By Jessy Lee Saas BA ‘20, former Arts Peer Advisor
Winter Session registration happens each year in the summer. UBC has a number of resources to support you through the process to help you prepare for your registration.
When I started at UBC, I was so nervous I would miss my registration time that I set six different alarms on my phone! But have no fear! UBC has many resources to help you prepare. Below are some of the resources that helped me through my registration — I hope you’ll find them as useful as I did.
Know your registration dates
About two weeks prior to registration, Enrolment Services will email you with the exact date and time that your registration will open. You can double check your specific registration appointment time on Workday Student. It’s good to know your potential registration dates well in advance so that you can make sure that you have access to a computer and internet service when your registration opens.
Prepare a course plan
When I came to UBC, I didn’t know how to build a saved schedule, so I planned my entire year on a piece of paper. It was nothing fancy, but I started planning weeks in advance. So, if you haven’t thought about your course plan for your first year in UBC Arts yet, get started soon. Advance preparation will help you feel confident leading up to your registration.
Changing your course plan
Don’t worry if you’re not sure if your course plan is perfect for you — you’ll be able to change your registration choices anytime before the add/drop deadline. Try your best to choose courses that will interest you, but know that you’ll have about two weeks at the beginning of the term to try out your courses and make changes to your registration.
Your major
The road to my major was filled with countless speed bumps and detours. I entered first year convinced that I wanted to double major in Creative Writing and Political Science. However, after my first term, I changed my mind to focus on English and political science. By the start of second year, I dropped all my Political Science courses and focused on English. By the following summer, I finally settled on a History major and a Creative Writing minor, and I have never been happier!
Plan for the major you think you might enjoy and be open-minded if plans change. Many students declare or apply for their major in their second year. I declared late because I needed more time to explore my curiosities and find the right major. This turned out to be okay – the important thing is to explore topics in your first and second years to find a major you are passionate about, even if you don’t know what that is yet!
Registration support
You are not alone when it comes to registration. Arts Academic Advising is here to help guide you through the process. Check out the Faculty of Arts website to learn about degree requirements, year-level promotions, academic progress reports, and much more. Also, UBC has helpful tutorials to guide you through creating saved schedules and the registration process.
Arts Advising for registration
Each year before and during the registration period, Arts Academic Advising offers workshops and extended drop-in services. Register for an online workshop or join drop-in advising to talk to advisors and peer advisors who can walk you through understanding transfer credits, creating saved schedules, choosing courses, registering for classes, and knowing what to expect after registration.
Jessy Lee Saas BA ‘20, former Arts Peer Advisor
