UBC provides multifaith prayer rooms on campus for students of all faiths to pray, meditate, reflect or find quiet. These prayer rooms can be found in the following buildings:
- Wesbrook Building
- West Mall Swing Space
- Marine Drive Residence
- AMS Student Nest
Multifaith prayer rooms are generally available on a drop-in basis during the building’s open hours. Any exceptions to drop-in access are noted for the specific room.
If you’re a UBC Okanagan student, find spiritual or multi-faith spaces for your campus.
Prayer rooms on campus
The rooms are available on a drop-in basis, unless otherwise stated. You may have to wait for a space in the room to become free.
Before using these rooms, please review the guidelines for use below.
| About the prayer room | Operating hours | Address |
|---|---|---|
| The Wesbrook Building Prayer Room is open by drop-in to all students of any faith for prayer, quiet contemplation, and reflection.Single-occupancy ablution stations are available on the same level and opposite the prayer space in rooms 123A and 132B.The room has a capacity of 45.You must enter the key code 27393# to use the room. | Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, except during 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Wesbrook Building Room 116 and Room 118 6174 University Boulevard |
| The West Mall Swing Space Prayer Room is open by drop-in to all students of any faith for prayer, quiet contemplation, and reflection.Single-occupancy ablution stations are available within the prayer space in rooms 209B-1 and 209B-2.The room has a capacity of 30. You must enter the key code 2306# to use the room. | Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pmSaturday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm | West Mall Swing Space Room 209 2175 West Mall |
| The Marine Drive Residence Prayer Room is open to the Muslim Student Association and the Thaqalayn Muslim Association only. | Friday: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm | Marine Drive Residence 2205 Lower Mall Hong Kong Ballroom |
| The AMS Prayer Space is open by drop-in to all students of any faith for prayer, quiet contemplation, and reflection.The room has a capacity of 10. You must enter the key code 1216* to use the room. | Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pmIf you would like to book the space outside of drop-in hours for faith-based or spiritual-based activities, please contact crc@ams.ubc.ca and vpadmin@ams.ubc.ca. | AMS Student Nest 6133 University Boulevard The Common’s Lounge (Lower Level of the Nest) |
Ablution stations
Individual and single-occupancy ablution stations are available for student use in the Wesbrook Building Prayer Room and the West Mall Swing Space Prayer Room 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 rooms 132A and 132B in the Wesbrook Building and in room 209 in the West Mall Swing Space.
Reporting a problem about the facilities
If you encounter any issues with these rooms or their 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.
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 for 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
You are welcome to remove your shoes before entering the prayer room, particularly for certain activities. - 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 or scheduled events. Alternative rooms should be booked for events through the 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.