Winter Session Residence – Eligibility (First Year)

*Non-First Year students: If you are not in First Year and are looking to apply for residence in Term 2, please visit this page and apply though your SSC to indicate your interest for living in with us in January.  Additionally, for your housing application to be considered for Term 2 (January 2021), you must confirm your interest by completing the Upper Year Residence Interest Survey. This application is due by November 8th and those who apply by the deadline will be given priority should we have space available. 

Although many first-year classes will be accessible online, we continue to have residence options. We recognize some first-year students may wish to be on campus due to academic requirements and/or personal needs. As long as space is available, we will provide housing accommodation for qualifying students who are required to be on campus. Amenities and services will be adjusted to abide by health authority directives.

ACTION REQUIRED: For your housing application to be considered for Term 2 (January 2021), you must complete the First Year Residence Eligibility Application by Saturday, October 31, 2020.

You may continue to submit applications to be considered based on availability. Applications submitted by the October 31 deadline will be prioritized.

If you are still interested in living with us in Term 1 and are looking to move in prior to Term 2, please complete the First Year Residence Eligibility Application and contact us at information@housing.okanagan.ubc.ca

First year student housing eligibility criteria

  • You are in a program that requires you to be on campus.
  • You are from a remote community with limited access to online learning technology.
  • Other compelling circumstances that support your need or desire to be on campus.

 

How to Apply 

Complete this First Year Residence Eligibility Application by the deadline of 11:59PM PST Saturday, October 31, 2020. We will let you know if your application has been accepted as soon as possible. Successful applicants will be provided with additional steps and details.

You may continue to submit applications to be considered based on availability. Applications submitted by the October 31 deadline will be prioritized.

Setting realistic expectations for Winter Session Residence during 2020-2021 (September – April)

Before you apply we also want you to understand that, due to the ever-changing dynamics of  COVID-19, it is not possible to offer you a “typical” residence experience. We ask that you adjust your expectations so that you can make an informed choice. Key adjustments include:

  • Our traditional residences will likely be closed, reducing the first year community.
  • Communal/common spaces may be closed or have seating removed. This includes study and meeting rooms, along with outdoor recreation spaces.
  • Larger, in-person community events and activities will not take place, including competitions and large scale gatherings.
  • There will be a reduced number of residents overall, and reduced opportunities for building communities.
  • The Residence Meal Plan will be modified: there may be a reduced selection of food options, and physical distancing protocols will be mandated at food service locations.

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 two weeks. You cannot self-isolate in a single room in First Year residence or in a shared unit in Upper Year residence. Additional details and options can be found here.

Health and safety

We will continue to provide services and amenities that align with guidance from health authorities, and help create a healthy, safer and supportive community environment, noting that it takes everyone in the community to accomplish this goal. Select adjustments include:

  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing in residence public areas.
  • Signage throughout residence buildings reminding residents, staff and visitors to maintain physical distance and hygiene mandates.
  • Residence staff trained to refer residents with cold or flu-like symptoms to HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, Student Health Services or their health care professional.
  • Limited number of self-isolation units (associated fees will apply) set aside for residents who are not local and have been directed by their health professional to self-isolate.
  • Communal/common spaces may be closed or have seating removed. This includes study and meeting rooms, along with outdoor recreation spaces.

Keep in mind that we may have to adjust our services and amenities on an ongoing basis, often on short notice, to align with the recommendations of public health authorities. Please also be aware that Student Housing is not enforcing physical distancing. As Interior Health reminds us, the Provincial Health Officer recommends physical distancing, but this is not enforced by law: “Public health recommends physical distancing from people who you do not live with.”

Please visit this page for details and FAQs.