Residence FAQ

What is co-registration, and if I co-register will I get a residence space?

By co-registering with St. Jerome’s as an Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business student, you will be both a Waterloo student and a St. Jerome’s student. Combining a Waterloo degree with a St. Jerome’s experience means you’ll have access to all the services, programs, groups, and amenities Waterloo students do, plus:

• Dedicated St. Jerome’s academic advisors 
• Smaller class sizes in select Arts courses
• Vibrant community programming
• Access to additional scholarships and awards 
• Preference to live in the St. Jerome’s residence!

There’s no downside to co-registering—just extra supports, perks and opportunities!

Please note that becoming an St. Jerome’s co-registered Arts student does not guarantee you a spot in our residence but does increase your chances as you get first priority!  

Is St. Jerome’s just for Arts students?

Definitely not! St. Jerome’s residence is open to students from all 6 faculties across the University of Waterloo, and our residence thrives from a diverse blend of students learning from one another.

St. Jerome’s offers courses in:

Our classes support the exploration of intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world and yourself. Regardless of your faculty or major, you can and should take a class or three at St. Jerome’s throughout your undergrad – whether it’s for your major, a minor or an elective, it will you’re sure to find something to catch your attention.

How does the St. Jerome’s meal plan work?

The cost of your meal plan is included in the St. Jerome’s residence fees. Meals are all-you-care-to-eat and must be eaten in the cafeteria. Your meal plan cannot be shared or transferred to others.

The St. Jerome’s meal plan is not optional, as it is a part of the full residence experience and fees.

We believe that having a meal plan that gathers students in a common space provides students with many benefits, including strengthening their connections with familiar faces and friends over meals, and having a home base to anchor their day. Our set hours encourage students to create healthy habits and routines and ensures the freshness and quality of meals.

What if I have back-to-back classes and can’t make it to the cafeteria for my meals?

You can order a bagged lunch or a late dinner on days when your classes overlap scheduled full-meal time availability. Bagged lunches can be picked up at breakfast and late dinners will be sent to the Buttery in the evening for you.

What if I really need to study and can’t eat in the cafeteria?

You will receive 5 coupons per term which you can use to take a to-go meal out of the cafeteria, specifically for situations like this. You must present these coupons to the staff on the line while you get your food. The coupons are individualized and are not transferable.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Dana Hospitality is the food service provider for St. Jerome’s, and they work very closely with students with dietary restrictions to best accommodate their needs.

Students who are gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free or Halal are typically able to eat comfortably at St. Jerome’s.

Students who have more complex dietary restrictions should contact sjuresid@uwaterloo.ca to discuss whether the meal plan will work for them.

What does community life look like at St. Jerome’s?

St. Jerome’s is often referred to as “a home away from home” and we are dedicated to working with students to create a community where you feel a deep sense of connection and belonging. Diversity of thought, experience and knowledge are integral to that community, and you will have the opportunity to share meals, attend residence events and join new social groups as you engage in exploring the world of postsecondary education and the community of St. Jerome’s!

We encourage you to get involved in a club or activity, especially in your first year. Activities like residence floor events, community dinners, intramurals and student activity events offer students the chance to get the most out of residence. It’s important to find a balance between your academic and social calendar, and if you are struggling with that there are Dons and upper-year students around who are happy to help you find ways to manage that balance.

St. Jerome’s is connected to the Catholic Church. What does that mean for the residence?

St. Jerome’s University grows from a foundation in the Catholic tradition and is committed to learning and academic excellence, and are rooted in the values of love, truth and justice.

Campus Ministry at St. Jerome’s is inspired by the fullest sense of the word “catholic” which means “universal” and “whole”, welcoming students through radical hospitality and openness, meeting students where they are at now and committing to walking with them throughout their journey.

Students living in residence are invited to participate in St. Jerome’s Catholic identity in ways that resonate the most for them. Whether it’s attending the student mass, volunteering at a local food distribution program, chatting with Campus Ministry staff about the big questions and exploring what spirituality means to you or engaging in your academic experience, there’s no wrong answer. You belong at St. Jerome’s regardless of your faith background.

If you would like to learn more about Campus Ministry at St. Jerome’s visit the Campus Ministry webpage.

Is St. Jerome’s an affirming place for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

St. Jerome’s strives to always be an affirming and supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. In addition to a community focused on the idea that all are welcome, students are encouraged and supported to learn from and with our Queer Student Association, PRISM, which organizes events and activities that help to connect and educate students, staff and faculty.

Are there gender-neutral washrooms in residence?

There is a single-use washroom on every residence floor that serves as a gender-neutral bathroom.

Are there mixed gender and/or single gender floors?

Yes, We have both mixed gender and single gender floors. Students must indicate their preference for a single gender floor or a mixed gender floor on their eRezLife profile after accepting their residence offer.

How many single rooms are at St. Jerome’s, and what are the chances I will get a single room?

Just over half of the rooms in our residence are single rooms. Students with accessible housing needs and returning upper year students are given priority to these rooms. You are welcome to indicate a preference for a single room, and we are excited to have you join the St. Jerome’s community. We know you will have an amazing experience, regardless of whether you end up in a single or double room!

Can I live at St. Jerome’s for just one term?

We offer single term contracts for winter and spring terms. St. Jerome’s does not offer one term contracts for fall. To apply for a single term, complete the Community Interest Form.

How does my residence contract work with my co-op program?

Living in residence provides you with the flexibility to tailor your residence contract to match your co-op terms. The residence offer acceptance process provides you with opportunities to confirm your contracted terms so they match your co-op terms.

If you receive a local or online co-op you may decide to remain in residence and add on an additional term. This addition of a third term is only available in winter and spring terms. To apply for a single term, complete the Community Interest Form.

St. Jerome’s does not offer fall-only residence contracts. If you have back-to-back co-op terms in winter and spring, living at St. Jerome’s for fall only is not an option.

If I am in a double room, can I choose my own roommate?

Absolutely! You can request a roommate on eRezLife after accepting your residence offer. To ensure you end up with the person you request, both you and your preferred roommate must request each other.

If I prefer a single room, should I still select a roommate?

Yes. You will still be considered for a single room, but by selecting a roommate, you will be matched with them if you are allocated a double room.

How will my roommate be chosen for me?

If you are allocated a double room and do not indicate a roommate preference, we will review the information you provide in your application and profile in eRezLife. The Residence and Community Life team asks you about your preferences in room cleanliness, how you hope to use your room, sleeping habits, and more to get a sense of who you are and who would suit you as a roommate in order to provide you with the best possible experience.

What if my roommate and I do not get along?

The Residence and Community Life team are committed working to help you be proactive as you negotiate sharing a space. You will find a Roommate Agreement form in your room when you arrive. This form contains prompts for you and your roommate to talk about the most common challenges encountered, including expectations around sleep schedules, noise level, room cleanliness and more to set you up for success.

Living in residence with a roommate offers many benefits, especially in your first year, as they are going through the same new experience and you can walk through the transition together. The Residence and Community Life team works hard to match students well, and support students when challenges arise. We understand that conflict that is addressed and repaired helps to build valuable skills that are transferable to every area of life.

What is the Off Campus Community?

The Off Campus Community (OCC) is composed of students who do not currently live in residence at St. Jerome’s but are connected to our community as co-registered students or by being former residents. St. Jerome’s is a home base for all of our students – regardless of what year you are in or where you are currently living. The OCC provides students with a touchpoint to maintain your connection and access all the benefits of being a part of the St. Jerome’s community. For more details about St. Jerome's Off Campus Community, visit our Residence Experience page.

How much does it cost to live at St. Jerome’s?

Residence fees can be found on our Facts and Figures page, along with many other practical details about your residence experience. While the prices may look higher, St. Jerome’s residence fees are comparable to similar residences across campus. The residence fees posted include your all-you-care-to-eat meal plan and laundry, whereas most other residences post the meal plan costs separately. Visit the Facts and Figures page for more details. 

What do the St. Jerome's spaces look like?

We have video tours of all the residence rooms posted on our Facts and Figures page, as well as many details about the amenities and spaces available.

I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

Please reach out to the Residence and Community Life team at sjuresid@uwaterloo.ca with other questions!