Even though this campus is shared by thousands of students, I was always surprised by how certain places at UBC became “mine.”
I lived off campus after my second year, and I largely enjoyed being a commuter student—it was nice to have some separation between home and school, and it gave me the chance to explore different areas of Vancouver.
However, commuting meant I often spent long days on campus. Finding comfy spaces where I could relax or study in a more casual environment made a big difference in helping me get through busy days when I couldn’t go home.
Here are some great spaces on campus that can help make UBC your home away from home:
UBC Collegia
This is a spot designed specifically for first-year commuter students. There are several locations around campus, and all come equipped with kitchen facilities, lounges, study spaces, and social areas to help you get to know your fellow students. Additionally, Collegia puts you in contact with Collegia Advisors—upper-year undergraduate students who can share their advice and guide you through your first year in university.
If you’re a first-year commuter student, learn more about UBC Collegia and sign up at no additional cost.
Commuter Student Hostel
If you need to be on campus early, or if you need to stay late and won’t be able to make it home, the Commuter Student Hostel is for you. Located in tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ residence, hostel accommodation is available Sunday to Thursday during Winter Session and all week during the exam period.
Learn more and book your stay on the Commuter Student Hostel webpage. Try and book ahead if you can, as it can fill up fast, especially during exam season!
Arts Student Centre
The ASC is a brand-new building for Arts students to connect with each other—with lots of space to study, hang out, eat, and relax. The Meekison Arts Students' Space, one of my favourite comfy spots to hang out in between my classes in Buchanan, has been moved to the ASC and renamed the Meekison Lounge.
Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre
The ALSSC is a great place for Science students to do work or hang out. Located across from the Nest, the ALSSC has numerous study spaces, bookable rooms, comfortable couches, bean bag chairs, and microwaves.
Global Lounge
The Global Lounge is a popular space to book events, but it’s also a good spot for studying in a more casual, comfortable environment than a library. There’s even free hot drinks!
Iona Building Study Lounge
This is a bright room on the 3rd floor of the Iona Building that has great views and lots of natural light. There’s a small kitchen, tables and chairs, and couches. It’s a welcoming space that’s a bit out of the way of the main parts of campus, which makes it feel like you’re getting a break from the hustle and bustle.
Education Library
Located in the Neville Scarfe Building, this is one of the coziest libraries on campus and has always felt very homey to me. There are lots of comfortable chairs and you can study among stacks of colorful children’s novels!
On-campus lockers
Okay, so you’ve found some great places on campus. But you still have all this stuff to lug back and forth every day. Luckily, there are lockers you can rent all around UBC. Most faculties have locker space in a central building, so you can probably find one that’s close to where you take most of your classes.
Lockers are a great way to store gym gear, textbooks you don’t need to carry home, non-perishable snacks, and any other home comforts you might need as a commuter!
Lockers are available in:
- Buchanan
- Chemistry Building
- Civil and Mechanical Engineering Building
- Henry Angus Building
- All of the campus fitness spaces, including the BirdCoop, the ARC, and the Aquatic Centre
- And many more! Contact a building administrator if you see a locker you’d like to rent.
UBC is your home, whether you sleep here or not! Take advantage of all the great spaces we have on campus to make yourself comfortable as a commuter student.
