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Helping your student choose their home away from home is an important decision and we are here to make it easy. Welcome to Campus Housing!
We know that your priority is to set your student up for a successful transition to university life. We also know that leaving home is both exciting and challenging for most students. Residence is a supportive and enriching environment designed to build your student’s confidence, facilitate lifelong friendships and increase their likelihood of achieving academic success over the next four years.
Your role as parent and supporter may be changing, but you are still one of the most important people to help your student navigate first year successfully. This guide contains everything you need to help your student have the best residence experience. If you have any questions at any point, we will be glad to help.
From all of us at Campus Housing, welcome. Our home is your home.
If you are wondering whether residence is worth the emotional and financial investment, consider this:
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.
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.
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.
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 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 then end of their time at Waterloo, your student will have persevered through challenges and be better prepared for the world outside campus.
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.
Applying for residence as a first year is simple. Fill out a few online forms and receive your contract by email.
Living in residence is an investment in your student's academic success. Find out how much residence and meal plans are.
Want to know when your student should expect a residence contract? This page has all the important dates in one place.
Nothing is more important than your student's safety and wellbeing in residence. Learn more about what resources available and measures in place to support your student's residence experience.
Have specific questions about menus, hours of operation and meal plans? Food Services manages all eateries in residence.
Want to contact Campus Housing? Visit our contact page with all important contact details and hours of operation.
Wondering what your student should bring to residence? Visit our helpful online checklist before you pack!
To ensure a smooth move-in experience, we invite you to learn more about the move-in process.
Your one-stop shop for course materials, school supplies, Waterloo gear, dorm room essentials and more! Check them out in South Campus Hall or shop online
