Live in residence, 100% guaranteed
Living in residences means becoming part of a great community with support to help make your transition to University life as smooth as possible. You have the choice of living in one of Campus Housing’s 5 first-year residences, or at one of Waterloo’s University Colleges.
Residence is guaranteed for all students starting their first year at the University of Waterloo, including transfer students. What do you need to do?
Beginning Monday, February 1, 2021, the Residence Community Ranking Form will be available to all students starting their first year to complete and submit with their $500 non-refundable housing deposit*. We recommend incoming students only submit the form and non-refundable deposit if they have accepted their offer to the University of Waterloo.
The Residence Community Ranking Form will remain open until Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All incoming students starting their first year who submit their Residence Community Ranking Form and $500 non-refundable deposit* by the June 1 deadline will be a part of the 100% Residence Guarantee.
*Please note: We are offering students as much flexibility as possible while making decisions about Fall 2021 residence. Although the deposit is typically non-refundable, refunds are available for pandemic reasons. Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will have the opportunity to cancel their applications and receive their deposit back between June 2 and 7. While study permit students must cancel before arriving on campus in September.
Printable checklist
Congratulations on becoming a Waterloo Warrior!
Once you have accepted your offer of admission to the University of Waterloo, apply for on-campus housing by submitting the Residence Community Ranking Form. On this form, you will be able to rank Campus Housing and the University Colleges (St. Jerome's, St. Paul's and Renison) in order of your preference. You will also be able to choose which Living-Learning Community you would like to join. Be sure to research the different residences and Living Learning Communities before submitting the form. You can always change your selections by submitting a new form before the deadline.
Don’t worry, you’ll be able to indicate which buildings, room styles, and meal plans you prefer, as well as request a roommate at a later date.
If you have, or suspect you may have, a disability for which you would like to request housing accommodations, submit the Housing Disability Verification Form by June 1 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to start the Housing Accommodations process. Housing accommodations can be made for medical, sensory, physical, environmental, psychological, allergy/dietary restrictions, or mental health conditions.
Submit the Residence Community Ranking Form and $500 non-refundable housing deposit by June 1 at 11:59 p.m. EDT deadline to secure the residence guarantee. We only accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We cannot accept wire transfers for deposit payments.
*Please note: We are offering students as much flexibility as possible while making decisions about Fall 2021 residence. Although the deposit is typically non-refundable, refunds are available for pandemic reasons. Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will have the opportunity to cancel their applications and receive their deposit back between June 2 and 7. While study permit students must cancel before arriving on campus in September.
Step 2: Campus Housing Preference Form (June 10 – June 17)
Now that you’re 100% guaranteed, check your email on Thursday, June 10 to find out whether you will be joining Campus Housing or one of the University Colleges.
If you are in Campus Housing, you will receive a confirmation from Campus Housing with an invitation to complete the Campus Housing Preference Form.
The Campus Housing Preference Form allows you to indicate your preferences for residence building, room type, and meal plan as well as submit a roommate request. If you haven’t already, visit our residences page and check out your options. Thinking ahead about which residence you want to live in, the room styles, and meal plan options can help you shape your residence experience. Want to live with a friend? You can! The preference form allows you to request to live with one roommate in any style residence.
The form opens on Thursday, June 10 and closes Thursday, June 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Step 3: Accept your Residence Contract (Week of July 7)
Beginning the week of July 7 and throughout the summer, we will be sending room assignment offers and contracts to your Waterloo email address. Set up your Office 365 account beginning June 28 and check it frequently to avoid missing out on any information from Campus Housing or the University.
While many students will receive their offers the week of July 7, offers will continue to be sent throughout the summer. So, if you don't get an assignment right away, don’t worry! You're still guaranteed a room in residence.
Be sure to accept your offer before the expiry date! If you do not accept your residence offer by the deadline, you will lose your $500 deposit and your room assignment.
Curious about how assignments are made? Please see the How Rooms are Assigned section below.
Missed the Get Ready for Residence Webinar? Check out the recording below!
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Visit our move-in page to find your move-in day, locations to pick up your keys, and directional maps to find your way home.
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Wondering what to bring? Check out our packing list.
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Looking to learn more about your WatCard? Check out the WatCard website.
Get excited! Follow our social channels to get a glimpse into what's to come. Check out videos as you make your way to your new home.
Everyone belongs in residence. We believe there is a place for you in residence and our room assignments reflect this inclusive approach. Our application form asks about your preferred room type, academic interests, meal arrangements, roommates as well as any special accommodations, and we take them into consideration when assigning you a room. We also recognize that you will grow and change as you experience the independence of being a first year, so we ask a few questions about your personality, daily habits, and hobbies. This lets us match you with a fitting roommate, while leaving lots of room for conversation and growth as you meet with and learn from other students whose backgrounds may be different from yours.
Regardless of where you are assigned, there are several opportunities to connect with other students and staff for support. Each residence has its own unique community with programming developed by professional and caring staff to make your experience in residence amazing!
Accessibility needs
Some students require a specific room-type or residence type to meet their needs. Students that may require accommodations for documented medical reasons must go through the Accessible Housing process. Priority is given to students that submit documentation by the June 1 deadline. Please visit the Accessible Housing website for additional information.
Academic stream
Campus Housing considers your academic stream to determine where to place you. Fall/winter (8-stream) and fall/spring (4-stream) students are assigned to different residences on campus since not all our residences are open for the spring term.
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Fall/winter (8-stream) students may be assigned to any of our residences. Fall/spring (4-stream) students may be assigned to any of our residences for the fall term and receive an alternative assignment in UW Place (including Claudette Millar Hall) for the spring term.
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Roommates must be in the same stream (either fall/winter or fall/spring) to be assigned together. We are not able to assign students that are in different streams as roommates.
Living-Learning Communities and Academic Clusters
Students who select a Campus Housing Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster within Campus Housing will live near other students from the same program or faculty in clusters within the general residence community. Living Learning Communities and Clusters may be located across multiple buildings. Students who choose an Academic Community will be able to rank all available residence communities, room types, and meal plan preferences.
Students who select a University College Living Learning Community will be placed in the college where the community is based, however, depending on demand, you may be placed in another residence community.
Residence ranking
Unless you selected a Living-Learning Community with one predetermined residence, you can rank your preference of residence and room type.
If you submitted a roommate request, make sure your top preferences for residence and room type match your roommate request i.e. do not request a roommate and select a single room in a traditional-style residence as your top preference. If you request a roommate but still wish to have your own room, you and your roommate can choose interconnecting singles or suite-style residence options.
You must rank all available residence options, even if your roommate request makes you ineligible in certain residences. Note: Students that request a roommate are not allocated into single traditional-style rooms (except interconnecting single rooms).
Roommate Request
As a student in Campus Housing, you can request to be placed with one roommate in any of our residence communities. This request must be mutual to be considered, that is, your roommate must also request to be placed with you, and your top residence preferences must match. Students that request a roommate are not allocated into single traditional-style rooms (except interconnecting single rooms).
Whether you apply as an individual student or roommate pair, you have an equal chance of being assigned in any of your top preferences! We ask questions about your personal preferences to help us match you with potential room/suitemates.
Space availability
Each residence has a predetermined number of rooms/suites for incoming first-year students. If your preferred residence or room type is not available, you could be assigned to any of our residences or room types. It is important that you are comfortable living in any of our residences.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that there are many questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the fall 2021 residence experience. While we are still planning for fall 2021, read the FAQs below to find out more about how we adapted the residence experience in fall 2020 to keep students safe and engaged. We will continue to update our website with the latest changes to Campus Housing, so check back regularly to stay informed.
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Why choose Campus Housing?
Campus Housing offers direct on-campus housing at the University of Waterloo with a choice of five different communities; three buildings that offer traditional-style dorms and three buildings that offer suite-style apartment living. Students in their first year are placed together according to their academic streaming and are typically separate from upper-year students. Strong communities are built with the assistance of Dons on each floor. Meals plans are optional depending on the type of community (traditional or suite-style). Meal plans, run by UW Food Services, offer a wide range of dietary options across campus. Meal plan money left over at the end of the year is carried over to the next term. Similarly, if money runs out, additional flex dollars may be added at any time.
The University College Residences are like mini-universities within the larger UWaterloo community. They are located on-campus and offer courses within the Waterloo faculties. In the University Colleges, students are placed together through various methods. Residents living at any of the University Colleges are Waterloo students from across all programs. Meal plans are included in the price and are provided by the residence's on-site cafeteria (but not flexible across other eateries). There is no declining balance meaning you won't run out of money on your food plan.
Which buildings are part of Campus Housing?
First-year Campus Housing communities are:
Who are the University Colleges?
The first-year University College Residences are:
Which residence is closest to my faculty?
Remember that you can have classes in any building, not just those associated with your faculty - so it's hard to say! In general, walking across campus generally takes about 15 minutes. Check out a campus map to see for yourself.
How many students live on a floor or in a house?
This number varies across residence communities but usually somewhere between 40 - 60 students in a designated area (floor/house) with a Don (an upper-year student supervisor) assigned to each floor/house.
Do men and women share rooms/bathrooms?
All individual first-year rooms and apartments are single gender, however, each floor or house may be single or mixed gender. Washrooms are always single gender.
What about safety at Campus Housing?
Campus Housing staff take the safety of students living in residence very seriously. All facilities have been designed for safety and security - buildings, houses, and floors are locked and students must have a key to get in. All floors or houses are accessible only to the residents of that floor or house and each student has a key to his or her room and/or suite. Every residence also has a "Duty Don", available 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. daily, with a cell phone for any emergencies. Most Front Desks are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. A staff and student led Safety Walk is completed each term to identify any areas for improved security and safety
In addition, professional Residence Life Co-ordinators (RLCs) live on campus. One of the 5 RLCs is always on duty and available to respond to emergencies. UW Police are on duty 24/7 and can always be called for assistance. Students often use the UW Shuttle Service to get back to residence from night classes.
Students are encouraged to practice basic security measures, including locking their door when they are not at home or when they're asleep and not holding exterior doors open for non-residents. Learn more about residence safety.
Can I live in residence after first year?
Absolutely! Campus Housing reserves spaces for upper-year students each term. Upper-years are also placed into their own communities, not mixed with first-year residents. You can still request roommates and unlike first-years, upper-years may also choose to live in mixed gender apartments. We offer contracts tailored to academic streams - you only have to sign a contract for the terms you are on campus. We even have spaces available for students who are working locally on a co-op work term.
May I come and visit Campus Housing?
No - due to the pandemic we are not currently hosting residence tours. We suggest checking out our video tours and student blog for a glimpse into residence life.
Fees and contracts
How much does it cost to live in residence?
Please see our Campus Housing fees page - listed prices include all utilities, services, and taxes.
What is included in my residence fee?
Living in residence means all-inclusive living - no worries during your time with us! You also won't have to worry about signing a lease, landlords, or subletting your room while you're away from school.
Residence fees include:
- a fully-furnished room
- all utilities
- 24-hour security and Front Desk assistance
- high-speed, unlimited Internet (ResNet) in your room
- cable TV in common areas
- on-site laundry
- eateries in the traditional dorms
- residence life programming (including tutoring and a counselor in residence)
- on-call maintenance
- housekeeping services (varies by residence)
- access to all amenities in any of our residence facilities - gyms, music rooms, multi-faith rooms etc.
When and how do I pay my residence fees?
To reserve a room at Campus Housing, we require a $500 housing deposit* which will later be deducted from your final fees owing. Once you have accepted your residence contract, the remainder of your fees will be paid directly to Finance-Student Accounts (through your Quest account). Residence fees are charged on a termly basis.
*The housing deposit is typically non-refundable but if you are no longer able to come to campus for fall 2021, we will refund your $500 housing deposit. Note that requesting a refund cancels your residence guarantee for two terms and you will not be guaranteed space on campus in the winter or spring.
What are the policies and guidelines for living in residence?
Please see our Contract terms and conditions page.
Is alcohol allowed in residence?
All students and guests in residence are required to abide by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Students and guests who are at or above the legal drinking age (19) are permitted to responsibly use alcohol in designated areas within residence.
Are students allowed to use or grow cannabis in residence?
Smoking cannabis (including, but not limited to vaping) is not permitted in any of the residence buildings. Plants and equipment intended to grow and cultivate plants within residence are not permitted. For more information about the University’s approach to Cannabis Legalization, please see the University of Waterloo’s Approach to Cannabis Legalization.
I won't have access to the Internet this summer — Can someone else submit my contract for me?
Yes. If you are unable to submit your own residence contract someone else may submit it on your behalf. This person is not responsible for any contract infringements that may occur. If someone else submits your contract for you, you will be responsible for any problems.
Food and Meal Plans
What are my meal plan options?
To learn more about the different meal plan options, check out the Food Services website.
Do I have to get a meal plan?
If you are living in a traditional-style residence, you must purchase a meal plan for every term you are living in residence. You will not have cooking facilities in your room and are expected to eat most of your meals in the residence eateries and food service outlets.
If you are living in a suite-style residence, meal plans are optional. You may wish to purchase one if you plan on eating some of your meals in the food services outlets on campus.
Which meal plan should I choose?
It all depends on your eating habits and how often you go home or away for the weekend. Most students will choose the "average" option. If you have money left over at the end of the year, you can carry it over to the next term. Similarly, if you run out of money you can add flex dollars to your WatCard at any time. Learn more about meal plans here.
What if I have special dietary needs?
If you have food allergies or a restricted diet for religious reasons, the residence eateries will probably be able to accommodate you. Vegetarian and halal food is available in both Campus Housing cafeterias, and the Village 1 cafeteria opens 2 hours before dawn during Ramadan. For more information contact UW Food Services.
Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?
There are many UW Food Services outlets across campus where your meal plan dollars can be spent. Please see the map of Food Services for details. Your meal plan also includes flex dollars, which can be spent at a variety of other locations as well as in vending machines, laundry machines, and photocopiers across campus.
What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?
Any money remaining on your WatCard will automatically carry forward each term for as long as you are a student at Waterloo. Any funds that carry forward (RMPA, VPMP, or Flexible Dollars) are not GST exempt. For full details please visit UW Food Services.
Living-Learning Communities (LLC) and Academic Clusters (AC)
Is there a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster for my program — How do I apply?
You can find out if there is an LLC or AC for your program on the Living Learning Communities page. There is no separate application process or additional fee to participate!
If I join a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster — Does that mean I will live with 50 others from my program?
No. You will be placed in a "cluster" of approximately 10-15 other students from your program and surrounding by other students from a variety of other programs. It's the best of both worlds - support from those in your own program and experience from students in other programs.
How do I sign up for a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster?
You will have the option to select a LLC or AC on the Residence Community Ranking Form. If you choose to be part of a LLC or AC you will be placed in the residence associated with that community.
Can I get academic support if I don't sign up for a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster?
If you did not select an LLC or AC during the allocated time, you are still welcome to attend many of the events or activities that are run through the community.
We also offer drop-in tutoring right in residence, so you will find that there are plenty of opportunities for you to seek support while living on campus. In addition, you should aim to connect with your Don (an upper-year student who lives on your floor) as much as possible. Dons do a great job of connecting students through various events and programs they put on each term.
If I join a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster, does that mean I'll live where the community is located?
Students who select a Campus Housing Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster within Campus Housing will live near other students from the same program or faculty in clusters within the general residence community. Living Learning Communities and Clusters may be located across multiple buildings. Students who choose an Academic Community will be able to rank all available residence communities, room types, and meal plan preferences.
Students who select a University College Living Learning Community will be placed in the college where the community is based, however, depending on demand, you may be placed in another residence community.
Can I withdraw from a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster after I've submitted my Residence Community Ranking Form?
Yes, you can withdraw from the LLC before the Campus Housing Preference Form closes. You must contact the Living-Learning department to withdraw. Once the form is closed, it will not be possible to be moved.
You should carefully consider your options before withdrawing. If you live in the LLC or AC, you'll have a high level of support. While you can still participate in some events and access resources, you will give up some extra support if you withdraw.
What if my program doesn't have a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster?
You will still have access to a variety of academic supports. Academics in Residence programs offer free assistance from paid upper year students. Drop-In Tutoring offers free tutoring for Accounting, Math (Calculus and Algebra), Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering (Math and Programming) from paid upper year tutors.
Application & room allocation process
What is the residence guarantee — How do I know if I qualify?
The University of Waterloo residence guarantee for first-year students is a collaborative effort between Campus Housing and the University College Residences. Note: Conrad Grebel is not included in the first-year guarantee and follows a separate application process.
Learn more about the first-year application process.
What if my Offer of Admission is late or I miss the deadline?
You will receive information in your Academic Offer of Admission package to help you in your housing search. This letter will direct you on how to search for vacancies on- and off-campus. Some spaces in some of the residence communities may be available after the guaranteed students are accommodated. However, these spaces may not be made available until late-August or early-September.
Am I guaranteed to get my first choice of residence or room type?
No. The residence guarantee only guarantees you a room in residence. Many students select the same room type and/or residence community and there are only so many rooms in each residence. Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee every student their first choice. Our process ensures that the maximum number of incoming students are assigned to one of their top choices.
If I submit my Residence Community Ranking Form and my Campus Housing Preference Form right away, will I have a better chance of getting my first choices?
No. This is not a first-come, first-served process. Everyone who submits these forms on time has an equal chance of getting their first choice.
Why was I not placed in my top ranked community?
Waterloo and the University College Residences each have a specific amount of space in their communities for first-year students. If the demand is high for a particular community, we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s top choices.
What's on the Campus Housing Preference Form?
The Campus Housing Preference Form has several sections for you to submit:
- Personal information
- Roommate requests (optional)
- Tell us about yourself to help with roommate matching
- Rank the residence communities you want to live in
- Meal plan preference
- Confirmation
How are rooms assigned to students in their first year at Waterloo?
First-year students are assigned rooms through a process that considers over 20 factors, which includes students’ personal preferences. Our process ensures that the maximum number of incoming first-year students are assigned to one of their top choices. Learn more about how rooms are assigned.
Do all students receive their room assignment in July?
No. Room assignments begin in July and continue until the end of August. Please remember that the first year guarantee still applies! Students who have not been placed in July will receive their room assignment at any time before move-in weekend. It’s important to keep checking your UWaterloo email account for updates.
What are my chances of getting my first choice residence?
Your chances depend on several factors including the number of spaces available in your first choice residence, and the number of other students who also rank that residence as their first choice. Learn more about how rooms are assigned.
If my grades are higher, will that increase my chances of getting the residence of my choice?
No, your grades are not considered in the residence allocation process.
What if I am under 17 years or older than 22 years?
In most cases, younger students (16 and under) will be assigned to single rooms in Village 1 located near the Don's suite. Older students (22 and older) will be placed together. This may mean that older students will be placed with upper-year students in residence.
Are students in the same faculty grouped together?
Some students are able to choose to live with other students in their faculty through a Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster. This is a small group or “cluster” of students who belong to the same faculty, share classes, and living space. These are the only students who are grouped together by program of study.
Are there quiet floors or areas?
We do not specifically designate areas as quiet. Generally, quiet hours begin at 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. There is a 23-hour quiet policy during final exams. We have a general residence policy based on mutual respect and the same considerations are expected in all our residences.
Why is my residence assignment in a different space than I expected?
Campus Housing prepares every year for the operational challenges we are faced with if we receive a high number of residence applications (more applications than rooms available), high institutional enrollment or factors beyond the control of Campus Housing.
In the event this occurs, Campus Housing repurposes spaces to accommodate our students. This could include the use of lounge space as residence rooms or using spaces not owned or operated by Campus Housing. These rooms are furnished with similar amenities as other residence rooms.
Room assignments
If I'm not happy with my room assignment can I get my deposit back?
No. The $500 deposit is non-refundable in this circumstance.
If I'm not happy with my room assignment, can I be put on a waiting list to be moved?
All residence facilities are full in the fall term; therefore, there is no waiting list for room changes. If, after you arrive, you're experiencing difficulty, you should talk to your Don to see what options might be available.
What if I find someone who agrees to switch rooms — Can't we just swap?
First-year students: No, you cannot switch rooms with another resident. You must give your residence community a chance before any changes will be considered.
Why did I get assigned to ________ when it was my last choice?
Your first choice had been filled by the time your application was allocated a room. So, you were assigned to your next choice(s) of residence with available rooms (which could be your last choice). Learn more about how rooms are assigned.
Why didn't I get my friend I requested as a roommate?
There are several reasons why this might have occurred:
- There were no available spaces left where roommates could be placed together by the time your application was allocated a room.
- You are not the same gender as your requested roommate.
- You are not in the same academic stream as your requested roommate.
- The requests were not mutual (you picked someone as a roommate but they didn’t pick you).
Learn more about how rooms are assigned and the impact of selecting a roommate on your application.
I have a Village 1 room number starting with 0 (e.g. 003b) — Does that mean I'm in the basement?
Village 1 was built in a hilly area and some houses are built on the side of a hill. In these houses there are rooms on 4 floors instead of the usual 3. Because of the way the hill slopes, these lower floors are partially below ground level and partially at ground level. You will have a normal window like any other ground level room.
Are beds and desks assigned in a double room?
No - beds and desks are not assigned in a double room.
I'm in an interconnecting room in Village 1 — Which room is mine?
If you are assigned room A, your room will be the front room. If you are assigned room B, your room will be the back room, and you will have to enter through the front room (there is no separate entrance to room B).
Facilities and amenities
What types of amenities do you have in the residences?
Please note that due to COVID-19 related changes and public health recommendations, shared spaces in residence may be closed or have limited access. More information about this will be provided as it becomes available.
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Common lounges on floors with TV
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Fitness room in REV and CMH
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Multi-faith rooms
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Music rooms in V1 and REV
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Large common lounge areas with big screen TV
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Pool table(s)
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Ping pong
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Foosball table(s)
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Front Desk where you can sign out games and movies
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Weekly grocery shuttles run in each of our suite-style residences
Where do I do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are located in the central complex of each community.
Can I bring my own furniture?
All rooms and suites are furnished and there isn't much space for extra furniture. You can bring some small items but no University furniture can be removed from your room to accommodate larger items.
Am I allowed to cook in my room — Can I have a microwave, hot plate, or rice cooker?
You are not allowed to cook in any residence bedroom. Automatic shut-off coffee makers or kettles and small fridges are the only appliances permitted in the traditional-style residences. Microwaves, kettles, grills, rice cookers and toasters are only permitted in suite-style residences that have their own cooking facilities.
What kind of housekeeping is required and/or provided?
Housekeeping of all common residence areas is provided in all residences on a regular basis. Students are expected to maintain an acceptable level of cleanliness in their rooms and in the common areas of residence. Monthly cleaning inspections by Waterloo staff take place in all suite-style residences.
What kind of security is provided in residence?
All floors or houses are accessible only to the residents of that floor or house and each student has a key to his or her room and/or suite. Every residence has a "Duty Don", available 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. daily, with a cell phone for any emergencies. Most Front Desks are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition, professional Residence Life Co-ordinators (RLCs) live on campus. One of the 5 RLCs is always on duty and available to respond to emergencies. UW Police are on duty 24/7 and can always be called for assistance. Students often use the UW Shuttle Service to get back to residence from night classes.
Students are encouraged to practice basic security measures, including locking their door when they are not at home or when they're asleep and not holding exterior doors open for non-residents. Learn more about residence safety.
Where can I store my bike?
Bike storage rooms are available in Claudette Millar Hall (CMH), Mackenzie King Village (MKV), Ron Eydt Village (REV), and Village 1 (V1). All our residences have outdoor bike racks.
Where can I work out?
Please note that due to COVID-19 related changes and public health recommendations, shared spaces in residence may be closed or have limited access. More information about this will be provided as it becomes available.
We have our own gym, right in residence at REV and CMH. All students living in Campus Housing are welcome to use this facility.
In addition, the Front Desks at REV and V1 have a variety of sports equipment that can be signed out by any resident. Basketball courts are located outside at REV and V1. Informal pick-up games are often going on when the weather is good (and even when it's not)! UWP is located right on the Iron Horse Trail, which is great for running and biking, and is also very close to Waterloo Park.
If that's not enough for you, the Columbia Icefields (CIF) and Physical Activities Complex (PAC) are both located within walking distance from all residences.
Are there any part-time jobs in residence?
Yes! We hire students as Front Desk assistants, Residence Storytellers, Student Computer Consultants, and Residence Ambassadors. If you're interested, you should check out our Jobs & Leadership page. Food Services hires students to work in their eateries across campus.
Technology & internet services
What is ResNet — Do I need to sign-up for my own Internet service?
Included in your fees, ResNet is the high-speed Internet connection provided to every resident living in Campus Housing. ResNet provides fast, free service with unlimited download limits.
What are the limits of ResNet — How fast is it? Can I download music or movies?
Visit the technology section for more details including usage limits. It is illegal to download and share movies and/or music files – it constitutes copyright infringement and the University does not condone this usage.
What television channel s are available in the shared areas — Can we add more channels?
ResNet provides cable TV in all the central complexes of our residences, and all floor/house lounges are equipped with either Apple TV or smart TV functionality for streaming services. All rooms are equipped with cable outlets so you can have cable installed in your own room. You will have to pay for your cable service and arrange access directly with your preferred cable company.
Moving in/out
When do I move in?
Moving procedures, dates, and times can be found on the move-in page.
I need to move in early/late — Can I do that?
Review the move-in dates for earliest and latest arrival dates. You have until 12 noon on the first day of classes to move in or your room will be cancelled unless you have filled out a late arrival form. You will also be held to the financial fees outlined in your terms & conditions.
What should I pack
We have made lists of items you might want to bring depending on the residence community type; either suite-style apartment or traditional-style dorm. When deciding what to pack, consider the type of room you were assigned. Check the photo galleries and room diagrams for your residence to see how much storage space is available. You can also see our what to bring list.
What are the policies and guidelines for living in residence?
Please see our Contract terms and conditions page.
When do I have to move out of residence?
You will be asked to leave residence within 24 hours after your last exam. If you do not have a last exam, you will be asked to move out within 24 hours of the last day of classes. For more information, read about the move-out process. Residence is a year-round operation and we need to time to prepare our facilities for the new term ahead!
If I'm staying in residence for the next term do I still have to move my stuff out?
No. If you are staying in your room for the following term you do not have to move your things out when you leave.
If you are moving to a new residence, going on co-op, or otherwise not coming back for the following term, you do need to move your things out of your room. In this case, your room and suite (if applicable) will be inspected by residence staff before you leave.
I am an international (or out-of-province) student — Can I stay in residence over the winter break?
We offer a December International Student Stay program to students with an existing Campus Housing contract who meet certain eligibility requirements. More details about the program, fees, and a chance to opt-in will be provided during the fall term here. Alternatively, students may choose to find a local place to stay from our short term accommodations list.
What if I want to withdraw from residence?
You will be charged a withdrawal fee based on the terms and conditions outlined in your residence contract.
- Students will be held financially responsible if they choose to withdraw before their contract is over. Please visit our withdrawal or cancellation page for full details about the process and exceptions.
If you plan on withdrawing from residence before you move in, please let us know as soon as possible. To withdraw from residence, you must submit an online Withdrawal/Cancellation Form.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes! After you have filled out the Residence Community Ranking Form you will have the opportunity to fill out the Campus Housing Preference Form. In this form, you will have the option to request one roommate.
Students may be assigned to double rooms with a roommate in any of our residence buildings except Columbia Lake Village-South. Roommate requests are permitted in both traditional and suite-style residences.
We accommodate roommate requests in suite-style accommodations as long as
- You are the same gender
- You are in the same academic stream
- You both applied by the June deadline, and were placed in Campus Housing
- You mutually request one another
Learn more about how rooms are assigned and the impact of selecting a roommate on your application.
Can I request a roommate if I am part of a Living-Learning Community/Academic Cluster?
Yes, you can request one roommate. Please note the following due to COVID-19 related changes:
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For students in a Living-Learning community or a Academic Cluster, your roommate does not have to be in your Living-Learning Community or Cluster, but they cannot be a part of a different Living-Learning Community or Academic Cluster.
Learn more about where Living-Learning Communities and Academic Clusters are located and the impact of selecting a roommate on your application on the how rooms are assigned page.
Can I request more than one roommate?
No. Campus Housing no longer accommodates multiple roommate requests. The good news is that whether you apply as an individual student or roommate pair, you have an equal chance of being placed in any of your top choices! No need to scramble together a roommate group to increase your chances of securing a particular room style.
How does a roommate request affect my room assignment options?
If you choose to request a roommate and the requests are mutual, Campus Housing will prioritize the request to make sure you are assigned together in one of our residences.
Students may be assigned to double rooms with a roommate in any of our residence buildings except Columbia Lake Village-South. Roommate requests are permitted in both traditional and suite-style residences.
I really don't want to have a roommate — What if it turns out to be a complete disaster?
We would strongly recommend you move into your placement and try it out! If, after you arrive, you're experiencing difficulty, you should talk to your Don to see what options might be available.
What if I don't know anyone coming to UWaterloo?
Don't worry! Campus Housing offers one of the most important opportunities for building connection to campus, your fellow students, and your identity as a Waterloo Warrior. Hundreds of staff are working hard over the summer to create a safe and engaging space for you to call home this fall, and we look forward to welcoming you home.
What if I miss the deadline to accept my roommate request?
Roommate requests must be submitted and accepted by the Campus Housing Preference Form deadline date otherwise they will not be considered.
What if I change my mind and no longer want to live with the roommate(s) I requested?
You have until the deadline of your Campus Housing Preference Form to remove yourself from the request.
Special accommodation needs
I require accessible accommodation, what should I do?
Visit the Housing Accommodations section for full details and contact information.
What if I have special dietary needs (allergies, religious restrictions, etc.) — Does this mean I will be placed in a suite-style room?
Due to the diverse student body of Campus Housing, we are unable to accommodate residence requests for religious reasons. Our eateries can accommodate restricted diets, for more information contact UW Food Services.
Academic streaming
What is academic streaming and how does it affect my residence preferences?
For the purposes of residence allocation, every first-year student is either a 4-stream or an 8-stream student. Streaming is an important part of the residence allocation process as it allows us to assign students together in communities that will remain together for both terms of first year - whether it's fall/winter (8-stream) or fall/spring (4-stream).
Learn more about how rooms are assigned and the impact of your academic stream on your application.
How do I know if I'm a 4-stream or an 8-stream student?
To find out if you are a 4-stream student, see when your first work term begins. You are a 4-stream student if you are in a co-op program and your first work term is in January. Only students in some Engineering programs are 4-stream.
You are an 8-stream student if you are in a regular program or a co-op program and your first work term is in May or later.
Learn more about how rooms are assigned and the impact of your academic stream on your application.
Residence life & Social activities
What's a Don?
A Don is an upper-year student who lives and works in a specific residence area, providing leadership to approximately 50 students. They help everyone to get acquainted, plans activities, assists with problems and upholds policies and rules. They are familiar with the campus and have a passion for the residence experience. All of our Dons are first-aid certified and go through intensive training in order to create a safe and comfortable community.
Is there an additional residence fee (House Fund)?
No, it is included in your residence fees. Each Don and his or her area has a certain amount of money set aside to spend on community-building activities for their residents. (Note: this money is never used to purchase alcohol.)
What kinds of activities or socials go on in residence?
The Dons plan social and educational events on a regular basis - anything from ice cream night, trips to the movies or the local market to study skills and nutrition/how to cook seminars. These events are usually held for individual floors, but residence-wide events are held often as well. The Dons try very hard to plan things that students are interested in or express a need for.
Miscellaneous
I am bringing a spouse and/or children — Is there a residence for families?
Campus Housing provides housing for students with families in the Columbia Lake Village North (CLV-North) residence community. CLV-North is a community of townhouses each comprised of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and many other amenities to offer to students with families.
Learn more and/or apply for family housing here.
What if my residence is too noisy for studying?
There are lots of places to study both within your residence and around campus. You may choose to book out a residence study room, go to the library, or find an empty classroom on campus. In Ron Eydt Village, there are two large silent study halls that are available to all students living in residence. All residences have quiet hours during final exam periods.
Campus Housing is committed to providing a supportive academic environment as well as a fun place to make friends and hang out. If you are having problems with excessive noise in your residence, you should communicate with your neighbours and with your Don and try to resolve the problem.
Please note that due to COVID-19 related changes and public health recommendations, shared spaces in residence may be closed or have limited access. More information about this will be provided as it becomes available.
Can I have friends stay over?
For more information on our current guest policy please see our Residence Life Process and Policies page.
Which residence is the best?
Each residence has many services and experiences to offer students and no two students are completely alike. It’s more a case of which residence is best for you. Some offer more independence while others offer more convenience; some offer more social interaction, while others offer more privacy.
Differences aside, all of our residences offer a strong sense of community, support for academic pursuits, full-time professional staff, and many amenities to make it feel like home.
