Moving Checklist for Students in Vancouver: UBC, SFU, BCIT, and Beyond

Moving as a student in Metro Vancouver is a different experience from a typical household move. You are often working with a tight budget, a small amount of stuff, and a very specific move-in date tied to the academic calendar. You may be moving into residence, a shared house, or a basement suite — each with its own quirks.

Whether you are moving to UBC, SFU, BCIT, Langara, Kwantlen, or any other institution in the region, this checklist has you covered.

Before You Move: 4–6 Weeks Out

Confirm Your Housing

If you are moving into residence, confirm your room assignment and move-in date with the housing office. Residence move-in days are typically very busy — UBC and SFU both have designated move-in windows, and you may be assigned a specific time slot.

If you are moving into a private rental, make sure you have:

• A signed tenancy agreement
• Confirmed move-in date and time
• Keys or key pickup instructions
• Strata rules (if applicable)

Give Notice at Your Current Place

If you are moving out of a rental, give proper written notice as required by BC's Residential Tenancy Act. For month-to-month tenancies, this is one full rental period (usually one month).

Figure Out What You Are Taking

Student moves are a great opportunity to travel light. Before you start packing, decide what you actually need:

• Do you need a full bed, or will a twin or double do?
• Does your new place come furnished?
• What kitchen equipment do you actually use?
• Can you share items with roommates (vacuum, mop, kitchen appliances)?

The less you move, the cheaper and easier the move will be.

Packing for a Student Move

What to Pack First

Start with items you will not need before moving day:

• Off-season clothing
• Books and study materials from previous semesters
• Decorative items
• Extra bedding and towels

What to Pack Last

• Everyday clothing
• Laptop and chargers
• Toiletries
• Bedding you are currently using
• Kitchen items you use daily

Packing on a Student Budget

You do not need to buy expensive packing supplies. Here is how to pack cheaply:

• Boxes: Ask at liquor stores, grocery stores, and bookstores — they often have free boxes. The BC Liquor Store is a particularly good source of sturdy boxes.
• Padding: Use your own clothes, towels, and linens to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap
• Labels: Masking tape and a marker work just as well as printed labels
• Wardrobe boxes: Instead of a wardrobe box, use a garbage bag — put the bag over hanging clothes while they are still on the hanger, tie the bottom, and hang them directly in your new closet

Moving Into Residence

UBC Residence Move-In

UBC's move-in process is highly organized. Key things to know:

• Move-in is typically in early September for the fall term
• You will be assigned a specific move-in time slot — do not show up early
• Parking is limited; UBC provides move-in parking passes for a limited time
• Elevators are in high demand — be patient
• UBC has a list of what is and is not allowed in residence (hot plates, candles, etc.) — review it before you pack

SFU Residence Move-In

SFU's Burnaby campus is on top of a mountain, which creates some unique moving challenges:

• The road up Burnaby Mountain can be congested on move-in day
• Parking near residence is limited — check SFU's move-in day parking instructions
• SFU also assigns move-in time slots during peak periods

BCIT and Other Institutions

BCIT does not have traditional on-campus residence but has partnerships with nearby housing. If you are moving into off-campus housing near BCIT in Burnaby, treat it like any other rental move.

Moving Into a Shared House or Basement Suite

Shared Houses

Moving into a shared house with roommates requires some coordination:

• Confirm who is responsible for what utilities
• Agree on shared items (vacuum, mop, kitchen appliances) before everyone buys their own
• Establish house rules early — it is much easier before everyone moves in than after
• Make sure your name is on the tenancy agreement if you want the protections of BC's Residential Tenancy Act

Basement Suites

Basement suites are common in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. A few things to check before moving in:

• Is the suite legally permitted? (Unpermitted suites can be shut down by the city)
• Is there adequate natural light and ventilation?
• Are utilities included or separate?
• What is the parking situation?
• Is there a separate entrance?

Student Moving Budget

Student moves are typically smaller and cheaper than full household moves. Here is a rough budget guide for a Metro Vancouver student move:

DIY move (renting a van or truck):

• Van/truck rental: $50–$150/day
• Fuel: $20–$50
• Moving supplies: $20–$50
• Total: $90–$250

Professional movers (2 movers, 2–3 hours):

• 4 You Moving rate: $149/hr for 2 movers + truck
• 2-hour minimum + 1-hour travel time = 3 hours minimum
• Typical student move: $447–$600 all-in
• Worth it if you have heavy furniture, are moving up/down stairs, or do not have friends with trucks

Tips for reducing moving costs:

• Move mid-week (Monday–Thursday) — rates are the same but movers are more available
• Move mid-month — month-end moves are the busiest and hardest to book
• Declutter before you move — less stuff = less time = lower cost
• Pack everything yourself before the movers arrive

Moving Back Home After Graduation

Many students move back to their parents' home after graduation while they job hunt or save money. This is a common and practical choice in Metro Vancouver's expensive housing market.

Tips for the post-graduation move:

• Give your landlord proper notice — do not just disappear at the end of your lease
• Do a move-out inspection with your landlord to protect your damage deposit
• Clean the unit thoroughly — this is the most common reason deposits are withheld
• Update your address with the government, your bank, and your school (for transcripts and alumni communications)

Student Moving Checklist Summary

4–6 Weeks Before:

• Confirm housing and move-in date
• Give notice at current rental (if applicable)
• Decide what to take vs. leave behind
• Book movers or arrange truck rental

2–3 Weeks Before:

• Start packing non-essentials
• Gather free boxes
• Notify bank, government, and subscriptions of address change
• Set up utilities at new address (if applicable)

1 Week Before:

• Pack most belongings
• Confirm move-in instructions with residence or landlord
• Confirm movers or truck rental

Moving Day:

• Pack remaining essentials
• Do final walk-through of old place
• Take photos of old unit condition
• Return keys (if moving out)
• Set up essentials at new place (bed, bathroom, laptop)

Moving as a student in Metro Vancouver? 4 You Moving offers affordable rates for smaller moves — perfect for students moving into or out of rentals, shared houses, and basement suites across the region.

Get a free quote — student moves are our specialty.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should students in Vancouver start planning their move? Start 4–6 weeks before your move-in date. Student housing in Vancouver fills up fast, especially near UBC and SFU. Confirm your housing before booking movers.

How much does it cost for a student to move in Metro Vancouver? A studio or 1-bedroom student move typically costs $300–$450 with 4 You Moving at $149/hr for 2 movers. Most student moves take 2–3 hours. Pack everything in advance to keep the job short.

What is the cheapest way for a student to move in Vancouver? Pack everything yourself, move on a weekday, and book movers for just the heavy items — furniture and appliances. Soft items like clothes and bedding can go in your car or a friend's vehicle.

Do I need to book the elevator for a student residence move? Yes — UBC, SFU, and most private student residences have scheduled move-in days with assigned elevator time slots. Contact your residence office well in advance to confirm your slot.

What should students bring to their first apartment in Vancouver? Essentials include bedding, towels, kitchen basics, cleaning supplies, and a shower curtain if the bathroom does not have one. Check what is included in your rental before buying duplicates.

How do I update my address as a student moving in BC? Update your address with your bank, student loan provider (NSLSC), CRA, and your university's student records office. Also update your BC driver's licence within 10 days of moving.