Renison University College

Renison University College front entrance

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 220 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.

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.

Territorial acknowledgement

Renison University College acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of ‎the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometers on each side of the Grand River.

News

Oct. 16, 2017Invisible disabilities week speaker (and alumnus) interviewed on CBC radio
Rick Green will be joining us at Renison University College (Renison) tomorrow October 17, to talk to us about his experience of getting a degree with ADHD. Green was diagnosed years after graduation but has insightful information and advice to share with everyone.
Oct. 16, 2017A message to our friends and colleagues from Mexico
In the wake of two powerful and devastating earthquakes in Mexico over the past two weeks, the entire community of Renison University College extends its sincere condolences to all those affected.
Sep. 14, 2017New 300 level Korean language classes offered by East Asian Studies

Korean Language and Culture Studies is pleased to announce two new advanced Korean language courses.

Read all news

Events

Oct. 19, 2017Policing Black Lives - Book Launch
Join us at Renison for the launch of the new book, Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present.

Taking place in Renison's atrium, a panel discussion, focused on subject matter related to the book, will include the author, Robyn Maynard, as well as representatives of the Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre.

Refreshments will be provided.
Oct. 25, 2017Renison's Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Board of Governors of Renison University College invites you to attend the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Renison.

The theme of this meeting is "Honouring the past: moving into the future."
Oct. 26, 2017Night at the Museum

Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867

Join us for this free event as we discover and discuss what it has meant to be a woman in Canada throughout its 150 year history.

This national, travelling exhibit explores how women have transformed Canadian politics, work, and everyday life.