Waterloo: the ultimate student town

I can confidently say that being a student doesn't hold me back – rather, I reap the benefits of being a student in a city made for students. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, Waterloo provides numerous ways for you to immerse yourself in its lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. 

Activities and events

One of the many benefits of being a student at Waterloo is the number of activities you can participate in. If you want to connect with your classmates outside of study-time, the university has athletics and recreations intramurals to help you release any pent-up energy and stress!

If you’re looking to explore your creative side, Waterloo Region’s Community Arts Centre offers arts education and holds exhibitions and events promoting engagement within the arts.

If you want to explore other interests, you can connect with other students in one of Waterloo’s 250+ clubs! From skating in Waterloo Town Square to 'Movies In The Park' (May-September) in Waterloo Park, and you’ll have activities and events to keep you busy no matter what time of year it is.

Places to be

I’ve come to realize that the most notable perk of being a student is that everyone around me is in the same boat. We’re all attending classes, discovering ourselves, and studying hard to achieve our goals in life. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in your journey, and it’s even better to share those moments with the students all around you.

Waterloo provides the perfect atmosphere for this, with the abundance of cafés and restaurants on every street. On the days you’re studying, you can go to William’s Café in Waterloo and find 30 other students in there with the same agenda, which definitely helps with motivation. On the days you want to take a break from school, you can head to Uptown Waterloo and check out the board game cafes, arcades, pool halls, or various restaurants. The city is scattered with different locations and places to be, making it impossible to run out of things to do. 

Nightlife

Yes, we’re all hard-working students who prioritize school and need a good night’s sleep. But who doesn’t love a night off? Waterloo’s nightlife is lively and perfect for students who love a good night out. Uptown Waterloo is filled with many bars, clubs, and other social gatherings, so it’s constantly buzzing with energy. You’re bound to meet a bunch of new people and have a fun time. Plus, you can stick within your budget too, thanks to Pub on King’s menu starting at $7.95 or Ethel's $10 burgers on Monday and Taco Tuesday special. Reward yourself occasionally with a night out in Waterloo, and I promise you won’t regret it!

With the notable student-friendly culture that Waterloo region possesses, there’s a place for everyone to feel welcomed. If you’re feeling overworked or stressed, take a small break and entertain yourself with the various activities, events, and places this city has to offer. Maintaining a good balance is key, and you’ll come to realize you don’t have to trade out all your free time for studying or your education, but rather combine them together to create the most memorable university experience possible. Let’s be real – what fun would university be if you couldn’t indulge in all the perks that come with being a student?