Helpful tips for new Waterloo students

WatCard

Your WatCard is the most important piece of identification (ID) you'll have as a student at Waterloo. Learn how to get and use your WatCard.

Campus map

Wondering how to find your classes or get around campus? Use our campus map! Or even better, join us for a campus tour or open house.

Textbooks

Visit the Book Store to find out about your textbooks, store hours, refund policies, and more.

Or save money if your textbooks are available through Feds Used Books. When you finish a school term, you can sell back the ones you no longer need!

Volunteer opportunities

Part-time jobs

If you're looking to earn some extra money, many on-campus departments hire students and will work around your class schedule.

Housing and Residences
Warrior Recreation and Varsity Athletics
Federation of Students – Waterloo's student government
Centre for Career Action – online job listings
Food Services

Work-Study jobs – flexible, on-campus jobs for students whose financial needs have not been fully met by provincial student loans and grants
International Undergraduate Work-Study Program – job opportunities for study permit (visa) students
Retail Services

International students can gain work experience and earn money by working on or off campus. All you need is your study permit. Further details are on the Government of Canada website. If you're in a co-op program, you'll need to have a work permit.

Student Success Office

Success looks different to everyone. The Student Success Office will help you find your path to success, whether you’re looking for help with your academic skills or want to get involved on campus.

Starting in June, we'll email you lots of great information about preparing for Waterloo. Check out the Countdown to campus video series and 101 Days over the summer.

Clubs and sports

Get involved through the Federation of Students, your student government. Join one of 200+ clubs, volunteer with one of our great services, or find a part-time job with one of our on-campus businesses.

Stay active through one of the most extensive campus recreation programs in Canada. Or if you're interested in varsity teams, visit the varsity sports website.

Money and banking

There's a CIBC branch and several CIBC bank machines right on campus. Close to campus are BMO, ScotiaBank, and TD Canada Trust ATMs and an RBC Royal Bank branch.