Find school-life balance this fall

Your university experience extends beyond the classroom. It’s not just about coursework and studying, but about the connections and friendships you’ll make that can last a lifetime.

As orientation wraps up this weekend, you may be wondering how to keep the fun going throughout the term, continue to make new friends and find school-life balance for when things get tough. For many students, and especially for first years, it can be challenging to meet new people. One way to overcome that is to get involved with some of the societies and extracurricular activities hosted at Waterloo.

As students, it can sometimes feel like extracurricular activities are a distraction and you may worry that getting involved could affect your grades.

But the flip side of the coin is that getting involved and finding ways to give back builds a solid support network that you can lean on if you get overwhelmed.

Whether you’re new to campus or returning to classes this fall, we want to ensure you have the info you need to make the most of your time here.  

Here are a few ways you can explore your UWaterloolife.

Attend Black and Gold Day – Sept 10

Watch our Waterloo men’s football team take on the Guelph Gryphons in an epic showdown that will keep you cheering throughout. Keep an eye on the sports schedule to attend future games.

Attend Fall Welcome Week – Sept 12 - 16

Your Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) has an exciting week of events planned just for you! That’s right Warriors, Welcome Week is back! Attend classics like our outdoor carnival with a Ferris wheel and other fun rides, arcade games, tasty treats and even Sex Toy Bingo. Mark your calendars with all the great events.

Join the International Peer Community (IPC)

Join a group of fellow international students and experienced student leaders. Together you'll build connections, participate in events and get a taste of life in Waterloo. Register now on the IPC website to participate this fall.

Join a WUSA club

Create the student experience you want! Find your community and attend one of our 200+ clubs’ unforgettable events. WUSA has you covered for everything outside of the classroom. Find your passion from the more than 200 clubs, or start your own!

Stay active with Athletics and Recreation

Stay active and engaged with Warriors Athletics and Recreation. Physical activity and finding ways to play can enhance your overall well-being. Warrior Recreation offers many opportunities for you to stay active—all levels, interests and abilities are welcome. Campus facilities include fitness centres, a skating rink, pool, rock climbing wall, golf simulator, disc golf course, outdoor fields, squash courts and more! There is truly something for everyone.

Join the Student Leadership Program

The Student Success Office has a program especially for students interested in developing leadership skills. You’ll also engage with the university community and make new friends along the way in the Student Leadership Program.

Embrace innovation

Taking ideas and putting them into practice is what the University of Waterloo is all about. Maybe you have an idea for a new kind of technology, or maybe you have an idea for a business? Learn how to get innovative with campus innovation partners.

It’s your move Warriors! Make the most of your time at Waterloo and start exploring your UWaterloolife student resources to keep building your community. Your future self will thank you.