Undergraduate survival guide: How can I make the most of my UBC Psychology undergraduate experience?

Deciding what course to take can be a stressful or anxious experience, however the Department of Psychology has made it easy to search for course syllabi and course schedules on the courses page.

Learn more about what our professors are doing in the classroom to engage students:

• Immersive learning is changing the way psychology students learn about the brain
• UBC MOOCs bring free psychology courses to students across the globe
• Using stop-motion animation in the classroom to help psychology students learn
• Living Language: Science and Society

Directed Studies gives you an opportunity to participate in a research project, as determined by you and your supervising faculty member. This can count for course credit and is often eligible for conference presentations.

Check out the Psychology undergrad FAQ page for more information on requirements and submitting your form.

The Student Directed Seminars program offers upper-year undergraduate students (in 3rd year or later) the chance to propose, coordinate, and lead their own 3-credit seminar class. Applications normally open up in late February to early April on the UBC Students Services page.

You may also take a student directed seminar as psychology students sometimes organize a course or two, check out what courses are currently being offered.

The two-year Honours Program is designed to provide advanced training in psychological research to outstanding students who intend to pursue graduate studies in psychology. Applications are open from March 1st to 29th of every year.

Check out the Honours Program section of this website for more information on requirements and how to apply.

From the point of admission, Advising provides programs and services to help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about your academic path throughout your degree program.

As a long-standing tradition, each year UBC Psychology’s undergraduate community, the Psychology Students’ Association of UBC and the Department of Psychology hosts a research conference for undergraduate students.

Check out the PURC 2021 event listing for more information and how to apply to present.

Working as a RA in a lab can be a valuable experience if you are looking to continue your studies in psychology post undergrad. With  seven research areas, there are over 55 labs in the department, you are bound to find a lab that interests you!

RA positions are regularly posted here, however, you may also visit the specific lab's website to follow their application process.

Check out "A Day in the Life of a RA" Instagram Takeover here for more information on daily tasks and a FAQ.

The PSA is a student-run organization that seeks to enhance the personal, professional and academic success of undergraduate students who are interested in psychology. They provide a variety of events and services over the academic year.

Moreover, the UBC PSA hires a team of executives every year to help with the planning and execution of the association. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for updates on the hiring process.

Psi Chi is the International Honour Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests.

UBC's Psi Chi chapter also hires a team of executives every year to run the UBC chapter. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for updates on the hiring process.

Each week, a different member of the department’s Equity Committee is stationed at a coffee shop on campus, waiting for UBC Psychology faculty, staff, graduate or undergraduate students to drop by for a chat about equity, diversity and inclusion.

The Equity & Inclusion Coffee Hours schedule is posted on our event calendar, poster boards and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Coffee chats usually occur weekly from October to April.

Note: due to COVID-19 Coffee Hours are on hold for now.

Psych Cafés are inspired by the Café-Philosphique which started in the 90s to offer communities opportunities to discuss philosophical issues. Dr. David King has tailored these monthly chats to discuss a variety of psychology relevant topics.

Check out the flyer for the topics listed for last year.

Bagels with Ben is an initiative created by Dr. Benjamin Cheung, where he invites students from his classes to eat bagels each week and to talk about life in a casual, low-stakes environment outside of class time.

The Bagels with Ben schedule is posted on his syllabus and attendance varies from week to week. If you're in one of his classes, don't miss out on this weekly event!

The PSA hosts a couple of Student Faculty Socials throughout the year. Attend to get to know other students and faculty members! Whether you're new to psychology or just want to strengthen some connections, everyone is welcome (even non-members).

Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for when these events are scheduled to occur.

Each year, the department hosts a number of events to welcome new and returning students. There are self-guided tours, workshops and panels happening all day!

Check out a sampling of last year's Imagine Day here.