Resources for students who are parents

If you are studying at UBC and have children to care for, there are plenty of programs, resources and initiatives that can assist you.

Support and assistance

Caring for children while at university can be a challenging experience. In addition to time and financial pressures, many students may also be caring for children far from family support systems.

There are a number of ways to reach out and receive support as a student parent at UBC.

  • AMS Food Bank
    The on-campus food bank provides emergency food relief and personal hygiene supplies to current UBC students. All UBC students requiring aid are welcome to use the Student Food Bank by showing a valid student ID card.
  • Financial emergencies
    If you are experiencing financial concerns, an Enrolment Services Advisor can work with you to develop the best course of action and review resources available to you.
  • British Columbia Rental Assistance Program
    The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income working families with monthly assistance to help with their monthly rent payments. Apply early, as the waiting list for subsidized housing involves a long wait.
  • YWCA support services for women and families
    Get information, referrals, and one-to-one support for employment, education, parenting, legal or financial information, and help with document completion.

Looking after your child

Child care

Both on and off campus child care services are available for UBC students. Find out more about the child care options available to you.

Registering your child in school

Get helpful information on how to register your children in school for domestic and international students.

Vaccinations or immunizations

Vaccinations protect people of all ages from harmful bacteria and viruses. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses provide vaccinations at local public and private health facilities. 

Be sure to keep complete records of immunizations for you and your family. An immunization record is usually requested when your child is registered to enter day care, preschool, kindergarten, school and certain programs in post-secondary institutions. 

The BC Routine Immunization Schedule provides a list of vaccines that are free to residents of BC, to help you determine when your family needs to be immunized.

On-campus breastfeeding spaces

Private and semi-private spaces for breastfeeding are available on campus. Most spaces are open to anyone attending to a child's needs, but some of the spaces may be women only due to their location. 

Each breastfeeding-friendly space has:

  • Quiet, clean, and sanitary spaces identified by common signage
  • Comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and a change table in the room or a nearby washroom
  • Sanitization and educational information for families

Finding your community

Discover community centres and family-friendly activities in the UBC neighbourhood and beyond.

  • UNA Community Centres
    The University Neighbourhoods Association has 2 facilities available to families and also runs many recreational programs.
  • West Point Grey Community Centre
    Located by West 2nd Avenue and Northwest Marine Drive, the community centre offers programming in recreation, sport and the arts for all age groups.
  • Kids Up Front
    Learn more about the charitable organization that provides access to arts, culture, sports and recreation for kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
  • UBC Camps
    UBC Recreation offers spring, summer, and winter camps for children in sports, music, STEM, and arts. UBC students and staff have discounted rates on registration fees.
  • Kits House
    The non-profit organization offers community services including child care, out of school care, and parents groups, as well as community programs such as English language conversation circles.
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