With over 30,000 students, the University of Waterloo is home to an incredible community of people with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
We're committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for everyone. You'll meet, learn from, and live with students who bring different experiences and passions from around the world to their studies at Waterloo.
Accessibility
AccessAbility Services can help with academic accommodations, on-campus travel, assistive technology, peer mentorship, and more. If you have a disability and plan to live in residence, accommodation can be requested from Waterloo's residence office.
Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities through a wide variety of supports.
Racial advocacy
Through education and advocacy, peer-to-peer support, and community building, the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) service, RAISE, addresses the impacts of racism and xenophobia that can limit the success and experiences of students.
The President's Anti-Racism Task Force continues to make recommendations to address racism in a variety of settings at Waterloo. The group's work has led to a Black Studies diploma and a Fundamentals of Anti-Racist Communication diploma that are now available to any Waterloo student.
Learn more about resources for the BIPOC community or read our student-written article about Black-led clubs at Waterloo.
Indigenous learning
Photo credit: Gerard Peter Pas
Whether you identify as Indigenous or you’re interested in learning more, the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) provides culturally relevant support and activities, including Soup and Bannock Days and an annual Pow Wow. The Indigenous Student Association plans social outings and cultural workshops.
Our Office of Indigenous Relations works collaboratively on- and off-campus to not only advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, but also to create a long-term vision for the University that is grounded in decolonization.
Tuition waivers for First Nations communities
If you're a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation or Six Nations of the Grand River (on whose traditional territory the University of Waterloo is situated) and who are pursuing a degree at Waterloo, you're eligible for a full tuition waiver.
To further support access to education, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students from Canadian provinces and territories outside Ontario can pay the lower tuition rate for Ontario students. Native American students from the continental U.S. are also eligible for Ontario tuition rates instead of international student tuition.
Learn more about the tuition waiver →
Elder in Residence in Engineering
Elder William Woodworth, PhD, is the Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Engineering for Waterloo’s main campus, as well as the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario.
Faith communities
Chaplains from eleven different faith traditions and multi-faith prayer spaces are available on campus. For more options, the surrounding area is home to many places of worship.
If you're living in residence during Ramadan, you can pre-order food to be picked up when needed or you can eat at a residence cafeteria that opens an hour before dawn.
2SLGBTQIA+
The Glow Center, run by WUSA, is Canada's oldest queer and trans student organization and offers discussion groups, social events, advocacy opportunities, awareness campaigns, and more.
Waterloo's Equity Office also offers support for creating affirming spaces on campus.
Learn more about resources and supports for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Women in education
As one of the world's top STEM universities, Waterloo offers a variety of ways for women to connect with other women in STEM programs.
- Women in Mathematics
- Women in Science
- International Women's Day: annual dinner, films, forums
Women's Centre
A positive and supportive environment for women and trans folk, the Women's Centre is a student-run service that offers workshops, film screenings, guest lectures, free menstrual products, and access to peer support for all students.
International students
International students play a vital role in the life of our university. You'll meet Canadian and other international students through your classes, living in residence, and sports and clubs.
There are dozens of groups and services for international students, such as the International and Canadian Student Network, which strives to make everyone feel welcome at Waterloo.
Wellness
Staying fit – physically and mentally – is key to being successful in university.
Sports and campus recreation, wellness services such as counselling and on-campus medical clinic, and supports such as residence life staff and the UW MATES peer support program will help set you up for success.
As well, whether you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or halal, Food Services has you covered.
Building a stronger Waterloo community
Rania shares her experiences as an international student and how students' everyday experiences at Waterloo are shaped by their intersecting identities.
Learn more about different student-run clubs and services that aim to build a community where everyone can be seen, heard, and respected.
