Kelowna, BC – The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus (UBCO) welcomed over 1,200 students during its annual move-in day on Sunday.
The event, which marks the beginning of the academic year, saw students and their families arriving on campus with cars packed full of belongings and emotions running high.
According to UBCO’s Director of Student Housing, Nathan Skolski, the move-in process was smooth and efficient, with the help of over 200 volunteers from the campus community.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new and returning students to UBCO,” said Skolski. “Our team has been working hard to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”
The move-in day also included a variety of activities and events to help students get acquainted with their new home. These included campus tours, information sessions, and a welcome barbecue.
For many students, this was their first time living away from home and the experience was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
“I’m really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my life at UBCO,” said first-year student, Sarah Thompson. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but everyone has been so friendly and helpful.”
The university has implemented strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of students and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This includes mandatory mask-wearing in all indoor spaces and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch areas.
“We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students to learn and thrive in,” said Skolski. “We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our protocols as needed.”
UBCO’s move-in day is just the beginning of a busy week for students, with classes set to begin on September 8th. The university is expecting a total of 11,000 students for the fall semester, with a mix of in-person and online classes.
As the new academic year begins, UBCO is excited to welcome its diverse and talented student body and looks forward to a successful and fulfilling year ahead.
