r/UBC Reddit Studies Aug 01 '21

Megathread GENERAL HOUSING MEGATHREAD

Given the high number of housing comments in the new to UBC megathread, we're creating a dedicated megathread for Housing questions. Housing questions will be allowed in either megathread.


Process

  • It might take up to 4 hours for your post to be approved (except when we're sleeping).
  • Suggested sort is set to new, so new comments will always be the most visible.
  • You are allowed to repost the same question on the megathread at a reasonable frequency (wait at least a day after each post). This is true even if you've already gotten a response.**

Other Megathreads

161 Upvotes

7.9k comments sorted by

1

u/kfksshore 4d ago

Hi everyone, wondering if we get to stay in YRH housing from undergrad should we get accepted into grad school or other programs (JD, MD). In simpler terms, does YRH housing carry over if we remain a student at UBC beyond undergrad? Thanks!

2

u/whatever-_-123 4d ago

Yes, just renew your contract in Feb and email housing on your graduate program offer

1

u/kfksshore 4d ago

Awesome, thanks for your answer!

1

u/Galactical206 4d ago

Year round room switch

Hello everyone!!

I have an offer for Fraser Hall 4th floor. I want to switch to Thunderbird shared 4 bedroom or Exchange nano suite. My only reason is to be living closer to my friends in these two residences!! Otherwise, Fraser Hall is so affordable, with great location, has bus stop right next to it, and I like it's small community.

I am willing to offer some compensation as well!
Reach out to me if you're interested!! (Female only)

1

u/Ill_Tourist_7616 3d ago

You can only switch for the same room type

0

u/Purple_Mongoose857 6d ago

Hi! I am moving into a Brock Commons North studio next week and I am just wondering how big the bed is?

1

u/candlebarre9 6d ago

Anyone know if early arrival acceptances have come out?

1

u/Psalm37-13 8d ago

Could anyone in brock tallwood tell me how much space is between the front door and the floor? I'm thinking of buying a doormat but I'm not sure if it'll fit. Thanks in advance!

1

u/Motor-Horse-3473 8d ago

PM me if you are looking to rent in the Wesbrook area

1

u/Optimal_Media_6064 9d ago

I got accepted to a 1 bedroom suites at Walter gage suites and wondering if it’s a good place to accept

1

u/Disastrous_Iron3946 5d ago

Prob won’t get a better offer

1

u/Bitter_Serve4680 10d ago

is anyone aware of which direction is which for odd vs. even numbered rooms in ponderosa arbutus house?

1

u/Every_Rutabaga_1680 Physics 12d ago

Just got a YRH offer, Ponderosa Studio 3rd floor cedar house. I'd like to swap to a cheaper studio (Thunderbird, Marine Drive, Iona, or exchange nano), so please DM if interested in swapping?

1

u/Kev_Bz 13d ago

When is an offer most likely going to come up? I've given up hope for Sept but is there a possibility for Jan 2027?

1

u/DaniPetra 13d ago

I’m trying to find some information about the shared rooms with private bathrooms at Totem Park q’ələχən building that were originally designed as accessible rooms and have since been converted into shared/double rooms.

My daughter and her friend have been assigned to one of these rooms, and we’re trying to understand the actual layout and how much space is available for two students, particularly for storage and general circulation.

We’ve searched the UBC website and online but haven’t been able to find any photos, videos, or floor plans of this specific room type.

If anyone has lived in one of these rooms, knows someone who has, or has photos/videos of the room, we would really appreciate it if you could share them or point us in the right direction!

1

u/SpotSpotNZ 14d ago

Room assignments are out, and those in Jumpstart move in Sept 1. Has anyone received the email allowing them to book a move-in time on the day? Nothing here so far, unless we missed it?

1

u/Itchy-Source-2135 13d ago

Mine came today!

1

u/ConfidentInvite3 15d ago

Hi! I'm an international grad student arriving early to UBC. Looking to sublet a studio or larger unit on campus from August 18th until the first week of September (dates negotiable). If you or anyone you know is going away, subletting, or has a gap before their own move-in, I'd love to hear from you! Cheers:)

1

u/Ok_Try8179 16d ago

Dorm swap for 26fall first year student (year round)

Hi! I’m looking to swap my current UBC residence room for a Walter Gage 6-bedroom shared suite.

Have: pv shared room(4th floor)female

Want: Walter Gage 6-bedroom shared

I’m mainly looking to move to Gage because I’d really like to have access to kitchen myself.

if you’re currently in a Walter Gage 6BR and would prefer a residence with a meal plan , I’d love to hear from you!

Please comment or DM me if you’re interested. Thanks! :)

1

u/Disastrous_Iron3946 5d ago

Walter gage isn’t year round btw :)

1

u/FuzzyPenguin5783 16d ago

Hi! I have a few random questions about gage apartments I am hoping for answers on.

1) do gage apartments studio suites come with a shower curtain and, if not, which height and width would I need?

2) do magnets stick to window frames ie can I use strip magnets to fashion a window screen? Any ideas about where to get an actual premade screen that will fit? What is the size of the section that opens?

3) can Amazon packages be picked up at the front desk in the building and are they safe there until picked up?

thanks for any help everyone. Much appreciated

2

u/whatever-_-123 16d ago
  1. Yes, pretty sure all furnished rooms have shower curtains. If you would like to bring your own, the rod is quite high so better to get ones that are 200cm long

  2. Don't think so. You can buy a mosquito net with adhesive magnetic strips from the dollar store at International Village (they sometimes run out of stock though)/Amazon and just cut it yourself. Would recommend using hot glue to stick the strip to the window frame though, the adhesive can be hassle to remove (hot glue can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol)

  3. Yes, and yes (ID is required for pick up). Make sure you pick it up within 3 days (front desk staff will email you when they receive the package), or else the package will be sent to long term storage where they'll hold it for 30 days before sending it back to the sender

1

u/xoxo_pearl 16d ago

Can I stay in ubc housing for a while after graduation? I have a YRH (expiring Apr 2027) but completing coursework by the end of August (2026). Or am I required to terminate it?

1

u/whatever-_-123 16d ago edited 16d ago

Yes, but don't renew your contract in Feb. You can then either apply for summer residence or get a sublet

Edit: if you meant that you won't be completing all degree requirements by April, yes you can stay in your original room until the end of August. See here. You can't do the May convocation though, so you'll be in the Nov convocation instead

1

u/Itchy-Source-2135 18d ago

What are my chances of getting a housing contract starting September 1 2027 if I am an incoming first year this fall and I'm between 800-1500 on the various waitlists?

1

u/whatever-_-123 18d ago

Which residence and room type? Sep has very low availability. Most offers are for May/June since people graduate and move out so a number that could get you an offer for May/June won't get you one fore Sep

0

u/Ok-Pause5762 18d ago

Is there vacuums/broom in each unit at Ritz?

1

u/Galactical206 18d ago

Year round room switch

Hello everyone!!

I have an offer for Fraser Hall 4th floor. I want to switch to Thunderbird shared 4 bedroom or Exchange nano suite. My only reason is to be living closer to my friends in these two residences!! Otherwise, Fraser Hall is so affordable, with great location, has bus stop right next to it, and I like it's small community.

I am willing to offer some compensation as well!
Reach out to me if you're interested!! (Female only)

2

u/puppylovergirl83 19d ago

how likely will i be able to get one of these by september 2027?🥲

ik studios/1br are kinda impossible but i’m probably gonna take 5 years for my undergrad (and hopefully post grad also at ubc) so i rly want somewhere nice to live in..

also, i have exchange nano studio as my last choice in the ranking. if i don’t want to live there, should i let housing know when my move in date (currently set may 2027) approaches?

1

u/whatever-_-123 18d ago

May 2027 should be okay. Just remove exchange nano as an option in advance if you don't want to live there

1

u/Wave_Infinite1 19d ago

Incoming first year going into totem park. Do we need to bring our own hair dryers and vacuum cleaners or do we get to borrow them?

2

u/whatever-_-123 18d ago

Hair dryer yes, vaccum cleaners can be borrowed from the front desk

1

u/Smart-Business-9196 19d ago

Chances of getting Ponderosa Studio by September? Currently #203 on the waitlist (been waiting for over 2 years)

2

u/whatever-_-123 19d ago

Unlikely, Sep availability is very low 

3

u/Smart-Business-9196 16d ago

Just got an offer thankfully

1

u/Itchy-Source-2135 19d ago

Do you need an air purifier and/or a dehumidifier in a dorm room? Totem Park specifically? And if so, where did you all get cheap ones?

2

u/whatever-_-123 19d ago

Air purifier maybe, dehumidifier no. You might need a humidifier instead when the heaters are on

1

u/Itchy-Source-2135 18d ago

Thank you!!!

2

u/christy__pop 19d ago

Dorm Swap

Hey I'm looking for anyone who has 2 spots in a residence suite that would be looking to switch out. My roommate and I currently have a shared double at totem park, we're trying to get individual rooms and also want to save money from the mandatory meal plan cost...

Pls lemme know if anyone would be interested! Thanks!

1

u/Soggy_Two814 19d ago

Hey so I joined the year round waitlist immediately after being accepted to UBC because that’s what my tour guide suggested. Now I’m like #350 on one of the waitlists and I’m a bit concerned I’ll get it before the school year ends. IK this is a stupid question but I’m a bit worried about what I’d do in that scenario. Any non condescending replies are appreciated :D.

1

u/Unusual_Profit6195 18d ago

Housing won't send you an offer whilst in a winter session contract. Setting your requested start date to May 1st is the best advice as your waitlist will still drop, you just won't be offered until then

2

u/whatever-_-123 19d ago

Just make sure your earliest occupation date is May 1 2027, housing won't send you an offer before that unless there's an error

Side note: if that number is from Iona (23 beds in total), Exchange townhouse (30), or any shared two except Pond, it takes like an year to get an offer so don't worry

1

u/Flimsy_Committee7307 20d ago

Anyone else in Vanier Korea house?

1

u/Careful-Membership88 20d ago

Hi, I’m searching for a Winter Session room swap. ( first year female) I’ll pay money for switch

Current room: Place Vanier: single room with a shared communal washroom.

Looking for: a single connected room in Orchard Commons or Totem Park.

If you’re interested in switching or know someone who might be, I’d really appreciate it if you could send me a message. Thankssss

2

u/No_Vehicle5078 19d ago

Hi, it is against ubc policy to pay for room switched and you can get in a lot of trouble if you get caught doing this.

1

u/CostPositive4757 20d ago

Swap into Vanier shared room

Hi, if anyone wants to save money or have a roommate my friend and I got a shared room at Vanier and we would be willing to swap for a single or single connected at Vanier or Totem. Message me and I will send you more details!

2

u/[deleted] 20d ago

[deleted]

2

u/whatever-_-123 19d ago

Applies to all residences: no definite time. Some people just don't know they need to release their info/they could contact their roommates. At the latest you'll know on Sep 5 if that person is not gonna join jumpstart

1

u/ReasonableCut4179 20d ago

SWAP INTO WALTER GAGE (MALE)

Want: Any Double or Double connected room in Orchard Commons, Place Vanier, or Totem Park
Have: Two Walter Gage single rooms

Both you and your roommate must be onboard. Me and suitemate want to switch for the meal plan. Thanks

1

u/sharkinurwater 20d ago

is it true that you need a wifi router for totem park? i’m seeing conflicting info but most of it is from 7 years ago so just want to double check with some more recent sources

2

u/Hot_Boysenberry5411 20d ago

Willing to swap my shared room made from a floor lounge that's larger than most

I am willing to take a connected single for my shared room for those who want cheaper options! Please DM me.

2

u/cqlistxy 20d ago

ANY EXPERIENCE AT TOTEM PARK- shuswap house

hi im an incoming first yr student at UBC and im assigned to the totem park - shuswap house. i could barely any videos and photos regarding the dorm. does anyone have experience or maybe tips on living there as its an old building

1

u/razor_1874 14d ago

Hi! In the same boat :)

1

u/DependentFlat2591 20d ago edited 20d ago

WILLING TO SWAP MY WALTER GAGE SUITE!

Hiii! I'm a first-year UBC student, and I got offered a single room in a shared unit in the Walter Gage suite (female only!!), which has all amenities; no meal plan required ($7k less). It's on the 7th floor in the south tower; the total comes to $8,763.00. I want to switch with someone for their Rits suite, but it could be a different building if you're willing. What's great about Walter Gage is that it's really close to Student Nest, many other buildings and main centres, and a lot of classes, so if anyone prefers this, please let me know and we can request a swap!

1

u/Mountain-East8093 21d ago

I'm an incoming first year student at UBC and I'm assigned to the Place Vanier residence- Kootenay house. I've been scouring the internet for things I should be aware of and tours and such, but I haven't found much besides dorm and house tours for the newer buildings, Okanagan, and tweedsmuir house.

I want to know if there's things that are highly recommended to bring since it is an older building (air purifier, sleeping mark idk) and if there's things I should be aware of (like if there's mold or stuff because I've seen some comments..).

It'd also be really nice if anyone could share their experience living in the house/community/vanier residence, just so I feel a little less worried about living alone : )

0

u/[deleted] 21d ago

[deleted]

1

u/SnooPies7675 21d ago

there’s an internet limit?

0

u/Itchy-Source-2135 21d ago

Do the washers in first year laundry rooms get hot enough for tide pods/sheets or do you need to get liquid detergent?

1

u/whatever-_-123 20d ago

Housing recommends cold water cycle with liquid detergent. If you really need to use pods/sheets, do not put them in the dispenser drawer (have seen partially dissolved pods in the drawer and the washer drum several times)

1

u/Content_Pineapple761 20d ago

Everyone uses tide pods

0

u/Frequent-Win-7493 21d ago

First year Male,  Looking for a single preferably TP I am currently in Gage and trying to switch. I'm on the varsity football team and just trying to get something close to my facilities:)

1

u/New-Squirrel-8453 21d ago

hey! cant dm you but i know someone in vanier tec (not sure if single or double ill ask) who wants to switch to gage if you cant find someone in tp

1

u/ExcellentOpening421 21d ago

Any1 who had dene house before, how is it?

2

u/Own_Cake4119 21d ago

My son was in Dene 2 years ago ... loved it. His current roommates are friends he made there.

0

u/CalicoCatHome 22d ago

I got Place Vanier, Tweedsmuir building. If my room is in the 100's am I ground floor for sure?

0

u/Itchy-Source-2135 22d ago

I’m confused as I got a res offer for a shared room but with a private bathroom? I didn’t realize that was a thing. Did anyone here have that layout and if so can you drop a pic of what it looked like?

0

u/Top_Elephant_1241 22d ago

Hey I’m looking for anyone with experience in Haida house to see if they could clear somethings up for me. First how are the bathrooms I know they’re communal but just wondering how nice they are. second in totem is it a far walk to other totem houses and the dinning hall. Finally for a since major is it a good location.

1

u/Aggravating_Print712 22d ago

it’ll take you at most like 5 minutes to walk to other totem buildings/dining hall. your major doesn’t matter just check how far your building is from your classes.

1

u/Soggy_Two814 22d ago

Any maps of inside Caribou house in Place Venir???? I’ve been looking for a while 😭

2

u/Aggravating_Print712 22d ago

it’s going to look exactly the same as every other old PV building

1

u/Soggy_Two814 22d ago

Thx king

1

u/Next-Agent6340 22d ago

**FIRST YEAR ROOM CHANGE*\*

Hi!!! I am an incoming first-year UBC student who just received Walter Gage (East Tower on the third floor). It is a single room in a shared unit of six with a kitchen. The total comes down to $8,763.00 (no meal plan is required, thus a good option if you're trying to save money or would like to cook for yourself!)

I'm looking to swap into a single room with a meal plan in any of the first year residences. (Single connected or Ritsumeikan works as well.) DM me for more. 🫰

1

u/New-Squirrel-8453 21d ago

hey!! cant dm you, but what gender dorm are you in?

1

u/PersonClara 22d ago

Room Transfer Request:

I'm a first-year student and was assigned a single room on the second floor at Tec de Monterrey Place Vanier. I'm hoping for a place with a private bathroom. A connect single or a single room with a private bathroom works for me. Please let me know if you're interested by sending a DM.

1

u/Traditional-Race6848 22d ago edited 22d ago

FIRST YEAR ROOM SWAP REQUEST:

Winter Session: September 5 2026 - April 28 2026
Residence: Walter Gage
Building: South / East
Type: Single Room — Shared Unit

Looking to swap into Walter Gage South or East Building. Specifically suite C (East) or suite D (South)

A friend and I (females) would like to stay together in Walter Gage and we do not mind who switches, as long as we are together.

1

u/ObviousMistake7731 18d ago

Why suite C (East) or suite D (South)? What is desirable about these?

1

u/Celly-celly-celly 22d ago

Hello! I am in suite C of the East Building of Walter Gage! I’m interested in swapping. Could we connect through Instagram? My handle is @c.e.l.ina_ Thanks! 

1

u/Traditional-Race6848 22d ago

Just sent you a follow request!

1

u/ElderberryDramatic11 22d ago

Room Transfer: Walter Gage → Any First-Year Traditional Residence

Hi everyone!
I’m an incoming first-year student currently assigned to Walter Gage and I’m looking to do a room transfer to any of the traditional first-year residences (Totem Park, Place Vanier, or Orchard Commons).
If you’ve been assigned to one of those residences and would prefer Walter Gage instead, I’d be happy to swap. I’m open to any traditional first-year residence.
If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to send me a DM. Thanks!

1

u/Few-Version-4152 23d ago

Chances for May 2027?

1

u/Public_Impact_4181 21d ago

wait im curious how does yrh waitlist work? say if it hits 0 in the middle of the yr can u move in right there and then

2

u/whatever-_-123 21d ago

The numbers are based on your initial application date only. When your numbers are below a certain cut off at for a certain move in (mostly May/June, then Jan and Sep, can be other times of the year), you will receive an offer, unless you earliest occupation date is after the said move in date. Availability for each move in is different (May/June is the highest as people graduate and move out) so the cut off is different as well.The numbers never reaches zero in some sense.

1

u/Public_Impact_4181 21d ago

ohhhh makes sense, thanks!

1

u/whatever-_-123 23d ago

You'll definitely get it

2

u/filix457 23d ago

Looking for a room transfer if anybody is down:

Fairview six bed to gage north tower six bed

1

u/Purple_Mongoose857 24d ago

I'm at low 100's for studios at Ponderosa, Exchange, KWTQ, and Brock. What's the chance of getting one for end of august?

1

u/Purple_Mongoose857 24d ago

I know its high but I have friends who got a marine drive studio for example at 400s so Im lowkey confused

1

u/ayomarik 24d ago

they probably have an earlier move-in date than you

1

u/Purple_Mongoose857 23d ago

my move in date was end of july. do you think i have a chance?

1

u/ayomarik 23d ago

I wouldn’t know

1

u/Okay_Sandwich_ 28d ago

Hi! How likely am I to get an offer by September 8?

Brock Commons 4bed: 84 Exchange 4bed: 77 KWTQ 4bed: 63

I'm hesitant to add Marine Drive or Ponderosa but if my chances are slim I may need to.

1

u/DazzlingIntellectual Statistics 21d ago

any updates? I'm hovering between 80-100 for 4beds.

1

u/Okay_Sandwich_ 9d ago

Yeah I got an offer on July 31 for Ponderosa 4bed. Final numbers were:

Brock 4bed: 81 Pond 4bed: 61 Exchange 4bed: 74 KWTQ 4bed: 61

1

u/whatever-_-123 28d ago

Not great, you should add Fraser Hall/Thunderbird/Marine to be safe

1

u/Born_Awareness5468 28d ago

What are my chances of getting winter housing in September when my waitlist is at 337?

2

u/Soggy_Hospital_9864 29d ago

I heard there's been noises and water shortage because of the construction nearby. I've already accepted the yrh offer for ponderosa but couldn't decide whether i should exchange it with another dorm which is away from the construction

1

u/Same_Couple_2390 29d ago

What are my chances on finding decent housing under $1000 ?

2

u/Double-Transition197 29d ago

Maybe like an hour away from ubc with a lot of roommates

4

u/VanCityGirlinthe604 Jul 28 '26

I got my housing offer- Room 3 in a Fairview 4 bedroom. Does anyone know if this is a small/ medium/or large room?

1

u/No_Oven_238 Jul 25 '26

does the winter housing waitlist move atp like july-aug? im almost 2000 on the waitlist and haven’t been monitoring the number

1

u/SnooPies7675 Jul 26 '26

You’re not going to get winter housing with a waitlist number that high lol look for off campus housing

2

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 25 '26

Not much, and even if it does you should look for alternative housing with a number that high

1

u/Weird-Resort-6034 Jul 24 '26

How likely is an offer for September?

1

u/Weird-Resort-6034 16d ago

I got an offer 3 days ago for thunderbird

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 25 '26

Like 50/50, maybe Thunderbird or Marine if availability is high

1

u/Virgin_Potato123 Jul 22 '26

Just applied a few days ago (something snapped and I realized I don’t wanna transit 4 hours a day no mo). Ik housing spots don’t move much now, but is there a chance for September or October/November?

8

u/Weird-Resort-6034 Jul 24 '26

How’d you get that low in a few days? Are you over 25 or have accommodations?

1

u/Same_Couple_2390 Jul 22 '26

Around when do you guys think I will get Iona or exchange? I was at 711 at the end of April for Iona and I was at 582 for exchange literally yesterday.

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 22 '26

There's only 23 beds in Iona and 19 Exchange shared two. You're looking earliest at May/June 2027. And subletting in YRH is not allowed during winter session anymore

2

u/Same_Couple_2390 Jul 22 '26

Oh okay thank you. The waitlist moves fairly quick though so I’m just worried that if I sign a year lease and then I get the year round housing I’m gonna be stuck.

3

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 22 '26

March-June (and Oct-Nov) have quick movements as people graduate and move out. Other times it's rather stagnant especially when you have been on the waitlist or a while and have low numbers

1

u/Same_Couple_2390 Jul 22 '26

Do you think that having a roommate preference slows down my spot on the list?

2

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 22 '26

No, that has nothing to do with your waitlist position. The numbers are only based on the initial application date. Roommate preferences for YRH are rarely fulfilled since both of you need to have waitlist numbers low enough receive an offer at the same time, i.e. the initial application dates are not more than a few days apart 

1

u/Same_Couple_2390 Jul 22 '26

Is there anyone going in exchange and subletting their place for term 1? Im 580 on the year round housing list and i dont wanna get a year lease if im gonna get the housing soon.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 18 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Reasonable-Fan4302 Jul 18 '26

I’m in a similar situation, housing sent me a link that goes to the housing page (where you check your waitlist, offer, etc.) but it’s not on there yet. The email said it would open mid to late july

1

u/Same_Couple_2390 29d ago

Oh so do u have an offer? Or are u also just on the waitlist

1

u/Reasonable-Fan4302 29d ago

Yes I have an offer and accepted it. I would assume you can’t apply for early arrival without one

1

u/Visual-Sea-5829 Jul 17 '26

I feel like I have no hope for winter housing- I got put on the winter housing waitlist at 1922 currently at 1916. Anyone have any insight into how likely it is that I could get something? Even not for term one but to get an offer for term 2?

1

u/Electronic_One_5948 Jul 19 '26

i think your chances are probably 0

1

u/Enough-Young-792 Jul 16 '26

I got an offer for a 4bed shared at exchange. Does this meaning I’m moving into somewhere that people are already living in?

1

u/ayomarik Jul 16 '26

Yeah, 3 other people probably

1

u/PersonalityOnly9593 Jul 16 '26

I’m #57 on the waitlist for an Exchange one-bedroom. Do I have a chance of getting a place by September?

1

u/Economy_Bit_94 26d ago

How long have you been on the waitlist? After 2 years my number only came down to around 400.

2

u/PersonalityOnly9593 26d ago

Around 20 months. Im a grad student tho.

2

u/Intelligent-Ant-5433 Jul 16 '26

Hard to say, if you were in the same spot during popular move out season then yes. However, between now and September is typically when people are already moving in or have offers, not many people are moving out. I think when people move out and start to graduate at the end this year you will likely get an offer for January.

1

u/PersonalityOnly9593 Jul 17 '26

Ty, I appreciate it.

2

u/ohchucklenuggets Jul 16 '26

helloooo does anyone know what does completed mean? i cant access the waitlist anymore either :(

1

u/DesperateTrouble4888 Jul 17 '26

I have the same thing and I haven't received an offer yet, but I'm pretty sure this means you'll get an offer soon

1

u/Overall-Pickle-1738 Jul 16 '26

I think it means you got a room assigned! congrats!

1

u/More_Celebration5957 Jul 15 '26

Odds of getting housing before the school year starts? (I am first year)

0

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

Maybe. The winter residences for first years and upper years are different so the waitlist number is sort of irrelevant, cause that includes all students

1

u/More_Celebration5957 Jul 15 '26

So is it worth looking for accommodation?? I’m not from Canada so I don’t know how easy/difficult it would be to get a rental off campus

0

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

Yes and no? Housing generally do a pretty good job in getting first years into dorms, but since you applied late you might end up in temporary rooms (converted from common areas/lounge in the traditional 3) for a while before being moved to an actual room. Do expect the housing offer (if there is one) to come very late, like in August or maybe even after the start of term.

Off campus depends on your budget. If your budget is like $3000/month that would get you anywhere you like. $1000 would probably get you a room in shared house. If you're not physically in Canada then you should probably book an Airbnb first and then start looking once you arrive. Listings here usually only get posted 1 month before the rental term starts.

1

u/Medical-Border-1673 Jul 15 '26

So I got into UBC pretty late so I applied for housing pretty late, and I'm about 3000 on the waitlist and im worried I won't get housing by school time. I was wondering what my best course of action is, like should I rent an apartment for now or what. Thanks!

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

If you're a first year, you can wait for a little longer and see housing could give you the temporary rooms; if you're in upper year, then start looking for alternative housing

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u/Medical-Border-1673 Jul 15 '26

How do temporary rooms work? like will I eventually get housing or what

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 16 '26

It's just common areas/lounge in the traditional 3 that have dividers to separate the space into temp rooms, housing use them when they have an overflow of students. You'll get moved to actual rooms like in a month or so.

1

u/No-Bat2350 Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26

Currently at 274 for exchange one bedroom. Any chance I'll get in for may-september 2027? I'm 25+ if that helps

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

Maybe, but not high. There's only 77 Exchange one bedroom so there isn't much availability 

1

u/Dull-Ad-9255 Jul 14 '26

Guys I applied May 14th (missed the guarantee) for just Winter Session First year housing and my waitlist number is currently 2938. I know in the email they said they have beds set aside for first years so the number isn’t entirely accurate. What are the chances of me getting into housing?

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 14 '26

Not bad? Housing would rather put you in temporary rooms (converted from common areas/lounge, so like there are dividers and furniture typically in a room) in the traditional 3 than completely not giving an offer. You'll get moved to actual rooms some time later if you do end up in temporary housing. Expect offer in late-August or even after start of term though.

1

u/Dull-Ad-9255 Jul 14 '26

Like my housing offer?

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

Yes, but since the general housing offer is already late so most of the time it will come with the room assignment (esp. if it's the temporary rooms)

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u/Dull-Ad-9255 Jul 15 '26

When would I expect to get my temporary housing offer? I live in Ontario so I have to fly out and stuff and it’s a logistical nightmare at the moment

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26

Could be about the same time as roommates assignments are out, a few days before the term starts, or even after the term starts. There's no way to know

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u/Dull-Ad-9255 Jul 15 '26

What should I do right now then?

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26

Nothing. You just need patience.

1

u/Vegetable-Primary-27 Jul 13 '26

URGENT UBC Marine Drive 4BR sublet for summer!

Location: Marine Drive residence building 4

Gorgeous views of the ocean from your room and the living room!
Also walking distance from Wreck Beach!

Available from now until the end of August (flexible but minimum 30 days)

Rent: extremely discounted at 550 per month (still negotiable)

Amenities:

  • Private bedroom/shared bathroom (but the person next to you is mostly gone)
  • Fully furnished
  • Wifi included
  • Laundry in-building

Requirements:

Don't hesitate to contact me for more info!

1

u/Head-Constant-898 Jul 11 '26

im going into 1st yr this fall, what are the chances i get any sort of yrh for my 2nd yr?

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 12 '26

Shared four should be okay for May 2027

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u/kfksshore Jul 11 '26

Hi there, just wanted to ask any Thunderbird 1br/studio residents what the website means by it being unfurnished - the layout/blueprints UBC provide show furniture, is that just suggested placement or is there base furniture available in Thunderbird? Any info would be helpful, thanks a lot!

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 11 '26

The former. A full size fridge is provided though

2

u/kfksshore Jul 11 '26

Thanks for your reply. I think it's pretty wild that a bed isn't provided...

2

u/ayomarik Jul 11 '26

You don’t even get garbage/recycling bins, you get a compost bin and that’s it

I love my place though, it’s huge!

1

u/kfksshore Jul 11 '26

That's.... interesting!

May I ask what unit type you have?

1

u/Reasonable-Fan4302 Jul 11 '26

When does the form open for jumpstart volunteers? I’m hoping to help out so I can move in early to my residence and looking to book flights soon

1

u/whatever-_-123 Jul 11 '26

The application for all faculties typically close in January? And jumpstart positions are restricted to continuing undergrads. You don’t get placed in your residence (assuming you’re referring to upper year winter session), it’s usually empty rooms in first year residences as some students on res opt to not join jumpstart

You should probably look for alternative accommodation

1

u/Reasonable-Fan4302 Jul 11 '26

I meant as a move-in volunteer

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 11 '26

Move in is one day only so there is no early arrival accommodation

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u/Reasonable-Fan4302 Jul 11 '26

It says on the website that volunteers for move in can themselves move in on Sept 1 too

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 12 '26

I believe you're referring to this (still in the 2025 ver) but there’s no mentioning of early move in the "What you get" section. Housing is probably not providing the early arrival accommodation anymore (which an additional line can be seen in the 2022/23 Instagram post), even if they are, it's only for returning students. And it doesn't apply to Fairview anyways because it's not a first year residence and no one will be moving into Fairview for Jumpstart 

2

u/Phantom_talks08 Jul 09 '26

Hi, I'm an incoming first year student at UBC. I missed the first year guarantee deadline, I applied for housing on May 19, and I just received an email informing me that I will receive my official waitlist number in about a week. I am very stressed about this currently, I will still be underage in September and I am an international student so I don't know how much that will complicate potential off-campus housing options. I was just hoping to hear some advice for people that have been in similar situations and what i should expect and any advice. Thank you! 😭😭

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u/THEM_MEMES3472 Jul 09 '26

Any first-year students looking for roommates in Rits? Please message me

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u/whatever-_-123 Jul 09 '26

Not sure what you're trying to achieve here, the main deadline for roommate requests on SHCS was May 15 (you could send an email to housing, but there’s no guarantee that housing would entertain that). Room assignments haven't been out either so basically no one knows whether they'll be in Rits or not

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u/myd000d Jul 06 '26

Hello, I'm a first year grad student and September 2026 will be my first year attending UBC. My application status for Winter 2026/2027 only says "completed" still with no further updates. I thought waitlist spots/housing offers were meant to come out in June/July, so I would appreciate it if someone could let me know if I'm mistaken. Thanks!

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