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. New students assigned to other residences can purchase an optional Chomp Meal Plan.

Parking fees are extra. Spots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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

Yes, if there’s consent. Use the Online Service Centre to consent to release your information to each other. Roommates usually contact each other in mid-August.

You will receive specific move in details (date/time) by email before your move in date. It’s important you arrive at the time indicated to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

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 the 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 recommend that all personal belongings be covered by private insurance. Your family plan may cover you. BCAA is also an option.

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 holiday break. Students in other residences are permitted to stay, however, campus services are limited.

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 face assessments if there’s any damage to residence property or required cleaning was not completed to our satisfaction.

After moving in: These policies are clearly defined in your Residence Contract. Cancellation must be initiated using the Online Service Centre.

Before moving in: See Cancellations & Refunds.

We use a random computer system in Winter Session Residences. All eligible applications are treated equally.

Around Febuary 1. See important dates to confirm.

Residence offers are sent by email in mid-February. Those selected will receive a deadline to accept the offer and pay a deposit. All others will be put on a waitlist.

Less than 10 per cent of returning students who apply get an offer.

Apply to live in Year Round residence as early as possible and Winter Session residence before the application deadline.

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

Before moving in, see Cancellations & Refunds. After moving in, refer to your Residence Contract.

Yes. Upper-year and graduate students may be eligible to sublet their room.