Everyone wonders the same thing: What should I bring? What could I bring? What not to bring? Space in residence is limited, so bring only what is necessary. If there’s anything you need after you arrive, the UBC Bookstore is a convenient place to pick up some essentials.
What Should I Bring?
Essentials
- Identification documents
- Health care card
- Insurance papers
- Prescriptions/medications
- Bed and bath linens
- Your favourite pillow
- Alarm clock
- Headphones
- Toiletries and tote bag
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry bag and detergent
- Sewing kit
- Emergency kit
- Toilet paper (for students living in residences with private or semi-private washrooms)
- Water bottle (and fill up right from the tap)
Electronics
- Laptop and security lock
- Ethernet cable
- Extension cord
- Power bar and surge protector
For lounge snacking
- Food containers
- Cutlery
- Microwave-safe dishes
- Dishcloth and soap
- Your favourite mug
- Permitted appliances (see below)
For suites with kitchens
- Pots and pans
- Cutlery and cooking utensils
- Dishes and tupperware
- Cleaning supplies
- Permitted appliances (see below)
To wear
- Rain gear, umbrella, boots
- Fall/winter accessories
- Some dressy clothes
- Slippers
- Robe and flip-flops
What Could I Bring?
Consider these items optional.
Transportation
- Inexpensive bike: If you bring a bike, bring one that’s inexpensive—and bring a good U-lock. Bike theft happens. Or leave your bike at home and sign up for HOPR, UBC’s bike share program!
- Vehicle: There are so many transportation options on campus that bringing a vehicle isn’t necessary—plus, parking is very limited and comes with an extra cost. Take advantage of your U-Pass and car sharing instead.
Just because
- Games
- Snowboard/skis
- Hiking gear
- Beach gear
- Wall posters and framed pictures
Cooling
- Small fan: for use during warmer weather (or for generating white noise for study and sleep).
- Portable air conditioner: typically only needed for periods of warmer weather during the summer months (May–August).
Permitted cooking appliances
- Sandwich maker
- Toaster
- Electric kettle
- Coffee maker
- Mini-fridge (up to 5 cubic feet)
- Rice cooker
- Toaster oven
What Not To Bring
Don’t bring these items to residence.
- Unauthorized furniture
- Air fryers (for residents living in Orchard, Totem and Vanier)
- BBQs
- Propane
- Expensive bicycles
- Expensive jewelry
Prohibited Items
- Explosives
- Firecrackers
- Hoverboards
- Real, replica or fake guns/weapons (refer to weapons clause in Residence Contract for further detail)
- Illegal drugs
- Large appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators (small bar fridges and mini freezers permitted)
- Pets
- Hot plates and butane burners
- Subwoofer audio equipment
- Mercury thermometers