Residence

Common questions

What does a meal plan give me access to?

Whether you live in a Campus Housing residence or one of the University Colleges, you'll be able to make the most out of your meal plan. All meal plans give you access to delicious meals and quick snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

With the Campus Housing residences, you can use your meal plan in residence and at the many Food Services outlets on campus. Your meal plan also includes some flex dollars, which can be used at some off-campus locations, in vending machines and for laundry.

Each of the University Colleges offer all-inclusive/all-you-can-eat meal plans.

• If you live at Conrad Grebel, you can enjoy homestyle food and famous homemade baked goods, plus bagged lunches and late suppers that offer flexibility around class schedules.
• With St. Jerome's, you'll have access to an all-you-care-to-eat meal plan with an emphasis on food sustainability, locally-sourced ingredients, and freshness.
• At Renison, you can look forward to the My Pantry kitchen space for when you want your own late night and flex dollars which can be used at some off-campus locations.
• When you live at United College, you'll be able to enjoy food prepared fresh with local ingredients, plus you can share your favourite recipes with the head chef to help contribute to your dining experience.

Regardless of where you live, our staff will do their best to accommodate any dietary restrictions you have, so you can enjoy your meal plan to its full extent!

What's the benefit of having a meal plan if I live in a suite/apartment-style residence?

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. Great for days when you don’t have time to cook or visit the grocery store!

Waterloo's Food Services department accommodates most priority food allergens and common dietary restrictions. If you're thinking of living in on-campus housing and have a food allergy or celiac disease, please complete the accessible housing application.

You can also contact Food Services at foodserv@uwaterloo.ca if you have questions about the options that are available.

High school students

Once you apply to Waterloo, you're automatically eligible to live in residence. If you receive an offer of admission, all you need to do to guarantee your spot in residence is

1. claim your WatIAm and enable two-factor authentication at least 2-3 business days before you apply to residence;
2. accept your Offer of Admission by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 2, 2025;
3. submit a Residence Guarantee Application Form and a $500 non-refundable deposit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 10, 2025; and
4. meet any conditions outlined on your Offer of Admission.

Stay up to date on residence application deadlines by checking out the Campus Housing important dates page.

Students part of the housing guarantee may be placed in any residence room type. If you require housing accommodations due to medical, sensory, physical, environmental, psychological, or allergy/dietary restrictions or due to mental health conditions, you should apply for accessible housing by the June 10 deadline.

Transfer students

Let us take care of finding you a place to live! Reserve your guaranteed residence spot by following the steps outlined on Campus Housing's upper-year housing page.

Renison University College also welcomes transfer students to apply for residence by applying on their Renison Residence Application Form.

Through a Living Learning Community, you can live in the same area of residence with students who are in your academic program or identify similar to you. Each Living Learning Community is assigned an upper-year mentor who offers leadership and support.

Themes include various academic programs, varsity athletics, and the Waterloo Indigenous student residence.

Accessible housing for students who require supports or accommodations are available in the residences run by Campus Housing and St. Jerome's University.

The Accessible Housing Supports web page explains the types of accommodation and the process.

If you're interested in living in one of our on-campus University Colleges, you'll need to contact them directly to see how they can support you in residence.

Do I have to live in residence?

While you are not required to live in residence, we highly recommend it! Research has shown that living in residence for first year increases students' academic success and graduation rates. You'll have access to all the best resources the campus has to offer while also making friends and lots of fun experiences.

Are the floors co-ed?

It varies from residence to residence. Some floors are co-ed, many are not. Co-ed first-year floors usually have each gender in a separate wing with a separate washroom. Gender-inclusive housing options are also available in residence. Contact a Housing Advisor to learn more.

Are residences split according to faculties or programs?

No. If you live in residence, you'll have the opportunity to meet students from many Waterloo programs. However, in our Living Learning Communities, you can choose to live with students in your faculty/program and benefit from special enrichment opportunities. You'll still be part of a larger residence with students from many programs.

How safe are the residences?

Residence staff across campus 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 or access card to get in.

Can I live in residence after first year?

Yes, each of our residences offers limited space for students who are in second year or above.

Are the University Colleges residences?

The four on-campus University Colleges are smaller, closely-knit communities that combine residence and academic life. You can

• live at a University College without taking courses there,
• take courses there without living there, or
• live in residence and take courses at one or more University Colleges and the main Waterloo campus.

You can even complete your Bachelor of Arts degree through St. Jerome's University or Renison University College.

Do I have to take classes at a University College to live there?

No, you can live at a University College and take all your courses on the main Waterloo campus.

Which type of residence is the best fit for me?

Each residence has many services and experiences to offer. Some offer more independence while others offer more social interaction, while others offer more privacy.

Each residence offers a strong sense of community, support for academic pursuits, full-time staff, and many amenities to make it feel like home. Campus and residence tours are a great way to learn more. Can’t make it to campus? Check out our residence virtual tours.