Residence guarantee for first-year and transfer students

Living on campus can be an incredibly rewarding part of your university experience. We guarantee first-year and transfer students a spot in residence to ensure you have a supportive living environment and easy access to your classes, libraries, and recreational facilities. 

How to apply for the residence guarantee

1. Accept your Offer of Admission

Accept your academic Offer of Admission to Waterloo by the deadline (June 1, 2026 for most students).

After we receive your acceptance, we'll send your Waterloo ID number by email. You'll use this in step 2 and extensively throughout your time at Waterloo. 

2. Claim your WatIAm ID

You'll need to create your WatIAm ID (using the New User Registration link).

• You can do this starting on February 9 and only after you've accepted your Offer of Admission. You'll use your WatIAM ID extensively as a Waterloo student.
• It can take two to three days for your WatIAM ID to be created so be sure to do this several days before the residence application deadline.

3. Set up two-factor authentication

Once you have your WatIAM ID, you'll need to set up two-factor authentication. This will protect your Waterloo account throughout your time as a student. To log in, use your WatIAM ID followed by @uwaterloo.ca as your email address along with the WatIAM password.

4. Complete the New Student Residence Application by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2026

Starting in early February, there will be a link to the New Student Residence Application on this page.

• To log in, use your WatIAM ID followed by @uwaterloo.ca as your email address along with the WatIAM password (created in step 2).
• Once you've logged in, rank your preference for Campus Housing residences, Renison University College, St. Jerome’s University, and United College.
  • Learn about the residences which are part of the residence guarantee.
  • You can also let us know whether you'd like to live in a Living Learning Community.
  • Review and confirm your gender identity. This will be used when assigning a residence floor and/or roommate. Need to make a change? Edit the personal details in your profile on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre website.

5. Submit your non-refundable housing deposit

Your residence guarantee application isn't complete until you pay your non-refundable deposit. We'll send you instructions on how to pay by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Your deposit is due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2026.

6. We'll confirm your residence

We'll email you in mid-June to let you know whether you’ve been placed in a Campus Housing residence, Renison University College, St. Jerome's University, or United College. Your residence will email you with the next steps.

Notes