If you're looking for a smaller, community-oriented residence or a supportive learning environment, one of Waterloo's four on-campus 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 a University College?
- Benefit from smaller classes that encourage interaction with your professors and classmates.
- Friendly communities for you to call home.
- They're located right on Waterloo's main campus.
- You can live at a University College, regardless of which program you're studying – and enjoy all-you-can-eat meal plans!
- Opportunities to engage in student life and to become a student leader.
Study, live, or both!
You can
- live at a University College without taking courses there,
- take courses at one or more University Colleges without living in one, or
- live at a University College and take courses at one or more University Colleges and the main Waterloo campus.
If you're going to be studying Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, you can choose Renison or St. Jerome's as your academic home base.
What makes each unique?
Conrad Grebel University College
Residence
- Space for 140 students.
- Residence for first-year and upper-year students in any academic program at Waterloo.
- A separate residence application is required to live at Grebel.
Academics
- Home to Waterloo's Music and Peace and Conflict Studies programs and the Restorative Justice Diploma.
- Offers music ensembles, such as orchestra, jazz, and choirs, for course credit.
Renison University College
Residence
- Space for 214 students.
- Living Learning Communities for Warrior varsity athletes, Social Development Studies, and Bridge to Academic Success in English.
Academics
- Enjoy a smaller academic home while completing your Waterloo Arts degree by co-registering through Renison.
- Programs: Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business, Social Development Studies, Social Work, and Bridge to Academic Success in English.
St. Jerome's University (SJU)
Residence
- Space for 398 students.
- On-site gym and wellness studio.
Academics
- Enjoy a smaller academic home while completing your Waterloo Arts degree by co-registering through SJU.
- Programs: Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business.
- Home of the Beyond Borders program and Service Learning.
United College
Residence
- Space for 316 students.
- Living Learning Communities for Faculty of Environment, French language, Human Rights, Indigenous students, and Women in Engineering.
Academics
- Offers minors in Canadian Studies, Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, and Social Innovation.
- Home to GreenHouse social entrepreneurship incubator, Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, and Flint Hub, an Indigenous entrepreneurship incubator.
How do you apply to live at a University College?
Renison, St. Jerome's, and United 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?
Check out the University College websites listed above or visit during a campus tour or open house.