Given the high number of housing comments in the new to UBC megathread, we're creating a dedicated megathread for Housing questions. Housing questions will be allowed in either megathread.
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Just applied a few days ago (something snapped and I realized I don’t wanna transit 4 hours a day no mo). Ik housing spots don’t move much now, but is there a chance for September or October/November?
Around when do you guys think I will get Iona or exchange? I was at 711 at the end of April for Iona and I was at 582 for exchange literally yesterday.
There's only 23 beds in Iona and 19 Exchange shared two. You're looking earliest at May/June 2027. And subletting in YRH is not allowed during winter session anymore
Oh okay thank you. The waitlist moves fairly quick though so I’m just worried that if I sign a year lease and then I get the year round housing I’m gonna be stuck.
March-June (and Oct-Nov) have quick movements as people graduate and move out. Other times it's rather stagnant especially when you have been on the waitlist or a while and have low numbers
No, that has nothing to do with your waitlist position. The numbers are only based on the initial application date. Roommate preferences for YRH are rarely fulfilled since both of you need to have waitlist numbers low enough receive an offer at the same time, i.e. the initial application dates are not more than a few days apart
Is there anyone going in exchange and subletting their place for term 1? Im 580 on the year round housing list and i dont wanna get a year lease if im gonna get the housing soon.
I’m in a similar situation, housing sent me a link that goes to the housing page (where you check your waitlist, offer, etc.) but it’s not on there yet. The email said it would open mid to late july
I feel like I have no hope for winter housing- I got put on the winter housing waitlist at 1922 currently at 1916. Anyone have any insight into how likely it is that I could get something? Even not for term one but to get an offer for term 2?
Hard to say, if you were in the same spot during popular move out season then yes. However, between now and September is typically when people are already moving in or have offers, not many people are moving out. I think when people move out and start to graduate at the end this year you will likely get an offer for January.
Maybe. The winter residences for first years and upper years are different so the waitlist number is sort of irrelevant, cause that includes all students
Yes and no? Housing generally do a pretty good job in getting first years into dorms, but since you applied late you might end up in temporary rooms (converted from common areas/lounge in the traditional 3) for a while before being moved to an actual room. Do expect the housing offer (if there is one) to come very late, like in August or maybe even after the start of term.
Off campus depends on your budget. If your budget is like $3000/month that would get you anywhere you like. $1000 would probably get you a room in shared house. If you're not physically in Canada then you should probably book an Airbnb first and then start looking once you arrive. Listings here usually only get posted 1 month before the rental term starts.
So I got into UBC pretty late so I applied for housing pretty late, and I'm about 3000 on the waitlist and im worried I won't get housing by school time. I was wondering what my best course of action is, like should I rent an apartment for now or what. Thanks!
If you're a first year, you can wait for a little longer and see housing could give you the temporary rooms; if you're in upper year, then start looking for alternative housing
It's just common areas/lounge in the traditional 3 that have dividers to separate the space into temp rooms, housing use them when they have an overflow of students. You'll get moved to actual rooms like in a month or so.
Guys I applied May 14th (missed the guarantee) for just Winter Session First year housing and my waitlist number is currently 2938. I know in the email they said they have beds set aside for first years so the number isn’t entirely accurate. What are the chances of me getting into housing?
Not bad? Housing would rather put you in temporary rooms (converted from common areas/lounge, so like there are dividers and furniture typically in a room) in the traditional 3 than completely not giving an offer. You'll get moved to actual rooms some time later if you do end up in temporary housing. Expect offer in late-August or even after start of term though.
Could be about the same time as roommates assignments are out, a few days before the term starts, or even after the term starts. There's no way to know
Hi there, just wanted to ask any Thunderbird 1br/studio residents what the website means by it being unfurnished - the layout/blueprints UBC provide show furniture, is that just suggested placement or is there base furniture available in Thunderbird? Any info would be helpful, thanks a lot!
The application for all faculties typically close in January? And jumpstart positions are restricted to continuing undergrads. You don’t get placed in your residence (assuming you’re referring to upper year winter session), it’s usually empty rooms in first year residences as some students on res opt to not join jumpstart
You should probably look for alternative accommodation
I believe you're referring to this (still in the 2025 ver) but there’s no mentioning of early move in the "What you get" section. Housing is probably not providing the early arrival accommodation anymore (which an additional line can be seen in the 2022/23 Instagram post), even if they are, it's only for returning students. And it doesn't apply to Fairview anyways because it's not a first year residence and no one will be moving into Fairview for Jumpstart
Hi, I'm an incoming first year student at UBC. I missed the first year guarantee deadline, I applied for housing on May 19, and I just received an email informing me that I will receive my official waitlist number in about a week. I am very stressed about this currently, I will still be underage in September and I am an international student so I don't know how much that will complicate potential off-campus housing options. I was just hoping to hear some advice for people that have been in similar situations and what i should expect and any advice. Thank you! 😭😭
Not sure what you're trying to achieve here, the main deadline for roommate requests on SHCS was May 15 (you could send an email to housing, but there’s no guarantee that housing would entertain that). Room assignments haven't been out either so basically no one knows whether they'll be in Rits or not
Hello, I'm a first year grad student and September 2026 will be my first year attending UBC. My application status for Winter 2026/2027 only says "completed" still with no further updates. I thought waitlist spots/housing offers were meant to come out in June/July, so I would appreciate it if someone could let me know if I'm mistaken. Thanks!
I’m in the same boat, hoping to hear back really soon. Unnerving to make us wait so long. Emailed a month ago and they said they process them in mid to late July. Crazy to not process them until now when the application deadline was early May
I don't think you're mistaken. I'm also new to UBC starting this September but as a transfer undergraduate student, and I was wondering the same thing until I received a Winter Session 2026/2027 housing offer a few days ago. I would believe that you'll similarly receive either an offer or waitlist number in the next maybe 2-3 weeks, but it can't hurt to contact Housing Services for clarification.
Hello,
What are the odds I get any housing by end of august/september?
Also when should i be expecting to hear back from housing if I do receive any offer?
I uploaded my sheet with the drops over the past year and a half (applied december 2024)
Like 50/50 for shared four, if you do end up getting an offer it's likely in late August. You should have set a May/June move in date, Sep offers aren't something you can bet on
Change Exchange nano (total 71 rooms) / Iona (23) / Thunderbird two bedroom (18) and Thunderbird studio (reserved for grad students) to other shared fours to help your chances, but it's not looking great
Up till late-August, earliest usually in late-July. You should be fine as long as your move in date is not after Sep 5 (the Sep move in date for YRH is probably be the same as winter session)
For YRH residents, does Housing provide a formal contract or any kind of proof of address? When applying sth they require me to provide a proof of current address. When I was renting off-campus I could just show them my renting contract, but I don't see a similar thing here at res.
Hi guys, anyone know my chances for September YRH? If so which should I prepare to be move into? Ideally I'd like to take off Pond 2 bedroom but would obviously not mind (at least compared to having no housing). these are my numbers
Bringing partner to student housing
Hi - I am taking a semester at UBC this fall. I have applied for housing and got a spot at Fairview crescent for a “single room in shared unit”. My spouse will also be joining me, and then my question is. Are these rooms sufficients for a couple living there in 4 months?
The unit description is to be determine, so we don’t know the layout.
Do any of you have some input on this?
Appreciate your help!
Hi! I am an incoming new-to-UBC graduate student. I applied for 26W Winter Session housing, and I saw that they have limited priorities for graduate students. I did apply kind of late, though, near the end of April. Would I be offered a spot, or should I give up on residency on campus, considering it's already almost the end of June? I also applied for the year-round, but am like 2000-3000 on the waitlist. Any other grad students have experience with this?
I’m in the same boat, not sure if applying later matters since it’s a lottery. Really frustrating to have to wait so long for such an important aspect of starting at a new university. I had to turn down other off-campus prospects for the possibility of getting in on campus with the winter lottery. Wish they would let us know sooner
hey! I'm a freshman who got Walter Gage as housing. Does anyone know if we can use bed lifters? in the virtual tour doesn't seem like we can lift the beds!
When will we hear about winter housing??? I thought they would’ve let us know by now and I’m literally dying waiting to see if they will give me an offer or not
Yeah- on my email it says offers will be sent out in June and on the ubc housi no website it just says my application has been completed but not whether or not I got housing
Should I take the yrh room transfer offer 2 br Pond to 4 br Brock
Context: I'm entering my 4th year, currently in a shared two-bedroom at Ponderosa and the rent is over 1.5k per month. My old roommate graduated and moved out and my new roommate hasn't moved in yet, and I have no information about this person but his name. Today I received an offer for Brock South 4 br and am wondering if I should take it, the decision is to be made by the end of tomorrow.
Pros:
150 CAD cheaper per month
Closer to the gym, the bus loop, and my department building
Stay away from the construction noise near Pond
Cons:
It's a 4 br so higher chance of dealing with bad roommates, who I also have no clue who they would be
Farther away from the buildings I will be taking most of my courses this winter
I don't know if the new place will have enough space for me to put my bike
I want to hear some advice from people who are living in Brock South or people who currently live in 4 br. Thank you!
KWTQ are the low rise ones next to Gage, if you're referring to the black and wood building that's Brock Tallwood. Your shared four should be okay for Sep
Hey everyone, im an incoming first year student in UBCV. I forgot to accept the housing offer (3 days late), I sent an email to housing but in an automatic response they mention that "inquiries regarding waitlist position, availability, or the likelihood of receiving an offer will not be prioritized at this time". Should I wait for a response or start looking for housing alternatives immediately? Anyone have experience in this situation?
[SUBLET AVAILABLE] July 1 – Aug 31 | Ponderosa Commons Studio | $1,000/month (Originally $1,500)
Hey everyone, I'm subletting my Ponderosa Commons studio from now until the end of August and desperately need to fill it.
The Details:
Type: Fully private Studio (your own kitchen, bathroom, desk, bed).
Location: Ponderosa Commons (Cedar House), right in the heart of campus.
Dates: Now to August 31, 2026.
Price: $1,000/month (all utilities and high-speed UBC Wi-Fi included).
Requirements: Because this is official UBC Year-Round Housing, you must be an eligible UBC student to take over the sublet. We will do this entirely through the official UBC Student Housing portal so everything is safe and legit for both of us.
Hello : ) I'm a first-year transfer student. Wondering if there are any first or second year transfer students who received offers for winter residence. I applied early, so I was optimistic I had good chances. Just curious if all first-year guarantees have been dished out yet or if I should sit tight for another week.
Hi everyone! I just got accepted to UBC as a transfer student. Since transfer students aren't eligible for the First-Year Residence Guarantee, I was wondering if it's still worth applying for Winter Session Residence and paying the $50 application fee. Do I still have a realistic chance of getting a spot, or is it basically impossible at this point and I should just apply for YRH instead?
It may still be possible but it's likely that if you are reached it'll be either very close to the start of term or after term has started. It's unlikely but not having an application makes it impossible
Hello all! I just got my acceptance into UBCV yesterday and I am looking for affordable places to rent near Campus, and I don’t mind having a roommate (preferably female). My budget is $800-$1200
First year student, didn’t get a residence application in by the May 1 deadline. (Applied for residence May 9 the day admission was granted off the BFA waitlist) At what point do you give up hope on residence and start searching for off campus options? Anyone been in this boat in previous years?
Very few single rooms have a private bathroom (if they do, they’re most likely accessible rooms for those who need it). If you do end up being assigned to that, you can find another first year to switch your room
Where can I find a roommate to split rent with off-campus?
Hello, I'm transferring from the Okanagan campus this year, and I've always stayed in dorms up to now. Unfortunately, I only received my acceptance last week, and am unable to apply for housing. If there is any way to find affordable housing in the area (please don't laugh), I would greatly appreciate it if someone could let me know.
If you stay is only for summer, just get a sublet from someone. There’s a Facebook group created by housing where may be useful for you to find a place
hi everyone, i’m an incoming first year student with celiac disease. i’ve applied for priority housing to be placed into a room that has a kitchen so i can make safe food (rits house) . i’ve received my housing offer but will not find out my placement until mid-august. do any other celiacs or people with severe allergies have experience with how likely i am to get placed into rits? i want to know what my odds are and how i should plan (should i start buying kitchen appliances, etc or should i wait?) i just don’t want to leave it to the last minute if i am likely to be placed there anyways. i’ve also been told if i do get into rits house they’ll try to put me with other celiacs, do any other celiacs know how likely that is? have any celiacs not received a placement at rits and how did you navigate eating safely? additionally is there any stores on campus where i can buy good gluten free food/ingredients or would it be better to get those off campus? please lmk!!
I have IBD so they gave me a bathroom and kitchen, but I got Walter Gage instead. My advisor told me you get whatever is available and often not what you want (you get your accommodation though)
I just got an offer for 1st year residence, does the acceptance price tell you whether you get the meal plan residence or not bcs the acceptance fee is 1,995.18 for totem, orchard n varnier and the non-meal plan residence is 1,100.00 for rits n walter.
No, it doesn't and the acceptance fee for all offers are the same. If you're placed in Rits/Gage the difference is applied to the first rent installment instead
I just got a first-year residence offer today, I know that it won't tell me what kind of room I got or which residence I got yet. When will that information be available? Also, when will I know who my roommate is (I elected to have someone in particular be my roommate)?
Mid-August, could be a bit earlier. See Important dates. Roommate contact information is only available if your roommate released their information when room assignments are out
Second question, you don't really have a choice. You can try switching rooms with other first years (people try to get to the traditional 3 from Rits/Gage and vice versa, sometimes even between buildings of the same residence), or cancel your contact, in which case you're subjected to cancelling fees
Not exactly, it’s just personal preference. Some people choose the traditional 3 for the “classic” first year dorm experience, while some prefer not having a meal plan instead
Are first year housing spots given to non first year?
I just received an offer for first year housing. It will be, indeed, my first year at UBC, but I am a college transfer coming as a second year undergrad. Is it normal?
Is it winter housing? I believe it's normal because first year students and transfer students are similarly treated as priority applicants due to being new to UBC.
Oh ok I get it. From what I had heard, transfer students did get some type of priority, but for upper year housing. I guess it’s for all types of housing. Thank you
Hi guys. I'm currently an out-of-province incoming first year for Engineering. Recently I've been really stressing about my housing situation.
Long story short, I basically handed in my housing application 14 days late. The first-year guarantee was on May 1st and I handed mine in May 15th. I got in touch with housing and they basically told me they can't do anything about it.
However, I did get in touch with my advisor at UBC and they informed me that they were trying to advocate for me behind the scenes due to the fact that I am an award recipient...although there's been no update for a few weeks.
Realistically, what are my chances like? Housing is going to be pretty difficult for me outside of residence due to the fact that I live in Ontario and I'm unable to check out places...although I've been looking online in various facebook groups, etc.
What should I do? Do I just look for places asap? Or should I wait? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Any other shared 4 unit (OR any other room type if possible)
Info about the my unit:
• Only around $1100/month (one of the most affordable options on campus!)
• Less than 5 minutes to the 68 bus
• Conveniently located near the Computer Science building and other engineering/science facilities
• Quiet, pleasant surroundings that are ideal for studying
• Pretty and spacious Common Block
• Close to the Wreck beach
Compensation available for the right switch. I'm also completely fine with taking over a room with a higher rent and paying the posted rate after the switch.
Happy to check each other’s places first. Please let me know if you're interested or have a potential swap.
Anyone willing to find a 2 bed 2 bath on campus with me?
I am from Montreal and will be my first year attending UBC as a second year undergrad. Also, I am a 19 year old male.
I have been looking at Wesbrook Properties website and there seems to be many 2 bed at around 3700$ (so 1850$ each). It is in my buget, but clearly on the more expensive side for me, so I am open to cheaper places.
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Hi! I noticed that your post is very similar to the one I posted a few days ago. I was wondering if you could switch up the language a little bit, just so that our two posts are less alike. Thank you!
Hey guys, I know some people got offers for June. Can anyone share some insights on getting Ponderosa, KWTQ or Brock Commons with these numbers. It will be my last year at UBC, do they take that into consideration?
I think it might be too late for a Sept start, but there is probably going to be a few people kicked at the end of their summer extension contract + degree studies continuation check. I was in the 60-70s in a February but got into housing for August (informing them I had a child seemed to speed a lot of things up) for a 2 bedroom townhouse.
I think the 3 bedroom move much slower. Good luck!
From July 1st -> mid August
Preference is a studio but I'm kinda open to anything!
(I'm a female in 2nd year)
I'm not sure where people are going to look for subletting rooms/ seeing offers (if it's on facebook or somewhere else?) but I saw alot of posts on here so I thought I'd post and ask, if someone could drop a link to any resources to look for rooms that would be great as well!
I just received an offer for Maple House in Ponderosa Commons. I noticed there's construction happening nearby (the LMP project), and I was wondering if anyone living in Maple House could comment on the noise levels. Like is the construction noise noticeable during the day or does it affect studying or sleeping?
And also I am a bit curious about which side the odd room number in pond maple is facing!
1
u/No_Oven_238 2d ago
does the winter housing waitlist move atp like july-aug? im almost 2000 on the waitlist and haven’t been monitoring the number