Welcome to Renison Student Experience and Housing

Get involved in our vibrant student community!

At Renison University College, we strive to have a dynamic student experience where everyone belongs. 

Our Renison community includes degree students studying in our Social Development Studies program, School of Social Work, Culture and Language Studies courses, as well as our credit-free courses and English Language Institute. We are also proud to have our own Renison Residence, which is centrally located on the University of Waterloo campus and is home each term to more than  residents from all six of Waterloo's faculties.

Renison's residence has become known for its small, intimate, and family-like community of residents making it an ideal place for incoming students adjusting to university life. Come and be a part of the family!

Joining our close-knit community means benefiting from outstanding opportunities for learning and scholarship through an interactive and inclusive environment. Students in residence live in truly a multicultural environment, where they will develop awareness, knowledge and skills for a globalized world. 

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Students celebrating in the Great Hall

What does Renison Student Experience & Housing do?

Renison's Student Experience and Housing helps our students in many ways! 

Access Support

Being part of a smaller community within a larger community is an awesome thing about being at Renison. One-on-one meet-ups and connecting with our team is one example! Your Renison student leaders are here to support you, too.

Get involved

With our events and workshops, student volunteer opportunities, student leadership committee opportunities, there's so many ways to be part of our community!

Feel at home

If you lived at Renison, you would be home by now. Our Renison Residence is home to 214 students at any given time, with wrap-around support to help you adjust to your new surroundings.

Belong with us

Our Link Inclusion Lounge offers meaningful ways for students from equity-deserving communities to come together and access support.

Build experience

Whether you're a Peer Leader, Residence Don, Connection Desk Assistant, or a Programs Assistant, there are many paid leadership opportunities at Renison to help you build your skills. 

Find your way

The University of Waterloo can feel like a city within itself! Our Moose Tracks Connection Desk is here to help you with any questions you have about life at Renison and Waterloo -- as well as a place to find a tasty snack.

Student Experience & Housing News

News

Student Events

Events

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Drop-in Meditation with Chaplain Scott

Take some time to relax and re-center with a guided meditation by Chaplain Rev. Scott McLeod.

What can you expect?

  • A simple breathing meditation (non-religious).
  • A practice and tool to help calm the mind, sharpen focus, de-stress, and relax.
  • An opportunity to learn and practice pausing and centering yourself when you need to.

When and where?

Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21, & 28 in the Chapel of St Bede

Thursday, January 9, 16, 23, & 30 in the Multi-Faith Prayer Space

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

ELI Student Leadership Team Meeting

Want to gain some Canadian volunteer experience to enhance your resume? Join the ELI Student Leadership Team and work with your classmates to plan and facilitate a fun event for the Renison community!

What can you expect?

  • Attend regular meetings throughout the Winter term
  • Learn about different leadership skills each week, like teamwork and communication!
  • Host an event 100% planned and created by the students, for the students!

When and where?

Tuesday, January 21 & 28

4:00pm - 5:00pm

REN 2118

New to the team? Register in advance on the ELI Student Leadership Team Website!

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Silent Reading Club

Do you love reading but can never find the time? We have the solution for you! Bring a book and get ready to get comfy in the Link Inclusion Lounge while you and a group of friends take a break to read!

What can you expect?

  • Independent reading with other book lovers
  • Warm beverages and light snacks to enjoy while you read
  • A chance to talk about your book (and all books) with other participants!

When and where?

Tuesday, January 7 and 21

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Link Inclusion Lounge