The Ideal University Living Experience

U-Eight is a 90-home condominium building in the U-District, located within easy walking distance to UBC Okanagan in Kelowna, BC. Designed by Meiklejohn Architects Inc., the building’s architectural theme offers a distinctive ‘Campus Modern’ feel.

U-Eight offers a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom condominium residences and is anticipated for completion August 2020, in time for the 2020/21 academic school year. U-Eight is built with the student in mind and offers the ideal university living experience, without the limitations of traditional residence.

Need for Student Housing

Current Reality of On-Campus Housing

As accommodation options for students are very limited, both on and off campus, demand for housing is extremely high at UBC Okanagan.

There is only enough on-campus housing for 17% of the student population, and a spot in residence is only guaranteed for first-year students. Second and third-year students are entered into a lottery for a spot in residence with no guarantee they will be accepted. In 2017, over 900 students were placed on the waiting list for on-campus accommodation.

Low Vacancy Rate in Kelowna

In Fall 2018, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) announced that Kelowna’s vacancy rate was 1.9%, which makes finding off-campus accommodations to be just as difficult as on-campus. Adding to the rental demand is the growing trend of university grads choosing to remain in Kelowna after completing their education. Young people relocating to attend school tend to rent throughout their schooling and early working years placing further pressure on the rental market.

Challenges of On-Campus Parking & Public Transportation

UBC’s Okanagan campus is located on the outskirts of Kelowna, so students who live off-campus need to deal with the added cost and stress of public transit or parking.

With only enough parking for 25% of the student population and at a cost of up to $500 per school year, parking is a major issue.

Academic Success

U-Eight provides an environment that helps students thrive. At U-Eight, students will be able to create their own welcoming living space and have the luxury of choosing their own roommate. Often times, students have roommates chosen for them, which can make for a stressful living environment and can hinder students’ academic and personal health success. Additionally, living at U-Eight means your son or daughter won’t have to move in and out on tight deadlines, or over the holidays

Investing in your Family’s Success

Owning a home at U-Eight is not only a great way to support your son or daughter’s success, but it also makes financial sense for your family. Paying for housing is inevitable while your son or daughter attends university, so why not put your monthly payments towards owning a home? Whether you decide to sell your home at U-Eight once your son or daughter graduates or continue to rent to new students, you can be confident in your investment.

Secure Living at U-Eight

Parents of students living at U-Eight can rest easy knowing that their child is living in a fully secured, brightly lit building.

Safety is paramount at U-Eight and students will feel safe with most of the parking in a secure underground parkade, and FOB access for secure entry into the building’s lobby.

Inspired Green®

At Mission Group, we take an Inspired Green® approach with all of our communities. Our goal is to minimize our environmental footprint in five areas – energy, water, air quality, recycling, and climate change.

U-Eight is situated in a well-connected community that encourages active transportation. You can take a short walk to the campus and various amenities, or enjoy an easy transit ride to many destinations including Airport Village amenity centre and downtown Kelowna.

U-Eight has been designed to reduce unnecessary water consumption. Homes feature water efficient plumbing fixtures and use irrigation systems and site specific landscaping that conserves water.

U-Eight maximizes energy efficiency by using environmentally responsible heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as energy efficient appliances, low-E windows, and carefully-selected building materials.

Homes have been designed to improve air quality by using low VOC finishes, and an automatic air exchange system that circulates fresh air throughout each home, resulting in a healthier living environment.