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

Help us make Renison an even better place to learn and grow! Renison wants to know what learning skills support services (think tutoring, writing support, note-taking assistance, and time management help) you currently use, and what services you would like to see Renison provide to help you succeed academically. Our in-person consultation sessions are your chance to shape our community and set you and future students up for success.

Student Events

Events

Friday, January 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Mid-Day Prayer with Chaplain Scott

Join our Chaplain, Rev. Scott McLeod, for a midday prayer in the Anglican Tradition. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and contemplate, where all are welcome to participate.

What can you expect?

  • A short prayer led by Scott
  • A chance to step back from the day and reflect

When and where?

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Monday, January 6, 13, 20, 27

Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29

Friday, January 10, 17, 24, 31

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Chapel of St. Bede

Friday, January 24, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Board Games Night

Show off your competitive side and play some fun board games with peer leaders!

What can you expect?

  • Try new board games
  • Make new friends
  • Enjoy some snacks!

When and where?

Friday, January 24

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Dunker Family Lounge

Monday, January 27, 2025 - Friday, January 31, 2025 (all day)

Mandatory Residence Check-in Meetings

Mandatory Check-in Meetings will be held for Renison residents all week! Attend your meeting and share your experiences with your don or peer leader!

What can you expect?

  • A 15-minute one-on-one meeting with your residence don or peer leader
  • Share your experiences, ask for help, or just chat about the term!
  • A great chance to share feedback, find helpful resources, and feel connected.

When and where?

January 27 - 31

9:30pm - 10:30pm

Various Locations

Check your UWaterloo email for your Check-in Meeting time. If you have any questions, ask your don or speak to a member of the Student Experience and Housing Team