If you're looking for a small, close-knit residence or academic home base that is a five-minute walk to most buildings at the University of Waterloo, then Renison may be for you!
Renison is a smaller community with its own character and distinctive programs where you can get involved. For students pursuing a University of Waterloo degree, you can live and study at Renison while having access to all of the services and facilities on the main Waterloo campus. Think of it like a small, friendly neighbourhood, within a larger city - it's the best of both worlds!
Territorial Acknowledgement
With gratitude, we acknowledge that Renison University College is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Hodinohsyó:ni, and Attawandaran (Neutral) Peoples, which is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on each side of the Grand River from mouth to source. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of our campus through research, learning, teaching, community building and outreach. We are guided by the work of our Reconciliation and Re-storying Steering Committee and Anti-Racism and Decolonization Spokescouncil, as well as the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations.
Questions?
Contact us: renison@uwaterloo.ca
News
Renison recognized for innovation excellence in student affairs
Students know that Renison University College is a great place to belong, but now, this sentiment is being recognized across the country.
What does hope look like at Renison?
Renison's All-College event on April 8, 2026, led by Dr. Jessica Riddell, was a day of reflection, connection and shared purpose that reflects a renewed direction for the College.
President Marc Jerry part of panel discussion around Academic Leadership in a Crisis
This week, Renison President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Marc Jerry had the opportunity to speak to the University of Waterloo’s Academic Leadership Program for Chairs and Associate Deans.
The theme was “Academic Leadership in Crisis” and the session was facilitated by Dr. Marty Cooke, Assistant Vice-President, Academic – Leadership and Strategic Initiatives at Waterloo. On the panel, along with Dr. Jerry, was Dalhousie University President Emeritus Dr. Richard Florizone and Waterloo Dean of Health Dr. Lili Liu.
Events
Founders' Day 2026
For over 60 years, with each Founders’ Day celebration, Renison staff, faculty, students, alumni, donors and other community members come together to honour our core values and the work that we do to promote them. We invite you to celebrate Founders’ Day with us. All honorees are invited to wear their medals/honours to the event.
When: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7:00pm
Where: The Atrium, Renison University College, 240 Westmount Rd. N., Waterloo
Note: This is a hybrid event; the formal program will be streamed over Zoom for those attending remotely.
We hope you’ll be able to join us to celebrate and connect!
Refreshments and parking will be provided.
Bevs and Bites Alumni Evening
Fourth year running!
Join other Renison alumni for our annual Alumni Bevs & Bites event (formerly Beer & Bites), hosted by the four University Colleges across the creek. We will meet at Renison and start a walking tour to each of the University Colleges, sipping and eating our way through the evening, ending with our last stop at Renison.
As our past participants have learned, you won't need dinner ahead of time. Your $30.00 ticket (incl. tax) includes eight craft beer/drink and food selections (two samples at each college) and an alumni gift bag.