Renison University College

Come experience the University of Waterloo with Renison University College in a supportive academic community where everyone can follow their passion. You will also have the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of each individual that walks through our halls as being part of a close-knit residence community consisting of 207 people.

Discover why studying at Renison is such a rewarding experience. You can check out the credit programs on offer for undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate programs. You can also look into our Community and Professional Education programming.

This site contains information on course prerequisites, residence, and a variety of supports Renison offers to students such as course selection and accommodation. We aim to make studying at Renison a great learning experience as well as one in which you’ll make new friends and enjoy a great lifestyle in a great city, Waterloo.

If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Renison University College acknowledges that our work is on the traditional territory of ‎ the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our institution is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, community building and outreach, and is centralized within the work of our Truth and Reconciliation Working Group and the University of Waterloo’s Indigenous Initiatives Office.

What is a University College?

The University Colleges are located on Waterloo's main campus and offer courses as well as residences. All 4 are much smaller than Waterloo Residences, which means you'll get to know almost everyone!

You'll study or live in a smaller community, have access to all services and facilities on the main campus, and earn a valuable University of Waterloo degree.

What makes Renison unique?

If you're looking for a smaller, close-knit residence or academic home base that is a five-minute walk to most buildings at Waterloo, then Renison University College (Renison) may be for you!

Renison is a smaller community with its own character and distinctive programs where you can get involved and contribute.

Students in any program can take classes or live at a University College – or both!
Smaller community with residence rooms for 220 students with the lowest Don to student ratio on campus (1:20).
Most spaces for first-year students are in traditional-style rooms.
A five swipe per day meal plan (largest meal plan at Waterloo) rather than the declining-debit WatCard dollars used by Waterloo Residences.

News

Oct. 8, 2020COVID-19 information - updated Thursday, October 8 at 3:00 pm
In observance of public health recommendations and in keeping with announcements from the University of Waterloo, the following initiatives are now in place at Renison University College:
Oct. 2, 2020A Note of Care and Support
Dear Renison Campus Community,

We know that 2020 has been a challenging year for many reasons. We want to acknowledge and call attention to the fact that so many of these challenges have disproportionately impacted our BIPOC community. We are reaching out today with a virtual note of care and support to our community, along with a reminder to you of resources and supports that are available.
Sep. 10, 2020New Hub at Renison University College focuses on the mental health of children and youth in Canada
WATERLOO, Ont. (THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020) – Today, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, announced the Government of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (the MHP-IF), currently funded at $6.6 million over 2 years. Through the MHP-IF, a new Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub (KDE Hub) will support and amplify the work of 20 diverse projects focused on optimizing mental health and its promotion among young Canadians.