Student life
Get in on the action
One thing is certain: we have serious fun here. The student experience at Waterloo Engineering goes far beyond lectures. We have an exciting and energetic community of students who love to work hard and play even harder. You can sing with an a capella group, join a varsity team, become a leader — whatever your interests, you’ll be in good company.
See the engineering student life experience
Go purple in the face at engineering day
Student Groups
Ambassadors
Our team of Engineering Student Ambassadors are a great resource for future undergraduate students. Whether it's experiencing a day-in-the-life through the Ambassador Shadow Day, or getting a guided, Engineering-focused campus tour, this team will help give future engineers like you an idea of what life is like at Waterloo.
Right now, we have over 100 current students, spanning a variety of different engineering programs, that are members of our Ambassador team.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
The AISES in Canada chapter at the University of Waterloo provides a culturally-safe space for Indigenous, Métis and Inuit students in STEM. Members are kept informed of opportunities such as scholarships, grants and co-op positions, and the chapter looks forward to hosting more in-person activities.
You can connect with the University of Waterloo AISES chapter via e-mail at uwaterloo.aises@gmail.com, or visit them on Instagram, Facebook or Discord.
Athletics
Staying active is a great way to take care of mind and body. Athletics and Recreation has something for everyone, whether you’re into team sports, yoga or strength and conditioning.
It's easy to get involved in intramurals, over 30 clubs, drop-in classes, and varsity sports.
EngiQueers
The EngiQueers at the University of Waterloo is a drop-in, anonymous chapter of EngiQueers Canada focused on connecting and supporting LGBTQ2S+ students, both within the Faculty of Engineering and within the community at large. Weekly meetings are held at the engineering student lounge (POETS) to which all are welcome. The chapter also regularly hosts game nights, movie nights and other social events whilst facilitating the maintenance of a safe, inclusive space on campus for those who identify as a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and for those who support it.
You can connect with EngiQueers via e-mail at engiqueers@engsoc.uwaterloo.ca, or visit them on Instagram, Facebook or Discord.
Faculty of Engineering Wellness Program
Available to engineering students is the Faculty of Engineering Wellness Program which seeks to support students who are experiencing difficulties or suffering from stress, anxiety and other related issues in their studies. As the engineering wellness program page states "the well-being of our community matters!". See the video below for more information.
Engineering wellness program overview
GLOW
Glow is the oldest continually-running university-based 2SLGBTQ+ group in Canada dedicated to promoting healthy attitudes toward all sexual orientations and gender identities on campus at the University of Waterloo. Organized by Coordinators and run by dedicated Executives and Volunteers who provide a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work and resources.
The Glow Centre is located on the third floor of the Student Life Centre in room 3103. You can connect with the Glow team through their website or via email at glow@wusa.ca.
Iron Warrior
The Iron Warrior screams tradition - it's the official newspaper of Waterloo Engineering. It's run completely by The Waterloo Engineering Society and is a great way for students to provide relevant news, information, opinions and content to their peers.
National Society Of Black Engineers (NSBE)
The University Of Waterloo Chapter of NSBE, is a community of students dedicated to creating spaces for students to learn, develop professionally and connect with other black students in STEM. Each term, NSBE hosts events and mentorship programs to bring the black engineering community together. They partner with local and global organizations to provide unique workshops and opportunities for their members.
You can connect with NSBE via e-mail at nsbe.waterloo@gmail.com, or visit them on Instagram or Facebook.
Student clubs
Whether you're interested in food, politics, dance, business, gaming or the environment, your Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) offers more than 200 student clubs – the perfect way to meet others who share your interests. Some sample clubs include: a cappella club, cooking club and concert band club.
View the complete list of active clubs on the WUSA website.
Student Design Teams
The Sedra Student Design Centre is a state-of-the-art 20,000 square foot facility located in our Engineering 5 building and is home to over 30 engineering student competition teams. From solar cars, to autonomous sailboats, you name it, our students are building it. Joining a design team is also a great way to branch out and meet a variety of fellow engineers of all disciplines and ages. Just take a look at some of the things our design teams are working on.
Student Design Team Spotlights
The Waterloo Engineering Society (EngSoc)
The Waterloo Engineering Society has grown into the largest, most active student society on campus and one of the most active in all of Canada. Built on legacy and tradition, it continues to unify the students in the Faculty of Engineering and provide resources for its members to develop and succeed as undergraduate students and beyond.
Once you're part of Waterloo Engineering, EngSoc will pretty much become a part of your life here. Getting involved is easy, whether it be through participating in one or their many events, using their co-op and career services or getting further involved through student governance.
Women in Engineering (WIE)
WiE is dedicated to supporting women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering. Interested in connecting with alumni and getting support as an engineering student? Check out the WiE Career Mentorship Program!