Winterloo: Easing homesickness for students during the holidays

Spending the holidays away from home is never easy but the University of Waterloo is hoping the annual Winterloo program will ease homesickness for students and help them celebrate the season.

Winterloo, which takes place from December 23 to January 3, brings together students who can’t make it home for the holidays as well as those who regularly spend holidays in the region. The program also gives international students an opportunity to experience elements of Canadian culture unique to this time of year.

Mike Shin, a second-year student who is helping to co-ordinate Winterloo this year, says, “It can be tough to be far away from family, friends and home this time of year. Winterloo brings students together and I know that having planned activities can really help with any homesickness.”

Students can register now for events

Students are invited to register and participate in one or all of the events. Highlights of this year’s Winterloo program include Boxing Day shopping, attending a Kitchener Rangers game, bowling and enjoying the Wonders of Winter light display in Waterloo Park. The activities are designed by the student coordinators and offer students a chance to meet new friends and feel connected and engaged during the holiday season. All activities are offered at low-cost, and some are free.

“Winterloo is an important part of our programming for all Waterloo students,” says Theresa Nystrom, coordinator, International Student Experience. “The break between fall and winter term is an important time in the student experience. It offers students a time to relax and engage in social activities, and we want to ensure that all of our students have that opportunity, no matter where they spend the holidays.”