Arrive and Check In at Life Sciences Centre

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 Orchard Commons, Ritsumeikan-UBC House and Totem Park.

On this page

Move In Day: Aug 26

For students attending Jump Start
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
9 am–3 pm

Move In Day: Aug 30

For all other Winter Session students
Saturday, August 30, 2025
9 am–2 pm

Check-in time slots

  • You’ll need to book a specific check-in time slot if you’re moving in on one of these dates.
  • Watch for an email from us in early to mid-August with info about how to book yours.

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 Thunderbird Parkade.
  • Check in—check in at the Life Sciences Centre (also known as the Life Sciences Institute).
  • 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 the Thunderbird Parkade.
  • 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 Life Sciences Centre opens.
  • 3 pm: Check-in at Life Sciences Centre 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 Life Sciences Centre opens.
  • 2 pm: Check-in at Life Sciences Centre 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.

Life Sciences Centre check-in map

Thunderbird Parkade and Life Sciences Centre 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?

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 Thunderbird Parkade

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

  • EV chargers are located on ground level.
  • Accessible parking stalls are located on ground level.
  • Parking in the Thunderbird Parkade is free on August 26 and August 30, 8:30 am–11 pm.

Overheight vehicles: vehicle clearance in the Thunderbird Parkade is 6’10” (2.08m). If your vehicle is taller, park for free across the street in the Osborne Lot instead.

Proceed to the Life Sciences Centre

  • Leave your belongings in your car.
  • Bring your government-issued photo ID.
  • Exit the parkade via the ground level pedestrian exit (NW corner by the EV chargers) and follow the blue flags to the Life Sciences Centre.

Overheight vehicles: leave your vehicle at the Osborne Lot, cross Thunderbird Boulevard, and take the path to the left of the parkade to the Life Sciences Centre.

Check in

  • Follow the signs to enter the West Atrium of the Life Sciences Centre.
  • 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 Thunderbird Parkade

  • Once you’ve moved your stuff to your room, return to your vehicle.
  • Drive back to the Thunderbird 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 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).
  • Your orientation leader or RA will let you know what time your floor is going to the dining hall for your first dinner—Open Kitchen for Orchard Commons and Ritsumeikan-UBC House residents; Feast for Totem Park residents.

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 Life Sciences Centre.
  • Follow the signs to enter the West Atrium of the Life Sciences Centre.
  • 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.

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?

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.