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Reasons to live in residence

By Andy Gregory on January 23, 2014

Happy young university students studying with books in library

At UBC, we’re big believers in the benefits of living in residence. And we’re not alone. Researchers back us up and the students, themselves, do too.

From the scientists

Research has shown that, compared to students who commute, residence students:

  • Are more comfortable with the campus environment and more satisfied with their university experience.
  • Have more interaction with a diversity of faculty and staff, resulting in greater opportunity for mentoring relationships, academic discussion and exploration of ideas.
  • Demonstrate greater gains in critical thinking.
  • Show more rapid development of social and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience greater personal growth and development.
  • Have higher self-esteem, feel better about themselves, their accomplishments and demonstrate more self-confidence.
  • Develop greater tolerance for different cultures and lifestyles, learning how to break down cultural biases and stereotypes.
  • Build stronger friendships, and experience a greater sense of community.
  • Are more involved in residence and campus extra-curricular and volunteer activities. In doing so, they gain “functionally transferrable” skills that will aid them throughout their lives. Skills such as:
    • Interacting/working with others in small groups.
    • Managing a budget.
    • Expressing one’s ideas in formal or informal meetings.
    • Negotiating with administration.
    • Creating and following through on projects.
    • Are more likely to graduate from university.

Best news of all? Research suggests the net effects of residence living tend to be cumulative, and may increase in magnitude over the resident’s university career.

From the students

Students love living in residence. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Residence staff make us feel welcome.
  • Making new friends from the great mix of people on my floor.
  • Quiet study hours and easy access to information.
  • Support when times are tough.
  • Planned activities help me get to know my neighbours.
  • The events—fun, fun, fun!
  • Participating in intramural sports.
  • Emphasis on respect for diversity.
  • Meeting intelligent, creative, open-minded people.
  • A good balance between academics and social activity.
  • Learning to live with different people.
  • Chances to participate and try new activities.
  • Life here is good!
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  • Home
  • Getting Started
    â–Ľ
    • Prospective Students
    • Returning Students
    • Parents/Guardians
  • Residences
    â–Ľ
    • At a Glance
    • Buildings
      â–Ľ
      • Cassiar, Nicola, Purcell, Valhalla, Kalamalka, Skeena, Nechako
      • Similkameen Place
      • Lower/Upper Cascades
      • Monashee Place
    • Room Types
      â–Ľ
      • Single Room
      • Single Connected Room
      • Four Bedroom Suite
      • One Bedroom Suite
      • Studio Suite
    • Services & Amenities
      â–Ľ
      • Sustainability
    • Live Off Campus
  • Apply
    â–Ľ
    • Important Dates
    • Essential Application Facts
    • How To Apply
      â–Ľ
      • Application Forms
      • I’ve Applied — Now What?
    • Eligibility & Priority
    • How We Assign Rooms
    • Fees & Payments
  • Resources
    â–Ľ
    • Fees & Payments
      â–Ľ
      • Cancellations & Refunds
    • Important Dates
    • Contracts & Residence Standards
    • Moving In
      â–Ľ
      • January Move-In
      • What Should I Pack?
      • Before You Leave Home
      • Early Arrival
      • Switches & Transfers
    • Getting Around
    • Services & Amenities
    • Food Services
      â–Ľ
      • Meal Plans
    • Live Off Campus
    • Moving Out
      â–Ľ
      • Cleaning Checklist
  • Residence Life
    â–Ľ
    • Contracts & Residence Standards
    • Community Living
      â–Ľ
      • Life in Residence
      • Rights and Responsibilities
      • Living With Roommates
      • Solving Problems
    • Health & Safety
      â–Ľ
      • Residence Wellness Hub
      • Safety & Security
      • Health & Wellness
      • Emergency Preparedness
    • Residence Life Staff
      â–Ľ
      • Work in Residence Life
    • Living Learning Communities
    • Advising in Residence
    • Dining on Campus

  • Apply to Residence
  • Campus Tours
  • FAQ
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