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.
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 | 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 vegan curry from Ev3rgreen Café, or wanting to order off the Waterloo Food Services mobile app and have your lunch delivered to you, our on-campus eateries and cafés have plenty of choices.
And you're never far from a coffee shop like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or William's. Plus student-run locations are 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!

Eating in residence
Meal plans make it quick and easy to enjoy fresh local 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.

Special dietary needs?
Allergies? Gluten-free? Not sure where you can eat to suit your dietary choices? With a registered dietitian available to meet with you, eating on campus should never be a worry or concern!
