What is the residence guarantee — How do I know if I qualify?
The University of Waterloo residence guarantee for first-year students is a collaborative effort between Waterloo Residences and the University College Residences. Note: Conrad Grebel is not included in the first-year guarantee and follows a separate application process.
Learn more about the first-year application process.
What if my Offer of Admission is late or I miss the deadline?
You will receive information in your Academic Offer of Admission package to help you in your housing search. This letter will direct you on how to search for vacancies on- and off-campus. Some spaces in some of the residence communities may be available after the guaranteed students are accommodated. However, these spaces may not be made available until late-August or early-September.
Am I guaranteed to get my first choice of residence or room type?
No. The residence guarantee only guarantees you a room in residence. Many students select the same room type and/or residence community and there are only so many rooms in each residence. Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee every student their first choice. Our process ensures that the maximum number of incoming students are assigned to one of their top choices.
If I submit my Residence Community Ranking Form and my Waterloo Residences Preference Form right away, will I have a better chance of getting my first choices?
No. This is not a first-come, first-served process. Everyone who submits these forms on time has an equal chance of getting their first choice.
Why was I not placed in my top ranked community?
Waterloo and the University College Residences each have a specific amount of space in their communities for first-year students. If the demand is high for a particular community, we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s top choices.
What's on the Waterloo Residences Preference Form?
The Waterloo Residences Preference Form has several sections for you to submit:
- Personal information
- Roommate requests (optional)
- Tell us about yourself to help with roommate matching
- Rank the residence communities you want to live in
- Meal plan preference
- Confirmation
How are rooms assigned to first-year students?
First-year students are assigned rooms through a process that considers over 20 factors, which includes students’ personal preferences. Our process ensures that the maximum number of incoming first-year students are assigned to one of their top choices. Learn more about how rooms are assigned.
Do all students receive their room assignment in July?
No. Room assignments begin in July and continue until the end of August. Please remember that the first year guarantee still applies! Students who have not been placed in July will receive their room assignment at a later date.
What are my chances of getting my first choice residence?
Your chances depend on several factors including the number of spaces available in your first choice residence, and the number of other students who also rank that residence as their first choice. Learn more about how rooms are assigned.
If my grades are higher, will that increase my chances of getting the residence of my choice?
No, your grades are not considered in the residence allocation process.
What if I am under 17 years or older than 22 years?
Younger students (16 and under) will be placed in single rooms in Village 1 located near the Don's suite. Older students (22 and older) will be placed together. As an older student, this may mean that you will be placed with upper-year students in residence.
Are students in the same faculty grouped together?
Students are able to choose to live with other students in their faculty through a Living-Learning Community. This is a small group or “cluster” of students who belong to the same faculty, share classes, and living space. These are the only students who are grouped together by program of study.
Are there quiet floors or areas?
We do not specifically designate areas as quiet. Generally, quiet hours begin at 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. There is a 24-hour quiet policy during final exams. We have a general residence policy based on mutual respect and the same considerations are expected in all our residences.
Why is my residence room in a different space than I expected?
Waterloo Residences prepares every year for the operational challenges we are faced with if we receive a high number of residence applications (more applications than rooms available), high institutional enrollment or factors beyond the control of Waterloo Residences.
In the event this occurs, Waterloo Residences repurposes spaces to accommodate our students. This could include the use of lounge space as residence rooms or using spaces not owned or operated by Waterloo Residences. These rooms are furnished with similar amenities as other residence rooms.