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LIFE

AT

UWATERLOO

As we're sure you've already been told, University is very different from what you may be used to. It can be a challenge to adjust to the new lifestyle so on this page we'll give some tips and information that will help you succeed and enjoy your time here at the University of Waterloo.

Your WatCard

Your WatCard is a great asset. It's your university ID card and it gets you access to variety of services on and off campus! Here are some things your WatCard is used for:

  • Free transport from Grand River Transit (see Transportation)

  • Free access to UWaterloo's libraries and athletic facilities!

  • Access to printers around campus.

  • Making purchases at stores, restaurants and vending machines on campus

  • Getting student discounts at some grocery stores (see Food and Shopping)

  • Your identification for exams and other university events.

You can add funds to your WatCard at some stores around campus, at the WatCard service desk,the Turnkey Desk or online! You can add funds online and learn more about your WatCard here!

UW Student Portal

The University of Waterloo's Student Portal is a one-stop-shop for your day-to-day university life. It's a customizable web portal that gets information about everything form weather to campus news to exam schedules to empty lecture halls you can use to study!

 

Be sure to have a look and see how you can use it to make your class terms flow smoothly!

UWaterloo Social Media

There are several fun websites and social media feeds you can follow about UWaterloo. Here are a few:

  • OMGUW - an anonymous posting  site where users can post entertaining stories or thoughts about their experiences at UWaterloo.

  • Spotted at uWaterloo - a facebook page similar to OMGUW in the sense that people can submit anonymous messages and stories to be posted by the page.

  • Stuff Uwaterloo Profs Say - a facebook page like Spotted at uWaterloo, but dedicated to sharing entertaining professor quotes.

  • Humans of UWaterloo - a facebook page styled after Humans of New York, the owner of the page interviews people around campus and posts their pictures along with something interesting they said.

 

Note: Because of human nature and the sense of security anonymity provides some of these forums can be offensive at times.

The Federation of Students (FEDS)

FEDS or the Federation of Students acts as the voice of the students to the governing body of the University of Waterloo and the municipal government.

 

They also facilitate a wide variety of services on campus including the 24-hour International News convenience store in SLC, the Bombshelter Pub, FEDS Food Bank and much more. Check out their website for a complete list and more information about the services FEDS provides. FEDS also manages and assists with most of the active clubs on campus, including ACS!

 

Unfortunately, there has recently been a huge drop off in student involvement, interest & awareness, and there is concern that decisions being made are not truly reflective of the student body’s needs and opinions. For this reason we encourage you to get involved in and make your opinions heard about the operation of our student federation!

The Turnkey Desk

The Turnkey Desk is a multipurpose service desk in SLC by the Great Hall open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. At the Turnkey Desk you can:

  • Buy GO Bus, Greyhound, FEDS Bus tickets and even GRT (if you happen to need).

  • Buy and load your PRESTO card.

  • Buy discounted movie tickets for local cinemas.

  • Add money to your WatCard.

  • Take/find lost items.

  • Get first aid attention/supplies

  • Buy coffee and water.

  • Get access to the SLC piano rooms, multifaith prayer room, meeting rooms and study lounges.

  • Get posters put up throughout SLC.

  • Request music to be played in the Great Hall.

  • Get information about events happening on campus.

University Services

There are numerous services available on campus for you to take advantage of! Here are some examples:

UW Police

UWaterloo has its own dedicated police service to help keep campus safe. They can be reached at 519-888-4911 or by the campus extension x22222.

 

There are also emergency helplines around campus like the one in the picture below in case of emergency. Press the red button to connect to the helpline.

You can also find the UW Police's Personal Safety Guide for tips on how to stay safe, here.

Health Services

Health Services is the UW's on campus student clinic. You can visit Health Services for most health concerns. You can book an Appointment beforehand by calling 519-888-4096. This is the preferred way to receive medical care, but Same-Day Appointments and Walk-In Visits are also accepted for urgent medical needs. You can check out the Student Medical Clinic section of Heath Services' website here.

WatSAFE

UWaterloo's WatSAFE app is an app developed by the UW Police to provide essential safety information and notifications about the UWaterloo campuses.

The app pushes notifications to your phone in case of emergencies on campus such as security lockdowns. It also provides easy access to emergency contacts (like the UW police), a safety tool box (including a personal alarm and your geographical location), and other informational features.

You can check it out, and find it on the Android, Blackberry and Apple  app stores here. Also follow uWaterlooAlert for an alternate channel for important safety updates.

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