Move-In Day
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.
What parents of Grebel students say...

- 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

- The Neufelds
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

- 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
We would love to welcome your young adult into the Grebel community. Note that Grebel is the only residence that requires an application and interview to get in. Applications are open for September 2023/2024.