The University of British Columbia

Parents' Guide

Welcome Parents!

Congratulations. We believe you’ve made an excellent decision in supporting your son or daughter’s choice to live in residence at UBC. And, it’s not just us. Research shows that students who live in residence tend to be more successful in their academic studies, have increased self-confidence and develop stronger life skills, when compared to students who commute. Read more in our Resources section.

Residence is more than just place to sleep. Living on campus is a natural opportunity for your son or daughter to become connected to the rich community at UBC. Year after year students tell us that living on campus helped them to be more successful students, feel a part of student life more quickly and build exciting new friendships with other students from Canada and the world. Our staff are committed to creating a vibrant campus community that supports your son or daughter in achieving their academic goals, while also offering a welcoming, enriching home away from home.

We want you to know that you will continue to play an important supporting role in the success of your son or daughter in their university experience. While you won’t be able to support them in all the same, direct ways that you’ve done for the past 18 years, there are many things that you can do as a satellite support – and we have compiled some of our best tips and tricks here on this page!

What to expect and what you can do

Of course, it’s a time of transition for your son or daughter, but we know it’s also a time of transition for you. One of the most frequent queries we receive from parents and families is, “how can I support my student in residence?” We’re glad you asked. Parents and families play an integral role in the success of university students. We’ve gathered some of our best strategies for supporting residents in our Resources section. Every resident’s experience will be unique, but there are many common themes during transition to university and emerging independence that you can better help with, if you know what to expect.

Roommate Living

Most UBC residents share a room or suite with roommates. We provide students with practical insight and helpful advice about living well with others. More info...

UBC Parent Page

Visit UBC's general information area for parents in addition to the residence-specific information you’ll find here. This page has excellent information about Parent Orientation, resources on campus and answers to many FAQs. Link...

Staying In Touch

Care packages and notes from home will brighten your student’s day more than you think. Link to your residence mailing address.

Before you contact us about your student

Before you contact us for information about your student, or call on their behalf click What you need to know.

Parents Resources

What parents can do
Suggestions for what parents can do to support their students before they leave for university, while they're away and when they come home.

Parents' list
Keep this list of campus resources and contact numbers handy. Parents can refer their student to those who are nearby to assist them.

Parenting Guide
The best practical guide I've found for parents sending their first - or fourth - student to university.

Information Requests
What you need to know before you call UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services for information about your student.

Get a life, parents
Get a life, parents - and let your adult child have one, too.

A primer for parents
As a parent who also is a college president, I know many college-bound offspring plainly think they've heard enough advice by now. So parents, please don't share this column - at least directly - with your daughters or sons.

UCare Packages
UBC Food Services will help you send a personalized care package to our student living in residence.

Parent Orientation
A message from UBC President Stephen J. Toope, and links to useful information and campus resources for parents.

Parents' Rights (and Wrongs)
Can you call? Can you see their grades? What's a mother to do?

Parents, you're not done yet
Have you talked with them about drinking in college?

Introduction to Student Health
Basic information about student well being, common health challenges and UBC resources for your students.

Health insurance basic at UBC
Health care in Canada can be very expensive if you don't have insurance. That's why it is important for you to understand the insurance policies your student requires while studying at UBC.

Important Dates
A schedule of all the important dates for residents.