You are here

Residences » Exchange students »

Frequently asked questions | FAQs

Do I have to purchase a meal plan or can I cook myself? 
In CLV, there is a kitchen in each unit and you are expected to cook your own meals at least part of the time. Optional meal plans are available, and there is a cafeteria a short walk away in Ron Eydt Village. CLV runs a grocery shuttle every Saturday so students can do their shopping.
 
Am I guaranteed a residence space?

Transfer Students: are generally not considered to be first-year students and do not fall under the first-year residence guarantee. However, if the registrar's office has classified you as a 1 A student then you are considered a first-year and fall under the guarantee. Contact the Registrars Office to find out how you have been classified.

Exchange Students: are not considered to be first-year students and do not fall under the first-year residence guarantee. Residence space for exchange students is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 
 
Do I have to bring my blanket, pillow and bed sheets?
Yes, you can bring these items with you or they are available to purchase from Residence Linens at http://www.residencelinens.com.
 
Will I be living with Canadian students?
Rooms are divided into 4-bedroom units, we cannot guarantee that every student will have this opportunity.
 
Can I live with a friend?
Yes, you can request to be placed with someone you already know.
 
If I decide not to come to Waterloo do I get my $500 deposit back?
The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
 
How much are the residence fees?
 
How can I pay the $500 deposit?
The deposit can be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or by certified cheque or money order (bank draft).
 
How do I pay the rest of my residence fees?
The remaining residence fees will be included with your tuition payments.
 
 

Viewing fees owed

Fees appear on the Finance section of your Quest account. Please log on to view your account information.
 
 

Paying fees owed

The University of Waterloo prefers bank transfer payments. You can send a bank transfer through internet banking, telephone banking, and automated teller machines (ATM).
 

Paying by Internet/Phone/ATM Banking

  • You must set up the University of Waterloo as a new bill in your bill payment option at the bank. For "company account" use your Waterloo student ID number.
  • Keep the transaction confirmation number or transaction card as proof of payment. A receipt will not be issued by the University. For ATM payments, some financial institutions require you to include the remittance stub (bottom portion of the fee bill) with your ATM payment.
  • Information needed when transferring funds internationally: 
University of Waterloo Bank: 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Account #: 00-01902
Branch/Transit #: 00452
Bank Identifier #: 010
Swift Code: CIBCCATT
Bank Address:
27 King Street North
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 3Z6

Please ask your bank to include the following information:

    • Your full name
    • Your uWaterloo student ID number
    • Reason for payment: "Canadian University Tuition Fees"
    • Beneficiary: University of Waterloo

Please notify Roslyn Yeung in Finance when you have completed the transfer. Send her the exact date you transferred the funds, the amount, the name of the bank you sent the transfer from, and the confirmation or trace number.

Paying in person at a Canadian bank

You may pay your fees at any Canadian financial institution, even if you do not have an account at that institution. You must bring your fee bill with remittance stub attached and your payment in cash or money order. Your fee bill will be stamped on the back and returned to you. Keep this statement for your records as proof of payment. A receipt will not be issued by the University.
 

Paying by cheque or money order

Please make your cheque or money order payable to the University of Waterloo and clearly write your Waterloo student ID number on the back. Mail or courier the cheque or money order to the finance office:
 
Student Accounts
University of Waterloo 
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, ON Canada  N2L 3G1
Make sure you send your payment early so it arrives at the Finance office before the due date.
 
How do I get a Waterloo student ID Card? (WatCard)
Your WatCard is your University of Waterloo student identification card. To get your WatCard you need to go to the WatCard office in the lower level of the Student Life Centre (SLC). You will need to present proof that you are a student (a print off from Quest will suffice), as well as photo identification. 
 
How do I get to Waterloo from the Airport?
We recommend using an airport transport service (Airways Transit) to travel from the airport to the University of Waterloo. Visit the Airways Transit website for more information. Please tell them to drop you off at your assigned residence.
 
When can I move in?
Move-in information will be sent to you approximately 1 month before the start of the term.
 
Can I live in residence for one-term only?
For the fall term a two-term contract is required. One-term contracts are offered for winter and spring term.
 
Can I stay in residence during the holiday break between December and January when the University is closed?
Due to safety concerns because the University is closed and there is no supervision, students can not stay in residence during the holiday break.
 
What can I do if I need an extension beyond my scheduled move-out date for the winter or spring term?
If you require an extension to your move-out date, you will want to visit Moving Out of Residence - Extensions to see if you qualify for one. If you qualify, you will need to contact the front desk of your assigned residence to make an appointment with the Residence Life Co-ordinator (RLC) overseeing move-out procedures for your residence.