Welcome to the Campus Housing Activities Library!
This resources in this library can help you stay active and engaged while practicing physical distancing. Follow the links below to explore activities related to wellness, art, culture, science, academic success and community engagement, as well as resources for families and children living in residence.
As a member of the Waterloo community, it is your responsibility to follow all uWaterloo and Region of Waterloo Public Health guidelines whenever you leave your residence room. COVID-19 testing is available on-campus by appointment for students and family members in their households.
In Residence & On Campus
(Note: A full list of what is open or closed on campus, as well as service modifications, are available on the University’s COVID-19 website. This list will highlight in-person opportunities for students living in residence. The university also highlights activities, news, and events in the Daily Bulletin).
Food Services – Food Services in Claudette Millar Hall (CMH) is open for the Winter term, along with several other outlets on campus. Please check here for a list of open locations, and how Food Services is keeping students safe. Food Services offers a variety of food choices to accommodate dietary restrictions. Have a question about eating well on campus? Email Food Services Dietician Nicole Pin.
- Kitchen and Grocery Resources – Not sure where to start when it comes to grocery shopping or meal planning? Food Services has some handy guides on how long food lasts in your fridge, how to plan your grocery trips, and an easy-to-use meal planner template.
Food Support Services - Strapped for cash and need some food? Don't go hungry! Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, this valuable service is confidential. Free food hampers are available Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. at the Turnkey Desk within the Student Life Centre (SLC).
Owner’s Manual for The Student Brain – A resource created by students, for students, to help the transition to university easier. It can also be used like a first-aid station for ideas on how to handle roadblocks and build resiliency and effective habits in university.
Around the Community
This is your Waterloo! University of Waterloo Alumni Relations along with the Waterloo Region Alumni Chapter has carefully curated a collection of opportunities in the Waterloo Region so that you can get to know your community. From coffee shops to movie theatres and everything in between, Uptown Waterloo has something for everyone. Check out the city guide.
Check the Uptown Waterloo Events page often for the latest updates.
To learn more about Alumni Relations and their network of over 219,000 proud alumni, sharing their time, knowledge, and connections with the alumni of tomorrow, visit the Alumni Relations page.
Outdoor Activities
- Waterloo Park – 50 Young Street West, Waterloo. Known as the “jewel of the city”, Waterloo Park is just steps from UW Place. This 111-acre park includes forest trails, a farmstead with a variety of animals, and a beautiful lake.
- Hughes Lane Art Walk – Take a walk-through Uptown Waterloo to discover doors painted by local artists.
- Arts Incubate Window Galleries - With a new show in the Window Gallery at 56 Regina St N every three weeks, there’s always a good reason to visit Art Incubate. There are no regular open hours here - just peek inside!
- A free ice rink operates at Waterloo Public Square. Please check the status of the rink and COVID-19 protocols before visiting.
- A full list of Waterloo parks and recreational facilities and their statuses are available here.
- Downtown Kitchener has listed 59 art installations as part of its Art Walk – How many can you spot?
Take-Home Activities
- Play with Clay – The Clay & Glass Museum is offering take-home opportunities to play with clay. Pick up a kit to complete at home and drop it off to be fired.
- Surprise Me! Book Bundles – The Waterloo Public Library is open for curbside pick-up of your favourite books – Or request a Book Bundle and have them pick the books for you!
- DIY Ramen Kits – Crafty Ramen’s Ramen Kits contain everything you need to create high-quality ramen at home.
- Idea|Exchange Take and Make Kits - Take and Make kits come ready to assemble with instructions and everything you need to make your creation come to life. The Makerspace has a variety of kits available, including our popular laser-cut 3D puzzles, a number of different make-your-own mug designs, as well as heat-transfer iron-ons to apply to a garment of your choosing! Kits start at just $1.77 each.
Virtual Activities
(Digital) Doors Open Waterloo - Doors Open has been a staple event in our Region since 2003. Explore the Region of Waterloo from the comfort of your own home. Digital Doors Open delivers fascinating stories via video. Content will be delivered in episodes spanning 5 to 10 minutes in length.
View a digital tour of the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory for a glimpse of summer and nature.
The Kitchener Market is hosting free weekly live cooking classes. The Market is open for in-person shopping every Saturday in downtown Kitchener.
Find Out More
- CuratedKW highlights local restaurants, deals and things to do for fun in Waterloo Region. Run by UW Alumni!
- The Uptown Waterloo BIA hosts information what’s going on in Uptown Waterloo.
- Visit the Downtown Kitchener page to learn about what’s happening in Downtown Kitchener.