Community Living
Living in residence gives you a variety of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Having a roommate or suitemate, getting to know students from different backgrounds, and discovering new foods are just a few of the learning experiences you'll have in rez. You can also choose to participate in the events and activities going on in the residences such as movie nights, talent shows, and other fun activities.
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Community living
Living in residence is a unique experience. The quality of your rez experience will depend, to a large extent, on the consideration you demonstrate for your roommates, suitemates and/or neighbours.
Learning to live with other people and to respect each other's differences is one of the most valuable parts of the residence experience. Dons are there to help build a strong community based on mutual respect and to foster community spirit.
After you move in, you should talk about a number of issues with your roommate or suitemates. Some things to discuss:
- use of personal items, TV, stereo, telephone, computer
- study time
- sleep schedules
- guests and socializing
- cleanliness/tidiness
- food and cooking (if applicable)
- lifestyle choices
The role of a Don
Dons are upper-year student leaders who live within the residence communities. Each residence area (e.g. a house or a floor) has one Don. The Don’s overall role is to build a strong and supportive residence community.
Dons plan activities that help the students get to know each other, have fun, and learn skills important for success at university. Examples of events planned in the past include: social events such as a sundae night or a games night, educational activities such as learning how to cook (in suite-style residences) or how to study, and trips such as going to the movies or going to Toronto. Whichever programs your Don plans, they’ll be designed to build relationships between residents, help residents develop skills, or simply to encourage personal growth and understanding in a particular area. If there is a specific activity you’d like your Don to run, or if you want to help your Don plan something, be sure to let them know! Dons love to get feedback from their residents and they love getting their residents involved.
Dons also ensure that residents are following residence rules. This is an important part of the Don’s job, as respecting each other is the foundation for a strong community. When necessary, Dons attempt to resolve conflicts which arise within the community.
If you have any questions or concerns about university or residence, be sure to let your Don know. Dons have been through the first-year experience before, so they understand that moving away from home and starting university can be challenging, exciting, and a bit scary. Also, Dons participate in an intensive training program, so they’ll be able to answer your questions or refer you to the appropriate campus resources. You’ll meet your Don on move-in day.
Residence events
One of the best things about living in residence is all the events and activities going on. You can choose to participate in as many or as few as you want. Most activities are planned by the dons or residence council, but you can also get involved and help to plan and organize events if you want to.
Some past events held in residence include:
- Coffee House
- Village 1 Variety Show (talent night)
- Paintball
- Trips to see the Toronto Raptors
- Price is Right
- Residence formal
- REV game night
- Barbeques
- Ski trip to Blue Mountain
- Dons do Dinner
- Treat-a-grams
- Residence Idol
- Movie nights
- Residence Bonfires
- UWCV’s (University of Waterloo Community Volunteers)
