Two students sitting in their residence room studying

With a 100% residence guarantee for first-year and transfer students, you can live in the middle of the action. You'll be close to your classes, labs and tutorials, the Student Life Centre, gyms, places to eat, and more.

Each of Waterloo's first-year residences offer personal and academic support such as Living Learning Communities, residence life staff, and social activities to help you adjust to living away from home.

Love where you live

Your home-away-from-home should suit your budget and personality. Choose from traditional or suite-style residences through Campus Housing or University College residences. No matter where you live on campus, you’ll find personal and academic support, new friends, and exciting experiences.

Criteria Campus Housing residences University College residences
Located on campus? Yes Yes
Available to any first-year student? Yes Yes
Single and double rooms? Yes Yes
Suite/apartment style and traditional dorm style rooms? Both Traditional style
Where do you eat? At residence and outlets around campus At your residence
Meal plans Required for traditional residences

Optional for suite-style residences
All-you-can-eat style meal plan, included in the cost of residence
How many students in each residence? 320 to 1380 students 140 to 360 students
Learn more Campus Housing residences University Colleges


All you need to know about residence at Waterloo

To thrive at university, you need a home where you can be your best self. A soft spot to land that helps you succeed in every way – physically, mentally and socially. And a fun, welcoming community that feels like family.

Visit our Campus Housing website to learn about the residences, applying, meal plans, fees, and what students say about living in residence.


Unbeatable eats

Whether you’re looking for an in-house smoked brisket poutine from Brubakers Food Court, a comforting channa masala from Southside Market, or a quick sushi burrito using the Waterloo Food Services mobile app, our on-campus eateries and cafés have plenty of choices.

And you're never far from a coffee shop like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or one run by a student association (great for good coffee and cheap snacks!). Need caffeine late at night? Grab a coffee, food, snacks, and more 24/7 in the Student Life Centre!

Plate with a heap of pasta in tomato sauce

Eating in residence

Meal plans make it quick and easy to enjoy fresh food throughout the day – and for your late-night snacks. With halal, plant-based, and made-to-order options, we have your dining and snacking needs covered.

2 hands holding a plate of salad

Special dietary needs?

Our Food Services department offers meals without dairy and/or gluten as well as vegan, vegetarian, and halal options. If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, our staff are available to help.

4 students sitting at round table in a coffee shop

Eating outside of residence

If you’re between classes and don’t want to head back to residence, grab a meal or snack at Quesada, Pizza Pizza, Teriyaki Experience, Booster Juice, and more.