Undergraduate students
The Off Campus Community is a WUSA service for first and upper-year students living off campus. Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, it organizes a portion of Orientation Week, social and educational events throughout the school year to connect off-campus students. Dons are upper-year students experienced with off-campus living, and they help you get adjusted to the University and surrounding community.
WUSA also provides representation for undergraduate students when it comes to housing in the community. Students are encouraged to reach out to their association for support.
You can discover additional support services from the Student Success Office.
Graduate students
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs works to provide housing resources to students that have received an offer of admission to the University of Waterloo. Housing options, requirements, deadlines and costs are explained in a webinar At Home at UWaterloo: Addressing your graduate housing questions. The Graduate Student Association – University of Waterloo (GSA-UW) offers regular events and activities for graduate students who live on and off-campus.
The Graduate Student Association is committed to providing ongoing housing information and improving municipal resources for incoming and continuing graduate students. The Affordable Housing Initiative website outlines the details of this research and action group.
Advocacy
The University of Waterloo is a key member of the Waterloo Town and Gown Committee, which develops and enhances relationships, communications and policies among the universities, college, students, city, police and the community. It addresses issues of common concern such as housing, the environment, health and safety, and academic outreach, among others.
WUSA and GSA also have seats on the Town and Gown Association of Ontario.
Finances
Programs are in place to help students who face economic hardships or emergencies. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, you can contact The Centre for in-person and remote options to navigate the financial supports available including the Undergraduate Student Emergency Loan or graduate student financial need funding.
Budget Calculator
Rental rates are making it harder for students to find a find a place to live that is affordable. The Undergraduate Student Budget Calculator and the Graduate Student Calculator can help you plan your expenses.
Urgent housing
Short Term Accommodation and Summer Accommodations are options for temporary places to stay while you find a stable place to live. Students who are unhoused due to housing displacement, violence, fraud or other critical circumstances should reach out to och@uwaterloo.ca for help creating a safety plan and immediate support.
Rental Fraud
The UW Special Constable Service offers considerations and recommends next actions if faced you are faced with housing fraud.
If you are concerned that a listing may be a scam, this resource has tips to help you identify if it is safe.
It can be extremely stressful to find a place to live. Campus Wellness provides mental health and well-being support to all registered UWaterloo students. Make sure your supervisor is aware of the situation to help manage the demands of your program as you deal with challenges.