About Your Move-in Day

YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP FOR A MOVE-IN TIMESLOT

To space things out, each building will have a limit to the number of student check-ins per time slot. Check your email for instructions on how to sign up!

Moving to UBC Okanagan this fall? We look forward to welcoming you! We’ll keep you apprised of the move-in process by email, and via this page.

Worried about missing a move-in email? Don’t be! All move-in emails will be found below.

• Move-in Email #1
• Move-in Email #2
• Move-in Email #3
• Move-in Email #4 (For Parents/Guardians)
• Move-in Email #5
• Move-in Email #6
• Move-in Email#7

What to Expect

Move-in day is exciting – and busy! There’s a lot to do (and know ahead of time) as you prepare to make UBC Okanagan home! And we’re here every step of the way to make it as smooth a transition as possible!

On Your Move-In Day

Step 1 – Come Prepared

Sign up for a move-in timeslot (this will be emailed to you in August)
Make sure you’ve completed these checklists: Pre-Move In Checklist and What To Pack.
Plan your arrival to campus to coincide with your specific move-in time slot.

Step 2 – Arrive and Check in

See the map below for details on where to proceed once you’ve reached UBCO campus. GPS is also a great way for getting to UBC Okanagan.

Please note:

Plan your route to arrive at your move-in time!
Only one vehicle and two helpers per student.
Bring photo I.D.

Arriving by car

Park in H Lot, then head to the check-in tent for your key. Campus will be busy this day, so please make sure to arrive at your move-in time slot. You will need to know what building you are moving into for key pick up. You can double check that here.
You’ll then be directed into specific building lines in H Lot until it’s time to head to your residence building. Our volunteers will also place a window cling on the outside of your car’s windshield that indicates whether you are moving to the upper or lower campus. Once directed by volunteers, proceed to your building by following the map on your phone or follow the signs on campus (pink if you are moving to upper campus, yellow if you are moving to lower campus).
Volunteers will be available to assist you at your building. You will have a maximum of 15 minutes to unload your belongings. Please note that your driver has to stay with the vehicle. Don’t forget to charge your Salto key (charging stations will be located outside the main entrance to each building).
Once your vehicle has been unloaded, please park in one of the available parking lots to help keep the unloading area clear and allow others to access it. Thank you for helping us keep traffic flowing efficiently throughout Move-in Day.

Arriving by taxi

Arrive at H Lot and follow the signs to the taxi drop-off. Exit the taxi with your luggage and pick up your key at the nearby key desk.
Staff will then direct you to wait for the Campus Shuttle, which will take you to your building.
Residence Advisors will be in the lobby to welcome you to your new home. Don’t forget to charge your Salto key (charging stations will be located outside the main entrance to each building). Head to your unit to unpack. Welcome home!

Step 3 – Park, Recharge, and Get Settled

After your vehicle is unloaded, park it in a nearby long-term parking lot (we recommend lots G, R, S or W. H Lot is not available to park in). Parking on campus is complimentary on move-in weekend, just please do not to park near the entrance to residence buildings. Family members and friends are welcome to stay and help. Bring water and snacks, take a break, or visit one of the Food Service locations open on move-in day.

Need a long-term parking pass? Apply for wait list at UBC Parking.

Step 4 – Meet your Residence Community!

FAQs

When is my move in day?

Current Summer residents: August 22-23, 2026.
Early Arrival residents: Only residents with approved early arrival due to academic, athletic or orientation programs are permitted to move in early.
All other residents: Move-in Day is Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Keep track of important dates and deadlines this summer by checking out our Important Dates page.

What time can I arrive on move-in day?

To space things out, each building will have a limit to the number of student check-ins per time slot. Emails will be sent later in August with a link to sign up for a move-in time slot. Before signing up, make sure you know what building you are moving in to. If you plan on arriving later than the last available time slot, just come directly to our student housing front desk in Nechako Residence – it’s open 24 hours a day!

Can I move in early?

Please see the previous question and answer.

What if I arrive late?

Arriving outside your pre-determined time? No problem! Our office is open 24 hours a day.

Can I move in after move-in day?

Absolutely. The Housing Desk (located in Nechako Residence) is open 24/7.

How will move-in day work?

Great question! We have more details about what to expect on your move-in day, including where to go, how to collect keys, and what the unpacking process will like like, all over here on this page.

When will I know my room assignment?

Room assignments will be emailed to students in August.

What's my residence address?

You can find the mailing address for your residence building here.

Can I switch or transfer rooms?

You may be eligible to switch or transfer rooms. Find out how to request a room switch or transfer before or after moving in.

I'm on a wait list. What should I do next?

We recommend searching for off-campus housing.

Places4Students and Castanet are great resources, and if you’re hoping to be within walking distance to campus, you may want to start looking in the Academy Hill neighbourhood firsts.
Next up: check out the UBC Okanagan Off-campus Housing Guide here. This is a step-by-step process designed to support your search for off-campus accommodation. There are some great links, resources, and tips on how to structure your search and how to avoid pitfalls.
At the same time, you can contact the Off-campus Housing Ambassador directly. UBCO’s Off-campus Housing Ambassador is in place to support new–to–campus students and help them in their transition to the Kelowna Community. You can book an appointment them directly at offcampushousing.ok@ubc.ca.

Can I send or ship items to my residence in advance?

Unfortunately, the Housing office is not able to receive any items sent for students prior to move-in day. If you are sending or ordering a package, please make sure that it arrives no sooner than your move-in day. Linen packages ordered through Campus Linens are accepted.

Resources