Housing Accommodations

We are committed to supporting all students and, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, has processes in place for students to request housing accommodations to make sure everyone has equal access to safe and inclusive living spaces.  

What are Housing Accommodations? 

We provide accommodations for students who have a documented disability, medical condition, or creed-based beliefs and practices that may impact their ability to live in standard residence accommodations. These accommodations address the functional limitations of the student while considering the demands of the residence environment.  

A disability/medical condition is defined as a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Conditions can be visible or invisible and range from medical, sensory, physical, environmental, psychological, allergy/dietary restrictions, or mental health conditions.  

Accessible Housing Accommodations

Who Should Apply for Accessible Housing Accommodations? 

Students who have, or suspect they may have, a disability or condition affecting their daily living activities are encouraged to apply for accessible housing accommodations. The process is designed to support students who require specific accommodations in residence due to a medical/health concern. 

If you meet the criteria listed above, we encourage you to seek accommodations and submit a request for housing support while living in residence.   

Accessible Housing Support provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability, medical condition that may impact their ability to live in standard residence accommodations. These supports address the functional limitations of the student while considering the demands of the residence environment.  

How to Apply for Accessible Housing Accommodations?

If you require accessible housing accommodations due to a documented disability or medical condition, please visit the Accessible Housing website for full details on how to complete the request for accommodation process.  

For any questions, please email housing@uwaterloo.ca with your full name and 8-digit Waterloo ID number.  

Creed-Based Housing Accommodations

What are Creed-Based Housing Accommodations?

You may be concerned that your daily religious practices might not be accommodated in some of our residence communities.  
Many of our campus buildings, including residences, feature multi-faith spaces where students can comfortably and safely practice their faith.  
Additionally, our residence cafeterias offer vegan, vegetarian, and halal options.  For dietary supports please connect with Food Services on how they can best accommodate you in residence. 

At the University of Waterloo, we are committed to providing inclusive housing environments that respect and support the diverse needs of our students. As part of that commitment, we consider creed-based accommodation requests in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.  

Please note that we are not able to assign students to residence spaces based on religious affiliation, nor can we exclude others from shared living environments based on their creed. Doing so would conflict with our obligation to provide non-discriminatory, inclusive housing for all students. 

Recommended accommodations are focused on the individual making the request and cannot infringe on the rights of other students and are focused on needs and not preferences.   

Who Should Request Creed-Based Housing Accommodation?  

Students who have daily creed-based/religious housing requests that cannot be accommodated through our amenities and dietary supports offered to all students may apply for creed-based support while living in residence.   

How to Request Creed-Based Accommodations? 

To apply for creed-based accommodations, please download, complete, and submit the Accommodation Request Form – Statement of Creed/Religious Belief(s). 

Types of Accessible and Creed-Based Housing Accommodations

We offer a variety of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of students. However, availability may be limited by the types of rooms and facilities we can provide. Some residence rooms have more privacy, have a lower student to washroom ratio, provide barrier free access, or allow a student to cook for themselves.   

Housing recommendations are individualized, based on the student’s unique situation. Please note that students cannot request specific room types or residence buildings.  

For any questions, please email housing@uwaterloo.ca with your full name and 8-digit Waterloo ID number.  

Important information to know:

Health Care Professional Documentation 

The process requires a health care professional (qualified to diagnose) to complete a medical form as part of the submission. Please note that it may take time to schedule a doctor’s appointment and receive the required documentation. Be sure to plan ahead when applying for residence. 

Deadline for Incoming First-Year Students 

First-year students with the 2026 First-Year Residence Guarantee must complete the accessible and/or creed-based housing process by June 8, 2026. Submissions after this date will continue to be considered but meeting this deadline ensures that your request is considered before room assignments are made. 

Submit Early! 

It’s recommended that all students submit their accessible housing and/or creed-based housing request(s) around the same time you submit your residence application. Room assignments begin approximately two weeks after the first-year residence guarantee deadline, and room options will decrease as assignments are made. 

Additional Accommodations

If you require additional types of support outside of the Accessible Housing process, see below.

Academic accommodations

Dietary accommodations

Height accommodations

Taller than 6’5”/198 cm? 

  • Incoming first-year students: please be sure to indicate this when you rank your preferences for room styles, later in June. The majority of extra long twin beds are in Village 1 and Ron Eydt Village. 
  • All other students: please send an email to housing@uwaterloo.ca as early as possible with your full name and 8-digit Waterloo ID number. 

Commonly Asked Questions

Here are some things to keep in mind before you submit your Accessible Housing application.

Can my requested roommate be assigned with me if I have an approved housing accommodation?

Housing supports are only for the student requesting the supports and may not include current or potential roommates. 

Can I choose the residence room I get placed in?

While a student may feel strongly they should be placed in a specific residence, assignments are based on the specific and reasonable needs identified in the documentation received, and adherence to the deadline and space availability.

A student does have the right to waive the Accessible Housing recommendation to stay in their current room assignment.

Assigned to residence in St Jerome’s, Renison, United, or Conrad Grebel?

I have previously registered with Accessible Housing, do I need to resubmit?

If you have previously registered with Accessible Housing, and your accommodation supports continue to meet your disability-based needs, you do not need to submit a new application.   

If you have previously registered with Accessible Housing, and your disability-based needs have changed (requiring different and/or additional supports), you must complete a new Accessible Housing Application Form.