Students are at the heart of the work and services provided by BCIT staff and faculty. You’re here because of the future-proof applied education, industry connections, and job-readiness that BCIT provides for its students. Throughout your educational journey, we want to make sure you are well supported and have the resources to thrive – academically, professionally, and personally.
“As a people-focused institution, we have developed holistic services and supports to help our students succeed,” explains Joanna Angelidis, Associate Director of Student Access and Well-being. “Support is available before you arrive at BCIT and continues well beyond the last day of your program.”
If you’re thinking of becoming a BCIT student or if you’re already a student, you’ll want to bookmark these resources to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in reaching your career goals.
Getting started: Thinking about becoming a BCIT student?
The very first step — selecting the right path — is also one of the most difficult. Luckily, BCIT Program Advisors specialize in assisting students to make well-informed decisions from the get-go, in order to fit with academic and career goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about student life at BCIT, we invite you to join for a guided, in-person tour of the BCIT Burnaby Campus. In this one-hour campus tour, a Student Ambassador will introduce you to various campus spaces and provide you the inside scoop on both the academic and social sides of life at BCIT.
Preparing for your arrival: Kick Start Orientation, and more
Before your first day of classes, familiarize yourself with the technology, the campus, and available services by visiting Next Steps for New Students. Be sure to register yourself for Kick Start orientation and browse through the Student Success Hub to see the wealth of resources that are available to help you thrive.
Share your voice in the BCIT community
BCIT is made up of diverse individuals working towards a more inclusive community. The Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (RDI) Office helps BCIT foster a respectful and inclusive working and learning environment by creating awareness and belonging through education, preventative guidance, and resolution assistance. The RDI Office also provides support to individuals with concerns of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
BCIT Student Association supports students across all five campuses. No matter what you are studying, you’ll have activities, resources, and peers to enrich your BCIT experience.
As a BCIT student, you’re also invited to be a part of numerous groups and committees across the Institute that contribute to the diversity of our community. From Pride at BCIT and the Indigenous Gathering Place, Mi Chap Tukw (meaning “home away from home”), to the International Student Centre and Diversity Circles, and many more. Diversity and inclusion are permeated throughout the BCIT community and these groups welcome you to join in sharing your voice.
SEE MORE: BCIT Indigenous Student Champions: Supporting peers on their educational journey
Bookmark these resources for your academic success
BCIT is here to ensure you succeed in reaching your goals. Bookmark these resources as they’ll come in handy when you need a boost on your academic work.
The library is resourceful when you need a quiet place to study, or if you’re seeking to access its materials, articles, books, or even needing to use innovative technology. The Learning Commons program has many resources to help you succeed – from peer tutoring, to the Writing Centre, and the drop-In Study Skills Lab.
As well, Accessibility Services offers customized, tailored accommodation solutions according to individual student needs. For students seeking to improve their English communication skills, take advantage of the multidimensional language support offered by English Language Support Services.
SEE MORE: BCIT provides students with free English Language Support Services
Nurturing your health and wellness
Just as BCIT is committed to supporting your academic success, we care equally about providing services that nurture the eight dimensions of your well-being: the intellectual, occupational, physical, financial, psychological, environmental, spiritual, and social aspects of your student life.
The Student Life Office is a good first point of contact if you’re looking for support to help you thrive but not sure where to start. Meanwhile, Health and Wellness offers online and in-person services to ensure your mental well-being is cared for.
Recreation Services is here to promote, encourage and enable the practice of physical well-being. From intramurals and virtual fitness classes, to drop-in Fitness Centres at all five campuses, there are many options for you to take part in staying active and healthy.
Student Health Services includes medical services — offered virtually, by phone, or in person.
Counselling and Student Development provides all BCIT students with access to free, confidential counselling services. You can also access Mental Health at Home for online resources, such as coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety or relaxation tips, to nurture your mental health and wellbeing. If you or a student is experiencing academic or personal struggles, the Early Assist Program is a confidential service that offers support and services at an early stage.
“Early Assist is an effective means of connecting students to the support they need. Anyone can refer a BCIT student, or even they refer themselves, simply by submitting a confidential referral through the Early Assist website,” says Joanna.
Financial support available to students
Your finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. Financial Aid and Awards provides financial support and guidance to student. They help students determine funding options, eligibility, and accessibility. In addition to merit-based entrance awards and academic awards, BCIT offers need-based bursaries and emergency funds.
BCIT becomes a part of your network
Your journey does not end with your last final exam. BCIT students are part of a powerful community of successful innovators, creators, and leaders working in countless industries in British Columbia and around the globe. The Centre for Workplace Education provides information and connections needed to bridge academic accomplishments and employment goals. The Alumni Association further supports students as they succeed and grow, while fostering key connections for the future.
“On your BCIT journey, you’ll experience a high quality and future-proofed applied education, as well as a breadth of resources designed to support you in realizing your goals and enjoying a rewarding and fruitful learning journey along the way.”
Set yourself up for success and start exploring BCIT services available to you.
Many thanks.keep up the good work