## [Resources and support](/resources) University life can be a lot. But there’s a whole network of resources and people to give you the tools to make it manageable, empowering, and exciting. UBC and your department/program will provide guidance throughout all stages of your study. However, a key to success in graduate education lies in your ability and willingness to be proactive – to take responsibility for your own graduate school experiences. We're available for any questions these resources don't make clear! ![Group of students faculty and staff posing in wooded area](/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023%20-%20group-shot%202%20banner%20crop.png)## Find what you're looking for: or Open All Accordions ## Some how-to guides Your student life cycle from applicant to alum is quite the process. There are several guides to demystify the process and in some cases provide some advice. ### Application guides Applying for grad school is quite the process. UBC has made a guide to demystify the process and provide some advice. [Application guide manual](https://app.cyberimpact.com/click-tracking?ct=CUHomjoiq142Qd8KJsudoB84Lnx749WjkaAYrYPJ5tshY01Ilos1umPX7UWRoVM2ErJUtIJiTQvytYVNzDjskZPlSO3IB41GZpBIdfoairwod51XmxePcu2Pd35Tg86Y) [Video archive with tips as you apply](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/application-advice) [Upcoming admissions-related events](https://scarp.ubc.ca/events?keywords=&field_event_category_target_id=280) ### Graduate game plan This guides grad students through the key stages of your graduate education and provides advice for navigating your graduate program. [Learn more about the graduate game plan](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development/graduate-game-plan) ### SCARP student handbooks Once you’re a student here, here’s what you’ll need to know next. These documents may be updated and replaced here at any time. [Find the SCARP handbooks that are most meaningful to you](/documents) ### Become a teaching/academic/research assistant Many students have found opportunities as teaching assistants and research assistants. It represents funds and professional development. Read on to understand the expectations and process, as well as the distinction of your dual-roles as university student and university employee. [TA application form](/sites/default/files/2023-07/gta_application_form.pdf) [Current opportunities at SCARP](/positions-available) [TA orientation and resources](https://ta-training.apsc.ubc.ca/job-training/) ### SCARP forms you'll need Please download fillable forms before filling them in, as some browsers may experience difficulty filling fields or saving complete forms. [SCARP forms](/documents) ## Assistance and support Some students with differing needs or circumstances may benefit from support resources the university provides. ### Awards and student funding There are many student awards and funding opportunities available to SCARP students. Awards and/or funding sources are made available through SCARP, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS), professional planning boards and/or other UBC departments. Each award or funding source has their own eligibility, their own application requirements, and their own application deadlines. Many funding institutions do not determine exact application deadlines until soon beforehand. While staff will try to prompt students with reminders, please proactively stay apprised of upcoming opportunities and deadlines. [Awards available to SCARP students](/student-life/awards) ### International student guide UBC's International Student Advising is here to support international students throughout their entire student life cycle, including: - Things to take into account before you start at UBC - Resources while you're at UBC - Immigration document support - Answers to your questions [Learn more about UBC's international student guide](https://students.ubc.ca/international-student-guide) The Government of Canada's website also provides context for obtaining a graduate degree at a Canadian university. [Get your graduate degree in Canada - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/graduate-student.html) ### UBC's Centre for Accessibility The University works to accommodate students with disabilities. If you have ongoing conditions that require accommodation, register with the Centre for Accessibility to initiate. [Learn more about UBC's Centre for Accessibility](https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/centre-for-accessibility) ### Students who are parents If you are a student who is a parent, there are plenty of programs, resources and initiatives that can assist you. The students who are parents website offers information on community centres and family activities, support on campus, information on daycares and schools, and more The printable [resources](https://orientation2-grad.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2020/12/Resources-for-UBC-Graduate-Students-with-Families.pdf) for Graduate Students with Families document also includes information on housing, child care and schools, fun things to do as well as resources for settling in. [Learn more about resources for students who are parents](https://students.ubc.ca/campus-life/equity-diversity-inclusion-resources/resources-who-are-parents/) ### UBC Student Services' student support and resources UBC Student Services houses its own hub of additional support and resources. [Enter Student Services' Support and Resources hub](https://students.ubc.ca/support) Read further down this webpage for resources regarding health and wellness (broadly defined). ## Indigenous resources ### UBC's Indigenous Portal A referral resource for Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and the broader university community. Administered by the First Nations House of Learning at UBC. [Access UBC's Indigenous Portal](https://indigenous.ubc.ca/about-the-indigenous-portal/) ### Indigenous Initiatives Student Resources UBC's Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology has Indigenous initiatives involving free online resources to support you with your learning journey at UBC. Regardless of if you’re a first-year undergrad or deep diving into your PhD, we got you. Our resources support the entire teaching and learning community at UBC, which means students as well as faculty and staff. [Learn more about CTLT Indigenous Initiatives](https://indigenousinitiatives.ctlt.ubc.ca/student-resources/) ### Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada Hosted by the Government of Canada. You can explore resources about the histories, cultures, languages and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. [Access Canada's Indigenous learning resources](https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/1621447157184) ## More learning resources UBC is huge. At every level there are hubs, centres, and tools to help your learning process. ### The Music, Art & Architecture Library /The Architecture & Planning Librarian The library is one of those unsung heroes of any University, and an invaluable tool in the toolbelt of a student and a planner. UBC Library is the second-largest research library in Canada and a high-ranking member of the Association of Research Libraries, and the [Music, Art & Architecture Library](https://maa.library.ubc.ca/) houses the core planning collection and provides reference and instructional support, via the Architecture & Planning Liaison Librarian. This resource will help you find community and regional planning related information including articles, books, standards, theses, images, videos, data and more; and Architecture and Planning Librarian Paula Farrar can help guide you in your search. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of planning, SCARP research and teaching are also supported by collections and services in the Koerner Library (social sciences, government publications, data and statistics), Woodward Library (health, engineering, forestry and land & food systems), David Lam Library (business and transportation), Xwi7xwa Library (Indigenous scholarship) and Law Library. [Learn more about UBC's Music, Art & Architecture Library](https://maa.library.ubc.ca/) ### Ask a librarian #### Book a one-on-one consultation For subjects such as: - NVivo - GitHub, digital exhibits, Unix shell - GIS, APIs, OSF - Citation Management [Learn more about UBC Library consultations](https://communications.library.ubc.ca/ext/click/go/9d43807e3615daa267260415e7e650af/08a4c8e737082e7a8e265d64e719acc8/d4188857416223cfed199118b863bb27) #### Ask a librarian online Can't get to the Library? All students, instructors, and researchers can ask a UBC Librarian online with the virtual AskAway service. Open hours: - Mon-Thu: 9am - 9pm - Fri: 9am - 5pm - Sat: 11am - 5pm - Sun: 10am - 9pm [Learn more about UBC LIbrary's Virtual AskAway service](https://communications.library.ubc.ca/ct/4395/3324062/789870403/d4188857416223cfed199118b863bb27) ### Research Commons Located on the 4th and 5th floors of Koerner Library, the Research Commons offers consultations, workshops, and collaborative spaces for studying, research projects, and hosting presentations. There are open communal spaces for all to study, and private bookable rooms available to graduate students and faculty. The Research Commons also includes a Digital Scholarship Computer Lab, and provides expertise on Data Analysis, Citation Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and more. We are a community space that embraces both new and traditional exploratory scholarship and provides access to services and expertise for the advancement of research. [Learn more about UBC's Research Commons](https://researchcommons.library.ubc.ca/) ### Centre for writing and scholarly communications CWSC provides evidence-based writing consultations, workshops, seminars, and resources for UBC Vancouver community members. They welcome those with varying levels of English language proficiency, including multilingual speakers new to academic and professional English at a research university. The CWSC models best practices that support and promote linguistic diversity, expression, and identity in accord with UBC's decolonising, anti-racist, and inclusive pathway to excellence. [Learn more about UBC's Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communications](https://writing.library.ubc.ca/) ## Student spaces Dedicated space to study quietly, collaborate with peers on your own terms, or access student community is crucial to your academic experience. Luckily, this is UBC, and there’s no end of Third Places and student hubs. ### Graduate Life Centre About one block away from WMAX, UBC grad students can now find a hub and space meant just for them. It’s a true Third Place for grad students, and a physical resource, with event space you can book for events, smaller spaces for meetings or quiet study, professional development events offered to you, and far more. [Learn more about the Graduate Life Centre](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/campus-community/graduate-life-centre) ### Research Commons Located on the 4th and 5th floors of Koerner Library, the Research Commons offers consultations, workshops, and collaborative spaces for studying, research projects, and hosting presentations. There are open communal spaces for all to study, and private bookable rooms available to graduate students and faculty. The Research Commons also includes a Digital Scholarship Computer Lab, and provides expertise on Data Analysis, Citation Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and more. We are a community space that embraces both new and traditional exploratory scholarship and provides access to services and expertise for the advancement of research. [Learn more about UBC's Research Commons](https://researchcommons.library.ubc.ca/) ### Graduate Student Community Forum The graduate student community is an online network for newly admitted and current UBC graduate students to meet, exchange ideas, discuss topics of mutual interest, and explore career and professional development opportunities. [Learn more about the Graduate Student Community Forum](https://community.grad.ubc.ca/) ## Professional development and skills Learning at SCARP goes far beyond immersing in the theory of Planning. Begin your professional or academic journey here with us, and we’ll provide you with the insights, resources, and connections to enter hit the ground running and become known as an expert in your field before you even graduate. Also keep an eye out on our [Events Page](https://scarp.ubc.ca/events) for upcoming professional development webinars! ### G+PS Professional Development hub At UBC, personal and professional development for graduate students is a key priority to ensure the success of our graduates. It is a shared responsibility of a number of offices and academic units and includes a variety of workshops, services and resources. [Learn more about G+PS professional development resources](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development) ### UBC Centre for Student Involvement & Careers The Centre for Student Involvement & Careers supports students in knowing who they are, who they are becoming, and what they bring to the world. Through the work of the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers, UBC students have the opportunity to become engaged learners, able to actively influence the University, and become graduates ready for life and career. [Learn more about the UBC Centre for Student Involvement & Careers](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development/provider/centre-student-involvement-careers) ### Career resources for UBC grad students UBC's Student Services portal includes (among its other resources) a suite of resources regarding career development for grad students. [Learn more about UBC Student Services' career resources](https://students.ubc.ca/career/career-resources/career-resources-graduate) ### UBC Graduate Pathways to Success program This team provides (non-credit) workshops, seminars and other activities designed to complement your graduate program’s academic curriculum and mentorship experience. [Learn more about the Graduate Pathways to Success program](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development/graduate-pathways-success) ### LinkedIn Learning for UBC students LinkedIn has an enormous archive of learning modules for thousands of professional skills, competencies, and industry knowledge. Being a degree-seeking UBC student gives you access to this system, where you can find free learning modules and streams of modules that speak to your professional journey, building skills, browsing career ideas, and achieving your personal goals. [Get started with LinkedIn Learning](https://students.ubc.ca/career/career-resources/make-most-linkedin/) ### Guides to writing and research UBC's Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication developed these resources to assist students and instructors across the disciplines and professions. These evidence-based resources describe some of the typical practices that occur in high-stakes writing situations, with a focus on academic genres: abstracts, lay summaries, literature reviews, research article introductions, and so on. [Take a look](https://writing.library.ubc.ca/writing-resources/guides-to-writing-and-research/?utm_source=Cyberimpact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GradUpdate-22-Apr-2025) ### Scholarly Communications team UBC has an expert team to support UBC faculty and students through workshops, guides and one-to-one consultations on a range of scholarly communication issues. [Learn more about UBC's Scholarly Communications team](https://scholcomm.ubc.ca/) ### Writing Consultations Doctoral Writing Consultants support student writers at UBC Vancouver, at all levels of English language proficiency, across a broad spectrum of writing situations: academic, creative, professional, and technical. - In-person or Written Feedback - Various dates, locations, and times [Learn more or book a consultation](https://app.cyberimpact.com/redirect?ct=qTgL26-_lJ5QFcWovrZhftbQWD7W96p4xMGmXIwj5ATowCpTQo-gQU_eovRimAoz0R30v7ccFN3kiD28qU97uyoTNf4bmXJ-sBDbytH4LFW3pxa9W-e4lz8z7-jYfUzXWQdePVXp9VaT8tiI7QJt0w~~) ### Inclusive event planning One important lens in the world of planning is accessibility, not only into physical spaces but of all considerations that determine whether someone is left behind in your plan. Here are some considerations when planning events. [Learn more about inclusive event planning](https://canvas.ubc.ca/enroll/JTXN9L) ### Networking tips and tricks Planning and professional development both depend on partnerships and networking-building. The ability to immerse yourself in groups, institutions, or communities, and to have a story of yourself as a professional and expert in your field, are core competencies of success when finding a job or building your career. [Learn more about networking](https://ubcca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cherrie_kwok_ubc_ca/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fcherrie%5Fkwok%5Fubc%5Fca%2FDocuments%2FIndustry%20Night%2FIndustry%20Night%202022%2D23%20Resources%2FNetworking%20Tips%20Poster%2Ejpg&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fcherrie%5Fkwok%5Fubc%5Fca%2FDocuments%2FIndustry%20Night%2FIndustry%20Night%202022%2D23%20Resources&ga=1) ### Management Consulted online tool All degree-seeking UBC students can log in to this online tool to access resources related to consulting, including resources for preparing for case interviews, learning about what consulting is, and finding peers to practice case interviews with. Students can [log in](https://app.cyberimpact.com/redirect?ct=tiZqmDuPjPpcVe-kflKhm5iL5RJEP5gEXIzXhACL1gnjZoFzfd0pwVVEfwNcr7Mzf0OTbLXYyh1G0uHDnnzugbB5cMQmnpNyC-AvPrwI7gn9RvkeVcclKTFV8nxYEfHpRW4wXv05PgKIZYQowk6z1A~~) with their CWL. If faculty or staff want to see what the tool looks like or if students are having difficulties logging in contact the UBC Career Centre. [Log in now](https://app.cyberimpact.com/redirect?ct=tiZqmDuPjPpcVe-kflKhm5iL5RJEP5gEXIzXhACL1gnjZoFzfd0pwVVEfwNcr7Mzf0OTbLXYyh1G0uHDnnzugbB5cMQmnpNyC-AvPrwI7gn9RvkeVcclKTFV8nxYEfHpRW4wXv05PgKIZYQowk6z1A~~) ### NCFDD professional development handbook NCFDD produced a "handbook" in the form of a video mini-series with quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include: - Accountability Matters - Creating Micro-goals - Productivity Pick-me-ups - The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit - Advancing Your Strategic Plan - How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time - Promoting Your Publications - Rethinking Self-care - The Art of Saying 'Yes' - Touchstone Teamwork The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty, postdocs, & graduate students from over 450 colleges and universities. [Enter the NCFDD video mini-series handbook](https://www.ncfdd.org/hiddenhandbook) ### Faculty of Applied Science's Experiential Learning Hub UBC Applied Science’s Experiential Learning Hub (E-Hub) is designed to give students an edge in a constantly evolving job market through involvement in a variety of action-based programs and workshops. Here, students can discover and connect with hands-on learning opportunities that allow them to forge professional networks, enhance written and verbal communication skills, and upgrade their emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership abilities. Some assets may be particular to other schools in the Faculty of Applied Science, but many are of use to SCARP students as well. [Enter APSC's Experiential Learning Hub](https://experience.apsc.ubc.ca/) ### UBC Career Centre Through workshops, advising, work integrated learning, and industry and alumni connections, the UBC Career Centre helps students and graduates from all academic disciplines explore who they are and what they bring to the world. [Learn more about the UBC Career Centre](https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/ubc-career-centre) ### UBC Careers Online portal UBC hosts an online job and volunteer board for UIBC students and alumni. Here you can also sign up for career fairs, as well as attend career-building workshops. [Enter the UBC Careers Online portal](https://ubc-csm.symplicity.com/index.php/pid948809?) ### SCARP's Planning career hub Careers in Planning transcend across countless sectors and disciplines. While innovation and instinct in networking is key, here are some resources to help you find current opportunities and future connections. [Enter SCARP's Planning career hub](/careers) ### Internships and co-ops with BC Public Services Learn about paid internships, co-op placements and youth employment hiring programs. [Learn more about BC Public Service opportunities](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/internship-co-op-opportunities) ### Volunteer opportunities Civic agencies help communicate community perspectives to Council and staff while advising on City priorities, projects, and initiatives. A few have specific decision-making authority. [Apply for a civic agency in Vancouver](https://vancouver.ca/your-government/apply-for-a-civic-agency.aspx) ## Health and wellness Prioritising your health and exercising self-care and balance can escape us sometimes, especially in difficult circumstances. UBC hopes to provide some resources to not face these challenges alone. ### Student Health Service Offers a range of health assessments and treatments provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Appointments are available to students in British Columbia by phone, video, or in person. [Learn more about UBC's Student Health Service](https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/health-wellbeing/student-health-service) ### Wellness Centre Located in the UBC Life Building, the Wellness Centre is a peer-hosted space that offers many wellbeing programs for students. [Learn more about UBC's Wellness Centre](https://students.ubc.ca/health/wellness-centre) ### Student counselling services UBC Counselling Services offers virtual, phone, and in-person appointments for initial and follow-up appointments. [Learn more about Counselling Services](https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services) ### Here2Talk Here2Talk is a free BC-wide counseling and referral service available to UBC students 24/7. Young people between the ages of 15-24 are more likely to have mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders than any other age group – as age group most UBC students fall into. Services include: - 24/7 access to chat with a trained counselor - Speak to a trained counselor by phone - Articles and resources to help you cope with the challenges of student life, health, living away from home, relationships and much more [Learn more about Here2Talk](https://here2talk.ca/main) ### Grad Student Support Group This in-person support group is for graduate students to connect with each other in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school. Topics are generated by participants so that relevant themes may be addressed. [Learn more about the Grad Student Support group](https://app.cyberimpact.com/click-tracking?ct=_v_LwbUlyRj2cfKvtsN9x_cOlyxdbC-IJrB-uomomz2tpR4PMMelVsDrqYm4T3Nd1qT0MT3Qw2Z029D5WV0EPC8hMExAQFr3ePlrwY2Xjj7Fa3TXvG5ITcGuDWcJXeLs) ### Black Mental Wellness project The Black Mental Wellness Project is an initiative led by the UBC Black Caucus, with support from the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office. The project seeks to better support mental wellness amongst Black students, faculty and staff at the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses. Through this project, Black students, faculty, and staff can access limited free counselling sessions with Black counsellors from within the community. [Learn more about the Black Mental Wellness project](https://equity.ubc.ca/mental-wellness-pilot-project-for-black-students-faculty-and-staff/) ### Overdose treatment kit Naloxone is a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, and Naloxone kits have now been installed in buildings across UBC, in accordance with BC guidelines, including near SCARP locations. If you think someone is overdosing and unresponsive, [it is critical to act quickly](https://security.ubc.ca/naloxone). 1\. Call 911 2\. Administer Naloxone. Don’t worry, naloxone will not hurt someone who isn’t experiencing an overdose. 3\. Call Campus Security for first aid. • For student/visitors, call 604 822 2222 • For faculty/staff, call 604 822 4444 [Naloxone kit locations and more information](https://security.ubc.ca/naloxone) ## Student Employment ### Pay Schedule Like many institutions, UBC operates on a financial calendar that runs from April 1 to March 31. There are a variety of important dates related to procurement, accounts payable, credit card programs, financial reporting, and other activities that it is important to be aware of — especially with regards to the end of the financial year (Fiscal Year End). [Important dates in Finance](https://finance.ubc.ca/important-dates) [Current internal opportunities at UBC SCARP](/positions-available "Positions Available") ## More student resource hubs We've assembled here a lot of what you'll need to know and access to have an extraordinary student experience. While this includes assets and supports from other corners of UBC and beyond, each resource hub has their own lens and expertise to provide support. We encourage you to seek any avenues of support, insight, and community that speak to you. ### UBC Student Services A central and indispensable hub during your time as a UBC student, for applications, awards, exam schedules, fees, grades, registration, transcripts, technical support, and so much more. You'll spend a lot of time here. [Learn more at UBC Student Services](https://students.ubc.ca/) ### Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies — Current Students section Information about your status at UBC, including qualifying, unclassified and access students as well as senior citizens. [Learn more at the G+PS' Current Students portal](https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students) ### Graduate Student Society The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is run by and for the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. They promote and protect members’ academic, social and cultural interests. [Learn more about the Graduate Student Society](https://gss.ubc.ca/) ### SCARP Planning Students Association The Planning Students Association (PSA) student council, run and elected by students to foster community and dialogue within SCARP. More than supporting various student projects and organising events, their mission is to promote your well-being, assist you in developing professional and personal skills, and act on your behalf on issues of concern. [Learn more about SCARP's Planning Students Association](/psa) ### Planning Institute of BC PIBC is not only a crucial partner of UBC SCARP, but a valuable resource and hub for SCARP students. They maintain events, information on the planning field and how to thrive in the profession, a community of students and professionals, and far more. [Learn more about PIBC](https://www.pibc.bc.ca/) ### Institute of Transport Engineers (and planners) A hub for transportation engineering and planning students, faculty, and industry members at UBC and in the Greater Vancouver region. They provide students with opportunities to learn technical skills, discover new career opportunities, and network with experienced transportation professionals. [Learn more about UBC's ITE student chapter](https://civil.ubc.ca/student-life/student-societies-chapters/ite-student-chapter/)