United College is a vibrant community and welcoming home for students at the University of Waterloo. Located in the heart of campus, we offer more than just a place to live. Our residence community brings students together through connection, support, and shared experiences. Alongside vibrant residence life, United is also a place to learn and lead, with unique academic programs and hands-on opportunities to create social and environmental impact.
Whether you’re here to find lifelong friends, explore new ideas, or drive meaningful change, United is where you can live fully, learn deeply, and shape a better future
News
GreenHouse expands experiential learning through new impact investing fellowship
GreenHouse at United College is expanding how University of Waterloo students learn to create social and environmental change by introducing them to the role capital can play in helping promising ideas grow.
Finding Confidence Through Community: Alexandra Minard's United College Story
When Alexandra Minard first looked toward the University of Waterloo, the path ahead was wide open. Like many incoming students, she was drawn by the promise of the university’s renowned co-op program, a chance to gain a competitive edge and real-world experience. But the decision of where to live was guided by a more personal connection: her mother’s own history.
Building Community Through Innovation: Trishala Pillai Honoured with Emerging Alumni Award
At United College, student ideas don’t just stay in the classroom, they grow into movements, businesses, and community impact. That spirit was celebrated this past spring as alum Trishala Pillai (BA '16)returned to the college to officially receive the Emerging Alumni Award in recognition of her leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating meaningful change.
Events
Chats with Changemakers: Cherie Wai
Chats with Changemakers, presented by GreenHouse at United College, brings the university community together for casual, unvarnished conversations with social impact leaders.
- Date and Time: Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.
- Location: GreenHouse (UTD 164) and Online via Microsoft Teams.
- RSVP: Reserve a spot through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.
- Virtual Meeting Link: Join us on Microsoft Teams
GreenHouse alumna Cherie Wai currently leads Market-Creating Innovation initiatives at World Vision. Her background includes ten years championing ethical supply chain legislation, alongside launching an outdoor backcountry venture that guides first-time hikers through Algonquin Provincial Park. Cherie unpacks her ten-year policy journey, offering practical perspectives on humanizing legislative debates, using data to amplify youth voices, and translating outdoor recreation passions into community-centred initiatives.
The session runs in a hybrid format. In-person attendees meet in GreenHouse (UTD 164) with a hot meal and open networking starting at 5:20 PM EST. The Microsoft Teams stream runs from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM EST, including the interactive question cards.
Enyonkwa’nikonhrayén:ta’ne’
Shé:kon sewakwé:kon/Greetings All! We welcome you to join Indigenous Studies at United College at the University of Waterloo for Enyonkwa’nikonhrayén:ta’ne’: Building Our Understanding of Treaty, Relationship & Responsibility in the Haldimand Tract, a one-day gathering focused on the histories, contemporary realities, and ongoing significance of the Haldimand Tract and Six Nations of the Grand River. Through presentations and conversations with Indigenous scholars, community members, and educators, participants will have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of treaty relationships and reflect on the responsibilities that connect us to the lands on which we live, work, and learn. Space is limited, and we hope to see you there. Nyá:wen/Thank you.
Chats with Changemakers: Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer
GreenHouse at United College hosts Chats with Changemakers to demystify social innovation and showcase the real, non-linear trajectories behind community leadership.
- Date and Time: Monday, November 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.
- Location: GreenHouse (UTD 164) and Online via Microsoft Teams.
- RSVP: Reserve a spot through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.
- Virtual Meeting Link: Join us on Microsoft Teams
Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer directs violence intervention efforts at The HUB Youth Services while maintaining a part-time therapeutic practice. Embedded within local neighbourhoods, she applies public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of harm and build community resilience. Liz breaks down how grassroots intervention operates in frontline settings, discussing how community mental health support connects with systemic advocacy to foster sustained local healing.
Guests can attend in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) for the discussion circle, followed by dinner and networking from 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM EST. Virtual participants can join through Microsoft Teams for the facilitated discussion and audience Q&A between 4:00 PM and 5:20 PM EST.