UBC Multifaith Prayer Rooms

UBC provides multifaith prayer rooms on campus for students of all faiths to pray, meditate, reflect, or find quiet.

Multifaith prayer rooms are generally available on a drop-in basis during the building’s open hours, unless otherwise stated. You may have to wait for a space in the room to become free.

Find a prayer room on the Vancouver campus:

If you’re a UBC Okanagan student, find spiritual or multi-faith spaces for your campus.

Ablution stations

Individual and single-occupancy ablution stations are available for student use in the Brock Commons South, Wesbrook, and West Mall Swing Space Prayer Rooms for those who need to perform ritual washing of oneself before prayer, also known as “wudu”.

Ablution stations can be accessed for individual and private use in the following rooms:

  • Rooms 4110A and 4110B in Brock Commons South
  • Rooms 132A and 132B in the Wesbrook Building
  • Room 209 in the West Mall Swing Space

Prayer room rules and responsibilities

All prayer rooms are shared and rely largely on the respect of users. They are open only to UBC students, not external individuals or organizations.

Please also review UBC’s Student Code of Conduct and Respectful Environment Statement for Students, Faculty, and Staff and follow the regulations of use.

  • Leave the room tidy for the next user.
  • Take personal items of religious practice with you.
  • Do not block others from using the room for long periods.
  • Keep noise to a minimum. No general conversations.
  • No eating or drinking in the rooms.
  • No mobile phone calls or use of other devices.
  • No collecting of money without permission.
  • No candles, incense, or open flames of any kind.
  • No distribution of flyers or posters.
  • No holding meetings.
  • No sleeping.

Other guidelines

  • Footwear
    Please remove footwear upon entering the prayer room.
  • Speakers
    The use of speakers is not permitted unless otherwise stated under the specific room rules and regulations.
  • Events
    Multifaith prayer rooms are intended for drop-in use during opening hours, unless otherwise stated. The multifaith prayer rooms are not available for drop-in events. To book alternative rooms, refer to UBC’s general events or room booking process.
  • Other potential users of multifaith prayer rooms
    The opportunity for space, quiet, retreat, and refuge may help many in managing life, health, and wellbeing. During a traumatic event, such as bereavement, these spaces can be useful places of calm recollection. Users for whom religion may be of no obvious significance are equally welcome.
  • Ablution stations
    Ablution facilities are for individual student-use only. Any excessive water on the floor and/or seat should be dried off after use.

Reporting a problem about the facilities

If you encounter any issues with a prayer rooms or its use, please report it as soon as possible to the Office of the Vice-President, Students at vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca. Concerns may include cleanliness, damage, lighting, misuse of these facilities, or complaints about other users.

Urgent concerns

In case of fire or emergency evacuation, follow the procedures posted in the rooms. In the event of an incident or concern that requires attention, contact UBC Security by calling 604.822.2222. For emergencies that require an immediate response, call 911.