Living in Waterloo region
You may have already begun to explore your options for housing in Waterloo region; we recognize that the search for housing is especially challenging during this time and encourage you to access resources available to support you.
The off-campus housing website provides guidance on how to start your search and answers frequently asked questions about leasing, tenant rights, and safety. You can also view the interactive housing map to learn about different neighbourhood zones in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Please note: Waterloo region has seen an influx of fraudulent rental postings.Double check the legitimacy of online ads by searching rental address in Google Maps, or by reverse image searching the online photos.
Visiting for a weekend or looking a place to stay between terms? Check out these local options.
GSA Housing Advocacy
Through research, collective action, and community partnerships, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Housing Advocacy Group supports graduate students in their search for housing. They can help you navigate your options for housing in Waterloo region, understand your legal and tenant rights, and more.
If you have any questions about the GSA Housing Advocacy Group, contact the Housing Coordinator.
Virtual Housing Legal Drop-in Sessions
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) has partnered with Waterloo Region Community Legal Services (WRCLS) to host free drop-in housing legal clinics! These sessions will be hosted by a lawyer from Waterloo Region Community Legal Services and will happen every other Thursday starting April 13.
First-come-first-serve virtual queue is also available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Student Family Housing
Columbia Lake Village (CLV-North) is a safe and quiet community that offers an affordable two-bedroom townhouse option for students with families.
To apply for family housing in the CLV-North community, submit an application to be placed on the waitlist. Should a unit become available, a Campus Housing staff member will reach out to you as soon as possible with a residence offer.
Please note: There are extremely limited family housing units, and the number of spots available for each term depends on individual family decisions to renew their contract, as well as eligibility to continue living on campus.
In case you missed it
Jigar and Julia share their experiences transitioning into graduate studies and answer questions about being a graduate student at Waterloo.
It was great speaking with so many of you at Preparing for Spring 2023 webinar. If you weren't able to make it, all Waterloo Grad Ready live sessions are recorded and posted in Grad Ready LEARN.
Mark your calendar
Here's what's coming up:
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3+ | Enrol in classes | Graduate students can enrol themselves in classes using Quest from April 3, 2023 to May 28, 2023. Review the schedule of classes to find out which courses are being offered. |
|
Apr 6 |
International students' webinar | Hear from members of the immigration consulting and international student experience team and learn about supports and services available to you as an international student. |
| Apr 7 | University holiday closure | University offices are closed for Good Friday. |
| Apr 24 | Tuition and fees due | Deadline to opt out of optional and voluntary fees and have a "Fees Arranged" status on Quest. |
| May 3 | Welcome with GSPA and GSA webinar | Hear the latest updates from the Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA). |
| May 8 | Classes begin | Check your course schedule in Quest. |
| May 11 | Graduate Social | We look forward to meeting you in person at the drop-in social! |
That's all for now, but keep an eye out for another update next week!