Back to school for thousands of students across B.C.

It's back to school for thousands of students across the province.

CBC British Columbiaasked people to share their first day of school, whether it's elementary school or university. Here's what theysent in.

"It was smooth sailing this morning," said Karen Dowson.

"My son [Patrick]got himself up, ate and got dressed. He chose his clothes carefully and expressed his nervousness about the new school year. As we pulled up, we heard a loud, 'Paddy!' from one of his classmates and with a big hug and an 'I love you Mommy,' off he went."

The University of Victoria is welcoming students from across Canada and 80 other countries this year. There were plenty of students helping freshmen with orientation.

UVIC also held a pep rally and new students showed their team spirit by cheering for the home team.

First year students at UBC participated in Imagine Day.The university's president, Santa Ono, told students, "You are surrounded by amazing people ... at no other university have I seen a welcome like this one."

Painting was the theme of the day at this toddler's preschool in North Vancouver. His mom sent us this photo of the first day of classes.

Meanwhile, one parent sent us this side-by-side image showing the striking difference between attitudes towards back to school, as her kids age.

The photo on the left shows them excited for Grade 9, in stark contrast to the Grade 12 preparations on the right.

At some Vancouver area schools, the Vancouver Police Department joined student traffic patrol to highlight the importance of safety on the streets.