BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS
(1) When Should I Buy My Books:
When you first meet your professors on September 2nd they may provide you with a class syllabi which will include a list of textbooks and required readings for the year (if not, you will receive one of the first day of classes). Your first instinct may be to jump out of your seat, rush to the book store, and start reading for the first day. However, I highly advise that you all refrain from doing just that! It is not necessary to purchase your textbooks until the first week of classes begins after September 7th. You will make some of your most valuable friendships during Orientation Week. Rather than getting an early start on your readings, hold off, attend the evening events, and get to know your classmates! There will be plenty of time to read during the first week of school and it will not be difficult for you to stay on track.
(2) Where Should I Buy My Books
My second reason as to why you should wait to purchase textbooks is that the LSS will be holding a Used Text Book Sale during the first week of classes (I will announce the location as soon as it’s finalized). Tons of students manage to save a great deal of cash and still get books in excellent condition at this sale. Also, you will be meeting with your Upper Year Buddies during the first week of school. They are often more than willing to pass on their textbooks to you for discounted prices! With rent, tuition, and moving fees in the back of your mind, saving some money on books will help lighten your load!
(3) What Books Should I Buy?
Your professors will include a list of textbooks that you should purchase in your class syllabi. The majority of your readings will come from these but occasionally professors assign online readings to students so that they can teach from the most recent cases. The book stores have the class numbers ahead of time to ensure that there will be enough books for everyone, so do not panic and rush out to buy them before classes start!
You will notice that there are generally three kinds of books that you will purchase for your classes: (1) required casebooks (2) required or recommended textbooks that more broadly explain cases and link concepts (3) required course packages which are materials prepared by a professor specifically for their class. I would recommend buying both the required casebooks and the recommended textbooks. Even though the textbooks are often not required, they are incredibly helpful in simplifying concepts and linking cases together(note: I found this especially helpful in Contracts and Constitutional Law but this may change from year to year). This allows you to see the big picture and not just each individual case! Also keep in mind that many professors make their course packages available online if you would rather print them at your own expense.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
What I Wish I Knew On September 1st: Part I
By the time September 1st rolls around your head will be buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the days to come. Based on my experience, it’s hard enough to contain your anxiety let alone remember to call the movers on time, buy insurance for your apartment, mail in your student loan, pick up your textbooks, and grab your student ID. I am writing this multi-part blog to share my wisdom on how to make your first weeks of September as smooth and effortless as possible. Read on to help eliminate a few of the times you’ll comment “if only I had known!”.
TUITION, LOANS, AND MORE TUITION...
First and foremost, for up to date and accurate information on all of your financial concerns visit the UBC law students finance website. My blog is not guaranteed to be accurate but this site is!
First and foremost, for up to date and accurate information on all of your financial concerns visit the UBC law students finance website. My blog is not guaranteed to be accurate but this site is!
(1)Yikes, my Tuition is Due September 8th! How Can I Pay it on Time?
I am sure that many of you have applied for loans and have likely received (or will be receiving) those large brown envelops on the mail. I remember getting mine last year when I was living in Edmonton and reading, to my horror, that someone at UBC had to confirm my registration before I could receive my loan. Even worse, the instalment for my winter term tuition fees was due on September 8th. How was I going to manage to get this signature, mail in my loan forms, and pay for my tuition on time? It’s quite simple. You can easily get your tuition deferred until the end of the month! Note: this does not apply to your registration deposit. For more info visit: http://www.students.ubc.ca/coursesreg/tuition-fees-deposits/deferments-refunds/tuition-fee-deferments/.
I am sure that many of you have applied for loans and have likely received (or will be receiving) those large brown envelops on the mail. I remember getting mine last year when I was living in Edmonton and reading, to my horror, that someone at UBC had to confirm my registration before I could receive my loan. Even worse, the instalment for my winter term tuition fees was due on September 8th. How was I going to manage to get this signature, mail in my loan forms, and pay for my tuition on time? It’s quite simple. You can easily get your tuition deferred until the end of the month! Note: this does not apply to your registration deposit. For more info visit: http://www.students.ubc.ca/coursesreg/tuition-fees-deposits/deferments-refunds/tuition-fee-deferments/.
(2)How Do I Complete My Student Loan Agreement and Receive My Loan?
To confirm your registration at UBC Law on your student loans, visit the Information Centre on the first floor of Brock Hall (see Important Law School Locations Map). After this is complete, you must then mail your student loan agreement(s) back to your local provincial government or the Canadian government or both. You can do so from the post office within the SUB (they will know what to do with the forms) but be sure to bring governemnt issued photo ID and your SIN card!
To confirm your registration at UBC Law on your student loans, visit the Information Centre on the first floor of Brock Hall (see Important Law School Locations Map). After this is complete, you must then mail your student loan agreement(s) back to your local provincial government or the Canadian government or both. You can do so from the post office within the SUB (they will know what to do with the forms) but be sure to bring governemnt issued photo ID and your SIN card!
(3) How Can I Pay All of My Tuition in One Day?
Like many of you, my credit card limit and daily transaction limit for my bank account were far too low to pay one semester’s tuition all at once. Upon strolling down to my local bank branch and speaking with a customer service rep, I quickly discovered that doing so would only take 5 short minutes. The rep easily accessed my account and helped me pay my all of my tuition in one quick transaction. Phew! That was easy. Also note that if your limit is high enough you can pay your tuition online from the Student Service Centre website (www.students.ubc.ca/ssc) with both credit card and interac or in person at the Information Centre in Brock Hall.
Like many of you, my credit card limit and daily transaction limit for my bank account were far too low to pay one semester’s tuition all at once. Upon strolling down to my local bank branch and speaking with a customer service rep, I quickly discovered that doing so would only take 5 short minutes. The rep easily accessed my account and helped me pay my all of my tuition in one quick transaction. Phew! That was easy. Also note that if your limit is high enough you can pay your tuition online from the Student Service Centre website (www.students.ubc.ca/ssc) with both credit card and interac or in person at the Information Centre in Brock Hall.
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