Room switch & sublet forums

Want to switch to another room?

Experience has shown that most students end up very happy with their room in residence, but if you would like to switch rooms, you can use this forum to find someone to switch with!

Please note that students in Year Round Housing can only switch with a student in the same residence area and room type. To move to a new residence area or room type, students in Year Round Housing must apply for a transfer online.

How does it work?

• Click the Channels button in the forum below to select the Room Switch Forum
• Review the posts to see if anyone has already posted about what you’re looking for
• If you don’t find what you’re looking for, post your own!

How do I post?

• To post, you’ll need to create an account or log in
• Post a clear topic title (e.g., “Room Switch: Have Vanier single room; want Vanier shared room”)
• Provide a bit more detail in your post, like the type of room and the rental costs
• Other students who see your post can reply if they’re interested

What do I do after I find someone who wants to switch with me?

• Send a private message to exchange contact information
  • To send a message through the forum, click on their profile, and then Send a private message
• Follow the Room Switch instructions to request the switch from UBC Student Housing.

Find out more about room switches and transfers.

How do I create an account or log in?

• Click Log in
• You’ll be redirected to a new page where you can log in or create a new account.

Please note that offers or requests to exchange money for room switches will not be tolerated. Your access to this forum could be revoked if your posts contain any such offer or request.

If you live in Year Round Housing, you can apply to sublet your room to other eligible UBC students.

Make sure you are setting up an eligible sublet and understand the process.

Learn more about subletting

How does it work?

• Click the Channels button in the forum below to select the Sublet Forum
• If you’re looking for a room to sublet, review the posts. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, post your own “looking for…” topic (e.g., “Looking for Sublet, May–August”)
• If you have a room to sublet, review the posts, in case there’s anyone with a “looking for…” topic that matches what you’re subletting. If you don’t find anything, post your sublet (e.g., “Room to Sublet: Marine Drive Studio, May–August”)

How do I post?

• To post, you’ll need to create an account or log in
• Post a clear topic title (e.g., “Looking for Sublet, May–August” or “Room to Sublet: Marine Drive Studio, May–August”)
• Provide a bit more detail in your post, like the type of room and the price range you’re looking for
• Other students who see your post can reply if they’re interested

What do I do after I find a room to sublet/find someone to sublet my room?

• Send a private message to exchange contact information
  • To send a message through the forum, click on their profile, and then Send a private message
• Follow the sublet guidelines and procedures to apply for the sublet through UBC Student Housing.

Sublessees: be aware of fraudulent sublet offers—especially offers on non-UBC websites, such as Facebook, Craigslist, etc. Red flags: if the price is too good to be true, or they ask for cash only, a cash security deposit or money to be wired in advance. Before you begin, know how to avoid scams.

How do I create an account or log in?

• Click Log in
• You’ll be redirected to a new page where you can log in or create a new account.

Make sure you thoroughly review the essential information about subletting and subletting agreements.

First year residence communities (Orchard, Totem and Vanier) are closed between late-December and early-January. Residents must find other accommodation during this time.

For first year residents who are not planning or able to return home during the break, one accommodation option is to stay in the room of an upper year resident who will be away from UBC throughout the break.

Use this forum to connect

Are you a first year resident who needs winter break accommodation? Are you an upper year resident who would like to lend their room? Search or post on this forum to connect.

How does it work?

• Click the Channels button in the forum below to select the Winter Break Room Lend Forum
• Review the posts to see if anyone has already posted about what you’re looking for
• If you don’t find what you’re looking for, post your own!

How do I post?

• To post, you’ll need to create an account or log in
• Post a clear topic title (e.g., “Winter Break Room Lend: first year looking for upper year room” or “Winter Break Room Lend: upper year with room available in Ponderosa Commons”)
• Provide a bit more detail in your post, like the residence name, house name and room type you’re offering to lend or, if you’re the first year student, what kind of accommodation you’re looking for.
• Other students who see your post can reply if they’re interested

What do I do after I find someone to lend to / borrow from?

• Send a private message to exchange contact information
  • To send a message through the forum, click on their profile, and then Send a private message
• The upper year resident requests the Winter Break Room Lend form in-person at their residence front desk, where they will then submit the completed form for approval.

How do I create an account or log in?

• Click Log in
• You’ll be redirected to a new page where you can log in or create a new account.

If you have any questions about room lending, please email residence.life@ubc.ca or speak with a Residence Life Manager.

It is important to be aware of fraudulent rental or sublet offers, typically from an individual posing as the owner/landlord or a tenant subletting a room—especially offers on non-UBC websites or apps, such as Facebook, Craigslist, Whatsapp, WeChat, Discord, etc.

Red flags:

• the price seems too good to be true
• they request advance payment (before you’re able to see the property)
• they request a cash-only payment
• they request a cash security deposit or wire transfer

Before you begin, know how to avoid scams.

Not sure if a sublet is legitimate? Contact us for assistance.

If you are concerned that a sublet offer might be fraudulent, or to simply confirm details before proceeding, please contact the Student Housing Main Office.

Please be ready to provide the following information:

• The address, including the room/unit number, for the sublet offer/listing.
• The name of the person you have been in contact with about the sublet.
• The place where you found the sublet offer/listing (i.e., Facebook group, Craigslist, Whatsapp, WeChat, etc.) and the direct URL/link, if possible.
• A screenshot of the offer/listing details may also be helpful.

While we are unable to release information about a contract holder, we will be able to verify whether or not the particular room/unit/address in the sublet offer or listing exists in a residence building and offer additional support and resources to help you mitigate your risk.