Renison Residence Frequently Asked Questions | Renison Student Experience and Housing

Do you have questions about Renison residence? You are not the only one! Selecting the right residence can be stressful, and tricky! Together, the Renison Student Experience and Housing team has compiled some of our most frequently asked questions to help you find answers faster.

If you still cannot find the answer to your question, you can contact a member of our Student Experience and Housing team by emailing ren-res@uwaterloo.ca or visit us in person by booking a residence tour.

Renison Residence

Are your questions focused around living in Renison? This might include questions regarding roommates, room types, residence dons and support, what you need to pack, or anything in-between!

If you still have questions, feel free to contact ren-res@uwaterloo.ca, view the Renison Residence website, or book a residence tour to learn more!

Do I have to be registered through Renison to live in residence at Renison?

Renison is the home to students from all Waterloo programs. It's a fantastic blend of all kinds of students, just not those registered at Renison. We do give preference for space to those students who are registered with us, but all are welcome.

I am an upper-year student. Can I still live at Renison?

Yes, you can! We have limited space for upper-years but we do love having senior students a part of our community. You do not have to have lived with us before to be eligible.

Submit an online application form if you are an upper-year student and want to live at Renison.

Do I need to belong to a specific religion to live at Renison?

Definitely not! Renison is a welcoming community for students of all religions and faiths, as well as students of no faith. We have the benefit of having a Chaplain at Renison to support students with their spiritual questions, but one of the best parts of Renison is its inclusive space for all students.

Renison does offer a multi-faith prayer space as well as our St. Bede's Chapel for students who wish to practice their faith.

I am an English Language Institute student. Do you have housing available to me?

Yes! Renison Residence is here to help all English Language Institute students secure housing and accomodation during their English program. For further information, visit the English Language Institute's accommodation page.

Okay, so how is Renison different from the other residences on campus?

Each college has a unique residence system and atmosphere. There are differences in room setup, student life activities, and even meal plans. Renison offers a small, intimate and diverse community. Students living at Renison are studying in programs from all across campus and since we have upper year residents they can be in any term of study.

I really want a single room. Does Renison have single rooms?

Renison has a limited number of single rooms. They are generally available to upper year students, but are assigned by lottery so first-year students may be assigned to a single room.

Can I pick my roommate at Renison?

We will gladly match you up with a specific roommate of your choice. On your eRezLife Profile, you will be able to identify a roommate preference. If your friend does the same, the match will happen.

Tip:

Consider having the College select a roommate for you. You may find a more compatible person to spend time with and still have your friend in the College. You would benefit by expanding your social network right away. In essence you could double your friend base on Move In Day!

I want to live in a fun residence. What is there to do at Renison?

There is always something going on at Renison! Each floor has a Don, an upper year resident in charge of the safety and well being of the floor. This includes running lots of fun activities to make sure that you get the most out of your experience. Residents also have Renisix, the residence student council. There are over a dozen positions on the council including a representative from each floor. We encourage you to check out our Events and Workshops page to get an idea of all the great things happening each month in Residence.

If residence at Renison is full, are there other on campus accommodations?

On campus accommodations can be found with our partners at Campus Housing, St. Jerome’s University, United College, and Conrad Grebel University College.

Do I need to bring any furniture for my dorm room?

Each residence room is equipped with a twin-sized* bed, wardrobe, dresser, mirror, desk, and chair. Most rooms also have shelving units on the walls for additional storage, and drawers under the beds. You are not required to bring any of your own furniture, but some students to choose to bring their own mini-fridge to store snacks and drinks!

To get a better idea of Renison residence furniture and room layouts, check out Our Residence Rooms.

*Down Under is the only floor in Renison that has double beds. There are only nine rooms on this floor.

Can my family and friends visit me at residence?

Of course! Family and friends are always welcome at Renison. As a courtesy to your roommate, we do recommend letting them know in advance if your family or friends will be entering your room.

Living and Learning at Renison

One of the most unique things about Renison is the opportunity for students to take academic classes right inside their residence. Renison is home to three Living-Learning Communities, Culture and Language Studies, Social Development Studies, the English Language Institute, and the School of Social Work.

While many students who live in Renison take classes here, most residents enjoy the convenience of living just steps away from the main University of Waterloo buildings, like the Student Life Centre!

Renison University College? What exactly is a university college?

Good question! University of Waterloo has four university colleges that are affiliated with it, including Renison. The colleges are separate institutions that have an agreement to work alongside the university. If you are enrolled in a university college, you will still be earning a degree at the University of Waterloo, but will take courses at both the university college and Waterloo!

What programs can I be registered for at Renison?

Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business, Social Development Studies (SDS), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Masters of Social Work (MSW), English Language Institute (ELI). Just remember you do NOT have to be in one of these programs to live in Residence. All University of Waterloo students are welcome!

What does upper year student mean?

The term upper year refers to anyone who has already done at least one year of schooling at Waterloo or another post secondary institution. If you already have university courses under your belt, then you are an “upper year” student.

I'm not a Renison registered student, can I still take Renison classes?

Definitely! All students are able to register for classes at Renison. We recommend checking with your academic advisor to see if any Renison electives work for your academic plans!

Living in a school sounds a bit strange. Does it really feel as weird as I think it would?

Not at all! It can take some getting used to, but a lot of students really enjoy being near their instructors, advisors, and student support staff. You have the unique experience of being able to have lunch with professors or conveniently pop into an office to ask quick questions! All of the staff and faculty at Renison are used to working in a residence and always grant space and privacy to the students living in the space. Renison is your home first, and an institution second!

Renison Food Services

Everyone is always curious about what they can eat in residence. Lucky for Renison, we have Chef Tim and his team at Renison Food Services! Each day, residents and students have access to fresh, healthy meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With an all-inclusive meal plan, residents are able to enjoy the delicious Renison food up to 6 times during cafeteria hours with a swipe of their WatCard!

I like to eat a lot. What is the largest meal plan I can get?

Along with the other University Colleges, Renison's meal plan is the largest meal plan in residence at Waterloo. When you live at Renison your meal plan is included with your room. You are permitted six passes through the cafeteria each day. There is plenty to eat with many healthy options.

Our kitchen staff can accommodate many dietary restrictions.

I have food allergies/restrictions. Is Renison able to accommodate my needs?

Renison Food Services is always happy to make sure that there are options for all students to enjoy. When you arrive, you can set-up a meeting with Chef Tim Farley to talk about your restrictions and find the best ways that the team can support you. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Residence Meal Plan page or view This Week’s Menu to see what we have to offer.

I like to cook my own food. Can I do that at Renison?

In the Renison cafeteria, students have access to an area called My Pantry. My Pantry is a fully stocked student cooking area that enables residents to refine their cooking skills. In the area, you’ll find ingredients and equipment to make your own food. The space is open until 11:00pm each day!

Is there anywhere close to Renison where I can buy my own snacks?

In Renison, you can conveniently pick up snacks and more at the Moose Tracks Connection Desk! Renison is also in close proximity to the T&T Supermarket, and a short bus ride from Walmart, Sobey’s, Costco, and other grocery stores. Students can even pick-up snacks from the Flock Stop convenience store located just a 5-minute walk away in the Student Life Centre.

I have class during mealtimes some days. Does that mean I can't eat on those days?

Renison residents can easily request a bagged lunch or late dinner using the Renison Food Services Jira request form. You can pick-up your bagged lunch or late dinner from the communal fridge in the cafeteria

Renison residents also receive $100 flex dollars on their WatCards! If you don’t want a bagged lunch, or you plan to be on-campus for later, you can use your flex dollars to pick-up a meal on-campus or at a participating restaurant in Waterloo!

Getting Involved at Renison

Finding ways to get involved in a new environment can feel daunting, but we can assure you that Renison is a friendly and welcoming community! Whether you were Student Council President in high school, or you have never joined a club in your life, Renison has many opportunities for everyone to get involved.

You can learn even more about opportunities to get involved on Renison's Student Leadership Opportunities website.

I love to get involved and be a leader. Can I do that at Renison?

There are lots of ways to get involved with student life at Renison – whether it’s becoming a member of one of our student councils or giving tours as a Renison Ambassador, you can definitely find something that suits you. Check out our Leadership Opportunities page for more details.

I want to help host events in residence. How can I do that?

Amazing! We love to have active student leaders in Renison! One way to get involved is through the Renisix Student Committee which is a group of students who live in Renison and plan regular events for students, including the annual Wind-Out party! You can check out the Student Leadership Opportunities page to see a full list of paid and volunteer positions at Renison.

Is there a way that all residence students can stay connected?

When you register for Renison Residence, you will be invited to a WhatsApp group chat where we share residence-wide updates, details about events, and you have space to connect with other Renison students!

Are there any big events that I should know about before coming to Renison?

Renison loves traditions and we have some that have been on-going for years! The most popular event is our annual Wind-Out Dinner and Dance Party! We rent out a hall and encourage everyone to dress-up and enjoy a night of fancy eating and dancing to celebrate the end of the year! Other events are our monthly College Dinners where the whole eats together, enjoying a special meal with a fun theme, residence-wide games like GOTCHA, and the on-going Floor Cooking Challenge!