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.
Racial advocacy
Black student community
Whether you're looking to make new friends, celebrate culture, or simply find people who understand your experience, Waterloo will make you feel at home. There are also scholarships, clubs and societies, and resources to support your success.
Indigenous learning
Photo credit: Gerard Peter Pas
The Indigenous Student Services team provides culturally relevant support and activities, including student drum circles, a Visiting Auntie program, Soup and Bannock Days, and an annual Pow Wow.
The Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) 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. OIR also supports tuition waivers for certain First Nations communities and reduced tuition for others.
Amplify podcast
The Amplify podcast is a platform for Waterloo students to discuss challenges they face in navigating academia while holding marginalized identities. This space is one to honour their journeys, discover supports, and provide a venue to share their stories.
Faith communities
The Multi-Faith and Spirituality Resource Team represents different faith traditions and helps members of the University community think about spiritual meaning in their lives. As well, the city 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 is Canada's oldest queer and trans student organization and offers discussion groups, social events, advocacy opportunities, awareness campaigns, and more.
Waterloo's Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism works to advance anti-racism and equity 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
- 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.
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.
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 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.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
Equity. Diversity. Inclusivity. These are words we hear all the time, but what do they look like in action? What is Waterloo doing to achieve them?
Whether you’re in the process of coming out, proudly queer, or confused and questioning, I can tell you one thing for sure – you’re not alone.
Make a difference with two Black Studies diplomas
You’ve heard of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, but how about Henry T. Sampson?