Grebel housing information
Grebel is an enthusiastic residence that houses University of Waterloo students on the UWaterloo campus. Students in any year of study are welcome. Learn about rooms, spaces, food, fees, and important dates:
What do the rooms look like?
Grebel rooms have giant windows and versatile modular furniture which means you can arrange your room however you want. Imagine how you would make this space your own! At Grebel, you'll share your residence room with another person. You'll be carefully matched with a roommate using a survey that takes into account your preferences, habits, and interests.
What do the bathrooms look like?
Washrooms at Grebel are traditional dorm-style and regularly cleaned by our custodians. We have one fully-accessible, single-user washroom on each floor (pictured on the right), and gender-neutral washrooms available. Residents find that everyone's schedules are so different that the washrooms are never that busy.
Before you come to Grebel, you will have the opportunity to let us know if you prefer to use a gendered bathroom, or a gender-neutral bathroom. You can also tell us if you require or prefer having a room close to the accessible, single-user bathroom.
What are other Grebel spaces like?
Grebel spaces include a lounge on each floor, shared and universal washroom options, a games room, fitness centre, silent and group study spaces, a fireside lounge, new dining room and kitchen, practice rooms, and a library. Pull photo left (or right) to quickly scroll through.
We love the huge, bright windows in all our residence rooms! You'll share this space with a roommate and each side of the room comes with a modular desk, dresser, bookshelf, single bed, and wardrobe that can be configured however you like! Bring whatever makes you feel at home, such as extra furniture, plants, and games.
We love the huge, bright windows in all our residence rooms! You'll share this space with a roommate and each side of the room comes with a modular desk, dresser, bookshelf, single bed, and wardrobe that can be configured however you like! Bring whatever makes you feel at home, such as extra furniture, plants, and games.
We love the huge, bright windows in all our residence rooms! You'll share this space with a roommate and each side of the room comes with a modular desk, dresser, bookshelf, single bed, and wardrobe that can be configured however you like! Bring whatever makes you feel at home, such as extra furniture, plants, and games.
We love the huge, bright windows in all our residence rooms! You'll share this space with a roommate and each side of the room comes with a modular desk, dresser, bookshelf, single bed, and wardrobe that can be configured however you like! Bring whatever makes you feel at home, such as extra furniture, plants, and games.
Play foosball, air hockey, and pool in the games room, or just hang out on the comfortable couches. Mailboxes for each student are also located in this area.
Play foosball, air hockey, and pool in the games room, or just hang out on the comfortable couches. Mailboxes for each student are also located in this area.
The bright dining room is open all the time. It's a great place to study in the evening. Every Wednesday night is Community Supper, when students, faculty, and staff sit down together to enjoy an hour of visiting, eating homemade bread and delicious food, and to listen to a guest speaker or participate in a special event.
Welcome to one of the best spots at Grebel. You will love the view from the Atrium, a large common area furnished with comfortable leather couches, containing a self-serve coffee bar and snack area. This place is great to visit, play games, or study.
The Milton Good Library is just steps away from the residence hallways. The bright windows, calm atmosphere, and varied study spaces make this an ideal place to get your homework done.
Need some exercise? Grebel's got you covered with a half basketball court, volleyball court, skating rink (in the winter), and a workout gym.
At Grebel, you get 21 all-you-can-eat meals a week. This includes a hot main course, a fully stocked salad bar, vegetarian options, a variety of drinks, delicious desserts, and the biggest cookies on campus. Grebel even gives you a chance to create your own menu as part of "favourite food day."
Need some exercise? Grebel's got you covered with a half basketball court, volleyball court, skating rink (in the winter), and a workout gym.
Chapel services are held regularly throughout the year on Wednesday afternoons in Grebel's beautiful Chapel. Much of the planning and organizing of the services is done by students on the Chapel committee, guided by our chaplain.
If you just can't study in your room, Grebel offers a quiet study room (known as "The Morgue") and a group study room. You can also use a drafting table or practice rooms with pianos.
The Milton Good Library is just steps away from the residence hallways. The bright windows, calm atmosphere, and varied study spaces make this an ideal place to get your homework done.
Need some exercise? Grebel's got you covered with a half basketball court, volleyball court, skating rink (in the winter), and a workout gym.
The bright dining room is open all the time. It's a great place to study in the evening. Every Wednesday night is Community Supper, when students, faculty, and staff sit down together to enjoy an hour of visiting, eating homemade bread and delicious food, and to listen to a guest speaker or participate in a special event. At Grebel, you get 21 all-you-can-eat meals a week. This includes a hot main course, a fully stocked salad bar, vegetarian options, a variety of drinks, delicious desserts, and the biggest cookies on campus. Grebel even gives you a chance to create your own menu as part of "favourite food day."
Grebel's big patio is great for building snowmen, square dances, studying, and eating outside all summer long.
Play foosball, air hockey, games, and pool in the games room, or just hang out on the comfortable couches. Mailboxes for each student are also located in this area.
Play foosball, air hockey, games, and pool in the games room, or just hang out on the comfortable couches. Mailboxes for each student are also located in this area.
Play foosball, air hockey, games, and pool in the games room, or just hang out on the comfortable couches. Mailboxes for each student are also located in this area.
Need some exercise? Grebel's got you covered with a half basketball court, volleyball court, skating rink (in the winter), and a workout gym.
At Grebel, you get 21 all-you-can-eat meals a week. This includes a hot main course, a fully stocked salad bar, vegetarian options, a variety of drinks, delicious desserts, and the biggest cookies on campus. Grebel even gives you a chance to create your own menu as part of "favourite food day."








How's the food?
Grebel's caring food services staff delight in feeding your soul through your stomach with delicious, fresh meals and snacks. You'll quickly find your favourites and you'll keep coming back for more! With Grebel's all-you-can-eat meal plan, you'll get to choose your own options daily from hot/cold breakfast, salads, main course options, special diet accommodations, fruit, desserts, and beverages.
Learn more about Grebel meal plan details.
We also have a brand new kitchen and dining area!

What does it cost to live at Grebel?
When you pay your Grebel fee, you are paying for your room, an all-you-can-eat meal plan, internet, and utilities. It might look like a lot of money, but it covers all your living expenses all in one place!
Residence entrance awards are also available. Last year Grebel gave away more than $500,000 in upper year, first year, and academic student awards.
Length of residence | Fee (includes full meal plan) |
---|---|
8-month contract* | $12,890 |
4-month contract | $6,445 |
*Note: 60% of an 8-month contract is paid in the first term and 40% is paid in the second term.
What is the due date to apply?
Grebel residence applications for the 2023/24 academic year are currently being accepted! We will continue to accept applications until our residence is full. Part of the application process includes a group interview. These interviews start in April and continue through May. We recommend applying by the end of March so that you have the best options for interview times. However, we continue to accept applications in April and May (and beyond if our residence is still not full!).
If you are concerned about deadlines, contact us at grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca and we will follow up with you!
There is much more to learn about Grebel. How can you find out more?
You can...
- visit us! We offer personalized tours from student ambassadors, shadowing, and meetings with our Student Services team - both virtually and in person.
- look at the FAQ page
- follow our Instagram
- contact us directly! Gemma Ricker (Student Life and Recruitment Coordinator) is happy to answer questions or provide an online link for a face-to-face chat.
Ready to submit an application? Our application is as personable as our residence. After submitting your application (to Grebel directly and not through UWaterloo residences), we'll be in contact to follow-up with a face-to-face interview. We do this so that both you and Student Services know that Grebel will be a good fit for you!