Apply to live at Grebel

Application information

  • You can apply to Grebel's residence before you have an academic offer from the University of Waterloo.
  • Do not apply concurrently to Grebel and Waterloo's other residences (Campus Housing). When you apply to Campus Housing you have to pay a $500 deposit which you will lose if you then decide to live at Grebel. There is no risk of losing a spot at Campus Housing as Grebel makes housing decisions prior to the Waterloo deadline.
  • After submitting your written application, you will be invited to participate in a group interview. These are fun and informative! Check out what Grebel students have to say about the interview in this video.
  • We will be in touch after we have received your application to talk about next steps.

Any questions regarding your residence application can be directed to grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca. 

Information about the Grebel residence

Grebel is among the smallest residences on the University of Waterloo campus. Our size contributes to a great sense of community so you will get to know everyone at Grebel!

Grebel is not part of the First Year Residence Guarantee at Waterloo. This is because we are a multi-year residence which means after your first year, you can come live at Grebel again and again! 

Because we are not part of the guarantee, you will need to submit a Grebel residence application separate from the other Waterloo residences (and not concurrently). We follow up with all applicants in an interview. The interview gives each of us the opportunity to learn a little more about each other and to explore if Grebel is a good fit!

If you apply for fall, you must also apply for winter and/or spring.

We also have some off-campus options for connecting to Grebel. If this interests you, inquire at grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca. 

View on YouTube

Residence Application Form

Residence applications are now being accepted for:

  • Spring 2025
  • All terms in the 2025/26 academic year

Important: This is not an application for academic admission. Acceptance to Conrad Grebel residence is contingent upon being admitted to an academic program at the University of Waterloo.

Take Note: This application requires you to respond to 9 short answer questions with a maximum word count of 200 words each. As this document cannot be saved within the application, please prepare your answers in a separate document then cut and paste them into the correct field when prompted. Below are the questions. A photo is requested prior to submission. This photo will not be published unless/until you have signed a contract with Grebel, at which time a photo release form will be issued.

  1. How did you hear about Grebel?
  2. Choose one or two experiences over the past 3 years and describe their impact/influence on you (ie: academics, sports, music, travel, art, drama, writing, clubs, faith experience, etc.).
  3. Describe yourself ─ your personality, qualities, characteristics, etc.
  4. What current issues concern you and why (ie: environmental, political, cultural, social justice, etc.)?
  5. What are your future goals and interests and how do they relate to your program choice at UWaterloo?
  6. Grebel encourages community engagement. There are intramural teams, clubs, choirs, ensembles, student leadership positions, chapel, service trips, musicals and much more. Where could you see yourself getting involved?
  7. Grebel teaches UWaterloo courses in the following subject areas: Peace and Conflict Studies, Music, History, Religious Studies, Sociology and Mennonite Studies. These courses address big questions of life, help us understand the world and inspire civic responsibility. As such, residents are encouraged to take a Grebel course (or courses) taught by Grebel faculty. As opportunities arise for you to choose a Grebel course, which subject areas interest you and why?
  8. Grebel is rooted in Christian values from an Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition. We promote emotional, spiritual and intellectual growth. We emphasize the importance of reason and imagination, equity and inclusion, faith and action, integrity and personal commitment. In this community you will be supported and challenged. Elaborate on why you want to live in a residence with these emphases.
  9. Grebel is a residence community with students from 1st – 4th year. Explain why you think this is important and share your interest and ability to make a multi-year residence commitment.

If you encounter any issues when submitting this form, please contact Student Services @ grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca