Disabilities and special accommodations
One of the best ways to participate in campus life is to live in residence. If you have a special need, Waterloo Residences can place you in a room that works for you.
After applying for Waterloo Residences, your next step is to register with the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) at 519-888-4567, ext. 35082, if you have special accommodation needs.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) supports those with:
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physical,
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sensory,
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environmental,
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medical,
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psychological,
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sleeping disorders,
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life-threatening allergies,
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or learning disability-related issues.
Dietary issues
Serious dietary issues (e.g. peanut allergy) can be accommodated through room assignment. Dietary concerns such as gluten-free or lactose-free diets can be accommodated through specialized menu planning with Food Services.
The OPD staff will work in collaboration with Waterloo Residences to place you in a room that accommodates your needs. Please note that although you will be placed in a residence that works for you, it may not be the one you would most prefer.
Height requirements
Are you taller than 6'2" / 188 cm?
If you require specific accommodation due to your height (taller than 6'2" or 188 cm) we require documentation.
For height we require a copy of your driver's license or medical documentation of your height. We will place you in a room that is long enough to accommodate a longer mattress, however you must bring your own twin extra long mattress.
Height documentation should be emailed or mailed or faxed to the Waterloo Residences Office (be sure to include your full name and Waterloo student ID number):
Waterloo ResidencesRoom 0134, Student Life Centre, University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, ON Canada N2L 3G1
Email: housing@uwaterloo.ca | Fax: 519-746-8152
If you would like to discuss your residence needs, please contact Waterloo Residences at 519-888-4567, ext. 32679.
If you would like to live in one of the University College residences, please contact them directly to ensure they are able to accommodate your specific need(s).
Residence Accommodations Available
We have provided an overview of different types of accommodations and how they may work for you. For more information, please see the detailed special accommodations room chart (pdf).
| Residence community | Wheelchair accessible | Air conditioned | Carpet | Accommodates severe environmental allergies | Strobe lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Lake Village Townhouse | no | no | yes (in bedrooms, on stairs & in living room) | no | no |
| Mackenzie King Village | yes - elevator to all floors | yes | yes (in bedrooms and sitting area) | no | yes |
| Minota Hagey | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Ron Eydt Village | yes - on ground floor level | no | yes | no | no |
| UW Place: Beck Hall |
no | no | no | yes | yes |
| UW Place: Eby Hall |
no | no | yes (in bedrooms only) | no | yes |
| UW Place: Wellesley Court |
yes - on ground floor level; lowered light switches and sinks | no | yes (in bedrooms & sitting area) | yes | yes |
| UW Place: Wilmot Court |
no | no | yes (in bedrooms & sitting area) | yes | no |
| UW Place: Woolwich Court |
no | no | yes (in bedrooms & sitting area) | yes | no |
| UW Place: Waterloo Court |
no | no | yes (in bedrooms & sitting area) | yes | no |
| Village 1 | yes - on ground floor level | no | yes | no | yes |



