Frequently asked questions and answers

Q- Can I or my family stay at UBC’s Okanagan Campus even if I’m not part of a group?

A- Yes. Everyone can stay at UBC’s Okangan Campus! We accommodate everyone from individual travellers and families to small or large groups.

Q – Where do we check in?

A – The Front Desk is located in the Nechako Residence Building on 1255 International Mews. Please refer to the campus map for the location of the Nechako Residence Building. When arriving on campus, please follow the large orange accommodation check-in signs to get to the front desk.

Q – How far away is the UBC Okanagan campus from downtown Kelowna?

A – UBC Okanagan is 20 minutes north of downtown Kelowna and is a 5 minute drive from the Kelowna International Airport. Please refer to our Amenities map.

Q – When is the front desk open?

A – The Front Desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q – Do I need to pay for parking? Where can I park my vehicle?

A – Parking on campus for short term accommodation guests is complimentary. You are required to register your car through the HONK Mobile app or website at check-in. You can park in lots F, G & R. Please click here to see the parking lots on campus.  Electric vehicle charging is available for guests in F and G lot.  Due to the limited number of chargers on campus electric vehicle charging is limited to two hours per vehicle per day.

Q – Is there regular bus service available at UBC Okanagan?

A – Yes, there are several buses that come onto campus. Please visit the Kelowna Regional Transit System webpage for specific route information, fares and schedules.

Q – Are there laundry facilities available?

A – Laundry facilities can be found on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors in Nicola, on the first floor of Purcell and Skeena and on the second floor of Nechako. Laundry facilities are also available in building J within the Upper Cascade Apartments and on the lower (0) floor of the Monashee building. Laundry cards can be purchased for $5 from the SMART card dispenser near the Front Desk in the Nechako Building.

Q – Do you have Internet access?

A – All our rooms have complimentary wifi. Wifi is also available for free amongst the academic buildings on campus.

Q – Are there food services available on campus?

A – Some Food Service locations are open on campus during the summer. See your options here.

For groups catering services are available on campus all days of the week, including Statutory Holidays. Please contact UBCO Food Services at 250-807-9184 or catering.ubco@ubc.ca.

There are also restaurants which deliver to UBC Okanagan. Please see our Front Desk for a listing of restaurants that deliver and a listing of restaurants that are close to the university.

Q – What kind of housekeeping service is provided?

A – All rooms (unless there is a special conference concession given) are set with bed linens, pillow, comforter, towels and a small bar of soap. Once a week garbage is removed, bed linens and towels are changed, and rooms and bathrooms are cleaned.

Q- What kind of equipment is included in the equipped kitchens?

A – All equipped kitchens have a fridge, microwave, stove, coffee maker, toaster and kettle. The Monashee Studio, One Bedroom, Quad and Family Suites are simply equipped with dishes, pots & pans, cutlery, toaster, coffee maker etc.

Q – When can I check into my room? Am I able to check into my room earlier in the day?

A – Check in is any time after 4 pm on the day of your arrival. We can not guarantee early check in, however if you arrive early and your room is ready you may check in at that time. If your room is not ready for check-in early, we will be happy to store your luggage until 4 pm.

Q – When am I expected to check out of my room?

A – Check out is no later than 11 am. Failure to check out at 11 am will result in an additional night’s charge.

Q – How can I pay for my reservation?

A – We accept cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Debit.

Q – Are there any wheelchair accessible rooms?

A – At the moment we do not have any accessible rooms available.

Q – Are there any age restrictions to stay on campus?

A – Any guests under the age of 19 must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone.

Q. – What do I do if I am part of a group and the on-line section says there are no rooms available?

A. If it shows that a room type is not available it means either that there are no more rooms available in that room type, or that the room block for that group has expired (45 days prior all rooms are released). You may call our toll free number 1-888-318-8666, and if there is availability you may make your reservation by phone.

Q – Can I rent a room during the fall or spring?

A – No, all room types are not available during the months of September – April as students occupy the residences.

Q – Am I able to stay for an extended period of time, like a month?

A – Yes. Long term stays are based on availability. If you are interested in a long term stay with us, please contact the Front Desk via our toll free number: 1-888-318-8666.

Q – Is there a bank machine on campus?

A – There is a bank machine located on the first floor of the University Centre, across from Picnic.

Q – Where can I find the Credit Card Authorization form?

A – A Letter of Authorization for charging 3rd party credit cards is for groups only! Please ask your Sales Manager for the form.

Q – What is your cancellation policy?

A – For individual short term reservations, you can cancel your reservation up till 48 hours prior to your arrival date. When you cancel your reservation within the 48 hours you will be charged 1-night + tax.

Q – What is your smoking, cannabis and alcohol policy?

A – Smoking is not permitted in residence buildings or in common areas. Smoking outside will take place in designated smoking areas (Gazebos). All activities involving cannabis products (storage, consumption, acquisition) must be carried out in accordance with all Federal and Provincial laws. All cannabis products and equipment have to be stored in your personal bedroom/suite in a sealed and labelled container to keep the smell in, and to avoid accidental consumption. Remediation charges will be applied if necessary. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed within the privacy of your room (not in hallways or common lounges). The drinking age in BC is 19 years. The use of illegal drugs is not permitted.