Arrive and Check In at Flag Pole Plaza

We can’t wait to welcome you to residence at UBC! 👋

Here’s some key information so you know when to arrive, how to get here, how to check in, and how to move into your new room on Move In Day.

Arrival and check-in instructions

For students moving into Place Vanier and Walter Gage.

Move In Day overview

Here’s a brief overview of how the day will go. More details below!

Arrive at UBC—if you’re arriving by vehicle, park at the Rose Garden Parkade.
Check in—check in at Flag Pole Plaza, located above the Rose Garden Parkade.
Proceed to your residence—at check-in we’ll give you a map with directions to your residence. If you drove a vehicle, you’ll return to your vehicle then drive to your residence.
Move in!—if you drove a vehicle, you’ll have 15 minutes to unload, then you’ll re-park at a different parkade near your residence.
Unpack and settle in—if you drove, walk back to your room, unpack and settle in! If you need a bite to eat, find out what’s open on-campus.

Move In Day schedule

August 26 schedule

9 am: Check-in at Flag Pole Plaza opens.
3 pm: Check-in at Flag Pole Plaza closes.
4:30 pm (approximately): Check-in re-opens at your residence commonsblock.
10:30 pm: Latest arrival for check-in at residence front desks.*
11 pm: Residence front desks close.

August 30 schedule

9 am: Check-in at Flag Pole Plaza opens.
2 pm: Check-in at Flag Pole Plaza closes.
3:30 pm (approximately): Check-in re-opens at your residence commonsblock.
10:30 pm: Latest arrival for check-in at residence front desks.*
11 pm: Residence front desks close.

*If you’re arriving after 10:30 pm, you’ll need to book a hotel and check in the next day between 7:30 am and 10:30 pm. On-campus hotel accommodation is available.

Flag Pole Plaza check-in map

Rose Garden Parkade and Flag Pole Plaza check-in location.

Move In Day details

Detailed steps for arriving, checking in and moving into your room on Move In Day, which depend on how you get here.

Arriving by vehicle
Arriving by taxi or rideshare
Arriving by bus

Arriving by vehicle?

GPS is great for getting to UBC, but once you’re close to campus, follow our signs instead. We’ve posted them at key points all over campus.

Park at the Rose Garden Parkade

Your first stop is the Rose Garden Parkade, where you’ll park for free while you get checked in.

Please park on one of the upper levels.
EV chargers are located on level 5.
Accessible parking stalls are on level 5.
The elevator is accessible from level 5 only.
Parking in the Rose Garden Parkade is free on August 26 and August 30, 8:30 am–4 pm.

Overheight vehicles: vehicle clearance in the Rose Garden Parkade is 6’8” (2.03m). If your vehicle is taller, park for free at the Armouries Lot instead.

Proceed to Flag Pole Plaza

Leave your belongings in your car.
Bring your government-issued photo ID.
To exit the parkade, take either the stairs or the elevator (accessible from level 5 only) to the top level.
Exit the stairs or elevator and take a moment to enjoy the view!
Then turn around and locate the big white tent—where you’ll check in.

Overheight vehicles: leave your vehicle at the Armouries Lot and proceed up Crescent Road to Main Mall, where you’ll find the big white tent to check in.

Check in

Come on over to the check-in tent.
Present your government-issued photo ID.
Pick up your check-in package and vehicle pass.
Get directions to your residence.

Proceed to your residence

Return to your vehicle and drive your belongings to your residence building.
Follow our directions—and the signs located along your route—to get there.

Move in

Once you arrive at your residence, you’ll have 15 minutes to unload your vehicle and move your belongings to your new room.
Moving carts are available to use for free—although a limited supply is available. To borrow one, you need to leave us with your government-issued photo ID.

Re-park your vehicle at a different parkade closer to your residence

Once you’ve moved your stuff to your room, return to your vehicle.
Place Vanier residents: drive to the Fraser River Parkade and park for the remainder of the day—for free until 11 pm.
Walter Gage residents: drive to the North Parkade and park for the remainder of the day—for free until 11 pm.

Unpack and settle in

🚀 Mission accomplished!

Return to your room.
Unpack.
Visit your commonsblock to check out the UBC Bookstore pop-up store and pick up any extra supplies you need.
Settle in and make yourself at home!

Attend your first meeting—and (for Place Vanier residents) dinner at the dining hall

Attend your first floor meeting with either your Jump Start orientation leader (Aug 26) or your Residence Advisor (Aug 30).
Place Vanier: your orientation leader or RA will let you know what time your floor is going to the dining hall, Gather at Vanier, for your first dinner.

Arriving by taxi or rideshare?

If you’re arriving by taxi or rideshare (i.e., Uber), follow these directions to arrive, check in and move in.

Your driver can drop you off at the UBC Flag Pole on Crescent Road.
Locate the big white check-in tent and come on over.
Present your government-issued photo ID.
Pick up your check-in package.
Walk/roll or take our free shuttle to your residence.

Arriving by bus?

If you’re arriving by bus, follow these directions to arrive, check in and move in.

You’ll arrive at the UBC Bus Exchange or trolley bus loop, depending on which bus you take.
Proceed to Flag Pole Plaza: walk/roll across campus or take the Route 68 Community Shuttle from the UBC Bus Exchange.
Locate the big white check-in tent and come on over.
Present your government-issued photo ID.
Pick up your check-in package.
Walk/roll or take our free shuttle to your residence.

FAQs

Do I need to book a timeslot?

If you’re planning to arrive on one of the two official Move In Days, during the time when our central check-ins are open, you need to book a timeslot. Watch for an email from us in August with info about how to book yours!

What if I miss my timeslot?

We understand that travel delays can occur. If you end up arriving later than the move-in timeslot you booked, but while our central check-ins are still open, follow the same arrival and check-in instructions and head to your central check-in location as planned.

What if I arrive late?

You’ll be able to check in at your residence commonsblock starting about 90 minutes after the Flag Pole Plaza check-in closes: 3 pm closure on Aug 26; 2 pm closure on Aug 30.

Please arrive no later than 10:30 pm to check in at your residence commonsblock, to allow time for check-in before the residence front desk closes at 11 pm sharp.

If you’re arriving later than 10:30 pm, you’ll need to book a hotel and check-in the next day (7:30 am–10:30 pm). On-campus hotel accommodation is available.

Where can I park if I arrive late?

Place Vanier: park at the Fraser River Parkade.
Walter Gage: park in the North Parkade.

Can I arrive after Move In Day?

Yes, you can arrive on a later date. Simply check in at your residence front desk, 7:30 am–10:30 pm (a half hour after opening and a half hour before closing) seven days a week.

If you are using a vehicle and need to temporarily park close to your residence while you unload, you must email UBC Parking (parking.support@ubc.ca) in advance of your move to request temporary parking on the date you’re moving in, so that your vehicle does not get ticketed or towed.

Can I bring my pet?

While we love animals, pets are not permitted in residence. Please leave your pet at home.

What if I forget to bring something?

UBC Bookstore also has plenty of residence supplies in stock, for purchase online or in-store.

Questions?

Check out the complete Move In Day guide. If you have additional questions that aren’t answered there, please email move.in.day@ubc.ca.

Residence Life