What Should I Pack?

Young woman with packing boxes

If you are arriving from outside of Canada, whether returning to campus or moving in for the first time, the Canadian Government requires you to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days and to self-monitor for symptoms. You cannot self-isolate in a shared unit. UBCO is offering a variety of self-isolation accommodation packages to those in the UBCO community who need to self-isolate after arriving in Canada, or who need to quarantine due to Public Health directives.

Everyone wonders the same thing: What should I bring? What could I bring? What not to bring? Space in residence is limited, so bring only what is necessary. Plus, the UBC Bookstore is a convenient place to pick up some essentials once you arrive.

Be sure to label your belongings with your building and room number.

What Should I Bring?

Create your own home-away-from-home

Essentials

  • Bed and bath linens (bed linen size is twin, extra long)
  • Mask(s) and hand sanitizer
  • Your favourite pillow
  • Toiletries and tote bag
  • Clothes hangers
  • Garbage can
  • Bathroom cleaning supplies
  • Laundry bag and detergent
  • Sewing kit
  • Emergency kit and flashlight

Electronics

  • Computer and security lock
  • Extension cord
  • Power bar and surge protector
  • Headphones
  • Alarm clock

To wear

  • Rain gear (umbrella, boots)
  • Winter gear (jacket, scarf, toque, gloves, boots)
  • Some dressy clothes
  • Slippers
  • Robe & flip-flops

Just in case

  • Identification documents
  • Health care card
  • Insurance papers
  • Prescriptions/medications

Lounge snacking

  • Food containers, cutlery
  • Microwave-safe dishes
  • Dishcloth & soap
  • Your favourite mug
  • Permitted appliances (these are itemized further in this list)

Suite-style living

  • Pots & pans
  • Cutlery, cooking utensils
  • Dishes & Tupperware
  • Kitchen cleaning supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Permitted appliances (these are itemized further in this list)

What Could I Bring?

Consider these items optional

Transportation

  • Inexpensive bicycle with U-lock. We also have bike storage!

Just because

  • Games
  • Snowboard/skis
  • Fan
  • Printer (UBC has printing/copying services)
  • Mini-fridge – up to 3 cubic feet (permitted in non-suite style residences only)
  • Wall posters & framed pictures
  • Plants

Permitted cooking appliances

You must be present when using, and can only be used in kitchens

  • Sandwich maker
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle
  • Coffee maker
  • Rice cooker
  • Toaster oven

What Not To Bring

Don’t bring these items to residence

  • Unauthorized furniture
  • Non-CSA approved halogen lamps
  • Bottled beer
  • BBQs
  • Propane
  • Expensive bicycles
  • Expensive jewelry

Prohibited Items

  • Explosives
  • Firecrackers
  • Hover boards
  • Real, replica or fake guns/weapons (refer to Weapons clause in Residence Contract for further detail)
  • Illegal drugs
  • Large appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators (small bar fridges and mini freezers permitted)
  • Pets
  • Hot plates and butane burners
  • Sub-woofer audio equipment
  • Mercury Thermometers