Living-Learning Communities
What is a Living-Learning Community?
In a Living-Learning Community, you’ll live in a small group or “cluster” of students who are enrolled in the same academic program or faculty as you. Being in a Living-Learning Community means that many of your neighbours are also your classmates. You get the best of both worlds - the opportunity to have a regular residence experience (meet students from other academic programs) with the added benefit of living near peers. Whether you are staying up late to study for a test or getting together to work on a project, it is reassuring to know that those around you are going through a similar experience.
Why be involved?
- Live near peers who are taking similar classes – peers play a critical role in your support network
- Connect with a Peer Leader – an upper-year student who shares their experience with you and facilitates “academic check ins”
- Establish networks with faculty, staff, alumni, and upper-year students from your program and faculty
- Enhance in-class learning by participating in academic events facilitated by your Peer Leader (i.e. study skills sessions, writing help sessions, academic program information sessions)
- Participate in residence and campus wide activities with students from a variety of academic programs
Communities for 2012 - 2013
The University of Waterloo is offering 10 living-learning communities for first-years and two for upper-year students. The programming and structure of each community is designed to meet the unique needs of the students.
| Communities | Details |
|---|---|
| Accounting and Finance, first-year |
For first-year students enrolled in one of the following programs:
|
| Accounting and Finance, upper-year |
For second-year students enrolled in one of the following programs:
|
| Arts and Business | For first-year Arts and Business students |
| Biology | For first-year Biology students |
| China 2+2 | For students enrolled in the China 2+2 program. If enrolled in this program, you will automatically be placed in a Living-Learning Community. |
| Faculty of Environment at St. Paul's | For first-year Environment students, at St. Paul's University College |
| Health Studies | For first-year Health Studies students |
| Music at Conrad Grebel* | For first-year Faculty of Arts students that have a strong interest in music at Conrad Grebel |
| Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel* | For first-year Faculty of Arts students that have a strong interest in Peace and Conflict studies at Conrad Grebel |
| Physical Sciences | For firsty-year Physical Sciences students |
| Recreation and Leisure Studies | For first-year Rec and Leisure Studies students |
| Social Development Studies at Rension | For first-year Social Development Studies students, at Renison University College. |
How to select a Living-Learning Community
On the Residence Community Ranking Form, you will be asked if you are interested in being part of a Living-Learning Community. Indicate that you are interested in joining the Living-Learning Community for your program. Your ranking form must be completed by June 1, 2012.
*Please note: Conrad Grebel is not included in the Residence Guarantee. To apply for the Music, or Peace and Conflict Studies Living-Learning Community, you must apply to Conrad Grebel directly.
After June 1st, you will receive confirmation from the residence community you’ve been placed in and from your Living-Learning Community. At this time you will be given instructions on what to do next.
Peer Leaders
Peer Leaders are upper-year students who share their experiences with you and act as your link to resources and people on campus. Each Living-Learning Community will have Peer Leaders from the relevant program (i.e. the Arts and Business Living-Learning Community will have Peer Leaders who are upper-year Arts and Business students). Your Peer Leader will plan activities for your cluster - approx 15 students - and for your Living-Learning Community.
Peer Leaders can also help answer questions such as:
- Where are my classes?
- What could I do for a major or specialization?
- Who is my academic advisor?
- What is the co-op experience like?
- Find out more about becoming a Peer Leader
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding Living-Learning Communities, please contact Melissa McNown, Manager, Living-Learning at 519-888-4567, ext. 31124.
