Best off campus housing for UBC students

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus is located at the western tip of the Point Grey peninsula, surrounded by the UBC Endowment Lands and Pacific Spirit Regional Park. UBC offers significant on-campus housing but demand consistently exceeds supply, and many students, particularly upper-year and graduate students, live off-campus. Vancouver has some of the highest rents in Canada, so proximity to strong transit connections is one of the most important factors when choosing a neighbourhood. This guide covers the best areas for UBC students, how to search and apply for a rental, and how to stay safe.

For current average rent figures by neighbourhood and unit type, see the Vancouver Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Vancouver

Common rental types near UBC include individual rooms in shared houses, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, basement suites, laneway homes, and townhouses. Shared accommodation is popular as a way to reduce costs in one of Canada's most expensive rental markets. To find rooms in shared spaces, use the "Room" filter under Housing Type on liv.rent and the map view to see what is available near campus.

Getting Around

UBC is served by 16 TransLink bus routes with connections across Metro Vancouver. The U-Pass, typically included in student fees, provides unlimited access to TransLink's bus and SkyTrain networks. The 99 B-Line along Broadway is the fastest and most direct bus route to the UBC bus loop from central Vancouver. The Broadway Subway (Millennium Line extension), which opened in 2022, now connects Broadway-City Hall and Arbutus stations to the existing SkyTrain network, reducing commute times from several neighbourhoods significantly. TransLink's Trip Planner is useful for mapping commutes from any neighbourhood you are considering.

Best Neighbourhoods for UBC Students

Wesbrook Village

Located at the edge of the UBC campus proper and surrounded by forest, Wesbrook Village is the closest off-campus neighbourhood to UBC. Accommodation is primarily newer apartment buildings in good condition. TransLink's Route 68 connects Wesbrook Village to every corner of campus. The village has its own restaurants, a pub, a grocery store, and services within easy walking distance of most buildings. It is the most expensive neighbourhood on this list, reflecting its proximity and convenience. Estimated commute: 15 to 30 minutes on foot or by bus depending on destination on campus.

West Point Grey

One of the closest neighbourhoods to UBC outside the Endowment Lands, West Point Grey lies between Spanish Banks along Northwest Marine Drive and West 16th Avenue. Housing is predominantly shared single-family homes, with some apartments, basement suites, and laneway homes. The 99 B-Line and other bus routes on West 10th Avenue and Broadway provide direct access to campus. The busy commercial strips on West 4th Avenue and Broadway offer restaurants, grocery stores, and services. Estimated commute: 20 to 40 minutes by bus or bike.

Dunbar-Arbutus

South of West 16th Avenue and also adjacent to the UBC Endowment Lands, Dunbar-Arbutus is a quieter residential area popular with students seeking a less densely populated neighbourhood. Housing is predominantly single-family homes, laneway houses, and basement suites, with some apartments along the main corridor. The 49 bus along 49th Avenue is one of the most commonly used routes to campus. Rents are generally lower than in West Point Grey. Estimated commute: 30 to 45 minutes by bus.

Kitsilano

Between UBC and downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano is one of the most popular neighbourhoods for students who want access to both campus and the city. Housing includes entire and partial houses, apartments, and basement suites at a range of price points. The 99 B-Line on Broadway provides the fastest route to campus. West 4th Avenue and Broadway are lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Kits Beach is within walking distance for many residents. The Broadway Subway's Arbutus Station improves connections to the rest of the city. Estimated commute: 20 to 40 minutes by bus.

South Cambie and Marine Drive Hub

The area at the foot of Cambie Street, sometimes called Marine Hub, has become a more affordable option for UBC students with good transit access. A mix of newer condos, older apartments, and single-family homes is available. The 49 bus along 49th Avenue connects to UBC. The Canada Line at Marine Drive Station provides fast connections to downtown and the airport. Grocery stores, restaurants, and fitness facilities are nearby. Estimated commute: about 60 minutes by transit.

Standing Out as an Applicant

Complete your liv.rent profile fully before applying. Upload proof of income or employment, verify your identity, and use the Renter Story section to give landlords context about your situation, particularly useful if you are a first-time renter or do not yet have a Canadian credit history. Pre-submitting your application before a viewing signals to the landlord that you are serious about the unit.

Applying as a Group

If you are renting with roommates, one person can apply as the primary applicant and add others as roommates, though most landlords will still want to screen each person individually. Alternatively, all group members can submit individual applications through liv.rent, each generating their own Trust Score for the landlord to review.

Securing a Rental Before Arriving in Canada

UBC students who have not yet arrived in Vancouver or Canada can apply to listings on liv.rent from anywhere in the world. Once your profile is complete, you can indicate that you are a first-time renter and that you are renting from outside Canada, allowing landlords to assess your application accurately without requiring Canadian references.

Avoiding Rental Scams in Vancouver

Metro Vancouver's competitive rental market makes it a frequent target for scammers. Key red flags:

• Rent priced significantly below the neighbourhood average
• Requests for a cash deposit before a lease is signed or a property has been viewed
• Pressure to send money urgently
• Requests for your SIN or banking details before you are ready to sign
• Listings that do not provide a full street address

Renting from ID-verified landlords on liv.rent removes most of this risk. For more on staying safe, see our [guide to rental scams in Canada].

Find Off-Campus Housing Near UBC

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Vancouver. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the UBC campus on the Point Grey peninsula.