Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is home to two internationally recognized residential graduate colleges. These residences are dedicated to the graduate community, including graduate students, Postdocs and visiting scholars to help facilitate a community of likeminded people, and allow for a space to connect with individuals outside your field of study. Additionally, graduate students can also apply for UBC Housing or search for accommodation off campus. Please visit our Accommodation / Housing page for information about these offers.
Green College
Green College is a graduate residential college where interdisciplinary conversations and ideas thrive. Founded in 1993 as a centre for advanced interdisciplinary scholarship, Green College provides community and accommodation for graduate students, postdoctoral and visiting scholars, in-residence artists and short-term visitors. Members are chosen on the basis of excellence, interdisciplinary interests, and their commitment to involve themselves in the life of the college.
St. John's College
St. John’s College is UBC’s international graduate residence. They're a residential and research hub where global and local issues intersect.
St. John's College is the realization of a dream held by local and international chapters of the alumni associations of the former St. John's University in Shanghai to revive the spirit of their alma mater and perpetuate the SJU motto: Light and Truth. That spirit underscores the values of honesty, generosity, justice and integrity in serving society.
Which College is right for me
Choosing somewhere to stay during your graduate degree is a big decision that can help shape your student experience. However, it can be hard to decide which residence is best for your needs. Here is a breakdown of the top questions we hear from students to help you make a decision about which residence is best for you.
CommunitySelect the college that will help you thrive
Green college
Residents are College members for life. While at the College, they are encouraged to volunteer for various committees — from arts, and sports, to student wellness and more. Communal living promotes a strong sense of community, inspiring residents to create, learn from each other, and expand their academic horizons.
The College is more than a graduate residence — it's a community that embodies "Scholarship in Society." Each year, we welcome a diverse array of talented scholars to participate in College life and enrich conversations:
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St. John's college
St. John’s College is a residential college for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars from around the world who study and teach at the University of British Columbia. We seek to inspire a global vision and foster a spirit of community among our residents and alumni through multicultural education, intercultural understanding, and international exchange. We cultivate lasting friendships across diverse backgrounds by dining together and creating a home away from home
Our motto is “The World Around Our Table.”
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LocationWhere on campus are the Colleges located?
Our residential graduate colleges and the University of British Columbia are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
Green College 
Green College is situated on the northern part of campus steps away from the Tower beach, UBC Rose Garden, and a short walk to the central bus loop.
Learn about the Green College shared spaces and living quarters on the Green College website.
St. John's College
St. John's College is located on the west side of campus neighbouring Wreck Beach, and a close walk to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and many restaurants surrounding the bus loop.
Looking for a virtual campus tour around St. John's College? Take a look at the St. John's College's website.
Meal PlansDining societies and food options
Both Colleges have mandatory meal plans. While this may initially sound costly, many residents have commented very positively on the connections they have made and conversations they participated in as result of the shared dining experience. Think about the value of time savings due to fewer shopping trips, preparing food and cleaning up which can be spent on other important aspects of your graduate experience. Less stress and mess.
Green College
- Five dinners and five breakfasts each week.
- Common kitchen available for meal preparation outside of meal plan times.
- Limited capacity to meet special dietary requirements (contact College prior to application).
- Seating at long tables with residents encouraged to fill the next available seat for social mixing.
St. John's College
- Breakfast and dinner is served Sunday through Friday (twelve meals per week).
- Formal and enhanced dinner several times throughout the year to enjoy culinary delights and come together as a community to celebrate and break bread together – The World Around Our Table.
- Common kitchen facilities are available for meal preparation outside of meal plan times.
- Limited capacity to meet special dietary requirements (contact College prior to application).
Room TypesWhat would your living situation look like?
Green College
- Single rooms: each single-occupancy room shares a bathroom with another single room.
- Single room split: two single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom in a two-level suite, with an additional shared living area.
- Studio room: a self-contained room with its own bathroom, suitable for single or double occupancy (priority is given to Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholars, and couples).
Take a look at the Green College residence room layouts.
Single room
Single room split
Studio room
St. John's College
- Single rooms: equipped with a sink, counter and cupboard area large enough to accommodate a microwave oven and a small fridge under the counter. All rooms have their own washroom with shower and ample storage space with organizers. Desk, lamp, chair, bookcase, end table and twin bed provided. Rooms are approximately 230 square feet.
- Large Single Room: Equipped as above with larger closet and double/full bed provided. Room are approximately 250 square feet. Limited number of rooms.
- One-bedroom Room: one-bedroom suites have a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and study area. Room are approximately 480 square feet. Limited number of rooms.
Take a virtual tour through St. John's College residence room layouts.
Single room
FacilitiesWhat amenities do you have access to?
Green College
- Graham House and the Coach House, including a piano
- Reading room
- Piano Lounge
- Billiard Room
- Residential common room (TV room)
- Laundry facilities
- Extensive garden and green space areas, including a rose garden and outdoor patio sitting areas
Graham house, Billiard room
Graham house, the Great Hall
Common KitcheN
Piano lounge
Reading room
Gibson room
St. John's College
- Private courtyard for sitting and sports (soccer, volleyball)
- Laundry Facilities
- Quiet Study Room
- TV Room
- Two common kitchens
- Two Resident Lounges – 2 pianos
- Fairmont Social Lounge – baby grand piano
- Patio area and barbeque
- Pool table and Foosball table
Dining hall
CostsWhat do you need to budget for?
The costs for both College's consist of the residency portion for the accommodation and the mandatory meal plan. Keep in mind that the accommodation includes various utilities that you would have to pay for otherwise in off-campus accommodation.
Green College
- Fees include electricity, heat, hot water, and internet services
- Residence fees
St. John's College
- Fees include electricity, heat, hot water and internet services
- Residence fees