Check out the arrival instructions for Orchard Commons below. All Orchard Commons residents will begin their move in process by checking in at the Life Sciences Institute, which is a short walk from the Thunderbird Parkade—follow the flags! Then, residents will travel to Orchard Commons to unload their items.
Arriving by car?
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. And don’t forget to download our Move In Day map!
Step 1
Once you arrive at UBC, your first stop is the Thunderbird Parkade*, where you’ll park while you get checked in.
Parking in the Thunderbird Parkade is free on August 27 and August 31 from 8:30 am to 11 pm.
*Vehicle Clearance is 6’10â€/ 2.08m. Oversize vehicles will need to park at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
Step 2
Once parked, walk to the lower level and follow the check-in flags from the Thunderbird Parkade to the Life Sciences Institute where you will check in. Leave your belongings at your car, but don’t forget to bring your government-issued photo ID. Once you’ve checked in and received your check-in package and vehicle pass, you’re all set.
Step 3
Head back to your vehicle and drive your belongings to your residence building at Orchard Commons. A map and directions will be given to you when you check in.
Step 4
It’s time to move in! You will have 15 minutes to unload the items from your vehicle. Once unloaded, move your vehicle back to the Thunderbird Parkade. Park there and then walk back to your room to settle in. Carts can be borrowed with a government-issued photo ID.
Parking in the Thunderbird Parkade is free on August 27 and August 31 from 8:30 am to 11 pm.
Arriving by taxi or carshare?
Your driver can drop you off at the Life Sciences Institute, where you’ll check in. After you receive your check-in package, you (and your luggage) can hop on a free shuttle to take you directly to Orchard Commons.
Arriving by bus?
Once you arrive at the campus bus loop, the easiest way to get to the Life Sciences Institute is to walk across campus—or you can take transit from the UBC Exchange bus loop. From there, follow signage to the check in area. After you receive your check-in package, you (and your luggage) can hop on a free shuttle to take you directly to Orchard Commons.
Download a Move In Day MapWhat if I arrive late?
Arriving after 4 pm on August 27 or August 31? No problem! When you arrive, you can park at the B4 parking lot across from Orchard Commons (on Agronomy Road) and go directly to the front desk to check in. The Front Desk is open daily, 7 am–11 pm. If you arrive after 11 pm, you will not be able to check in and will need to return the following day during opening hours.
Questions?
If you have questions that aren’t answered above or in our Move In Day guide, please contact us.