Starting in January? Welcome to Waterloo!

We're so pleased that you're planning to join us in January!

Your next steps

1. Accept your deferred Offer of Admission by October 24, 2025

Your new Offer of Admission is available in your Quest account. You'll need to accept your Offer by October 24, 2025. If there are any conditions you need to meet, they'll be listed on your Offer of Admission. Most students will not have conditions.

How to accept your Offer of Admission in Quest

If you haven't previously logged in to Quest, Waterloo's student information system, there are two steps you need to take first.

Claim your Waterloo username

You'll need your eight-digit Waterloo ID number for this step. This was emailed to you.
Claim your WatIAM ID using the New User Registration link.
You'll use your WatIAM userid and password extensively as a student so be sure to have those accessible!
The list of common WatIAM questions may be helpful if you encounter any issues.

Protect your Waterloo account

Like many online services, Waterloo uses two-factor authentication to protect student accounts from hacking and abuse.
Once you have your WatIAM ID, you'll log in and set up two-factor authentication.
To log in, use your WatIAM ID followed by @uwaterloo.ca as your email address along with the WatIAM password.

Accept your Offer of Admission

Sign in to Quest using your WatIAM ID userid and password.
In your Student Center, click the following: (a) the Admissions tile, (b) the program link, and (c) the Accept/Decline button.
Complete your online acceptance by clicking the final ACCEPT button. Alternatively, if you are declining your offer, click the final DECLINE button.

2. Live in residence starting in January

Let us save you the trouble of finding a place to stay by enjoying the benefits of living on campus. Apply to live on campus this winter on a four-month contract. The sooner you apply, the better your chances at receiving an offer to one of your top preferences for residence building and room type.

You can apply to residence on our Campus Housing website (select the "Undergraduate First-Years" tab). To apply, you'll need your eight-digit Waterloo ID number and two-factor authentication (which you did in step 1 above).

Group of students hugging and smiling at Waterloo orientation event.

Money matters

See what first year might cost using our cost calculator.
Tips on using scholarships, co-op earnings, and more to help pay for your university education.

Get set for school

Get tips from current Waterloo students about making the most of your university experience.
Learn how to prepare for co-op.

Show your Warrior pride

Start thinking about clubs, teams, or activities you'd like to join.
Shop online for your Waterloo gear and souvenirs.

Students cheering at outdoor Waterloo Orientation week event.

Join some of our 250+ student-run clubs to meet new people, have fun, and explore your interests.

International students

The International Student Guide offers tips on preparing for Waterloo.
Monitor our updates about changes to the student permit process. If you've been admitted to co-op, apply for a work permit at the same time you apply for a study permit.
If you're under 18, visit the Government of Canada website to learn about custodians.
If you've received an offer of admission and need to prepay your tuition as part of your study permit application, please use our fee estimator.