Preparing for university
Student Success Office
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.
Residence
Learn about the process to guarantee your spot in residence or get a list of things to pack for your residence room.
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 W Store in person or online 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!
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.
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.
Computers and free software
You'll have free access to many computing services and software for students, including Microsoft Office 365.
Getting involved
Clubs and sports
Get involved through the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, your student government. Join one of 250+ 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.
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.
- 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
- W Store
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.
