A PLACE THAT SUPPORTS AND CELEBRATES YOU
To thrive at university, you need a home where you can be your best self. A soft spot to land that helps you succeed in every way – physically, mentally and socially. And a fun, welcoming community that feels like family.
Every year – for all of these reasons and more – thousands of new Waterloo students choose residence.
Living on campus gives you the convenience of a 5- to 15-minute walk between home, classes, food and libraries, as well as the support, resources and opportunities you need to succeed in university and after graduation.
93%
of students who chose residence in first year returned for their second academic year.
100%
There’s a spot for you, 100% guaranteed. Keep exploring to find the best fit for you.
84%
average GPA of a first year student living in residence
P.S. That is 2% higher than the average student living off-campus.
Find the best option for you
Everyone belongs in residence. Whether you’re looking for a small, tight-knit community or all the action of a larger residence, you can choose a home that’s perfect for your preferences and lifestyle. From dorm-style traditional rooms to apartment-style suites, Waterloo offers ten different residences across Campus Housing and the University Colleges (St. Jerome’s, United College, and Renison). Like the Waterloo campus, residence is a global community with students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives. In residence, you’ll find both spaces and people to help you thrive.
Meet your cheering squad
If you’re worried about transitioning to university, we’ve got your back. Residence Life staff are here to make the adjustment as smooth as possible. Plus, you’ll have the support of your Don – an upper-year student that lives in your residence community. Dons are student leaders who bring their enthusiasm for university life and the student experience to our residence communities. Dons provide mentorship, support and an engaging environment where students can interact and get to know one another. They live in residence and support students by: building community, sharing valuable services and resources on campus, organizing events and activities, and ensuring that residence is a safe and engaging environment.
Nurture your interests
No matter what lights you up, residence offers opportunities to pursue your passions, learn new skills and gain leadership experience:
• Find your faculty in residence! Living Learning Community programs are offered by both Campus Housing and the University Colleges. To learn more about University College Living Learning programs, visit United College and Renison University College.
• Looking to develop leadership skills, build job experience and even get paid? Residence communities regularly recruit for Residence Ambassadors, Peer Leaders, Front Desk Assistants or members of the Undergraduate Residence Advisory Committee.
• Do you prefer solo activities or quiet time with a few friends? Residences offer craft rooms, multi-faith rooms, music rooms, libraries and fitness areas.
STRONGER SUPPORT, BETTER GRADES
When you choose to live in residence, you get access to built-in academic support that’s hard to find anywhere else. Let us help you reach your academic goals through: › drop-in tutoring › study skills workshops › individual and group study spaces › Living-Learning Communities, which let you live near other students from your program or faculty and, in some communities, get access to peer mentoring, professors, academic advisors and other faculty members Explore the list of Living-Learning Communities for fall 2023.
© Copyright 2023 the University of Waterloo | FP2206