Life at UBC
Indigenous Self-Identification
UBC has developed a wide variety of student services for Indigenous students, including admission policies, housing and financial awards. Self-identification is optional. If you choose to self-identify on your admission application, UBC will provide you with information on Indigenous programs, scholarships and bursaries. See the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions page for more info.
The Museum of Anthroplogy
Funding and Finance
UBC Vancouver offers several funding options to help you pay for your education. Some of the major funding options include scholarships, bursaries and student loans. Check out UBC Admission’s Budget Planning Worksheet and Cost Calculator if you would like help putting your financial plan together.
If you are eligible for tuition and textbook sponsorship, you will need to authorize third-party billing sponsorship between UBC and your sponsoring organization (Band, Nation or Métis Council). Visit the Student Services page on Sponsorship Billing for more information.
UBC Vancouver offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries and awards for Indigenous students. Visit the UBC Admissions Awards for Indigenous Students page for a full list of campus-wide opportunities. The Faculty of Forestry also offers several scholarships, awards and prizes. Visit Forestry’s Financial Aid page to learn more.
UBC Student Housing
Indigenous students at UBC Vancouver may be eligible for priority access to the university’s residence housing program. For more information about on-campus housing, see the Housing section on UBC’s Indigenous Portal. If you prefer to live off-campus, check out the UBC Student Residence guide to living off-campus.
Health and Dental Insurance
All UBC students are required to have extended health insurance, and all students are automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan. Indigenous students who receive health and dental benefits from Health Canada or the FNHA may choose to opt out of the AMS/GSS plan. You must opt out by each term deadline in order to not be charged for this coverage. See the Student Services’ Health and Wellness page for more information and important deadlines.
Community
Here are the community resources available for you at UBC.
The First Nations House of Learning is often considered a “home away from home” to many students and faculty who identify as First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Indigenous and Indigenous. A number of student services are offered here, including tutoring, counselling, a computer lab, lockers, a student lounge and elders’ lounge. Every Tuesday during the school year, the FNHL hosts a free lunch from 12:30-1:30pm. Visit the FNHL website for more information.
The Xwi7xwa Library (pronounced whei-wha) can be found next to the First Nations House of Learning. The Library has one of the largest collections of Indigenous resources in Canada, and the librarians are knowledgeable about Indigenous perspectives and content. See the Xwi7xwa website for more info.
The Forestry Undergraduate Society (FUS) is made up of undergrad students enrolled in forestry at UBC. The FUS coordinates events, runs intramural sports and has volunteer and employment connections. See the FUS website for more info.