There are a few ways that students in residence can request to switch rooms. We try our best to accommodate these requests, but cannot make guarantees.
Students in Winter Session residence areas can apply for a room switch before or after moving in. Students in Year Round residence areas can apply for a room switch after moving in.
Requesting a switch before move-in
Winter Session residents only.
You can request a switch between the date you receive your room assignment (mid-August) and the deadline of August 18, 2024.
Your room assignment is not available prior to the date it is released and we cannot process switch requests before then. For switch requests after August 18, find out how to request a switch after move-in.
1. Find another UBC student to switch with
First, find another UBC student to switch with! To help you find another student to switch rooms with, you can use our Room Switch forum on Facebook.
2. Both students apply for the room switch
You both must email information@housing.ubc.ca on the same day with the following information:
- Full name and student ID#
- Current room assignment (room, house, residence)
- Full name of the person you agreed to switch with and their current room assignment
FAQs
Requesting a switch after move-in
Winter Session and Year Round residents. For requests after August 18, 2024.
Winter Session residents
If you would like to switch rooms after moving into residence and you find another UBC student who shares the same floor, house, or residence area with you and who wants to switch, please visit your residence Front Desk together to discuss your request.
Students who live in different residence areas can also request a switch. If you are requesting a room switch with someone from a different residence area, both students must physically come into the Student Housing and Community Services Main Office to request the switch. If the room switch is approved, both students must complete the switch on that day.
There is a $10 administration fee per person.
Year Round residents
You are welcome to find another UBC student to switch with before moving in, but you can only apply for the switch after moving in. You are eligible to switch rooms with another UBC student in the same residence area and room type.
To apply for the room switch, both students—after moving in—must visit their residence Front Desk together to make the request.
Students who live in different residence areas or room types are not eligible to switch rooms. Instead, you are eligible to apply for a room transfer.
There is a $10 administration fee per person.
Room Transfers
Winter Session residents
If you would like to move rooms, but you are unable to find another student to switch with, beginning at the end of the first week of classes you can apply online for a room transfer. Room Transfers are offered based on availability and your eligibility to live in the proposed residence area and room.
Before applying, we encourage you to speak with your Residence Life Manager, who would be happy to discuss your concerns, help you find a solution and access resources.
There is a $50 fee for room transfers.
Year Round residents
If you would like to move to a different room type or to a room in a different residence area, beginning at the end of the first week of classes you can apply online for a room transfer. Room Transfers are offered based on availability and your eligibility to live in the proposed residence area and room.
Before applying, we encourage you to speak with your Residence Life Manager, who would be happy to discuss your concerns, help you find a solution and access resources.
There is a $50 fee for room transfers.
Questions?
If you’d like to know more, please contact us at the Student Housing Main Office. Further details about authorized and unauthorized room switches and room transfers are in your Residence Contract.