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

Student Events

Events

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Wellness Wednesdays with the Renison Inclusion Coordinators

Keeping well in the winter is especially important! Join Renison's Inclusion Coordinators every Wednesday for a chance to engage with different wellness exercises and information! 

What can you expect?

  • A new wellness practice or resource shared each week
  • An opportunity to drop-in and relax with your community
  • Ways to fill your wellness toolbox!

When and where?

Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, and 29

11:30am - 1:00pm

Dunker Family Lounge

Wednesday, January 8, 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

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

College Dinner

Welcome back, Reni-friends! College dinner is a tradition that Renison has held on to for years, and we cannot wait to share it with you! Residents are invited to join us for a special dinner created by Renison Food Services to celebrate the start of the term!

What can you expect?

  • A special dinner with all of Renison's residents and Student Experience and Housing Team!
  • Make new friends, or connect with your floor!
  • Enjoy short speeches and fun activities hosted by your dons!

When and where?

Wednesday, January 8

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Renison Cafeteria