COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Residence
As of May 1, the University of Waterloo and Renison University College will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations to live in residence. This procedure follows the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Government of Ontario.
Move-in Day
Renison University College will invite students to move-in the weekend prior to the beginning of classes.
It is possible to move in earlier; however, residents will be responsible for additional food costs ($20 per day).
Please see the move-in day checklist for helpful reminders of items that are important to bring with you.
When should you arrive?
Residents will receive specific dates and times for their move via email.
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
- 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.
- Our helpers will assist in unloading your car and getting your belongings to your room.
- 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
- Once settled in, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your Don and explore Renison and the University of Waterloo.
- If you didn’t preorder your WatCard, go to The Centre on the main floor of Needles Hall with a valid I.D. to get your picture taken and card printed.
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Join us for an outdoor BBQ (or indoor themed dinner in case of rain)!
- Get to know your floor mates at your first floor meeting at a time stated by your Don.
- Kick start your social life by joining us for orientation events throughout the week.
Who am I going to meet?
We are excited for you to meet our Housing and Student Life team!
- Jen Burton, Interim Manager, Housing
- Cassidy Wagler, Residence Experience Coordinator
- Ryan Connell, Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Student Life
- Dons from all Renison residence floors
Orientation week
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. You can also participate in fun events to get to know your peers and build a social network. More details on the events are to come!
Residence contract and community standards
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)
Fees
Consult the University of Waterloo’s Important Dates Calendar to verify when your tuition and residence fees are due. All fees can be made payable to the University of Waterloo, online through your Quest account.
Questions about paying your fees? Visit the student financial services website and learn more about your student account, OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program), and tthe Student Awards and Financial Aid Office.
Meal plan
Renison's cafeteria offers 19 meal times per week:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday
- Brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday
Meal hours are from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm with limited interruption of service.
The extensive meal plan includes:
- Two main entrees plus vegetarian and pasta options
- Daily features on the grill and salad bar
- Soup, dessert, and beverage stations
- Pizza oven
- Takeaway lunches and late dinners (available upon request)
- Interactive and hands on cooking classes with our head chef and your peers
- Themed meal nights such as a Hawaiian luau
- Late night snacks during exam weeks
- Food services are provided in-house by Renison staff
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.
We welcome you to learn more on our Meal Plan webpage.
Your room
Renison has 10 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 when you arrive. To protect the your privacy and the privacy of other residents we do not share residents’ contact information.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in all resident rooms at no charge.
Follow the instructions on the Internet and Technology website to connect.
Bikes and parking
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 contacting renison.parking@uwaterloo.ca.
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.
