UBC’s Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The Okanagan campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
For generations, these lands have been a place of teaching and learning for Indigenous peoples—a tradition that continues to this day.
This guide is for Indigenous students who are applying to live in student residence at UBC.
Whether you are a first-year, upper-year or graduate student, use this guide to better understand how the process works, how we can help and what to expect when you move into your new space.
On this page
Indigenous student housing access
As an Indigenous student, you are guaranteed a place in residence during your preferred contract type (Winter Session, Year-round or Summer Session) if you apply by the application deadline.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll receive your preferred residence or room type—assignments depend on availability—you will receive a residence space.
If you apply after the deadline (Winter Session and Summer Session) or with short notice before you begin your studies (Year-round and Family Housing), we’ll do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot make any guarantees.
To receive expedited access to housing, you must self-identify as Indigenous in your application to study at UBC. Student Housing receives this information from Enrolment Services and uses it when making residence offers.
If you have questions or to confirm we have your self-identification in our records, please contact us.
Apply
Apply for residence by the application deadline. Deadlines vary depending on whether you’re applying for Winter Session, Year-round, Family Housing or Summer Session residence.
In your application, you’ll provide your residence and room preferences.
Understanding the offer and assignment process
The way you receive your residence offer depends on which contract type you’re applying for:
Winter Session residence: You’ll initially receive a generic offer that doesn’t include a specific room assignment. Accept this offer by the deadline (typically within 5–7 days) to secure your housing. We’ll email your specific room assignment later, usually in mid-August.
Year-round residence: Depending on the time of year, you may initially receive a generic room type offer without a specific assignment, or you may receive your offer and room assignment together. Either way, accept your offer by the deadline (typically within 5–7 days) to secure your housing.
Family Housing: You will receive a specific unit assignment with your offer. Respond to your offer via email by the deadline (within 24 hours) to confirm your interest. You will then receive a system generated offer that you will have three days to accept to secure your housing.
Summer Session residence: Depending on timing, you may initially receive a generic room type offer without a specific assignment, or you may receive your offer and room assignment together. Either way, accept your offer by the deadline (typically within 5–7 days) to secure your housing.
After you accept an offer, you’ll need to pay a deposit or first instalment of fees by the deadline indicated in your offer. Fees vary by residence area and room type.
Providing your residence and room preferences
In the application, we’ll ask about your preferences for residence area, room or unit type and living habits. Depending on whether you’re applying for Winter Session, Year-round, Family Housing or Summer Session residence, different options are available.
Students with disabilities or ongoing health conditions can also apply for accessible student housing.
Providing your roommate preferences
After you apply—and once you’ve received your application confirmation by email—you’ll be able to provide preferences for specific roommates in the Online Service Centre.
Follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
Updating your application
You can update your application (including residence, room and roommate preferences) after submitting your application. To update your information, visit the Application page in the Online Service Centre or contact us for assistance.
Room assignments
We assign rooms based on your preferences, application date, age and what’s available.
Winter Session
For students moving into Winter Session residence at the start of the academic year (i.e., late-August/early-September), we’ll email room assignments in early to mid-August.
Year-round
For students moving into Year-round residence, while most of our spaces become available in early May, we send offers and assignments on a rolling basis throughout the year as spaces become available.
Family Housing
For students moving into Student Family residence, while most of our spaces come available between May and August, we send offers and assignments on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Summer Session
For students moving into Summer Session residence at the start of the Summer Session term (i.e., May), we’ll email room assignments in mid-April.
Contacting roommates
Once you’ve received your room assignment—or for Year-round residence, accepted your offer and assignment—you can reach out to any roommates through the Online Service Centre.
Housing fees and sponsorship
Some Indigenous students have a portion of their housing fees paid by a sponsor. If you have a sponsor, connect with them to understand what fees are covered (housing, meal plan or both) and for how long (full academic year, single term, etc.).
Once we hear from your sponsor, we can provide documentation showing the amount due and payment methods. Learn more about how Student Housing sponsorship works.
Getting to know residence
Indigenous names in residence
Several UBC residences carry hÉ™nÌ“qÌ“É™minÌ“É™mÌ“-language names gifted by the xÊ·məθkÊ·É™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam) Nation. We’ve worked directly with the Musqueam Nation since 2011 on storytelling initiatives and student residence projects.
More resources
UBC has several culturally appropriate services and resources, as well as clubs and associations, for Indigenous students.
Access academic advising, peer mentorship programs, network with other Indigenous students, or relax between classes in dedicated Indigenous spaces.