Apply for Residence - Frequently Asked Questions

About the Residences

What's the difference between the UW Residences and the University College Residences?

The University Colleges are sort of like mini-universities within the larger UW community. They are located directly on the UW campus and offer courses in the UW faculties. Some of them also offer full degree programs, with courses shared between the college and the University. All four colleges have their own residence as well as academic facilities.

If you think you'd like being part of a small, closely knit group where the goal is to build and foster a caring community, then you may find that a college residence is the right place for you. All four college residences are much smaller than the UW residences with around 200 students each, which means you'll get to know almost everyone! Some of the colleges also integrate first-year students with upper-year students in the residence areas.

The UW Residences, on the other hand, are much bigger with 300-1300 students in each residence community. First year students are separate from upper years, and stream-4 and stream-8 students are placed together. Strong communities are built with the assistance of dons in each area. Don't worry about getting lost in the crowd - all residences are divided into smaller floors or houses and you'll definitely get to know a lot of people.

When it comes down to it, the choice is all a matter of personal preference. Make sure you check out the Live at the Heart of Campus brochure found in the middle of the Rez brochure or visit the Prospective Students site to learn more about the colleges. You can also arrange a tour of the colleges as well as the University Residences when you come for a visit.

Whichever option you choose, you'll be sure to have a great experience in Rez at UW!

Can I come and visit the residences?

Sure! Residence tours are offered regularly - you can find dates and times here. If you can, it is best to visit the residences when there are students living in them. It is hard to get a good impression of what a residence is really like when the students are not there.

Which residence is closest to my faculty?

Here is a map of the campus with faculty buildings and residences higlighted. Remember that your classes may not be in the actual faculty buildings. There are more lecture halls in the engineering buildings so it's not unusual for classes from other faculties to be held there.

Application Process and Room Allocation

What is the residence guarantee and how do I know if I qualify?

The University of Waterloo residence guarantee for first-year students is a collaborative effort between UW Residences and the 4 University College residences (Renison, St. Paul's, St. Jerome's and Conrad Grebel).

A place in residence is guaranteed to students admitted to first-year programs who receive an Offer of Admission dated no later than May 25, 2007, and who accept an offer of admission by May 28, 2007. In addition, a $500 non-refundable deposit for residence is required no later than June 11, 2007.

Am I also guaranteed to get my first choice of residence or room type?

The housing guarantee only guarantees you a room in residence. Many students select the same room type (i.e. single) and/or residence community (i.e. Village 1) however, there are only so many single rooms and only so many spaces in each residence. Therefore it is impossible to guarantee every student their first choice. All of our residence facilities offer a great residence life program and every year we hear from students about how they love their residence community because of the people they meet and the friends they make, not the type of room they have.

If I submit my ranking form and my preferences right away, will I have a better chance of getting my first choices?

No. This is not a first-come, first-served process. As long as you submit your ranking form and your online preferences by the dates specified, you will have the same chance as anyone else to get your first choices.

Streaming

What is streaming and how does it affect my residence preferences?

For the purposes of residence allocation, every first-year student is either a stream 4 or a stream 8 student.

You are a stream 4 student if you are in a co-op program and your first work term is in January 2007.

You are a stream 8 student if you are in a regular program or a co-op program and your first work term is in May 2007 or later. Only students in some Math and Engineering programs are stream 4. All other faculties are stream 8.

Streaming is an important part of the residence allocation process as it allows us to place students together in communities that will remain together for both terms of first year - whether it's fall and winter (stream 8) or fall and spring (stream 4).

Roommates

I really don't want to have a roommate. What if it turns out to be a complete disaster?

Answer here

I have some friends from high school that I want to live with. Can I do that?

Answer here

If I'm a stream 4 student, can I ask for a roommate who's stream 8?

You can only request a roommate who is of the same gender and academic stream as you. For example, a stream 4 student can request to be roommates with another stream 4 student, but not a regular or stream 8 student. A regular or stream 8 student can request to be roommates with another regular or stream 8 student, but not a stream 4 student.

How does the allocation process work with roommates? Do we all have to be accepted to the same residence first?

Answer here

Food and Meal Plans

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.