Renison University College

Watch video on YouTube

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

Feb. 11, 2020Coronavirus - updated February 11
Public Health have issued new guidance that we have reflected on the website – namely that if you have been in Hubei province you need to contact Public Health and isolate. New arrivals from China also need to monitor for symptoms.

There have been a number of students contacting Waterloo who feel ostracised, or who are experiencing racism. At Renison and Waterloo, we value each other as individuals. We all belong here. Fostering our spirit of genuine care and concern is so important at a time when many people are feeling scared or nervous about the coronavirus outbreak. We must show empathy and concern for people in our community who are directly affected by the virus and work together to stand against racism of any kind.
Feb. 20, 2020SDS faculty member Kelly Laurila uses song and drumming to support Wet’suwet’en
Last week, a busy hallway in Renison was filled with the sound of song and drumming in support of the Wet’suwet’en people, who are currently protesting the building of a pipeline through their traditional territory in British Columbia.
Jan. 31, 2020Renison Alumni invite adults and kids alike to Play-a-Latte, a playground-breaking café combo

Read all news

Events

Feb. 27, 2020Yoga in the Dunker family lounge, Thursdays at 7 pm

Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. The postures, breathing exercises, and meditation make you healthier in body, mind and spirit.

Join your peers for a night of free yoga every Thursday at 7 pm in the Dunker Family Lounge (REN 1303). No registration is required. Please bring your own yoga mat and drop in to join.
Mar. 5, 2020Yoga in the Dunker family lounge, Thursdays at 7 pm

Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. The postures, breathing exercises, and meditation make you healthier in body, mind and spirit.

Join your peers for a night of free yoga every Thursday at 7 pm in the Dunker Family Lounge (REN 1303). No registration is required. Please bring your own yoga mat and drop in to join.
Mar. 10, 2020Why for-profit water bottling is a problem and what we can do about it
Lecture 3 of the Renison lecture series at the Waterloo Public Library (WPL)

Robert Case, speaker

Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Waterloo Public Library, main branch

To register, visit the WPL Event Registration webpage. Registration will open on March 3.

All upcoming events