Sign up for a One-on-one Meet-up

Psychology, Science

Auz (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Waterloo. Auz was born in Houston, Texas, but now considers Barrie, Ontario to be his hometown. Auz's first-year tip is to take time to take care of yourself, as university life can feel like a lot of "go go go!".

Meet with Auz about:

• Tips for exploring Waterloo and Ontario
• Overcoming homesickness and culture shock
• Volunteering and getting involved on campus

Social Development Studies, Arts

Milo (they/them) is a fourth-year SDS student who enjoys connecting with others one on one! As an introvert, Milo still enjoys going to events to make new friends and recommends it as an important way to feel more comfortable with your study life at Waterloo. When Milo isn't found in the Link Inclusion Lounge watching movies, they are enjoy going thrifting and collecting trinkets. 

Meet with Milo about:

• Navigating study life as an SDS student and thriving in your courses 
• 2SLGBTQIA+ support, especially for queer and trans students who may wish to connect about transition and queer experience help and resources
• Building effective time management and study skills 
• Enhancing your communication and leadership skills - even when you're an introvert!

Global Business & Digital Arts, Arts

Caelyn (she/her) is a second-year Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) student. Caelyn is from Roselle Park, New Jersey, and a fun fact about her is that she started to learn different languages because she says she was slow at reading subtitles! Caelyn's first-year tip is that while it's normal to struggle in first-year, the important thing is to reach out and talk to someone when you need help. Her favourite Renison memory was a bonfire party during the Fall term, as everyone was able to watch movies, eat s'mores, and get to know each other.

Meet with Caelyn about:

• Strengthening your communication skills
• Developing time management strategies
• Practising English conversation

Civil Engineering, Engineering

Helen (she/her) is a second year Civil Engineering student. Helen loves meeting new people, making friends, and learning about different cultures. Her tip for first-year students is to not be shy to ask questions, as it helps you learn things faster and makes things less stressful. One of her favourite Renison memories was visiting a local pumpkin patch in the autumn, as it was fun way to hang out, meet new people, and just "enjoy the vibe together".

Met with Helen

• Practising your communication skills
• Building your time management skills
• Finding resources and services on campus

Learning Skills Advisor

Office: Lusi Wong Library

Andrew completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria with bachelor's degrees in Education and Arts. As a Learning Skills Advisor, Andrew is here to support all students during their academic journey. Andrew can help you with:

• Building effective learning strategies and study habits 
• Time management strategies so you can keep track of tests, assignments, and appointments
• Effective note-taking skills and getting the most out of your courses
• Preparing for tests and quizzes and reducing test anxiety
• Navigating the University of Waterloo campus services, including tutoring and learning support resources

Assistant Director, Student Experience & Housing

Office: REN 1108 (Renison Ministry Centre)

Ryan is a proud graduate from the Social Development Studies program at the University of Waterloo. As your Assistant Director, Student Experience & Housing, Ryan is very knowledgeable about all of the campus services and resources available to University of Waterloo students. Ryan grew up in a small town called Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario, and he is addicted to iced cappuccinos from Tim Horton's. Some of Ryan's most popular things to talk about include:

• All of the campus services available to you as a Waterloo student and what you are able to access to support your academic and personal success
• Mental health wellness and strategies to improve your well-being as a university student 
• Advice for studying in an online environment. Fun fact: Ryan completed his UWaterloo degree, two college certificates, and a Masters degree completely online
• Tips for adjusting to Canadian culture and building your language skills outside of the classroom

Administrative Assistant

Office: REN 0208 (Student Experience & Housing Hallway)

Laura is a graduate of the Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies program at the University of Waterloo and St. Jerome’s University. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Laura completed her Master of Education in Social Justice Education at OISE at the University of Toronto. Laura can assist you with questions related to Renison residence, as well as Student Experience events and activities. Some things you can discuss with Laura include:

• Questions related to living in Renison Residence, as well as off-campus in our local community, including Homestay
• Support with living on your own for your first time and how to navigate the transition
• Suggestions for effectively living with a roommate and having a fun experience in Residence 
• How to get involved in your Renison community

Student Experience Coordinator

Office: REN 1930 (International Programs Office)

Thalia Criollo Guerrero (she/her) is a proud graduate of the Honours Music program at UWaterloo with a minor in Digital Communication. Thalia began her journey at Waterloo by studying in Renison’s Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. During her undergraduate degree, Thalia worked as an active member in the Renison community through the International Programs Student Leadership Team, working as an ELI Peer Leader, and as a Renison Residence don! Thalia’s role at Renison is to support all students, with a special focus on students studying in our Renison International Programs and overseeing Renison’s Conversation Partner Program.

Popular things to meet with Thalia about are:

• Navigating culture shock and adjusting to new environments, including homesickness.
• How to thrive as a university student by learning about the student services and resources available to you.
• Getting involved as a student leader and making the most of your student experience at Renison.
• Conversation practice in both English and Spanish!

Hometown: Toronto

Program: Environmental Sciences, Water Science Specialization; Fine Arts Minor

Fun fact: I like doing all types of arts and crafts. Fun fact: I do jewellery-making as one of my hobbies. If anyone needs something fixed, let me know and I'll see what I can do. ;)

First-year tip: Go to events! It's great to work hard and focus on your education since we are students and we want to do well academically. But university is so much more than that! You're here to grow as a person, have a great time with the amazing people you will meet, and make lifelong memories too.

Favourite memory: At the moment, I would say it's Wind-Out 2026. I had so much fun working with Renisix to set up, make decorations, and help bring the vision we had to life. But it was also super fun dressing up, getting to hang out with my friends, taking photos at the photobooth station, and also dancing with my favourite people.

Hometown: Afghanistan

Program: Arts and Business

Fun fact: I am the first girl from my family who went abroad to study and bring change to my life. I also cook Afghan dishes and once taught my Canadian friends how to eat with their hands, which is cultural exchange at its finest! 

First-year tip: Try to manage your time and start doing your assignments early, even if it's just reading the instructions. It saves you so much stress later.

Favourite memory: My favourite Renison memory was being part of the International Culture Day event while I was in the EFAS program, wearing my traditional dress and chatting with friends from all over the world. We had fun, and I really enjoyed especially when I saw my country's flag.

Hometown: Toronto

Program: Honours Arts, Psychology Major (Research Intensive Specialization), Social Development Studies Minor

Fun fact: I am left-handed and have perfect pitch (which means that if you sing/play any note, I can tell you which note it is!). I also LOVE Garfield, Minecraft, and geese!!

First-year tip: Stay organized! The amount of freedom you get with your schedule is vastly different from high school. I would definitely recommend using an Agenda/Planner/Google Calendar to organize upcoming deadlines!

Favourite memory: Playing Gotcha! and also witnessing everyone in Renison holding a random object for a few weeks was always a highlight! The different objects that people had to hold (that I remember) included an Easter basket, a huge candy cane, and most recently a plunger.