of your questions, I can provide a few.

I suggest you go to the website for the UBC and make a profile, which will then allow you to view information about course requirements and the sort. It's at:

https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/index.jsp

Canadian Universities typically won't accept people below 80-85% depending on the competitiveness of the school/program. Depending on grade scale that your school used and the grade scale that UBC employs, I reckon that puts you around 80 which means you would probably be considered, but would be near the cutting off point. If the required minimum average was 85%, then you would indeed be below the required GPA and I'm quite certain that you would not be considered. Unlike the American system which is often based on merit, Canadian Universities are typically far stricter with their requirements.

As for cost of living, there are a few considerations. Since I'm assuming you don't live in B.C, you would be paying a hefty fee as an International Student, typically as much as three times as expensive for tuition compared to a domestic student. Grocery prices appear similar to what I pay in Ontario. If you're American then you'll no doubt find our prices crazy, but for the most part what I see in this IGA flyer is comparable what I would pay here in Ontario.

sochocklover17 · 08-31-2009, 04:22 PM

Thanks alot for your help

amark · 09-01-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

1. Is this school hard to get into? My GPA was only a 2.7 something and SATS were average.

UBC is somewhat difficult to get into especially if you are not from BC. In order to be competitive you should have a GPA of at least 3.0 and that is a minimum. Also, as far as I know UBC does not require the SAT's, but I think they will look at them if you send them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

2. Is there a study abroad program and is it good?

I know there is a study abroad program, but I am not sure on how good it is. I know they have connections with universities like UC Berkeley so I would image they are not bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

3. Is it expensive to live Vancouver? (I would be staying in a dorm but i mean food wise and extra things)

By North American standards Vancouver is an expensive city to live in. Food and other expenses will be more expensive than they are in the states if that is what you are used to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

4. Is it hard to find a part time job? (I don't plan on staying in Vancouver after college I'll probably be moving to Asia I just need one for the time I'm in College)

It's not too difficult to find a part time job.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

5. If this school is not good for me, do you know of any others that have the korean language and asian studies/study abroad programs?

Not sure. Maybe check some Ontario universities like York, Queens, or UofT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sochocklover17

6. Is this school crowded?

Yes, in undergrad you are practically a number.

StarshipPoopers1 · 09-02-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amark

Not sure. Maybe check some Ontario universities like York, Queens, or UofT.

University of Western Ontario is another good one, ranked one of the highest in Canada.

reneici · 01-09-2010, 10:28 AM

I graduated from UBC and can help you with ur questions in case they are still relevant to you.

(btw, i just visited Vietnam....it's AWESOME)

1. Is this school hard to get into? My GPA was only a 2.7 something and SATS were average.

It's not the easiest to get in, but not super hard.... you don't have to worry about SAT. Just pull up your GPA to around 3.0.

2. Is there a study abroad program and is it good?
Yes, and I did the study abroad program too (I also went to Asia). I loved it. It was awesome. I think as long as your university average is around 70% you qualify. It's also pretty easy to apply for scholarships becuz UBC wants to make studying abroad affordable for students. I think UBC has one of the best study abroad programs with over a hundred exchange partner universities around the world. I got over 10 grand to support my study abroad experience.

3. Is it expensive to live Vancouver? (I would be staying in a dorm but i mean food wise and extra things)
It's expensive, but there are a lot of restaurants, grocery stores, etc around UBC geared toward poor students. You'll survive.

4. Is it hard to find a part time job? (I don't plan on staying in Vancouver after college I'll probably be moving to Asia I just need one for the time I'm in College)
It's not that hard. Many students at UBC have part time jobs. Be proactive, be aggressive, don't be passive.

5. If this school is not good for me, do you know of any others that have the korean language and asian studies/study abroad programs?
I think this is probably one of your best choices. I know that UBC has the biggest Asian library (bigger than Harvard) and one of the best Asian-Studies programs in North America. I took a couple of courses in the Asian-Studies department and was pretty impressed. The library is really cool. The Asian Study Center looks beautiful. It's in this building with classical Asian architecture and a beautiful Japanese garden. Plus Vancouver has a giant Korean community. UBC is not too far from downtown's Korean Town.

6. Is this school crowded?[/quote]
It's huge. Massive. Like it's got forests and beaches (including a nude beach). It's 1000 acres in size.
In the Student Union Building it can get crowded during lunch time but if you don't want to be crowded it's so easy to go wander off into woods and be completely alone. It has the most beautiful campus I've seen.

Best of luck!

doraemon_ubc · 03-28-2010, 06:37 AM

I have an offer from UBC Vancouver. I'm applying for housing . However according to their website, I have to be invited by groups of students. I do not get it. How can I find any group if I don't know any one in BC ? I'm in England. Housing in UBC is so confusing to me. Please quote me ! Thanks .

alecaf · 03-28-2010, 12:03 PM

amark gave you the perfect answer. However if you want to go to UBC badly and can't get in right away there are some things you can do, for example joining Vancouver Community college of Langara college for a year or two till you have the grade to transfer to UBC is what many people do. They actually take in people with lower averages than coming in from highschool.

Xx_G3TtO_xX · 04-16-2010, 01:27 PM

I have a question?? I live in the United States and Im wanting to go to The University of British Columbia in Vancouver. How can i get grants or can i even get them? If i have good grades is that a plus? I need information, is there a website or something or can you give me an answer? Thank you so much ~♥ ^^

reneici · 04-20-2010, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xx_G3TtO_xX

I have a question?? I live in the United States and Im wanting to go to The University of British Columbia in Vancouver. How can i get grants or can i even get them? If i have good grades is that a plus? I need information, is there a website or something or can you give me an answer? Thank you so much ~♥ ^^

Call the academic advising office.
Arts Faculty:
Academic Advising - Current Students - UBC Student Services
The second option on the right is Awards, Finances, etc

If you are in the Science Faculty, just google "UBC Science Academic Advising"

Quote:

Originally Posted by doraemon_ubc

I have an offer from UBC Vancouver. I'm applying for housing . However according to their website, I have to be invited by groups of students. I do not get it. How can I find any group if I don't know any one in BC ? I'm in England. Housing in UBC is so confusing to me. Please quote me ! Thanks .

I think that is for Fraternities or Sororities.
If you want to join (and thus live in the frat/sorority houses), you have to first "rush" (go to different frat houses and hang out at their parties), then get "invited" to join them if they like your vibe.
My bro was part of the Kappa Sigma frat at UBC and they had a NICE house, 24-hour chef, etc. But you can't rush until you are physically there.

You can apply for regular student housing.
Go to:
UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services