“Living in residence is an all-around awesome experience. I wouldn’t want anyone going to university to miss out on this.”—UBCO resident
Welcome prospective undergraduates—domestic and international!
Living in residence makes it easy for you to meet new people, live in a study-oriented atmosphere, get help for academic and personal challenges, and be part of all that UBC and its surrounding neighbourhoods have to offer.
Year after year students tell us that living in residence helped them become better learners and make lasting friendships.
Residences
Student Housing and Hospitality Services oversees nine residence areas at the Okanagan campus. Most first year undergraduate students are placed in Cassiar, Nicola, Purcell, Kalamalka, Valhalla, Nechako, Skeena, or Similkameen Place—residences with single furnished rooms, vibrant common areas for snacking and socializing, and plenty of space for quiet study time. Based on availability, some new students will be assigned to suite-style residences at Monashee Place or Lower/Upper Cascades where upper year students and some graduate students also live.
Guarantee
Because we believe that living in residence is an important and meaningful way to spend your university years, most prospective undergraduates—domestic and international—will qualify for a guaranteed room in residence for the Winter Session. A spot in residence is not guaranteed if you do not meet the requirements, but you can still apply.
Meal plans
Never worry about cooking or cleaning dirty dishes! UBCO is excited to offer an All-Access Meal Plan to students in residence, which can be enjoyed at Pritchard Dining Hall in Nechako Residence. The All-Access Meal Plan is the mandatory plan for students in Cassiar, Nicola, Purcell, Kalamalka, Valhalla, Skeena, Similkameen Place and Nechako. Students swipe their card upon entering Pritchard, and have unlimited access to the dining hall with no restrictions on how often they enter, or what they eat. An Optional Meal Plan is also available for students in Lower/Upper Cascades and Monashee Place, or those living off-campus. Students can also use the Flex Dollars portion of their meal plan to make purchases at Nechako’s convenience store, other Food Service locations on campus, as well as our off-campus partners. Learn more about meal plans here.
Fun & support
“You get to know people really well and build special connections.”—UBCO resident
No matter which residence you live in, you will be part of a safe, supportive environment designed to help you pursue your academic goals and enjoy your time as a student. Our Residence Life teams are among the best-connected people at the university. UBC Okanagan employs three full-time professional Residence Life Managers who are available to students at moment’s notice. Residence Advisors—current UBC students—are plugged into the resources and support services available in residence and around campus, including health and wellness and safety programs. RAs spend countless hours organizing fun opportunities to get involved.
Living Learning Communities
Live among peers who share the same interests. UBCO residents can apply to live near other students in residence in Living Learning Communities. Each community is made up of like-minded students and paired with a faculty or staff member who dedicates extra time and resources throughout the academic year to providing extra-curricular programs and educational opportunities tailored to each group.
Costs
Fees will vary depending on what type of room you live and meal plan size. Payments are spread over the eight-month academic year. Internet is included in residence fees. There are extra fees for parking and optional cable and telephone landline service.
How to apply
- Prospective undergraduates—there is an option to open a residence application when you apply for UBC.
- All students—Apply directly with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.
Before you apply, review essential application facts and important dates to ensure your application to live in residence is submitted properly and on time.
We look forward to seeing you on campus in Kelowna!