What Should I Pack?

You must have a MOVE-IN TIME SLOT
These are available on a first-come first-served basis, and each building has a limited number of time slots available. Sign up now by heading here.

Did you miss the previous move-in emails? No worries! Click the links below to see them.

Email 1 (Aug. 3)   |   Email 2 (Aug. 10)  |  Email 3 (Aug. 18)  |  Email 4 (Aug. 25)   | Email 5 (Aug. 31)

Packing for your move to residence is exciting! But also daunting if you’re not sure exactly what you should bring, and also what’s not permitted. This list will help!

Some items to note:

  • Don’t forget to label all your boxes and belongings with your name, building and unit number.
  • The Front Desk is not equipped to accept packages shipped to residence prior to your move-in day (except orders from Campus Linens). If you are shipping packages to yourself, ensure they arrive prior to your move-in day.
  • If you want to learn more about what is provided in your unit (depending on your residence and room type), head here.
  • Looking to order bed linens: We recommend Campus Linens or the UBCO Bookstore!
  • For other necessities, the UBC Bookstore is a convenient place to pick up essentials once you arrive, as is Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond.

What Should I Bring?

We recommend bringing these items with you, or buying them once you arrive

Bedroom Essentials

  • Bed linen. For bed sizes, and/or to order linens from Campus Linens, head here.
  • Pillow
  • Towel
  • Toiletries and tote bag
  • Clothes hangers
  • LED (only) desk lamp
  • Garbage can
  • Laundry bag and detergent

Electronics

  • Computer
  • Printer (UBC also has printing/copying services)
  • CSA-approved extension cord, power bar and surge protector
  • Headphones

Lounge and Snacking

  • Food containers
  • Microwave-safe dishes & cutlery
  • Your favourite mug
  • Dishcloth & soap

* suite-style units have kitchens, and students in single and single-connected units have floor lounges with kitchenettes (that have a stove/oven and fridge)

To wear

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

Suite-style Living

  • Dishes & food containers
  • Pots & pans
  • Cutlery & cooking supplies
  • Dishcloth & soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Permitted appliances (these are itemized further in this list)

Just in case

  • Identification
  • Health care card
  • Prescriptions/medications
  • Emergency kit and flashlight

What Could I Bring?

Consider these items optional

Permitted cooking appliances

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

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

Transportation

  • Inexpensive bicycle with U-lock. We also have bike storage!
  • A car. Keep in mind that 85% of students in residence don’t bring a car with them. If you plan to bring a vehicle, you’ll need to apply for a parking permit. Space is limited and parking is not guaranteed. More on that here.

Other items you might find useful

  • Mini-fridge – up to 3 cubic feet (permitted in non-suite style residences only)
  • Fan
  • Wall posters & framed pictures
  • Plants
  • Sewing kit
  • Slippers
  • Snowboard, skis, or other sports equipment

What’s Provided

These items come supplied by Student Housing. No need to bring your own!

In your bedroom

  • Bed (for bed sizes depending on your unit, head here)
  • Desk and chair
  • Dresser and closet (hangers not provided)
  • Safe

Suite-style Living

  • Couches and/or arm chairs
  • Kitchen table and chairs
  • Oven, stove, microwave, fridge

Other

  • Shower curtain
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Bus pass (that’s because your UBCcard is also a bus pass! More here)
  • All-you-care-to-eat dining if you are on a mandatory meal plan

What Not To Bring

Don’t bring these items to residence

 

Not recommended

  • Expensive bicycles
  • Expensive jewelry
  • A vehicle (see more on that here)

Prohibited

  • Unauthorized furniture
  • Large appliances (washing machines, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, fridges. Small bar fridges and mini freezers permitted)
  • Hot plates and butane burners
  • BBQs and Propane
  • Portable heaters or air conditioners
  • Sub-woofer audio equipment
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Drones
  • Pets
  • Hover boards
  • Real, replica or fake guns/weapons (refer to Weapons clause in Residence Contract for further detail)
  • Explosives and firecrackers
  • Bottled (ie glass) beer
  • Illegal drugs
  • Appliances and accessories that are non-CSA approved appliances (light and power bars, cooking appliances, extension cords, small cooking ware, hair dryers, etc.)