What you told us: Your feedback is shaping the Renison residence experience | Renison Student Experience and Housing

A big thank-you to the 106 residents who shared their feedback in our Fall 2026 Start-of-Term Residence Survey! From moving in and meeting new friends to meals and everyday residence life, your responses help us understand what matters to you.

There is plenty to celebrate! Here are some of the highlights you shared:

90 %

of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their move-in experience.

You highlighted friendly volunteers, helpful staff and Dons, and clear guidance to your rooms. We’re glad your time at Renison got off to a welcoming start!

86 %

of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with our social spaces, including the lounges and cafeteria.

It’s great to hear that you appreciate having places nearby to relax, study and spend time together.

84 %

of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall residence experience.

Your comments celebrated friendships, approachable staff, and the feeling of being part of a close community.

Other encouraging findings included:

🫎 98% knew the name of at least one Residence Don.
🤝 90% knew whom to approach for help with a residence problem.
💚 85% felt they belonged at Renison.

Positive changes you’re noticing

We’re especially pleased to see higher satisfaction in two areas residents have highlighted in their feedback: cafeteria food and Wi-Fi connectivity.

🍽️ More variety in the cafeteria

Food satisfaction increased from 53% in Fall 2025 to approximately 68% this fall!

Our Food Services team has introduced new dishes and brought back familiar favourites, including:

New international options: a Korean rice cake station, bibimbap, fresh rolls, Japanese curry and pepper beef stir-fry.
Shawarma choices: returning chicken shawarma alongside a new vegetarian shawarma option.
Interactive favourites: the return of the make-your-own pizza station and poutine bar offered as a buffet item.

You also shared ideas about breakfast variety, vegetable choices and vegetarian meals. We appreciate hearing which dishes you enjoy and what you would like to see on the menu! 🍕😋

📶 Staying connected

Wi-Fi satisfaction increased from approximately 52% last fall to 66% this fall!

The Renison Information Systems and Technology (IST) Team have prioritized getting offline access points repaired to help improve connectivity in residence. Your feedback also identified continuing challenges with speed and intermittent connections. Just this week, Renison IST worked with the University of Waterloo IST department to drastically improve speed and connectivity especially on our Down Under and Treetop residence floors!

Your Student Experience and Housing (SEAH) team will continue to listen to your feedback and work with campus partners to build on what’s working well and improve your residence experience.

Thanks for being part of the community!

Approximately 91% of respondents surveyed had attended at least one Renison event this term! Movie nights, bonfires, crafts, cooking challenges and sports were among the favourites you mentioned.

We appreciate the time you took to share your experiences, suggestions and concerns. Your feedback helps your Student Experience and Housing team understand how we can continue supporting the community you call home.

And congratulations to our winner...

An incentive to complete the survey was a draw for $100 WatCard FlexDollars. Congratulations to this year's prize winner... *drumroll* 🥁... Julio D! Congratulations, Julio!