We’ve been working hard to make sure that there are lots of opportunities to safely enjoy the holidays this year for everyone living in residence over the break. Learn more about what’s happening in residence, across campus, and around Vancouver. Plus, get the goods on campus eats, food and grocery delivery, and ways to take care of yourself.
What’s happening in residence?
There’s lots happening in residence over the winter break. Winter break Residence Advisors have been busy planning virtual programs for those staying in residence. Check out the list below and register in advance to attend!
Residence Front Desk: open 24/7
Remember, your residence front desk is open and here to help. Please visit the desk if you need assistance over the break and they will help direct you.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorations & Movie
8 pm
Check out great tips, resources, ideas and more – gift-wrapped just for 2020.
GET THE GUIDEResidence amenities
Upper year residence: all residence amenities remain open and operational.
Orchard Commons: amenities like the fitness room, music rooms, study lounges in the Commonsblock and the front desk remain open and operational. However, branch lounges will be closed December 22 (8 pm)–January 11 (9 am). Please collect any food you’ve left in your lounge’s kitchen before this extended closure and store it, consume it, or properly dispose of it.
What’s happening on-campus and in Vancouver?
There’s also a lot happening on campus at UBC and around Vancouver during the winter break. Here’s a roundup of what to do and where to find more.
Explore campus
Recreation facilities
+ Don’t forget to register for Term 2 UBC Rec programs!
How do I access student services and supports over the holidays?
Find holiday hours for student services, along with 24/7 crisis support and self-help resources in UBC’s student supports over the holidays blog post.
Explore Vancouver
Getting around Vancouver
Getting off-campus is a cinch! Check out Translink’s website to explore bus and Skytrain routes, including ways to get to our local mountains! For more info on getting around or off-campus, visit UBC Campus + Community Planning. Remember, masks are mandatory on public transit.
Mountain sports
Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or sledding!
Daytrips!
Stanley Park (Free) – walk the seawall or check out the forest trails.
Lighthouse Park (Free) – a fun, seaside hike on the North Shore.
Vancouver Public Library (Free) – the Central Library downtown is a pretty cool piece of architecture.
Deep Cove (Free) – a great daytrip, just a transit ride away.
Capilano Suspension Bridge – a classic Vancouver attraction.
VanDusen Botanical Garden – beautiful botanical garden in the heart of the city.
Bloedel Conservatory – gorgeous tropical plant conservatory at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Science World – BC’s premier science attraction at the edge of downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Aquatic Centre – great indoor swimming pool just across the Burrard bridge. Remember to book your swim ahead of time!
Food and drink
Orchard Commons
If you’re staying in Orchard Commons Residence during the winter break, you’ll have enrolled in the winter break dining plan, which includes a continental, boxed breakfast and hot dinner served daily. You can pick up meals from the Residence Dining Room using your winter stay room key (i.e., your card with the Orchard Commons sticker) and your UBC Card. Look out for a special dinner surprise on December 25th!
Eating on-campus
Campus is much quieter over the winter break and some Food Service locations close during this period. For the most up-to-date information about what is open, please visit the Feed Me Now webpage. On holiday’s like Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day food options on campus are limited. Harvest Market remains open on these days.
Eating off-campus
The winter break is a fantastic time to explore the Vancouver community with your immediate household or core bubble. Our city has an amazing food scene. Check out this Vancouver food bucket list article by Noms Magazine for inspiration. Some restaurants will be closed for dine-in or take-out on statutory holidays, so it’s always best to call ahead and ask if they take reservations.
Delivery
Meal Delivery
If you want to order in meals, popular delivery services include Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, Door Dash, Fantuan, Yogi’s Kitchen. Please consider ordering food from nearby locations to reduce the sustainability impact of having meals delivered to campus.
Grocery Deliveries
If you have access to an equipped kitchen and plan on making your own meals, consider ordering groceries online for delivery to your door. Popular and near-by options include Stongs, Spud, and Save-On-Foods (select “Vancouver” and “UBC” when ordering). We recommend you order well in advance of your preferred delivery date.
Meal Kits
Popular Meal Kit delivery services include Chef’s Plate, Fresh Prep, Hello Fresh, Good Food. Note that you need an equipped kitchen to use these services.
Not sure which one to choose? Check out this comparison of Vancouver’s most popular meal-kit delivery services.
Questions?
If you have any questions, connect with your residence front desk, your RA, or your RLM!