Living in Waterloo

What you can expect as an international student in one of Canada's best student cities, Waterloo.

When you picture university, you probably think about classes, friends, and campus life. But where you live plays a big part in your experience too. If you're going to Waterloo, you might be wondering what it's like to live there.

The short answer? It's a lively and student-friendly city that quickly starts to feel like home.

A city built around students

With two universities and a college, Waterloo is home to tens of thousands of post-secondary students, which means the city is really built with you in mind. Whether you're grabbing coffee, heading to class, or studying late, you'll notice the environment and how student-friendly everything feels.

There's often something going on, and you'll almost always be surrounded by people who are in the same stage of life as you. It makes settling in easier. You won't feel alone, and finding your place will be a lot less intimidating.

The best of both worlds

One of the biggest perks about living in Waterloo is that it has a true balance of everything. It has a lot to offer, but it's not overwhelming like a big city.

You get the convenience of cafés, restaurants, green spaces, shopping centres, fun events, and nightlife, but also the comfort of a tight-knit community. You won't feel lost, and over some time you'll start to recognize familiar spots (and maybe even familiar faces too).

Food and study spots

If you're a foodie, Waterloo won't disappoint. There's a ton of food spots from all sorts of different cuisines. Uptown Waterloo in particular is a hotspot for student favourites, from ramen and pizza to affordable dining that is perfect for a night out with friends.

When it's time to focus, there's no shortage of cozy cafés to study in. And if coffee isn't your thing, there are bubble tea places everywhere, so you'll definitely find a go-to drink spot. The best part is that you'll keep discovering places. There's always another café, brunch spot, hidden gem, or new place popping up.

There's always something to do

Even though Waterloo is smaller than some larger cities nearby, there are lots of things to do during your downtime. There are tons of activities geared toward students, whether you're going out, staying active, or simply hanging out with friends.

You can check out board game cafés, escape rooms, bowling, indoor roller skating, local events happening in Waterloo Town Square, and so much more. You can also visit St. Jacobs Farmer's Market, a local favourite with fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious food, and unique vendors.

If you're looking for a quieter way to spend time, Waterloo has plenty of green space to unwind. You can stroll through Waterloo Park, which is only a seven-minute walk from campus, or take in the scenic views at Victoria Park. If you're looking to relax by the water, spend time at Laurel Creek Conservation Area.

Getting around

Getting around in Waterloo is simple. Between buses, the ION rail, walkable streets, and rentable bikes and e-scooters in the area, you can get pretty much anywhere you need to go without a car.

Whether you're heading to campus, the mall, or a grocery store, everything is close by and easily accessible, making your day-to-day feel manageable (which is a huge bonus during busy terms)!

A home away from home

It doesn't take long for Waterloo to feel like more than just where you study. Over time, you'll find your favourite places, your go-to activities, and the little things that make the city feel like home.