What will your first year cost?

Housing

On campus

• Review our housing guides to familiarize yourself with on-campus housing for UBC’s Vancouver campus or Okanagan campus If you’re applying for on-campus housing, you will have to pay residence fees for either Vancouver or Okanagan campuses.

Off campus

• Thinking of living off campus during your studies? Living off campus in Vancouver or Kelowna may include ongoing expenses in addition to your rental costs, such as utilities (e.g., water, heating, gas, etc.), transit, groceries, and up-front costs like a security deposit. Do your research, especially if it’s your first time living away from home, as rent will be one of your most significant budget considerations.
• If utilities aren’t included in your rent, it’s important to budget for them. Keep in mind that rates will be higher during the winter months unless you are on an equal-payment plan. If you’re living in Vancouver, BC Hydro will be your energy provider. If living in Kelowna, it will be FortisBC.
• Whether you’re looking for a roommate or want a space of your own, you may want to include renter’s insurance in your budget as well. Renter’s or tenant insurance protects your personal belongings in case of a flood or fire. Learn more about tenant insurance in BC.

Moving and getting set up

• Will you be visiting your family on breaks during the year? Will you need to budget to buy a bureau for your clothes, a lamp, a desk, or kitchen supplies? Flying into the Vancouver airport before the start of classes? Be sure to include moving to UBC and getting set up as expenses in your budget worksheet.

Food

On campus

• If you’re living on campus in Vancouver, the All Access Dining Plan is a required meal plan for Place Vanier, Orchard Commons, and Totem Park residences. Get all the facts, including details on cost and when you’ll need to pay for your plan.
• Heading to the UBC Okanagan campus? There is a mandatory meal plan for Cassiar, Nicola, Purcell, Kalamalka, Valhalla, Skeena and Nechako and Similkameen Place residences. The plan is roughly $29 a day but have a closer look at the details of the plan including how to use Flex dollars for eating on and off campus!

Off campus

• If you live off campus, you’ll want to budget for groceries, factoring in transit costs and any special dietary needs you may have that could impact your grocery expenses.
• Consider comparing grocery store pricing to see the current cost of groceries in Vancouver or Kelowna with apps such as Many Penny or Flipp.

Fitness

• Want to keep up with your fitness goals as a student? Gym fees vary from $45 up to $145 a month, depending on your campus. Explore fees for the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan fitness centres.

Health insurance

• UBC requires all students to have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies. The AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan doesn’t cover 100 per cent of all medical and dental costs, so additional bills could be incurred for some items like prescriptions or physical therapy. Review what the plan covers and ensure you include any relevant budget items in your plan.

Travel and trips

• Thinking of flying home during the holidays? Or exploring more of BC in your free time? Be sure to build these future expenses into your budget.

Wellness and self-care

• Put self-care in your budget! Remember to prioritize things that keep you feeling your best during your studies. These small expenses might include the occasional haircut, or purchasing comfy clothes, books, movies, vitamins, or medications.

Laptops/computer

• If you need to purchase a computer, you are eligible for student discounts at Apple and Microsoft as a UBC student. Remember to include computer accessories in your tech budget.

Phone

• Cell phone plans vary in rates and charges depending on your needs, but if this is your first time connecting your cell phone in Canada, it might be worth comparing plans and looking at the best value for your budget. Many providers offer student plans or seasonal discounts, particularly at the start of the school year.

Internet and cable

• If you are on campus, you’ll have access to Wi-Fi through ubcsecure but you’ll need your Campus-Wide Login account to access the ubcsecure.
• If you live off-campus and your Wi-Fi is not included in your rental costs, you will have to pay for an Internet provider plan. These plans vary in price, and it may be worth comparing plans to see what works best for your budget. Consider if you need to bundle television cable charges with your Internet cost, but be sure to read the fine print on the duration of your plan if you anticipate moving after your first year.

Public transit

• All full-time UBC students receive a U-pass, which is an annual public transit pass and is included in your student fees. The cost is $43.35 per month. While still discounted from the regular retail price of $177 for a monthly three-zone pass, you’ll need to pay while enrolled in UBC classes.

Driving

• Depending on where you’ll be living, your driving costs, especially if you are commuting to campus, can add up when you have a full course load. If you’re commuting regularly, you may want to look at carpooling options to save on costs.
• Insurance, gas, and car maintenance each deserve a line in your budget. If you need to park on campus, it’s best to determine the right permit for your needs. Prices differ for the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses but be aware that permits can be expensive and are competitive to secure for the term.
• Whether you live on or off campus, you may find the cost of parking not worth the investment. Ride-hailing options may be a lower-cost solution to owning a car. There are various options to explore on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.