A Parent's perspective
A Family Welcome
Leaving your young adult at university for the first time can be exciting and challenging all at once, but Grebel is a home away from home! First year students are greeted on move-in day by a group of upper year students who have planned a week full of fun ways to get to know one another and their campus better.
Our Student Services office works hard to keep their finger on the pulse of what's happening in the residence. Residence life is supervised by our wonderful team of Dons and Campus Hosts, all orchestrated by our excellent Student Services staff members.
Open Doors | Family Day at Grebel
What parents of Grebel students say...
International students moving to university may have a few more practical and emotional challenges than other students. It was a very stressful time for our family. Saying goodbye to a member of our family, even for such wonderful purposes as moving on to university, was really hard. When it came time to say goodbye to Max, the staff of the Student Services Office at Grebel offered permission to cry, words about why this is difficult, prayer for peace, and the all-important box of Kleenex. We all survived. Max has thrived with his new family in the Grebel residence community. It is more than a bed on campus it is his local support system and our peace of mind.
- Lisa Chute
Of course, it was emotional dropping off each of our children for the first time, as each and every time it felt somewhat bittersweet to have each of our children enter a new and exciting phase of life, and the changes in family life that each of these changes entailed. However, it always felt really good that they were entering an environment that was both dynamic and supportive, and with a faith-based perspective.
- John Lingertat Jennifer VanLeeuwen
We are so grateful for Grebel’s amazing and welcoming community! From move-in day, it was clear this was a place where students would feel at home. The staff and upper-year students went out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable, and they truly understand what parents are going through in this big transition. That first day gave us so much confidence that our son would be well cared for here.
As the months have gone on, Grebel has proven to be more than just a residence—it’s a place where students build real connections. They form friendships, find support, and feel a true sense of belonging. The community here is something special, and we’ve seen firsthand how it helps students thrive, not just academically but personally. Knowing our son is surrounded by such a caring and encouraging environment has been such a gift. We couldn’t be happier that he has this opportunity!
- Marc Mailhot
I think that parents should encourage their kids to live at Grebel, because it is a safe, caring, and forgiving place to experience life in community, surrounded by people who can help, challenge, care for, and come alongside your child with all the ups and downs, successes and struggles that will come with the huge life change that is moving away from home. The way Grebel gets residents to think about how their actions - positive and negative - affect the people around them, is a wonderful way to keep everyone accountable to one another. Mixing upper-year and first-year students is what makes Grebel different: students stay beyond year one and carry on the culture of acceptance and joy that made a difference for them!
Grebel has it all: amazing friends, great food, special events, and caring upper-year students and staff to help along the way. This is the residence experience we all wish wed had when we were at university. Watching your child thrive here will make you want to go back in time and live here too!
- Brenda Bradley
Thank you to you and your team of workers and volunteers for such a great welcome to the Grebel community. Jared is our oldest of three kids and we feel comfortable leaving him there to start his academic studies. Thank you for your incredible enthusiasm. The joy of serving and your passion for students was evident and appreciated.
- The Dycks
Hanne has made the transition from a high school student to a young independent adult and in part thats by being surrounded by community that helps her to make good choices. Grebel is a real community regardlesss of what your faith beliefs are, your religious traditions or social traditions.
- Karen
From a parents perspective, the community is amazing at Grebel. Kids need support when they move out. Having a community of peers that support them when the parents are not there is a huge comfort to parents and students. The transition from home to moving out has been seamless with all that Grebel offers. Grebel is an amazing place to live. We have been so thankful that a residence like this exists.
- Evelyn Fehr