Pre-arrival checklist
Students starting September 2025 or January 2026
You’ve been accepted to go on exchange to UBC’s Okanagan campus. The following information will help you prepare for your arrival at UBC.
Apply for a study permit
Housing
Apply for housing and accept your spot in housing
September arrivals
Apply for housing by May 1. Once you have been accepted to the exchange program, UBC Housing will begin to process your application and will email you an Offer of Assignment by June. You must accept the offer and make any necessary payments by the deadline stated in your offer email. Follow the acceptance deadline as Housing will give your spot to a student on the waitlist immediately upon expiration of your deadline.
January arrivals
Apply for housing by October. You will be provided with more details from our office on how to apply for Housing. You must accept the offer and make any necessary payments by the deadline stated in your offer email. Follow the acceptance deadline as Housing will give your spot to a student on the waitlist immediately upon expiration of your deadline.
Apply for Early Arrival Housing
For more information on early arrival costs, terms, conditions, and online application, visit the Housing website for full details on how and when you can arrive. Please note that exchange students rarely qualify for Early Move-In so please anticipate alternative housing options if you wish to arrive early.
Off-campus housing
If you choose to live off-campus, most housing contracts will start on the first of the month, please plan your arrival accordingly. Students who do not make arrangements before they arrive may end up paying premium rates at a hotel or for an apartment. Please refer to our Off-Campus Housing Guide for assistance in securing off-campus accommodation.
Register for courses
Submit your Final Course Selection Form by June. This information will be emailed to you. Make sure you mark the Go Global email address (goglobal.okanagan@ubc.ca) as safe, so you receive all messages.
Register for orientation programs
Once you are on campus
Pay your iMED and U-Pass fees online or at Student Records & Financial Services (SRFS) on the second floor of the University Centre (UNC 214)
Once you get your student ID card, you can register your U-Pass with the Student Union of UBC Okanagan (located at UNC 133). Please note, a digital UBC ID card is available, however you need to possess a Canadian phone number in order to use it.
Visit the Go Global office in UNC 227 to say hello.
