If you are wondering whether residence is worth the emotional and financial investment, consider this:
Students get better grades
Studies have shown that students who live in residence have a higher GPA than those that live off-campus. With better access to on-campus services, professors’ office hours, and study space, students living in residence have a better academic outcome. This is especially true for international students new to Canada.
Students are more likely to graduate
In a study conducted over five institutions, students who lived on campus in first year showed a better chance of retention not only into the second year, but into graduation. It’s never too early to imagine your student receiving their diploma.
Students develop self-management and leadership skills
Living in residence gives your student a sense of independence and room to grow. Your student will learn or improve their ability to set and keep to a schedule, do laundry, and clean their space. If they live in a suite-style residence, they will also learn to shop for groceries, develop cooking skills, and manage a budget.
Many students also take advantage of the job and leadership opportunities available in residence, which allows them to develop professional skills that will serve them well in their future career.
Exploring these skills with the guidance of an upper-year residence Don gives your student the chance to experience independence while still maintaining a safety net.
Students develop better social skills
Residence is full of new people and new experiences. Whether your student is shy or outgoing, Dons and residence life staff can guide them in activities that help them meet other students. Surrounded by peers from a wide range of faculties, backgrounds and cultures, there are plenty of opportunities to make life-long friends, meet study partners, and learn to effectively interact with different kinds of people. With lots of support in conflict resolution, your student can also confidently navigate difficult social interactions.
Students develop resilience
Students in residence are surrounded by staff and peers who are rooting for their success. We give them the tools and support systems to achieve their every day and long-term goals. When things don’t go quite as planned, there are people and resources close by to remind your student of their goals and encourage them to keep moving forward. By the end of their time at Waterloo, your student will have persevered through challenges and be better prepared for the world outside campus.
Students are closer to everything
University is about more than just classes. Living on campus provides your student with fun, safe, and constructive downtime options. They will be close to student clubs, jobs and leadership activities, on-campus entertainment, and state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities. Waterloo has a large, beautiful campus, and living in residence gives your student more opportunities to take advantage of everything it has to offer.
