Kick off your grad school journey in style! Join us at the GSS GradStart Afterparty for a night of fun, refreshments, and the chance to connect with fellow grads. Celebrate the start of an exciting year ahead with new friends and great vibes!

Date: Thursday, August 29

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: Koerner's Pub

Ease into the new school year with a delicious Pancake Brunch hosted by the GSS. It's a great way to start your day, meet fellow grads, and fuel up for the exciting times ahead. Enjoy a relaxing morning with friends, good food, and great company!

Date: Friday, August 30

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Thea's Lounge, Thea Koerner House

Kick off your grad school journey with a day of fun and community at our GSS Family Fun Day! Bring your loved ones along for an exciting day filled with activities and entertainment for all ages. Whether you're new to UBC or returning, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy some family time as you start your grad school adventure. Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendar for a day of play and discovery.

Date: Saturday, September 21

Time: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Location:  Acadia Park Commonsblock, 2707 Tennis Crescent

You clearly love the food subsidy program, and we love running it! Follow the link below to see what we have in store for you next week and place your orders for subsidized $5 meals. Please note that the meals sell out fast.
New menu every week. Pick-up or dine in at the Graduate Life Centre (GLC).

We're thrilled to announce our upcoming Career Coaching Program Info Session and the Career Coaching Program, designed to help you take your career to the next level!

Info Session :

Date: Monday, September 9

Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: Zoom

Program: 

Date: Saturday, September 21

Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Thea's Lounge, Room 310, 6371 Crescent Road

Effective September 1st, the following benefit changes will be applied to the plan:

• Removal of MD note requirement for RMT & Dietician/Nutritionist services
  
• Increase in prescription drug exceptions from $2,000 to $2,500
  
• Inclusion of coverage for hearing aids (up to $500 every 5 benefit years)

GSS is excited to collaborate with UBC Pilates to offer summer classes for UBC students at a heavily discounted rate! Classes are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering flexibility for your busy schedule.

Days: Tuesdays (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm) and Saturdays (1:30 pm - 2:30 pm)

Location: Thea’s Lounge, Thea Koerner House

Experience a welcoming and vibrant space designed specifically for graduate students at the Graduate Life Centre (GLC)! 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study, a comfortable area to meet with peers, or just a spot to unwind, the GLC has it all. Located at Thea Koerner House, the GLC offers a range of facilities tailored to meet your academic and social needs. Drop by, explore our modern study room, cozy lounge areas, and picturesque views. Make the most of your graduate journey by visiting the GLC today!

The GSS has set up the Graduate Student Financial Aid (GSFA), a fund to support graduate students experiencing unforeseen circumstances. This may include, but is not limited to: living expenses, prescription medications not covered by MSP, Pharmacare, and the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, and the UBC Leave of Absence fee. GSFA will not cover tuition and other school fees. 

The Housing Security Aid (HSA), is a newly approved fund provided by the GSS specifically to cover housing-related challenges. The purpose of the HSA is to provide housing related support to graduate students who are facing housing insecurity or challenges.

Funding examples:

• Rent/Security deposit assistance (including rent increases by landlord)
• Moving-related expenses
• Assistance with temporary accommodations
• Assistance with replacement of damaged items in the student’s units which could necessitate fines by landlord

Questions? Email gsfa@gss.ubc.ca

Dealing with difficult situations as a graduate student at UBC can be challenging and exhausting. Whether a student is facing financial, housing, academic or supervisory issues, knowing what to do, seeking support, and where can be very confusing. If you are in this situation, there is no need to fret. The GSS is right here to support you.

Our Advocates are uniquely positioned to help you navigate these challenges and many more by providing answers to your questions through peer support, external advocacy and resource referrals. Our team is also actively working on new policy recommendations and proposing amendments to existing UBC policies that would benefit the graduate student community of UBC.

Our advocacy coordinators are here to help you. Contact us at:  advocacy@gss.ubc.ca

The Nest will be closed for repairs on Saturday, August 24th until 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding.

Get ready for more sun, sand, and serves! Join us on Sunday, August 25th at 3:00 PM for another epic showdown at Spanish Banks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for some fun, all are welcome! Don't forget to RSVP to secure your spot on the court!

Date: Sunday, August 25

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: Spanish Banks West Volleyball Courts

Join us for an evening of building community to discuss the future of our cities and how we can build a more inclusive workforce in urban planning, sustainability, and civic governance. This event provides BIPOC youth and professionals an opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about shaping our urban environments, focusing on key areas such as transportation, housing affordability, climate, and public spaces. Whether you’re beginning to explore this career path or looking to network with experienced BIPOC professionals, we welcome you to an evening of meaningful conversations and delicious refreshments.

Date: Thursday, August 29

Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)

Location: 312 Main Street

Cost: Free! (Pre-registration is required)

With Here2Talk, students have immediate access to counselling and community referral services across phone, online chat, and mobile app. All Here2Talk services are free to students and available 24/7, in multiple languages. It is accessible to all UBC students, including domestic and international students, graduate or undergraduate. No matter where they are in the world, UBC students can access Here2Talk anytime and as frequently as they require.