Transitioning into university can be overwhelming. The Land One program, offered by the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, is a different and immersive way of experiencing your first year at UBC. The cohort option eases your transition to university and builds a strong connection to your home faculty through the relationships you’ll develop with your peers and instructors.
Considering Land One? Continue reading to learn the program’s benefits from current UBC Forestry student, Zack Schram!
Introduce yourself!
Hello, my name is Zack, and I’m a fourth-year student in conservation sciences. I’m originally from Ontario, and I chose to study in the Faculty of Forestry because I’ve always wanted to build a career that keeps me connected to the outdoors.
Why did you choose the Land One program?
I chose the Land One program because I thought it would provide a smoother, more hands-on transition into university life and boy, was I right! The smaller cohort and outdoor components helped ease the stress of starting post-secondary and made learning much more engaging.
What is your favourite memory from Land One?
My favourite memory from being in Land One was our visit to Earth Apple farm, where we planted garlic cloves and learned about sustainable agriculture. It was such a fun and meaningful way to connect our studies with real world practices.
How did your perspective on land management evolve throughout your time in the Land One program?
My perspective became much more interdisciplinary as we were exposed to a variety of land use perspectives, especially through shared courses with students from the Land and Food Systems faculty. It helped me see that land management isn’t one-size-fits-all but it’s shaped by many different approaches and values.
How did working closely with peers and faculty shape your academic experience?
Working closely with peers helped solidify strong friendships and fostered clear communication during group projects. It also created a supportive learning environment where we could exchange ideas, get feedback, and study together more effectively.
What skills did you take with you following the Land One program?
One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning the importance of building connections with professors and mentors. Those relationships can open doors to career-starting opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this program or are unsure about the transition into university?
My advice is to go ahead and apply! It’s a relatively short application and totally worth the effort. You can always decide later not to attend, but if you don’t apply at all, you’ll miss out on a program that can really make your first year better.