If you're interested in on-campus housing, you'll want to apply immediately. Deadlines for an on-time application are usually many months before the term starts. Go to UBC Housing for details. Family housing can be applied for at any time but the wait list is long.
Craigslist is the unofficial place where many people look for a place to live. Expect to pay $500-$700/month for a shared room or suite in a house, $700-$900/month for a studio apartment, and $900/month and up for apartments with bedrooms. Of course, prices vary greatly depending on location.
A map showing Vancouver's neighbourhoods, along with general information about Vancouver, can be found here. This will be useful when planning bus routes or seeing what amenities are available near your living arrangement. West Broadway is a popular street on Vancouver's westside. Here, you will find many shops, restaurants, cafes and grocery stores. It is also a popular route for public transit. Similarly, West 4th Ave also offers numerous amenities in the centre of Kitsilano.
In order to get your UPass (University pass for public transportation) as early as possible, you need to be registered as a full-time student. Even if you aren’t taking any courses, you MUST be registered in the thesis “course” for your program. You should have received information on how to register from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Registration should require the use of your Campus Wide Login (CWL).
The department will be hosting an orientation that is for all incoming students. This orientation will focus welcoming you to ECE. Watch your email!
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) holds an orientation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies (University-wide). This page should provide links to more information.
International students might be interested in activities and information catered specifically to them. This page should be a gateway to more information.
The first thing that you should do when arriving at the department is to meet with your supervisor. It is good to touch base with your supervisor before arriving so that you will be able to arrange a meeting time in advance.
Applications for scholarships are usually due in September, so it is important that you bring documents citing your academic record. These include official transcripts and/or diplomas from your previous institution(s). These documents must be in signed and sealed envelopes. It is also a good idea to have referees on standby to write reference letters.
If you will be receiving a major scholarship or research assistant-ship from UBC, and you are a Canadian or a Permanent Resident, you can apply to have your tuition fee deducted from your pay throughout the year instead of owing it all at the beginning of each semester. International students can only have their fees deferred. Go to this page to download the form for deductions and deferrals.
International students without a local address may use International House as a temporary mailing address.
Their address is:
You can pick up your mail from the alphabetized mail boxes beside the front desk in Room 300 in International House during our hours of operation. After you’re moved into your place of residence, remember to change all of your mailing addresses.
International house also offers the International Student Handbook, which you may find to be a useful reference. It can be found here.
If you want a Teacher Assistantship (TA) position during your first year, note that the deadline to apply is April. Application forms are made available via this page. Please note that TA positions are distributed based on merit, not financial need, and are highly competitive. There are often many more applicants than positions. TA positions are unionized and so people who held TAs at UBC the previous year are guaranteed to be re-hired (within certain limitations).