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
Dr. Tracy Penny Light installed as 8th President of United College
United College celebrated the installation of Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its eighth president on October 28, 2026. The ceremony brought the community together to celebrate this milestone and Tracy’s vision for a future rooted in belonging, inclusive learning and social responsibility.
A homecoming and a new chapter
For Dr. Tracy Penny Light, becoming president of United College is both a homecoming and an opportunity to help shape its future. She reflects on the people, programs and community that make United special, and why her first priority is to listen and learn.
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.
Events
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.
Girls, women, education and migration: book launch and conversation
To mark the 50th anniversary of Canada’s landmark 1976 Immigration Act, which contributed to advancing the protection of human rights and directly influenced Canada’s modern identity, the Human Rights Program of United College at the University of Waterloo invites you to join us on Nov. 12 for the launch of the book “Our Place in this Universe” and the conversation on “Women, education and migration: life stories from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria/Palestine.”
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.