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.

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

Aug. 14, 2018Renison mourns the passing of its last living Founder
It is with sadness, but with profound gratitude, that Renison University College relays the news that our last living founder, The Venerable Harvey Southcott, passed away on August 6, 2018 at the age of 93.
Aug. 23, 2018Annual Life Safety Systems Testing
Inspection and testing of the facility life-safety systems is required annually. Our service provider, Tyco/Simplex-Grinnell, is on-site Thursday August 23^rd – Tuesday August 28^th, along with numerous contractors.

The inspection will involve ringing the fire bells, which is scheduled for this Monday, August 27. This involves short, intermittent ringing throughout the day. Evacuation is not required unless directed by Facilities staff in person.
June 22, 2018Message from Chair of Renison's Board of Governors
Renison's Board of Governors thanks President Wendy Fletcher for accomplishments of first term; hopeful President will accept second term