Indigenous Student Orientation Events
Welcome
Find everything you need to know about what's planned for your UBC Orientations experience on this page. Check back regularly, as event details are subject to change leading up to the events. Please note that if a last-minute schedule change is required on the day of, you will be updated via email or through your Orientation Leader.
In addition to these great events, your orientation to UBC will be comprised of a wide range of events being hosted from across the University. Learn more about these events here.
Your Schedule
Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026
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šxʷta:təχʷəm Open House
Wednesday, September 2 4:00 pm - 5:30 pmStop by the šxʷta:təχʷəm student space on the West Wing of the First Nations Longhouse and tour the šxʷta:təχʷəmstudent space, a space for and by Indigenous students. Meet your peer šxʷta:təχʷəmadvisors who are ready to welcome you to the space.
Friday, Sep 4, 2026
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Friday Funday Indigenous Student BBQ
Friday, September 4 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmWrap up your Jump Start experience with good vibes and good eats at our Welcome BBQ, hosted by your šxʷta:təχʷəm Advisors! All incoming Indigenous students are invited to join us for fun activities, community connections, and a chance to continue building relationships as the new term begins. Food is limited, so come early to grab a plate! We'll be gathering in Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall at the First Nations House of Learning. Everyone who attends will also be entered into a random prize draw. Come hungry, leave connected!
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 - Imagine UBC, wear your faculty colour
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Note to Your Future Self
Tuesday, September 8Begin the semester off by writing a note to your future self! Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 7-11 and write a note to yourself to put away until your year is finished. This is a good way to look back on the beginning of your school year and have a keepsake!
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First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library Open House
Tuesday, September 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Imagine Day
Tuesday, September 8 10:00 am - 5:00 pmBe sure to participate in the campus-wide Imagine Day programming! Stop by the Longhouse during any downtime to learn more about our services and student spaces.
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Paint Your Own Agenda
Tuesday, September 8 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin us in šxʷta:təχʷəm on September 8, 2-4pm by starting your year off right painting your own agenda! Stay on top of your schoolwork before it gets overwhelming, and speak with advisors about organizing your time!
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026
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Note to Your Future Self
Wednesday, September 9Begin the semester off by writing a note to your future self! Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 7-11 and write a note to yourself to put away until your year is finished. This is a good way to look back on the beginning of your school year and have a keepsake!
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First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library Open House
Wednesday, September 9 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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UBC Longhouse Community Resource Fair
Wednesday, September 9 10:00 am - 2:00 pmJoin us at Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall to have a chance to meet many of the faces, programs, resources and places at UBC working to support you in finding your community.
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Beading Circle Social
Wednesday, September 9 2:00 pm - 4:15 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse.
Thursday, Sep 10, 2026
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Note to Your Future Self
Thursday, September 10Begin the semester off by writing a note to your future self! Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 7-11 and write a note to yourself to put away until your year is finished. This is a good way to look back on the beginning of your school year and have a keepsake!
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First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library Open House
Thursday, September 10 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Tea and Bannock
Thursday, September 10 11:30 am - 1:30 pmTake some time during your busy week to enjoy some tea and bannock and meet some of the Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Team and our Elder-in-Residence!
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Create Your Own Keychain
Thursday, September 10 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmStop by šxʷta:təχʷəm on September 10, 1-3pm to make your own keychain! We all know the struggle of losing keys, make a keychain to easily spot your keys laying around your room. Join while supplies last.
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Plant A Friend
Thursday, September 10 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmDid you just move into a new room on or off campus, or did your roommate let all your plants die over the summer? Join FNHL student staff for "Plant a Friend": paint and decorate pots for bright green succulents and tropical plants to brighten up your study spaces.
Friday, Sep 11, 2026
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Note to Your Future Self
Friday, September 11Begin the semester off by writing a note to your future self! Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 7-11 and write a note to yourself to put away until your year is finished. This is a good way to look back on the beginning of your school year and have a keepsake!
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First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library Open House
Friday, September 11 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Financial Wellness Lunch and Learn
Friday, September 11 11:30 am - 1:30 pmJoin the Indigenous Student Support Team with Enrolment Services to learn about strategies for financial wellness during your studies. Lunch will be served. Door prizes for attendees! ESAs will be available before and after to chat individually with students.
Monday, Sep 14, 2026
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Polaroid Wall
Monday, September 14Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 14-18 to snap a polaroid of yourself or with friends to put on the šxʷta:təχʷəm photo wall! This is a great way to get to know your peers. At the end of the year, grab your photo and keep the memory forever!
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Come and Go Breakfast
Monday, September 14 9:30 am - 12:00 pmJoin us for coffee and a light breakfast at the longhouse and meet fellow students and staff before starting the second week of class.
Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026
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Polaroid Wall
Tuesday, September 15Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 14-18 to snap a polaroid of yourself or with friends to put on the šxʷta:təχʷəm photo wall! This is a great way to get to know your peers. At the end of the year, grab your photo and keep the memory forever!
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FNHL Welcome BBQ and Resource Fair
Tuesday, September 15 12:00 pm - 2:00 pmHosted by the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7Xwa Library, the Welcome BBQ is an exciting opportunity for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to gather and connect over great food, as we all journey back to the First Nations Longhouse. Be sure to visit the many campus resources that will have booths set up outside the Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall.
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Beaded Sweetgrass
Tuesday, September 15 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmJoin advisors in a beaded sweetgrass event in šxʷta:təχʷəm on September 15, 3-5pm! We will be guiding participants through how to make beaded sweetgrass that could be turned into earrings, a keychain, or whatever your heart desires. Join while supplies last.
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026
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Polaroid Wall
Wednesday, September 16Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 14-18 to snap a polaroid of yourself or with friends to put on the šxʷta:təχʷəm photo wall! This is a great way to get to know your peers. At the end of the year, grab your photo and keep the memory forever!
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Scholarships and Bursaries Info Lunch
Wednesday, September 16 11:30 am - 1:30 pmJoin your Enrolment Services Advisor supports to learn about Scholarships and Bursary opportunities available to Indigenous students. Lunch will be provided. Door prizes will be available for attendees!
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Beading Circle Social
Wednesday, September 16 2:00 pm - 4:15 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse.
Thursday, Sep 17, 2026
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Polaroid Wall
Thursday, September 17Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 14-18 to snap a polaroid of yourself or with friends to put on the šxʷta:təχʷəm photo wall! This is a great way to get to know your peers. At the end of the year, grab your photo and keep the memory forever!
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Pancakes and Waffles
Thursday, September 17 9:30 am - 12:30 pmJoin us at the Longhouse for some visiting time and enjoy these two breakfast classics to fuel your day. Meet other students, have some laughs, and start your day in a good way.
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Bannock and Tea
Thursday, September 17 11:00 am - 1:00 pmJoin šxʷta:təχʷəm advisors in making your own tea and enjoying catered bannock! This is a great way to get to know advisors, grab a yummy snack, and make new friends! Join while supplies last.
Friday, Sep 18, 2026
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Polaroid Wall
Friday, September 18Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 14-18 to snap a polaroid of yourself or with friends to put on the šxʷta:təχʷəm photo wall! This is a great way to get to know your peers. At the end of the year, grab your photo and keep the memory forever!
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Artisan Market at the Longhouse
Friday, September 18 12:00 pm - 5:30 pmCome check out the artisan market at the Longhouse! Students and community members will be vending various crafts and art as part of the Come Toward the Fire festival, which is free to attend!
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Artist Lunch with Acts from Come Toward the Fire
Friday, September 18 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmJoin us for a lunch and meet and greet with some artists headlining the Come Toward the Fire festival! Indigenous students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend. RSVP is required and space may be limited.
Monday, Sep 21, 2026
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Scavenger Hunt for Prizes
Monday, September 21Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 21-25 to complete the šxʷta:təχʷəm and Longhouse scavenger hunt and enter your name for UBC merch prizes!
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Graduate Student Welcome and Lunch
Monday, September 21 10:00 am - 2:00 pmPlease join us at the Longhouse to meet other Indigenous graduate students, and learn more about the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026
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Scavenger Hunt for Prizes
Tuesday, September 22Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 21-25 to complete the šxʷta:təχʷəm and Longhouse scavenger hunt and enter your name for UBC merch prizes!
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Indigenous Student Lunch
Tuesday, September 22 12:00 pm - 2:00 pmJoin us for the lunch at the longhouse and meet this year's šxʷta:təχʷəm Advisors
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Meet the Advisors and Pizza
Tuesday, September 22 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin incoming šxʷta:təχʷəm advisors on September 22, 2-4pm for a meet the advisors pizza event! We are excited to meet incoming students and visit with returning students. This is a great way to get to know the advisors and make some new friends!
Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026
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Scavenger Hunt for Prizes
Wednesday, September 23Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 21-25 to complete the šxʷta:təχʷəm and Longhouse scavenger hunt and enter your name for UBC merch prizes!
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Beading Circle Social
Wednesday, September 23 2:00 pm - 4:15 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All Indigenous beaders and beginners are invited to join. Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse.
Thursday, Sep 24, 2026
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Scavenger Hunt for Prizes
Thursday, September 24Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 21-25 to complete the šxʷta:təχʷəm and Longhouse scavenger hunt and enter your name for UBC merch prizes!
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Board Game Cafe
Thursday, September 24 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmJoin us in šxʷta:təχʷəm on September 24, 1-3pm for a board game cafe! We will bring out our board games and get competitive together! Join us in the fun and connect with your peers.
Friday, Sep 25, 2026
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Scavenger Hunt for Prizes
Friday, September 25Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week of September 21-25 to complete the šxʷta:təχʷəm and Longhouse scavenger hunt and enter your name for UBC merch prizes!
Things to note
Getting to campus: There are a number of different ways of commuting to UBC. Learn about your transportation options.
Time Zone: The schedule is displayed in Pacific Daylight Time.
In case it rains: If it's raining on the morning of Imagine UBC you will still be meeting your Orientation Group in the same location.
Things to bring: Water bottle, snacks, walking shoes, a rain jacket (just in case), a backpack, pen and paper.
If you have a smartphone: No need to print this page out. You can access this mobile-enabled page on your smartphone. Learn how to connect to UBC's campus-wide secure wireless network.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making UBC a welcoming and accessible place for everyone. Here are some key resources that can support your experience on campus:
- Getting Around Campus: Use the Wayfinding Map to find accessible paths, entrances, and building features.
- Gender-Inclusive Washrooms: Learn about the locations of gender-neutral bathroom spaces across campus.
- Disability Access & Ongoing Support: The Centre for Accessibility provides long-term and ongoing accommodations for students with permanent disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping remove barriers to your full participation at UBC. Connect with them if you are requiring formal disability accommodations.
- Questions about Accessibility at UBC? Check out our FAQ.
Imagine Day Ask Me Booth
Have a question or need help while on campus? Visit one of our Ask Me Booths! Staff and volunteers are ready to assist you with directions, information, or general support.
Need to contact us?
If you have any accessibility requests during Jump Start or for any Jump Start related questions, please email us at orientations.jumpstart@ubc.ca.
For all other questions please email us at orientations.info@ubc.ca.
Event Photography
Please be aware that photography and some videography will be taking place during Imagine UBC. Official university photographers will make every effort to respect student privacy. You should indicate to photographers if you do not consent to being photographed.
University-wide events & activities
UBC Recreation Free Week
From Monday, September 14 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, UBC Recreation's Free Week will feature a variety of opportunities for you to try different classes, activities and sports. Open to all students, programs and events happen in various UBC Recreation facilities across campus. No experience is required and all abilities are welcome. You won't want to miss out!
Homecoming
On UBC's Vancouver campus, Homecoming is a celebrated tradition to kick-off the academic year and it's our biggest annual school spirit event. This year, join us on Friday, September 18, 2026, to celebrate at UBC's largest school spirit event of the year, the annual Homecoming Football Game Presented by Fizz Mobile.
New to UBC?
Complete the NUBC Survey by Sept 8 for a chance to win a $500 UBC Bookstore shopping spree! Click here to get started.
Events & activities in your faculty
A great way to help you get orientated to life in your Faculty is by attending an Undergraduate Society event. Your Undergraduate Society is the student government located in your faculty. Events they host vary between faculties, but they are all designed to help you have fun, meet people and find your place in your Faculty community. Learn more about your faculty/school's specific programming:
