Living in residences means becoming part of a great community, with support to help make your transition to University life as smooth as possible. You have the choice of living in one of Waterloo Residences 5 first-year residences, or at one of Waterloo’s University Colleges.
At Waterloo, residence is guaranteed for all incoming first-year students. What do you need to do?
On Saturday, February 1, 2020, the Residence Community Ranking Form will be available to all incoming first-year students to complete and submit with their $500 non-refundable housing deposit. We recommend incoming students only submit the form and non-refundable deposit if they have accepted their offer to the University of Waterloo. The Residence Community Ranking Form will remain open until Monday, June 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All incoming first-year students who submit their Residence Community Ranking Form and $500 non-refundable deposit by the June 1st deadline will be a part of the 100% Residence Guarantee.
Download our printable checklist to stay on top of key dates, then apply below.
Congratulations on becoming a Waterloo Warrior!
Research the difference between Waterloo Residences, and the University College communities (St. Jerome's, St. Paul's and Renison). Check out available meal plans, Living-Learning Communities, and visit us during March Break Open House on March 21 or You @ Waterloo Day on May 23.
The online form (RCRF) opens Saturday, February 1 and closes on Monday June 1 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
On this form, you are only selecting which on-campus residence community you'd like to live with and which living-learning community you would like to join.
If you have a housing accommodation request, you must complete the Housing Disability Verification Form and submit it by the June 1 deadline.
To complete your form submission, you must make a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit. Payments can be made online by credit card or INTERAC® Online to ensure the deposit is received by the deadline.
Check your email on Thursday, June 11 to find out which residence community (Waterloo Residences or the University Colleges) you will be joining. If you are in Waterloo Residences, you will receive a confirmation from Waterloo Residences with next steps.
Students in University College Residences will receive next steps directly from that University College through email by Thursday, June 11.
Visit our residences page and check out your residence options. Now is the time to think about which residence you want to live in, the room styles, meal plan options, and who you'd like to live with.
Want to live with a friend? You can! The preference form allows you to request to live with one roommate in any style residence. Read more about roommates and how rooms are assigned here.
Form opens Thursday, June 11. Closes Thursday, June 18 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
The Waterloo Residence Preference Form allows you to indicate your preferences for building, room type, meal plan and roommate request.
Your residence room assignment offer and contract will be sent to your UWaterloo email address beginning the week of July 6.
Note: Offers will continue to be sent out to students throughout the summer. So if you don't get an assignment right away, no worries! You're still guaranteed a room in residence.
Our housing allocation process takes into consideration all the information shared with us through the Waterloo Residence Preference Form, including any accessibility needs, living-learning communities, and residence and roommate requests. This also includes the personal interest questions on the Waterloo Residences Preference Form. Learn more about how we assign rooms.
Be sure to accept your offer before the expiry date! If you do not accept your residence offer by the deadline you will lose your $500 deposit and your room assignment. Note that we will be sending out room assignment offers and contracts throughout July and August. If you don’t get an offer immediately, don’t worry. Check your UWaterloo email account every few days to make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
Visit our move-in page to find out your move-in day, locations to pick up your keys, and download directional maps to find your way home.
Get excited! Follow our blog and social channels to get a glimpse into what's to come. Check out videos as you make your way to your new home.
Wondering what to bring? Check out our packing list. Start thinking about decorating your room with our printable swag!
If you have any questions, need assistance or would like to apply for first-year residence, please contact us:
Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/uwhousing
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32679
Fax: 519-746-8152.
Email: housing@uwaterloo.ca
We are open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT, and are happy to advise you on next steps.
