The University of British Columbia (UBC) says Vancouver’s housing crunch and sky high rental prices are playing a part in the university’s near-record long waitlists for student housing.UBC’s managing director of student housing Andrew Parr says the university is getting more last minute requests this year from students who normally wouldn’t apply for student housing.“The Vancouver housing crunch is a significant player,” he said.“Finding affordable and proximal housing to UBC here in the Point Grey area, arguably some of the most expensive real estate in the county… there’s a shrinking number of rental units near UBC and the rents have gotten got higher.”