Waterloo is one of the most amazing cities located in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is one of the three cities across the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Waterloo is located about 94 km southwest of Toronto. Because of the close proximity, the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener are referred to as Kitchener-Waterloo. Those who want to live off-campus consider affordability as well as freedom as two major reasons for selecting to do so. The best places to live near university of Waterloo, depending on one’s taste, budget, and general lifestyle preferences for students are Ezra Avenue, Columbia Street West, East, and Regina Street.
Renowned Universities in Waterloo
Waterloo is widely known as a university town. Every September a lot of students come here to study at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Both institutions have outstanding reputes in their own fields. This will make them one of the best choices for different high school graduates hoping to attend post-secondary education opportunities. Conestoga College, also situated in Waterloo is one of the community colleges where you can find campuses near Kitchener, Guelph, as well as Cambridge. These educational facilities are also come under the city’s top employers.
Student life in this marvelous city
Waterloo is one of the best places to live. It is an ideal location for university students and those across the business world who want a lot of things to do nearby. For instance, you can go drinking with friends after attending seminars at the University or get your morning coffee while enjoying some scenery at Woodside Park. Moreover, you will come across some of the best student housing Waterloo which are added with multiple benefits. Here you can find a wide range of nightlife places in Waterloo, mostly centered around the Uptown Waterloo that is where the students hang out after class or during the lunch break. Kitchener is next door and hosts a wide range of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in North America. You can also enjoy various music festivals like Kitchener Blues Festival, KOI Music Festival, and ever after-EDM festival.
Living in residence
This is one of the best options for eight out of ten first-year students as it is convenient and also offers the students with great experience. At Waterloo, the first-year students are provided with a guaranteed spot. So, there is no extra headache to find somewhere to live. In addition to it, it is also one of the best ways to meet new people and integrate into university life.
Advantages of staying on campus
- You can make new friends as soon as possible and you can easily participate in the fun residence events.
- You can roll out of bed and reach the lecture within minutes.
- You can also select your own roommate and have a familiar face to go through the first year.
- You will not have to do a lot of cooking, grocery shopping, or other chores. The residences have cafeterias or cleaning staff to make things work for you.
- You can also have easy access to the on-campus resources.
- The fees are all included and paid just like your tuition fees. This one-time fee makes it really easy. moreover, there are no additional or hidden costs.
Disadvantages of staying off campus
Living on campus is not as affordable as living at home rent-free. It may cost you upfront but you need to also consider the value you are getting for your money.
You might not like your roommates or floormates.
Do not skimp out on the great events
The university hosts a wide range of fun events, from Orientation and Welcome Week to many more. When it comes to different kinds of events, you will enjoy here a lot. You have a lot of fun and get an opportunity to meet different people. You can also score free stuff which is always a benefit.
You can enjoy great food at the campus
You should try the food on the campus as it is full of great varieties. When on campus you can have dinner with your friends and enjoy it to the fullest. There are many hidden gems over here such as:
- ML’s Diner is located in the Modern Language’s basement where you can have some delicious like the Warrior burger with fries or you can have your hands on the poutine for dinner.
- Southside Marketplace in South Campus Hall has some amazing Lebanese cuisine. You must try their delectable shawarma
- Liquid Assets Cafes in Hagey Hall. This place is famous for its daily soups and grilled melts.
International? They have got you covered
It can be really tough to live on your own but to do that when you are trying to adjust to a whole new country. You can check their international student guide for more information.