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 you can receive support as a student parent at UBC.
The on-campus food bank provides emergency food relief and personal hygiene supplies for current UBC students. All UBC students requiring aid are welcome to use the Student Food Bank by showing a valid student ID card.
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 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-on-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 designated for 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
UBC camps
UBC students and staff receive registration fee discounts for a variety of children’s programs and camps:
- UBC Recreation spring, summer, and winter camps
- UBC Farm children’s programs
- Climate Justice Changemakers Camp
- Geering Up Science, Technology, and Engineering camps
- Chan Centre for the Performing Arts summer camps
- CampOUT summer camp for LGBTQ2S+ and allied youth
Finding your community
Discover community centres and family-friendly activities in the UBC neighbourhood and beyond.
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.
Learn more about the charitable organization that provides access to arts, culture, sports and recreation for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The non-profit organization offers community services including child care, out of school care, parents groups, and community programs such as English language conversation circles.