Written by Iman (she/her), student
I am so lucky to get to call myself a Waterloo Warrior. Everything from the campus itself to the people I’ve met here remind me every day that I made the right decision by choosing Waterloo.
With the help of my fellow Warriors, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best things that come along with being a Waterloo Warrior. I hope this gives you a glimpse into the incredible experiences and opportunities that could be waiting for you!
World renowned co-op program
Waterloo’s world-renowned co-op program is unmatched. Co-op allows students to alternate between study terms and paid work terms, where we complete four-six work terms and gain up to two years of relevant paid work experience. This hands-on experience provides us with a competitive edge in the job market, helping us graduate with less debt and greater career prospects. Waterloo graduates enter the job market with a significant advantage, often having gained valuable experience with top employers from around the world.
The co-op program is more than just a chance to work, it’s a gateway to building a career. We receive support every step of the way, from résumé and cover letter workshops to mock interviews and one-on-one career advising. The program also connects us with a vast network of employers, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and public sector organizations.
What makes Waterloo’s co-op program stand out is its scale and success rate. With over 8,000 employers and a 96% employment rate for co-op students, it’s no wonder so many of us graduate with job offers in hand.
Co-op has given me direction and confidence. I would have felt absolutely clueless upon graduation, but now I know what I want, and I have experience from five co-op terms that set me apart.
Spirited campus
Waterloo has such a beautiful and unique campus. One of the main reasons Abbey is glad she transferred to Waterloo is because of how vibrant Waterloo’s campus is compared to her old school. It’s large enough to feel like its own little city, but everything is close enough that you don’t have to sprint from one class to another to make it there on time.
The campus design is incredibly student-friendly, with an abundance of study spots — from quiet libraries and cozy cafes to our busy and energetic student centre — each spot offers a unique vibe. And let’s not forget the famous tunnels connecting buildings, making it much easier to navigate in the winter months.
I love that campus is so big but also that my classes are in buildings that are close together, so I don’t have to sprint from class to class.
Exploring the city
Prestigious academic experience
Waterloo has a reputation for being an academically focused school, which is one of its most appealing qualities if you ask me. We’re a university filled with people eager to learn and take advantage of the unique opportunities available. We’re serious about our studies and passionate about achieving success. This creates an amazing environment for academic growth, as you're surrounded by like-minded individuals who encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
I find this academic focus also makes it easy to form study groups and engage in discussions that extend beyond the classroom, as everyone shares a genuine interest in their field of study. Being part of a school community that values learning so highly is a source of pride. But don’t let the academic reputation fool you, we Waterloo students know how to have fun!
I can’t begin to describe how much fun I’ve had at Waterloo. Sure, it can be tough at times, but nothing tops the moments of pure laughter and joy I’ve had here.
Lifelong friendships
Meeting new people has been one of the highlights of university for me, and a great thing about Waterloo is there are so many opportunities to make connections. Orientation Week here is a standout experience. There’s a full week of activities designed to help first-year students meet others and feel at home. There are unique events like the Black and Gold Day pep rally, where we celebrate our Warrior pride together, and Faculty Olympics, where you bond with peers from your program through fun challenges — you’re bound to make connections for life.
The friendships I made at Waterloo have not only been my support system but also my constant source of inspiration and joy. Beyond orientation, there are over 250 clubs, which means you have amazing opportunities to meet people who share your interests — whether it’s robotics, dance, or cultural organizations. As an international student, Arin was worried about finding a community here and meeting people. Luckily for him, the Waterloo social events made finding his Waterloo community and giving him life-long friendships and memories super easy. Waterloo has a variety of on-campus activities like Warrior Weekend events, where they host movie nights or ice-skating at the Columbia Icefield, which makes making new connections throughout the year incredibly convenient.
I love being at Waterloo because of the people. I've met some of my best friends and favourite people. My professors have been absolutely amazing, and I've been able to form amazing relationships with so many of them. As I look forward to graduating, the people are going to be who and what I miss most; they're what make this place special.
Networking opportunities
Waterloo also excels at helping you build professional connections. Networking events tailored to each faculty allow us to meet industry leaders and alumni, offering incredibly valuable insights and mentorship opportunities. Programs like Velocity, the University’s startup incubator, enable us to collaborate with peers and professionals to turn innovative ideas into reality.
Many students, including Katie, have been able to make lasting connections with their professors who have helped them through their academic and professional journeys. Faculty members at Waterloo often go above and beyond providing mentorship, career advice, and always making time to talk to students about their concerns. My professors have always been happy to discuss their fields and my academic interests during office hours. Faculty members at Waterloo care about their students and are always willing to help them succeed!
Hopefully you’ve got some insight into the joys of being at Waterloo. These are just a few students' thoughts so if you’d like to chat with more students and get their opinions, head over to Ask a Warrior to hear what they have to say!
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