The St. Jerome’s residence experience is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to gather and develop community together. We truly believe that the best kind of community is one that provides opportunities to creatively interact with the world around you, with the full support of the people around you. Our residence community provides you with the opportunities to live out the values of St. Jerome’s, and immerses you in a deep sense of belonging, lets you explore different perspectives, and is a space to continue your learning beyond the classroom.
Involvement Opportunities
As a member of the St. Jerome’s community, you will have opportunities to get involved in any of the following groups or activities – plus much more! At the start of each term, students are asked to complete the Residence Involvement Survey when it is emailed out. The results of this survey will provide the Residence and Community Life Team with the info to help get students connected starting day one.
Campus Ministry
Support the brainstorming and planning of campus ministry events and activities.
PRISM
Become a PRISM volunteer and help facilitate and attend campus events that focus on advocating and supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Residence Community Dinner Planning Team
Work with a small team to brainstorm community dinner themes, games and food for our monthly residence event, and help plan the end-of-term residence formal.
Residence Council
Apply to become a floor rep to support dons in planning floor meetings and floor events, help other students on different floors to connect and get to know each other and support the Residence and Community Life team in building, compiling and distributing the residence survey feedback.
Residence Green Team
Support St. Jerome’s sustainability initiatives by spearheading projects, programs and education efforts to reduce the residence’s environmental footprint.
Intramural Teams
Sign up to be on a Waterloo intramural team, made up of your St. Jerome’s residence peers and pals. The programs listed above are the most formal ways for students get connected and contribute to the St. Jerome’s community. There are also many informal opportunities, including drop-in social programming throughout the term, volunteer opportunities, and wellness workshops that students can join as they are able.
Student Leadership
Student leadership opportunities at St. Jerome’s offers you the change to deepen your community connection and develop your skills through meaningful experiences for any comfort level. With groups like the Off-Campus Community, Students’ Union, PRISM, Student Activities Team, Residence Council, and more, there is something for everyone. Student leadership is a great way to support and develop your community while building a variety of skills that can help make your resume shine.
There are leadership opportunities throughout your time at St. Jerome’s, so keep an eye out for the opportunity that speaks to you.
House System
St. Jerome’s participates in a house system, which means that students are sorted into one of four Houses when they arrive on move-in day, and participate in spirited competitions throughout the year! Upper year students have the choice of returning to their original house or adopting the house of their current floor.
St. Jerome's Houses
Leon House
Leon House is named for Sister Leon White, a former St. Jerome’s English professor and Dean of Women, who advanced women’s education and broke barriers in higher education. The gender symbols on the house crest reflect her unwavering commitment to gender equality. Today, Leon House upholds her legacy of academic excellence, empowerment and leadership.
Spetz House
Spetz House is named for St. Jerome’s former president, Father Spetz, who strengthened the school's academic reputation and secured our affiliation with the University of Waterloo. The diploma on the house crest symbolizes his commitment to holistic education, balancing academics with extracurriculars to foster character, teamwork and leadership. Spetz House reminds us of the importance of a well-rounded approach to personal and intellectual growth.
Taylor House
Taylor House honors the first female chaplain at St. Jerome’s, Sister Marie Taylor, who nurtured students’ spiritual growth and built a strong faith-based community. The dove in the house crest symbolizes her commitment to faith, peace and personal development. Taylor House continues her legacy of compassion, service and spiritual support.
Zinger House
Zinger House is named for St. Jerome’s graduate and former president, Father Zinger, who expanded our campus, curriculum and community ties—most notably through his role as one of the founding members of St. Mary’s Hospital. The hammer on the house crest symbolizes his dedication to building a strong and lasting legacy. Zinger House reflects his values of community, academic excellence and service.
Off Campus Community
Connecting with your student community is an important part of your university experience, and regardless of whether you live on or off campus, you can use St. Jerome’s as your home base at Waterloo by becoming part of our Off-Campus Community (OCC), you join a network of other students with a close connection to St. Jerome’s.
Consider joining our Off-Campus Community if you are not currently living in the St. Jerome’s residence and are:
- A first-year student co-registered with St. Jerome’s
- An upper-year student co-registered with St. Jerome’s
- A past resident of St. Jerome’s
Perks of the OCC include:
- OCC specific programs and events
- Use of St. Jerome’s spaces for studying or socializing
- Access to residence fridge Community Dinners are offered at a discounted cost
- Residence community events
Fill out the OCC registration form to become a part of the Off-Campus Community. You can join at any time, but consider joining at the beginning of the term to build your community.