Application process for incoming first-year students

1 - Accept your offer of admission

Congratulations! You will receive an offer of admission from the University of Waterloo once you have been accepted into Waterloo. Be sure to accept your offer of admission no later than June 1st, 2012. The fall 2012 Residence Community Ranking Form will be available online in January 2012.
 

2 - The Residence Community Ranking Form

You will need to fill out a Residence Community Ranking Form, along with a $500 non-refundable deposit payment, to secure your spot in residence.

The ranking form is your chance to let us know whether you want traditional- or suite-style accommodations, whether you prefer Waterloo Residences or one of our affiliates, and other important details that will help make residence the right FIT for you.

On the Residence Community Ranking Form, please indicate:

• whether you prefer to live in Waterloo Residences, or one of our affiliates
• if you require special accommodations for a disability or have special needs
• your interest in being a part of a Living-Learning Community (if available)
   

Accepted forms of payment for your $500 non-refundable deposit:
Credit card, INTERAC® Online, certified cheque, or money order

Once you have completed your ranking form and submitted your deposit, you'll receive confirmation (in June) whether you have been placed in Waterloo Residences, or one of the affiliates. 

If you have been placed in one of the affiliates, they will advise you of what to do next. The following steps apply only to students placed in Waterloo Residences.

Note: if you have missed the deadline, check back on our website for possible vacancies. Also note that you are no longer guaranteed a space in residence.
 

3 - The Waterloo Residences Preference Form

By filling our the Waterloo Residences Preference Form​​, you have the chance to tell us your preferences for specific residence options such as which building, double room or single, roommates, and meal plans.

Although we'll make every effort to accommodate your preferences, we're not always able to place you in the community you would most prefer. High demand for certain room types and residence communities makes it impossible to place everyone in their #1 choice. 

An allocation program will assign each student a room based on a random lottery process.
 

4 - Accept your contract

Mid-July, you may find out where you have been placed.

You will receive a residence contract by email. You must accept your contract by the deadline date, or you will lose your room.

Following your acceptance, in mid-July you will receive a Welcome Package in the mail with details on your residence community.

Please note: Some students may receive their room assignment as late as the end of August. Don't worry! The first year guarantee still applies and you will have a room in residence for fall.
 

5 - Begin packing

You will receive important move-in info, regarding move-in times, what to bring, along with other important info.

Pack your bags and get ready for Waterloo!