Written by Alexis (she/her) and Layanne (she/her), students
The deadline to accept your Offer of Admission is fast approaching, and you're still not fully sure where you want to go. Sound familiar?
If that describes your current situation, first of all, congratulations! Receiving an offer is a huge accomplishment and you should absolutely be proud of yourself.
Second, feeling unsure right now is completely normal. Choosing a university is a big decision, and even if you had a top choice in your mind for a while, making it official can still feel overwhelming.
Let me make it easier for you — here are five reasons why Waterloo beats the competition.
1. You'll graduate with experience, confidence, and direction
When you’re choosing a university, it’s important to think about how you’ll grow during your time there. Waterloo is a school that helps you explore your interests, try new paths, and gain relevant experience as you discover what feels right for you.
At Waterloo, your experience goes beyond the classroom — from our world-leading co-op program to certificate programs, international exchanges, student clubs, lab work, field studies, hackathons, and more, all of which allow you to explore your passions and build skills that carry into your future.
If you’re in a co-op program at Waterloo, you’ll have the opportunity to graduate with up to two years of paid work experience. That means you’re not just leaving with a degree; you’re leaving with a strong résumé, industry skills, interview skills, and professional connections already in place. In fact, 96 per cent of our co-op graduates employed six months after graduation work in fields related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 83 per cent of all Ontario graduates.
Personally, co-op has been one of the most valuable parts of my time here. Each work term has helped me build more confidence, gain valuable skills, and better understand my career path. Because of that, I feel more prepared as I approach my graduation. I’ve also seen the same impact on my peers.
I chose Waterloo because of the excellent job opportunities that are available through co-op
2. A student environment you'll love
Another reason Waterloo stands out is its environment, both on and off campus. The City of Waterloo is built around student life. With two universities, a college, and over 50,000 students, the city feels lively and welcoming.
Everything you need is close by. Restaurants, cafés, shops, and green spaces are all easy to access, and public transit makes getting around simple — and free with your student card! With different events and active nightlife, there’s always something to do.
Waterloo’s campus adds to that experience in its own way. It’s a vibrant, expansive campus with lots of character, yet easy to navigate. Even though the campus is big, everything is close together, so there’s no need to worry about being late for your lecture!
The campus is also filled with great study spots, including libraries, cafés, and energetic common spaces like the Student Life Centre. So, no matter your vibe, you’ll find a spot that fits!
Student life doesn’t just stop there. Creating an environment that fosters connection and belonging is a core value at Waterloo, and it shows. With over 200+ student clubs, around 30 athletic teams, and plenty of events, it’s easy to have fun, get involved, and find your community.
It's great that there is always something fun to do and ways to meet new people. In first year, I tried out salsa dancing, and it was a blast!
3. You're supported every step of the way
University is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel unsure at times. While this isn’t always top of mind when choosing a school, strong, high-quality student support can make all the difference.
At Waterloo, you’re never expected to figure everything out on your own. Whether you’re adjusting to classes, navigating co-op and career decisions, or taking care of your well-being, support is built into the student experience.
From academic advisors and tutoring to co-op and career resources, wellness and accessibility services, and equity, diversity, and inclusion support, there are plenty of resources available no matter your situation.
I’ve always felt a strong sense of support behind me. Waterloo will challenge you to grow, but it also makes sure you have the tools, guidance, and community to succeed along the way.
4. Even the most structured programs can be customized
It’s easy to think your path is fixed once you choose a program, but at Waterloo there are plenty of opportunities to enhance or shape your degree around your interests. Whether it's through a minor, an option, a specialization, or a certificate, with a bit of research and planning, you can make your degree your own!
In many cases, you can even take it a step further by doing a double major or a double minor, giving you the flexibility to pursue even more interests!
You might hear that some programs don’t allow for customization, but that’s not true. It may feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to have it figured out right now. Just know that it is possible, and our academic advisors are here to help you along the way.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to do only business or only economics. However, Waterloo's Arts and Business program gave me the perfect solution of exploring both disciplines.
5. A reputation that sets you apart
Let's be honest, reputation matters. Not in a superficial way, but in how it shapes opportunities, opens doors, and enhances your degree and overall experience, especially when stepping into the job market.
At the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a top deciding factor, but it’s definitely something worth considering. A degree from a well-respected university can carry weight in the real world.
Waterloo has been named Canada’s top university for undergraduate founders and entrepreneurs in Canada (PitchBook 2025), and we have strong employer connections, with 8,000+ in more than 70 countries. These include Google, Microsoft, KPMG, and many more.
Our strong reputation comes from more than just rankings; it’s built on a culture of academic excellence, innovation, ambition, and real-world impact. You can see it in the many ways our alumni community are shaping the world around us.
Any school can give you a degree in computer science, but the opportunities, the networking, and just the feeling of your parents being proud of how far you've reached, it goes to show you that Waterloo can be a dream come true.
So, there you have it. Five examples of how Waterloo can help you get where you want to go.
Spend some time thinking about these factors and see how your options compare. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Make the one that's best for you and it'll lead you to success. Not your mom or dad, or partner, or best friend — you.
Best of luck! I hope to see you in September.
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