Incoming residents

University of Waterloo has staggered move in days to accommodate the large number of first year students moving into residence. Renison University College’s move-in day is Sunday, September 1st for domestic students.

International student orientation begins prior to Labour Day. International students move-in day is Thursday, August 29th.

Please see the move-in day checklist for helpful reminders of items that are important to bring with you.

When should you arrive?

There are two move-in time slots on the day. The first group will move-in between 9:00am and 12:00pm and the second between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

Students moving into residence will receive more detailed information regarding their move in time via email by early August.

Early move-ins typically cannot be accommodated, however, exceptional circumstances can be taken into consideration.

Once you arrive

When you arrive at Renison, you will be greeted by our Move In Day Helpers who will direct you to the appropriate parking area. 

Once you have parked

1. Go directly to the reception area to check in. This process includes receiving your room assignment and keys; signing additional paperwork; and registering for orientation events offered by Renison.
2. Our helpers will assist in unloading your car and getting your belongings to your room.
3. You may be asked to move to another parking lot once you have unloaded your belongings from the car depending on the flow of traffic.

Once moved in

1. Once settled in, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your Don and roommate.
2. Family members will have the opportunity to attend a meeting to find out more about residence. During this time, you can go to the Student Life Centre to receive your University of Waterloo ID card (WATCard).
3. You and your family are welcome to nibble on complementary salads and sandwiches offered by Renison Food Services
4. Join us for dinner starting at 4:45 pm.
5. Get to know your floor mates at your first floor meeting starting at 8 pm.
6. Join us for orientation events throughout the week.

Schedule for the day

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Morning group moves in

11:00 am – 11:30 am: 1^st parents meeting

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Afternoon group moves in

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: 2^nd parents meeting

4:45 pm: Dinner

8:00 pm: Floor meeting and activity

• Karen Sanderson, Housing Officer, Housing and Student Life
• Jen Burton, Housing and activities specialist
• Erika Desjardins, Residence life coordinator
• Caroline Blouin, Assistant director, Housing and Student Life
• Megan Collings-Moore, Chaplain
• Reta Franci, Student services social worker
• Don's from all Renison residence floors

Orientation Week is your chance to get acquainted with uWaterloo and Renison University College. The week is full of useful information sessions with your faculty as well as many of the services on campus.  

Your orientation week activities will begin on Monday evening. Be sure to remind your parents to attend the parents meeting at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm in the Great Hall (cafeteria).

Want to learn how to get involved in your first year? You'll learn all about that too! As residents at Renison, you are also invited to attend the annual inter-college Block Party; an event exclusively for the members of the four university colleges. From bouncy castles to bonfires, you will have a great time and make some amazing memories. We can't wait for you to get here in September and become the next generation in the Renison family.

For more information visit the University of Waterloo orientation week website.

There are both residence and faculty events so you will get to meet a lot of people and set the tone for a great year.

The Residence Contract and Community Standards is an important document that all current residents agree to abide by. It outlines the terms and conditions of your contract with Renison and your rights and responsibilities as a resident.

Read the document: Residence Contract and Community Standards (PDF)

You will notice that your residence contract includes incidental fees.  These fees are in addition to your room and meal charges and include student council, and building fund. Residence and tuition fees are due August 20, and can be made payable to the University of Waterloo, online through your Quest account.

If you have questions about paying your fees, visit the student financial services website and learn more about your student account. If you have questions about OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) the student awards office can help.

Renison's caf​eteria offers 19 meal times per week:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday
• Brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday

Our meal plan permits six passes through our servery per day. 

The all-inclusive meal plan ensures that you will have plenty to eat without worrying about money or a declining card balance.

The advantage of the Renison meal plan is that you never worry about going hungry and you never have to deprive yourself because you're on a tight budget. 

The meal plan at Renison University College is included in your residence fees. 

Sample menus

Check out our sample menus and get a taste for what you can enjoy eating here at Renison!

• View the week one sample menu
• View the week two sample menu
• View the week three sample menu

Visit our full page on the meal plan.

Renison has 9 residence floors, which are either male only, female only or co-ed. If you request a single gender floor you will have that request granted.

You will find out where you are living and who you are living with when you arrive. To protect the privacy of our residents we do not share contact information to other students.

Our team has spent a great deal of time matching up roommates and selecting their floors. They do this by reviewing your eRezLife Personal information form which outlines some of your interests, program of study, sleeping habits etc. Please fill out the form as honestly and accurately as possible. This will help us match roommates that are “truly” compatible.

Wireless internet is available in all resident rooms at no charge.

Each resident has an internet (Resnet) connection in their room. There is no cost for this connection or usage fee. In order to get your computer connected to Resnet as quickly and smoothly as possible, we require that you follow a few simple steps. For further information on getting connected, please visit the Waterloo Residences page.

Bicycles

Many students bring bicycles to get around campus although most buildings are within a 10 minute walk from Renison. Students who bring bicycles have the opportunity to store them indoors in our bike shed. You will need to provide your own lock.

Bikes are not permitted in rooms or hallways. All bikes must be removed at the end of contracted period.

Parking

A limited number of parking passes are available. Students who wish to secure a parking space for the year can do so by applying at the Renison University College reception desk during orientation week. 

Short term parking is available in our parking lot. Parking is secured by a gate accepting card only. Overnight parking is available to permit holders only.

Supports available at Renison 

• Student services social worker

• One-on-one don interaction

• One-on-one chaplain support

• Social Development Studies Living-Learning Community

• Warrior Academic Leadership Community (WALC)

• Student Success Office

Other offices and services

• Food Services
• GLOW Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Finance Assistance for Students 
• Health Services 
• Housing & Residence 
• Safety Office 
• Student Awards 
• Counselling Services 
• Women's Center 

Visit our full page on supports for residents.