Accessible Rooms and Suites


Summary

At UBC and in Student Housing and Community Services, we are committed to providing supportive and inclusive living and learning environments with resources, services and supports for students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions.  

Each residence at UBC offers a number of rooms with accessible room layouts and accessibility features—and we assign eligible students to residences and rooms with the most current features.  

The majority of residence buildings at UBC have barrier-free entry and accessible common areas, including commonsblocks, house and floor lounges, and washrooms.

Room Types

In residence, we offer three accessible room types: single rooms, studio suites and one bedroom suites.

  • Accessible single rooms offer a combined sleeping, living and study area and a private bathroom. Accessible single rooms are often reserved for first-year Winter Session students who have access to residence dining halls.
  • Accessible studio suites are designed to maximize space with a living and sleeping area, study space, kitchen and private bathroom all in one. Accessible studios are available in Winter Session and Year Round residences.
  • Accessible one bedroom suites offer the same accessible features as a studio suite and include a separate bedroom. Accessible studio suites are available in Winter Session and Year Round residences.

Accessible Room Features

  • Lowered heat and light switches, lowered door viewer
  • Safety features: visual fire alarm, smoke detector strobe light*
  • Bathroom: A private accessible bathroom that includes a lowered countertop, a chair accessible shower, toilet and shower grab bars, and shower seat
  • Kitchen: Included in accessible studio and one bedroom suites. Kitchens include lowered kitchen countertops and accessible appliances.
  • High-speed internet access
  • Bed linens not included
  • Take a virtual tour of the accessible room types in select residences, including Orchard Commons, Totem Park and Walter Gage.
  • Photos/layouts are samples only—suites vary by location. Floor plans listed above currently reference Orchard, Totem and Walter Gage accessible rooms.

*Standard units may include a visual fire alarm and smoke detector strobe light.

Furnishings

Furnished studio and one bedroom suites include: a queen or double bed, dresser, desk, chair, desk lamp, bookshelf, closet or wardrobe, and table. Amenities vary by location.



Residences with Accessible Rooms

While each residence at UBC includes accessible rooms, we assign eligible students to the following residences, which offer the most current accessibility features and layouts.

Applying for an accessible residence room

If you have a disability or ongoing medical condition that significantly affects your housing needs, you must demonstrate eligibility by providing a priority access or placement application, along with supporting documents, to UBC’s Centre for Accessibility by the applicable deadline.  

Once the Centre for Accessibility has confirmed your eligibility, our team will assign you a residence and room type that fits your individual needs.  

Learn more about priority access and how we assign rooms for students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions.Â