FAQs

New students usually apply to live in residence at the end of the UBC Admissions process in February. Student Housing also accepts applications directly through the Online Service Centre or print an application form. See Important Dates to confirm the deadline to apply.

See eligibility.

We set aside rooms first for students who qualify for the First Year Guarantee and Priority Access.

All residence offers are sent by email.

Please contact Student Housing immediately.

Please contact Student Housing immediately.

If you want to live in residence, we recommend you accept the offer. If the offer is declined, you will not receive another one. If you are unhappy with your room, you may apply for a room transfer in mid-September. Transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis and not guaranteed.

Fees vary by residence and room type.

There are a few ways. See Fees & Payments to find an option that works best for you.

Use the Online Service Centre. When a payment is received, a credit will appear on your account.

We will only release this information if you provided consent to release it on your application form. See how we value privacy.

Students who live at Place Vanier, Totem Park and Orchard Commons must purchase the Residence Meal Plan. Students assigned to other residences can purchase an optional UBCcard Value Plan.

UBC is a very walkable campus—flat and pedestrian-friendly, with everything inside a 15-minute walk or so, and much of campus a car-free zone. So you don’t need to bring a bike or vehicle to get around.

Learn more about alternative transportation options for on and off-campus.

If you do end up bringing a vehicle, find out how to apply for parking and what it costs.

Yes. Roommate group requests are part of the application process.

Yes, if they have provided their consent. Use the Online Service Centre to consent to release your information to each other. Roommates usually contact each other in mid-August.

Learn more about moving in and Move In Day.

Early arrivals are typically not permitted. Check eligibility.

To comply with privacy law, we don’t release information about any residents unless consent is provided.

Visit your Residence Front Desk immediately to file a report.

Use the Online Service Centre to send a maintenance request. Do not attempt to fix residence property on your own.

No. UBC’s insurance coverage is for the physical structure of buildings (walls, roof, flooring) and components (fridges, stoves) only. The university is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, regardless of the cause. We strongly recommend that you get renter’s insurance.

There are procedures to switch rooms with someone or apply for a transfer.

All residents must adhere to Residence Standards. Conflicts or breaches of Residence Standards are investigated by Residence Life staff.

Place Vanier, Totem Park and Orchard Commons residents are not permitted to stay in their rooms during the winter break residence closure. Students in other residences are permitted to stay; however, campus services are limited throughout the break.

Check our Important Dates page for this year’s move out date. But if you’re moving directly into another residence operated by UBC Student Housing, watch for an email with information about when to move—or contact us.

Check out our Moving Out page to learn more about how to move out of residence and what to do with the stuff you’re not taking with you.

Students may receive assessments if there is any damage to residence property or required cleaning was not completed to our satisfaction.

• Before moving in: See Cancellations and Refunds.
• After moving in: Visit your Residence Contract.

Cancellation must be initiated using the Online Service Centre.

Year Round residence is the place for upper year and graduate students. Learn more at Returning Students and Graduate Students.

You are welcome to apply for upper year Winter Session housing; however, there is a very limited number of spaces available.

Apply to live in Year Round residence as early as possible.

After receiving a residence offer, go online to update your application preferences and submit a roommate grouping request.

• Before moving in: See Cancellations and Refunds.
• After moving in: Visit your Residence Contract.

Cancellation must be initiated using the Online Service Centre.

Subletting is permitted in eligible residences during the Summer Session.