Ok I'm going to come in here and set this straight because it seems the majority of people in this thread know nothing about Rez... and I don't want you guys making decisions you'll regret because of it.
All freshmen under 19 MUST live in a first-year residence (Vanier or Totem). With these residences comes a mandatory meal plan, which pretty much doubles your residence fees. But you don't buy food (obviously). Totem and Vanier have shared rooms, but in truth the VAST majority of rooms are single. On a floor of 30 people, there are 4 double rooms, so 8/30 people live in doubles.
You do NOT want a double. I know for a fact everyone who I have talked to who has lived in a double (even with a close friend) said they would not do it again and would MUCH rather have their own room. If you live in first year Rez you will bond so tightly with your floor anyways that you will be in each other's rooms almost all the time anyways. Its good to have your own personal retreat if you need it. Definitely don't worry about meeting people. if you want to make lots of new friends and party lots, Totem and Vanier are the places to go. Vanier is closer to everything for first year classes except maybe Forestry students. It's cafe is nicer.. but Totem's has been recently renovated so that's debatable. Totem has the reputation for being the 'Party dorm' but there's really little difference anymore, Vanier is closer to the bars.
Freshmen over 19 can live pretty much wherever they please.
Contrary to what tsweezy says, Gage is not a shit-hole. In fact, if I were to live on campus again, I would live there as I currently do. Gage isn't nice and new like Marine Drive, but its by leaps and bounds the most convenient place to live while attending UBC. Most classes (save Engineering and Forestry) are closer to Gage than any other residence. It is a 90 second walk to every bus on campus and the student union building. Not to mention the Pit (campus club) and the Gallery (bar). 5 minute walk to Koerners (bar). The Student Recreation Centre is a 20 second walk away-- full gymnasiums and weight/cardio centre. The villiage is a 10 minute walk away so variety in food is close (only Fairvew is comparable in this respect).
Gage is also getting renovated and every room in East tower now has a 23" flatscreen and new hardwood flooring in furniture. The other towers will follow.
Marine drive is the equivalent of China-distance away from everything but cheap drugs and homeless people down at the beach.
Fairview is close to the Engineering buildings. No TV in the apartment (if you care about that) and is only a hair nicer than the OLD towers in Gage are.
Room sizes go Fairvew > Gage > Vanier > Totem > Marine Drive
If you're a first year and want to meet a stupid amount of new people, Vanier and Totem is for you. Even if youre 3 or 4 years older than the average freshman. I had guys on my floor who were and fit in perfectly.
If you want convenience, move to Gage. But it will be more difficult to meet people. Being. in Engineering I have met only a small number of new people this year.
I would never live in Fairview.
I would never live in Marine. Unless I got the penthouse. Only go there if you are easily bothered by floors and appliances that don't look brand new.
More later perhaps. Gotta study. Peace.
... I have till monday to submit my final application for accommodation and have no idea where to apply to. I will be in my final year so want to stay somewhere reasonably chill but still fun...
