University of Waterloo – Renison University College
Who We Are
Renison University College is an affiliated institution of the University of Waterloo, located on the Waterloo campus. Students earn a University of Waterloo degree while benefiting from a close-knit community, personalized support and an inclusive learning environment.
Renison is home to the Social Development Studies major in the Faculty of Arts, the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree, the Master of Social Work and the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Through small class sizes, meaningful faculty connections, experiential learning opportunities and global perspectives, students develop the knowledge and skills to address complex social challenges and create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Students also benefit from intercultural learning opportunities and experiences that prepare them to live and work in an increasingly connected world.
Important Information
Program News and Changes
New for Fall 2027, the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree offers students a direct-entry pathway to a rewarding career creating positive change in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work, combining a deep understanding of complex social issues with the professional knowledge, skills and practicum experience needed for social work practice. Graduates of the accredited Bachelor of Social Work program meet the educational requirements to pursue registration as a social worker in Canada.
By earning 2 degrees from the University of Waterloo, a member of Canada's U15 group of leading research universities, students are well-positioned for careers in health care, community services, education, advocacy, government and the non-profit sector. Through small classes, personalized support and meaningful community engagement, students develop the confidence and experience to address some of society's most pressing challenges while building a strong foundation for future career success.
Social Development Studies continues to be available as a major within Honours Arts and Honours Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo. Students interested in professional social work education now have the additional option of applying directly to the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree at Waterloo.
The new double degree pathway provides students with the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work while benefiting from the supportive learning environment and personalized student experience offered by Renison University College.
Students can now apply directly through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) to the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree with the OUAC code WSS.
Students interested in Social Development Studies may apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo and pursue Social Development Studies as their major.
Students with previous college or university studies may be eligible for transfer credit. Depending on a student's academic background and transfer credit assessment, pathways are available in the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to review University of Waterloo transfer admission requirements and connect with Admissions to discuss their individual circumstances.
Scholarships and Awards
Most universities offer scholarships. Unlike having to pay back a loan, you do not need to pay back a scholarship. Universities award scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular activities and other distinctions.
You can apply for some scholarships and may be automatically considered for others.
University Events
Universities host events like open houses, campus tours, Student for a Day programs, and virtual tours to help you explore what student life is really like. These events are a great way to experience the campus, connect with current students and faculty, and get a feel for whether a university is the right fit for you.
Offers of Admission
Renison University College offers pathways for undergraduate, transfer, graduate and English language pathway students.
Undergraduate Students
Students interested in a direct-entry pathway to professional social work education can apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) to the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree.
Students interested in Social Development Studies can apply through the OUAC to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo and pursue Social Development Studies as their major.
Transfer Students
Students with previous college or university studies may be eligible for transfer credit. Depending on a student's academic background and transfer credit assessment, pathways may be available in Social Development Studies and the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree. Learn more about transfer admission requirements through the University of Waterloo Transfer Students website.
Graduate Students
Renison offers a Master of Social Work (MSW), an online graduate degree focused on health and mental health practice. Applicants apply directly through the University of Waterloo Graduate Studies admissions process.
English Language Pathways
Students who do not yet meet the University of Waterloo's English language requirements may be eligible for the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Eligibility for BASE is assessed as part of the undergraduate admissions process.
For complete admission requirements, deadlines and program-specific information, please visit the appropriate program webpages.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you have significant circumstances that affected your grades and that were not accommodated through your school or relevant services, you can request special consideration for admission to Waterloo. We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Get Ready: Resources to help you prepare for University
AccessAbility Services
We are here to help! Whether you have a known or unknown disability/condition/illness, or if you are experiencing impacts from trauma, we can help you develop your individualized academic accommodation plan for all components of your academic career.
- Facilitate academic accommodation plans if you have a permanent, temporary or suspected disability.
- Removes barriers and builds your capacity for personal success by working with you, your instructor and others to ensure your accommodation plan is successfully implemented.
Campus Wellness
Campus Wellness is here to help all students at the University of Waterloo. Our professionals provide primary medical care and mental health services using an inclusive, connected and collaborative approach.
Orientation
- A fun opportunity to connect with your classmates, experience the unique traditions of Waterloo and your faculty, get familiar with your new community and learn more about what Waterloo has to offer.
- We offer programming and events for international students.
Parent and Supporter Guide
Are you a parent or supporter of an incoming undergrad student?
Welcome to the Waterloo family! Your student is beginning their studies at Waterloo, and your support has helped them get here. That is a big accomplishment – for both of you.
- Parents and supporters are invited to a live chat as part of Waterloo Ready.
- Our parent and supporter guide offers tips for parents about what to expect when their child starts university.
- A monthly email newsletter is available for parents and supporters of first-year students.
Student Resources
Explore your UWaterloo life
Looking for supports and resources? You have come to the right place! Explore the pages within to find opportunities to get involved, build your community, find help and access your support system.
Student Success Office
Student success resources to help reach your goals
- The road to success is not a straight line. The Student Success Office provides resources to help you reach your goals.
- Boost your academic skills with peer success coaching, Warrior study halls and online learning resources.
- Lead with confidence and build more than just your resumé with the Student Leadership Program.
- Feel at home in Canada with the international peer community and free immigration consulting.
- Connect to the world through an international exchange.
The Missing Manual
The Missing Manual is everything you want to know about applying to university - and about thriving at Waterloo - that you will not find in the brochures. Read articles for students by students to get info, tips and the insider scoop on everything from nailing your last years in high school, what it takes to get into the university of your choice, how to pay for higher education, career options and more.
Waterloo Ready
What is Waterloo Ready?
We are thrilled to welcome you into our Warrior community! Waterloo Ready is your pre-arrival guide. It is an in-person and virtual program to help you get ready for all things campus life.
- Waterloo Ready is a transition program for new Waterloo students.
- It gives you the opportunity to connect with other students, learn insider tips and access resources to successfully navigate your first year – and all before the school year begins!
Writing and Communication Centre
The University of Waterloo Writing and Communication Centre is a hub of communication and writing practice, support and research on campus. Writing a paper? Designing a portfolio? Giving a presentation? From brainstorming to revision, understanding your assignment to presenting your work, we are here to support you in any discipline, at any stage of the communication process.
Residences and Meal Plans
Residence Price(s)
2025-2026 residence fees: $14,605 – $16,299 (meals included)
Room Types
The majority of Renison's rooms are traditional-style double rooms. These rooms are all recently upgraded.
First-year students with accessible housing requests may apply for "Link" rooms (which include a semi-private washroom) and single rooms. Remaining rooms available are provided to first-year students by lottery.
Amenities
- Conveniently located in the heart of the University of Waterloo campus and only a short 5-minute walk from most classroom buildings and student hubs (Student Life Centre and Physical Activities Complex).
- Fully renovated rooms with extra storage, new furnishings and new lighting.
- An all-you-can-eat-style meal plan, plus full access to "My Pantry", a fully stocked cooking area so you can refine your cooking skills and $100 Flex Dollars added to your student card each term.
- Access to our Link Inclusion Lounge – a space where all students, including residents from equity-deserving communities, can hang out, participate in community-building events, and access support from our Inclusion Coordinators.
- Dynamic events calendar with social events, educational workshops, and bus trips, and more than 150+ paid and volunteer student leadership opportunities.
- Laundry facilities; quiet study areas; on-site library; several student lounges including our Moose Room games area.
- Fully accessible and renovated rooms; some rooms with semi-private bathrooms; air-conditioned rooms.
- Wireless internet everywhere.
- Home to the Social Development Studies Living-Learning Community.
- Home to the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) Living-Learning Community.
- College Dinners that bring together students for a themed meal monthly, as well as an extravagant end-of-year dinner gala for residents.
- Do you and a friend both want to live at Renison? Just make sure to list each other as requested roommates in the survey we send you once you've been accepted to live at Renison. We'll do our best to make sure you live together
Residence Guarantee
- Guarantee your spot in residence by
- accepting your Offer of Admission by 11:59 pm (ET) on June 1, 2026, and
- submitting your First-Year Guarantee Residence Application and a $500 non-refundable deposit by 11:59 pm (ET) on June 8, 2026, and
- meeting any conditions outlined on your Offer of Admission.
Amenities
- Conveniently located in the heart of the University of Waterloo campus and only a short 5-minute walk from most classroom buildings and student hubs (Student Life Centre and Physical Activities Complex).
- Fully renovated rooms with extra storage, new furnishings, and new lighting.
- An all-you-can-eat-style meal plan, plus full access to "My Pantry", a fully stocked cooking area so you can refine your cooking skills.
- Laundry facilities; several student lounges; quiet study areas; on-site library.
- Fully accessible rooms; newly renovated rooms; some rooms with semi-private bathrooms; some air-conditioned rooms.
- Home to the Social Development Studies Living-Learning Community.
- Home to the Warrior Academic Leadership Community.
- Home to the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) Living-Learning Community.
- Do you and a friend both want to live at Renison? Just make sure to list each other as requested roommates in the survey we send you once you've been accepted to live at Renison. We'll do our best to make sure you live together!
- Formal dinner and dance to start and end the year.
- Wireless internet everywhere.
- College Dinners that bring together students, staff, and faculty for a themed meal.
Residence Guarantee
Guarantee your spot in residence by
- accept your Offer of Admission by 11:59 pm (ET) on June 2, 2026, and
- submit a First-Year Residence Guarantee Application Form and a $500 non-refundable deposit by 11:59 pm (ET) on June 9, 2026.
Conrad Grebel University College is not part of the residence guarantee and has a separate application and procedure.
Deposit Required
$500
Meal Plans
All-you-can-eat-style meal plan; bagged lunches and dinners available to accommodate classes held over mealtimes; accommodations for dietary restrictions; interactive meal stations.
“My Pantry” is fully stocked by Food Services and available for students to cook for themselves.
$100 Flex Dollars added to your student card each term for use at any on-campus food service location accepting WatCard.
Featured Programs
No programs found.
