If you're looking for a smaller, community-oriented residence or a supportive learning environment, one of Waterloo's four University Colleges may be for you!
What is a University College?
A University College is a smaller community that offers residence and academic programs within the larger University of Waterloo.
The University Colleges each have their own character and distinctive programs where you can get involved and feel supported while you live and learn. You'll study or live in a close-knit community while having access to all services and facilities at Waterloo, in addition to those at the University Colleges.
Why choose one of Waterloo's University Colleges?
- Residences are available to all Waterloo students, regardless of your program.
- All-you-can-eat meal plans (and chocolate milk on tap!).
- Opportunities to engage in student life programming and become a student leader.
- Smaller class sizes that provide opportunities to interact with both professors and classmates.
- Friendly communities for you to call home with additional resources and support.
- Centrally located on the main Waterloo campus.
What makes each unique?
Renison University College
- Residence capacity: 214
- Programs: Bridge to Academic Success in English, Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business, Social Development Studies, Social Work
- Enjoy a smaller academic home while completing your Waterloo Arts degree by co-registering through Renison.
- Living Learning Communities for Warrior varsity athletes, Social Development Studies, and Bridge to Academic Success in English
Visit the Renison website.
St. Jerome's University (SJU)
- Residence capacity: 398
- Programs: Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business
- Enjoy a smaller academic home while completing your Waterloo Arts degree by co-registering through SJU.
- Home of the Beyond Borders program and Service Learning
Visit the St. Jerome's website.
Conrad Grebel University College
- Residence capacity: 140 (separate application required)
- Residence for first-year and upper-year students
- Programs: Music and Peace and Conflict Studies
- Living Learning Communities for PeaceTech, Music, and Peace and Conflict Studies
Visit the Grebel website.
United College
- Residence capacity: 316
- Living Learning Communities for the Faculty of Environment, French language, Human Rights, Indigenous students, Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management, and Women in Engineering
- Minors in Canadian Studies, Human Rights, and Indigenous Studies
- Home to GreenHouse social entrepreneurship incubator and Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre
Visit the United College website.
How do you apply to live at a University College?
Renison, St. Jerome's, and United College are part of Waterloo's residence guarantee for first-year and transfer students. You'll be able to request to live in one of those University Colleges after you accept an offer of admission and submit a residence ranking form.
If you're interested in living at Conrad Grebel University College, you'll need to apply directly to residence at Grebel.
Want to learn more?
Download brochures about the University Colleges or learn about our tours and events.
Renison University College
Cassidy Wagler
Marketing, Recruitment & Outreach Officer
cbwagler@uwaterloo.ca
519-884-4404, ext. 28638
St. Jerome's University (SJU)
Jameson Olheiser
Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator
jameson.olheiser@uwaterloo.ca
519-884-8111, ext. 28208
Conrad Grebel University College
Gemma Ricker
Student Life and Recruitment Coordinator
gemma.ricker@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-0220, ext. 24215
United College
Steve Prentice
Director, Student Life
s3prenti@uwaterloo.ca
519-885-1460, ext. 25219
