Get Involved

Living on campus means there’s always something to do, opportunities to make friends, and ways to give back to the community that will help you build valuable skills for your future. Residence Life staff are among the best-connected people at the university. They’re committed to enhancing the student experience for all residents.

Residence Advisors spend countless hours organizing orientation programs, volunteer opportunities, and fun events like recreational sports, movies, field trips, and more. They also lend an ear when needed and help address community issues.

Residence Life Managers are professional staff who live and work in each residence area. They help supervise staff, manage student behaviour, and have extensive knowledge of campus resources. RLMs are responsible for ensuring each resident has the opportunity enjoy a positive experience living at UBC.

Ways to get involved

Acadia Park

Acadia Park has one professional staff member and multiple community assistants who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

“I’m Emma Chartrand, Residence Life Manager at Acadia Park. I have a background in counselling and I’ve been a part of the Acadia Park community since 2012, most recently as a coordinator for the Parents and Tots program. It’s an honour to serve the UBC community and to enrich the residence experience at UBC. I look forward to working together to shape our community. Please come by and say hello. My door is always open!”

Emma Chartrand, RLM
emma.chartrand@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 6389

Ways to get involved at Acadia Park

1. Acadia Park Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to organize community initiatives.

2. Residence Life Leadership
Community Assistants are student staff (or student spouses) who plan fun events, lend an ear when needed and help address community issues.

3. Acadia Park Garden Program
Calling all green thumbs. We need volunteers to help oversee our cooperative, organic community garden (coordinators, committee members, etc.).

4. Volunteers
Volunteers help run a variety of family-centric programs including Parents & Tots and T-ball. New program ideas are welcome.

5. Attend Events
Acadia Park residents can apply for a UTown@UBC Community Services Card for exclusive discounts on UBC attractions and events.

Brock Commons

Brock Commons has one professional staff member and six student staff, plus numerous Front Desk staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager

“I’m Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager at Brock Commons. Initially, during my first year at UBC, I was terrified. But with the help of my Residence Advisor, I found a community of people to grow with and a place to call home. Determined to create this same welcoming environment, I later became a Residence Advisor, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I loved connecting with others, helping within my community and being challenged to step outside my comfort zone. If you’re looking for ways to get involved—or simply want to chat—feel free to stop by my office, which is located in the Exchange Residence Commonsblock.”

Charlene Chia, RLM
charlene.chia@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 2444

Ways to get involved at Brock Commons

1. Walter Gage Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to plan fun events. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Exchange

Exchange has one professional staff member and ten student staff, plus numerous Front Desk staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager

“I’m Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager at Exchange. Initially, during my first year at UBC, I was terrified. But with the help of my Residence Advisor, I found a community of people to grow with and a place to call home. Determined to create this same welcoming environment, I later became a Residence Advisor, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I loved connecting with others, helping within my community and being challenged to step outside my comfort zone. If you’re looking for ways to get involved – or simply want to chat – feel free to stop by my office, which is located in the Exchange Residence Commonsblock.”

Charlene Chia, RLM
charlene.chia@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 2444

Ways to get involved at Exchange

1. Exchange Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to plan fun events. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Fairview Crescent

Fairview Crescent has one professional staff member and seven student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

“Hi, I’m Ahmed Hussein, Residence Life Manager at Fairview Crescent. I came to UBC as an international student and understand what the transition to a new environment can look like. I remember finding my community and home within residence life through my time as a resident, resident advisor and now as an RLM. As someone who has lived, studied and worked at the beautiful Vancouver campus, I can share with you from experience that UBC is a place with endless possibilities. If you have questions on where to start or simply want to chat, my door is always open!”

Ahmed Hussein, RLM
ahmed.hussein@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4719

Ways to get involved at Fairview Crescent

1. Fairview Crescent Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members plan sustainability initiatives and fun events like intramural sports and the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. Fairview Crescent Sustainability Committee
Organize events and activities that promote ecological and social sustainability.

4. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Fraser Hall

Fraser Hall has one professional staff member and two student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Ways to get involved at Fraser Hall

Fraser Hall has one professional staff member and several student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

“Hi, I’m Ahmed Hussein, Residence Life Manager at Fraser Hall. I came to UBC as an international student and understand what the transition to a new environment can look like. I remember finding my community and home within residence life through my time as a resident, resident advisor and now as an RLM. As someone who has lived, studied and worked at the beautiful Vancouver campus, I can share with you from experience that UBC is a place with endless possibilities. If you have questions on where to start or simply want to chat, my door is always open!”

Ahmed Hussein, RLM
ahmed.hussein@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4719

1. Fraser Hall Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members plan sustainability initiatives and fun events like intramural sports. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. Fraser Hall Sustainability Committee
Organize events and activities that promote ecological and social sustainability.

4. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leaDer peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Iona House

Iona House has one professional staff member and one student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager

“I’m Charlene Chia, Residence Life Manager at Iona House. Initially, during my first year at UBC, I was terrified. But with the help of my Residence Advisor, I found a community of people to grow with and a place to call home. Determined to create this same welcoming environment, I later became a Residence Advisor, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I loved connecting with others, helping within my community and being challenged to step outside my comfort zone. If you’re looking for ways to get involved – or simply want to chat – feel free to stop by my office, which is located in the Exchange Residence Commonsblock.”

Charlene Chia, RLM
charlene.chia@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 2444

Ways to get involved at Iona House

1. Walter Gage Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to plan fun events. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive has two professional staff members and 25+ student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Niloufar Rohani, Residence Life Manager

“Hi! I’m Nilou, Residence Life Manager at Marine Drive. Through my background in facilities management, I have served university communities for a number of years. Now, as an RLM, I enjoy the opportunity to be more directly involved with student life and residence programs, and I get to witness the positive effects of my work in the community I serve. I look forward to working together to create lifelong memories for you in residence at UBC! My office is located in the Marine Drive Commonsblock; please feel free to stop by to ask questions or even for a quick chat.”

Nilou Rohani, RLM
Buildings 1, 2 & 6
niloufar.rohani@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 3200

“Hi, I’m Abhijit, Residence Life Manager at Marine Drive. My background is in Materials Engineering and Project Management. During my PhD here at UBC, I lived in the wonderful St. John’s College community, where I had the opportunity to meet students from over 70 countries. This experience shaped my understanding of Student Housing’s role in providing a robust support system for UBC students – and the particular importance of that support system for international students. Now, as part of the Residence Life team, I have the opportunity to help enhance the student experience further at UBC. If you happen to be in the Marine Drive Commonsblock, please stop by and say hi!”

Abhijit Pandhari, RLM
Buildings 4 & 5
abhijit.pandhari@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 4364

Ways to get involved at Marine Drive

1. Welcome BBQ
Held in September, it’s perfect place to meet people and volunteer.

2. Annual Musical
Calling all actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and lighting/sound aficionados. Many leadership and volunteer opportunities exist for this annual production.

3. Marine Drive Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members plan fun events, organize sustainability initiatives, and provide sports equipment to residents. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

4. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

5. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Orchard Commons

Orchard Commons has two professional staff members and 35 student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Arielle Maury, Residence Life Manager

“Hi, I’m Arielle, your Residence Life Manager at Orchard Commons. I worked through a big transition in my life when I came to Canada as an international student at McGill University and had to adapt to new surroundings. Becoming an RA in my second year of university is where I truly found my place and this dynamic community has been a huge part of my life ever since. I look forward to supporting all students as they seek to find their own sense of belonging away from home and can’t wait to see you all around the Commonsblock. If you need anything or just want to chat, feel free to stop by my office!”

Arielle Maury, RLM
Bartlett House
arielle.maury@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4266

Calvin Cheung, Residence Life Manager

“Hi! My name is Calvin, your Residence Life Manager at Orchard Commons. I first came to UBC working as a Front Desk Service Representative, then later moved into the Residence Assignments Team. I have enjoyed meeting and spending time with residents and listening to the wonderful stories they have about their experience at UBC. If you ever see me in my office when you walk by the Commonsblock, please come say hi—I would love to hear how you are doing!”

Calvin Cheung, RLM
Braeburn House
calvinj.cheung@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4047

Ways to get involved at Orchard Commons

1. Floor Leaders
Each floor elects a floor rep who helps plan events like pancake breakfasts, hockey night and Spirit Week. Floor reps sit on the House Council for the Winter Session and commit about two hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Place Vanier

Place Vanier has two professional staff members and 50+ student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Cassidy Collins, Residence Life Manager

“Hi there, I’m Cassidy McGuinness, Residence Life Manager at Place Vanier. When I began my Residence Life career and became a Residence Advisor in my second year of university, I was so excited to be part of a diverse community with the shared goal of supporting students. I have gained such a strong sense of belonging from living and working in Residence Life – and I hope to pass that on to the UBC community! If you are in need of support or looking for a way to get involved, the Residence Life team is here for you.”

Cassidy McGuinness, RLM
Cariboo, Kootenay, Okanagan, Robson, Sherwood Lett, Tec De Monterrey and Tweedsmuir Houses
cassidy.mcguinness@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 1462

Sahil Nandal, Residence Life Manager

“Hi there, my name is Sahil and I’m one of the Residence Life Managers at Place Vanier. I first dipped my toes in Residence Life as a Residence Advisor in my 3rd year of university here at UBC. I’ve been closely attached to the Residence Life community since then. As a third-culture international student, building community and having a sense of belonging has always been very close to my heart. Having the opportunity to continue to do that in a first-year context here in Place Vanier is very exciting for me. If you ever want to chat or say Hi, feel free to stop by my office or connect in any other way that you’re comfortable with!”

Sahil Nandal, RLM
Hamber, Korea-UBC, Mackenzie, Mawdsley, and Ross Houses
sahil.nandal@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 6832

Ways to get involved at Place Vanier

1. Floor Leaders
Each floor elects a floor rep who helps plan events like pancake breakfasts, hockey night and Spirit Week. Floor reps sit on the House Council for the Winter Session and commit about two hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Ponderosa Commons

Ponderosa Commons has one professional staff member and twelve student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Daniel Damile, Residence Life Manager

“Hi, Daniel is my name and I’m your Residence Life Manager at Ponderosa Commons. Working at residence has always been important to me, as living in residence was very impactful both academically and socially during my university years. Offering help and support to students in residence has been a huge part of my life ever since becoming an RA in my second year. I look forward to supporting all students as they continue their academic journey and discover more about themselves away from home. My office is located in the Ponderosa Commonsblock. I’m available to answer questions on residence life, UBC, or just to chat!”

Daniel Damile, RLM
daniel.damile@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 2673

Ways to get involved at Ponderosa Commons

1. Welcome BBQ
Held in September, it’s perfect place to meet people and volunteer.

2. Ponderosa Commons Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members plan fun events, organize sustainability initiatives, and provide sports equipment to residents. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

3. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

4. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Ritsumeikan-UBC

Ritsumeikan-UBC House has one professional staff member and four student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Calvin Cheung, Residence Life Manager

“Hi! My name is Calvin, your Residence Life Manager at Ritsumeikan-UBC House. I first came to UBC working as a Front Desk Service Representative, then later moved into the Residence Assignments Team. I have enjoyed meeting and spending time with residents and listening to the wonderful stories they have about their experience at UBC. If you ever see me in my office when you walk by the Commonsblock, please come say hi—I would love to hear how you are doing!”

Calvin Cheung, RLM
calvinj.cheung@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4047

Ways to get involved at Ritsumeikan-UBC House

1. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

2. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ

tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ has one professional staff member, plus numerous student staff and Front Desk staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Sahar Allen, Residence Life Manager

“Hi! I’m Sahar Allen, Residence Life Manager at tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ. As a first-generation immigrant and recent UBC alumni, I have found Residence Life to be a home away from home. In the past 3 years, I’ve had the privilege of being a Residence Advisor, Senior Residence Advisor, and now a Residence Life Manager. I strive to provide equitable and meaningful opportunities for those who are looking to get involved in our communities. If you are looking to give back to your residence area and/or get involved on campus, let’s connect! My office is located at Thunderbird Residence Commonsblock and I would be happy to support you throughout your residence experience.”

Sahar Alen, RLM
sahar.allen@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 9323

Ways to get involved at tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ

1. tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to plan fun events. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Thunderbird

Thunderbird has one professional staff member and four student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Sahar Allen, Residence Life Manager

“Hi! I’m Sahar Allen, Residence Life Manager at Thunderbird. As a first-generation immigrant and recent UBC alumni, I have found Residence Life to be a home away from home. In the past 3 years, I’ve had the privilege of being a Residence Advisor, Senior Residence Advisor, and now a Residence Life Manager. I strive to provide equitable and meaningful opportunities for those who are looking to get involved in our communities. If you are looking to give back to your residence area and/or get involved on campus, let’s connect! My office is located at Thunderbird Residence Commonsblock and I would be happy to support you throughout your residence experience.”

Sahar Allen, RLM
sahar.allen@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 0959

Ways to get involved at Thunderbird

1. Thunderbird Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members meet regularly to plan fun events. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Totem Park

Totem Park has three professional staff members, several part-time professional staff and 50+ student staff, who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Matthew Lim, Residence Life Manager

“Hi, my name is Matthew, and I am one of the Residence Life Managers at Totem Park. Throughout my career in student success and residence life, I have had many wonderful opportunities to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed in a variety of environments: from international to domestic, traditional to suite-style, and first-year to upper-year. Having found my passion in being a resource to students for their growth and success, I decided to join the Residence Life Team to share my passion and knowledge to the UBC community. My office is located in the Totem Park Commonsblock, so feel free to stop by if you need support or want to get connected!”

Matthew Lim, RLM
həm̓ləsəm̓ & q̓ələχən Houses
matthew.lim@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 3036

Chi Chi Chikwavaire, Residence Life Manager

“Hi, I’m Chi Chi, Residence Life Manager at Totem Park. When I was in first year as an international student, residence was the first place I felt welcomed by my peers and Residence Advisors, and it eventually became my home in Canada. My experience in residence empowered me during my transition to university and helped equip me for success beyond graduation. It is an exciting and dynamic place filled with many opportunities. Feel free to stop by my office; I would love to chat with you about your experience and how I can help.”

Chi Chi Chikwavaire, RLM
Dene, Kwakiutl, Nootka & Shuswap Houses
chi.chikwavaire@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 2374

“Hello, I’m Carlie, and I am one of the Residence Life Managers at Totem Park. Leaving home for the first time and moving into residence was a scary transition, but with the help of my residence community it truly became a home away from home. As a RLM, I feel grateful to be able to work with students and help contribute to a community like the one that welcomed me years ago. If you see me in my office at the Totem Park Commonsblock, please feel free to come in and say hello. I would love to chat with you and learn more about your experience at UBC!”

Carlie Thompson, RLM
c̓əsnaʔəm, Haida & Salish Houses
carlie.thompson@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 827 4428

Ways to get involved at Totem Park

1. Floor Leaders
Each floor elects a floor rep who helps plan events like pancake breakfasts, hockey night and Spirit Week. Floor reps sit on the House Council for the Winter Session and commit about two hours per week.

2. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

3. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email  nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.

Walter Gage

Walter Gage has one professional staff member and numerous student staff who work hard to promote a safe, inclusive and enjoyable community for residents.

Eniola Folarin, Residence Life Manager

“Hi, I’m Eniola, the Residence Life Manager for Walter Gage Residence. My favourite thing about Gage is the commonsblock. Connected to all the towers, it’s a lively and bright space for students to study or hang out. My previous university experiences include being an international student and working as an international student advisor. My office is by the North Tower, so please feel free to stop by!”

Eniola Folarin, RLM
eniola.folarin@ubc.ca | Tel: 604 822 1071

Ways to get involved at Walter Gage

1. Walter Gage Involvement Fair
Held in mid-September, this is a one-stop-shop for information about all involvement opportunities at Walter Gage.

2. Walter Gage Residence Association
Gain valuable skills for your resumé. Members plan fun events like intramural sports. Time commitment is 2-4 hours per week.

3. EnGage Club
This group meets regularly to explore initiatives and events that promote sustainable living.

4. Suitestyle Musical
Calling all actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and lighting/sound aficionados. Leadership and volunteer opportunities exist for our annual production.

5. West Tower Socials
Fun group activities are coordinated in the Fireside Lounge twice per month on Fridays. Regular lounge hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

6. Residence Life jobs
Student leaders run orientation programs for new residents, plan events, and help keep the peace in the residence community. Recruitment begins in late fall.

7. National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
UBC students can join and nominate student leader peers for regional and national awards. Email nrhh@mail.housing.ubc.ca for more information.