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.

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

The University of Waterloo is celebrating Consent Week this week from September 16 to 20 and we are delighted to announce Renison’s involvement with the Moose Hide Campaign!

Student Events

Events

Monday, October 14, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Anglican Chapel Service

Join our Chaplain, Rev. Scott McLeod, for a worship service in the Anglican Tradition. Everyone is welcome!

What can you expect?

  • Participate in the Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper or Communion.
  • A full Anglican service and a chance to develop a sense of community.

When and where?

Monday, October 7, 14, 21, & 29

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Chapel of St Bede

Monday, October 14, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Thanksgiving Dinner

Staying at Renison for Thanksgiving? Don’t eat dinner alone! All residence students staying at Renison are invited to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner and enjoy the holiday together!

What can you expect?

  • Join your don, peer leaders, and friends for a lovely dinner together
  • Dress up if you like to, and enjoy some Thanksgiving staples, including pumpkin pie!

When and where?

Monday, October 14

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Renison Cafeteria

Thursday, October 17, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Learn to Chill: Student Mindfulness Group

University can be stressful, and it can be easy to lose sight of your goals or forget to find time for relaxation and self-care. Join Peer Leader Rubee and Chaplain Scott for an interactive workshop series to help you feel grounded each week. With a focus on gratitude, you will complete a series of workshops that introduce mindfulness practices and techniques.

October workshops include:

  • Writing gratitude notes
  • Giving and receiving words of affirmation
  • EFT Tapping Therapy
  • Mindful Painting

What can you expect?

  • Mini-lecture on each week's mindfulness practice content
  • Interactive activities that allow you to practice gratitude and mindfulness in a comfortable and guided space
  • A sense of community and gratitude at the end of each session

When and where?

Thursday, October 3, 10, 24, & 31

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Link Inclusion Lounge

A special bonus workshop will be held over Reading Week on Thursday, October 17.

Do you have questions about this workshop series? Email Rev. Scott McLeod at scott.mcleod@uwaterloo.ca for more information.