Rationale

Issue

Students should have access to affordable, accessible, quality, safe, diverse, and sustainable off-campus housing options while attending the University of Waterloo. Addressing these housing needs is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.

Our Research

  • On-Campus Housing: The University of Waterloo offers space for just under 6,800 students, with accommodations mainly for first-year students.
  • Purpose-Built Student Accommodations: The City of Waterloo has 42% of Canada’s purpose-built student accommodations, totaling 17,567 beds.
  • Housing Crisis: Students frequently face difficulty securing safe, affordable, and quality housing due to the current housing crisis.

  • Affordability: Students often face substantial financial burdens due to rising rental costs. Average rent in Waterloo has significantly increased, impacting students’ financial stability and mental health.
  • Awareness of Tenant Rights: Many students are unaware of their tenant rights, leading to exploitation by landlords and substandard living conditions.
  • Securing Housing: High competition and limited availability make it challenging for students to find suitable housing, causing significant stress.

  • Rental Costs: The average rent price per month has risen from $601.17 in 2014 to $950.38 in 2023.
  • Financial Stress: 46% of students are significantly impacted by the cost of accommodations, with many making sacrifices in mental and physical health services due to housing expenses.
  • Tenant Rights Awareness: 70% of students with leases include illegal clauses, indicating a lack of awareness about their rights.

Our Position

WUSA advocates for affordable, accessible, quality, safe, diverse, and sustainable off-campus housing options for students. This includes support for legislative measures, financial commitments, and collaborative efforts to address student housing challenges.

  • Affordable Housing: Advocacy for rent controls and financial commitments to ensure affordable housing options for students.
  • Tenant Rights Literacy: Education and resources to help students understand and exercise their tenant rights.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Working with various stakeholders, including government bodies and community organizations, to improve housing conditions and availability.
  • Financial Commitments: Calls for robust financial support from governments and developers to establish affordable and sustainable housing for students.

Student Resources

MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support

Offers peer-to-peer support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges, particularly useful for those dealing with housing stress.

Learn more about MATES

Off-Campus Housing Office

Provides resources and guidance for students seeking off-campus housing, including assistance with lease reviews, available listings and resources, and understanding tenant rights.

Learn more about Off-Campus Housing Office

Legal Services

Access to affordable legal advice to help students address housing issues and disputes.

Learn more about Legal Services

Health and Dental Plans

Ensures continuous health and dental coverage for students, crucial for their overall well-being.

Learn more about Health and Dental Plans

Empower Me

Provides mental health support through counseling sessions available via phone, video, and in-person, supporting students’ emotional well-being.

Learn more about Empower Me

UW Housing

Did you know that residence on campus currently has vacancies in suite-style and traditional style buildings for first-year students, upper-year students and students on a work term? Students can sign up for a winter only or spring only contract which means you don’t need to sign a long contract or find a sublet while having all the benefits of living on campus.  Check out your options: 

WUSA Housing Playbook

To provide UWaterloo undergrads with tools that can help them as they navigate local housing concerns.

Read the Housing Playbook

Campaigns

  • Two undergrad students work at a desk with laptops and documents, discussing and taking notes about free legal services.
    What Students Told Us About University of Waterloo Services

    Whether you’re looking for academic support, career advice, healthcare, or help navigating university life, there are plenty

  • Find the support you need before moving out—plus tips on essential moving supplies and your moving checklist. Stylized city buildings in yellow and teal. WUSA logo.
    Moving Out: What You Need and Where to Find It

    The end of a term rarely means just one thing wrapping up.

  • Two women review documents; text reads “Know Your Rights Before You Sign—WRCLS Tenancy Legal Session.”.
    From Dorms to Doors: Understanding Your Rights as a Student Tenant

    It’s hard enough to find a place to live without having to

  • Two people wearing business suits are engaged in a discussion at a table. One person is holding a small model of a house, while the other is writing on a document. The background shows a window with natural light.
    Student Voices Matter: Help Shape the Future of Rental Housing in Waterloo 

    The City of Waterloo is currently reviewing its Rental Housing Licensing Bylaw

  • Modern building complex with two tall towers and a central section, designed for on-campus student housing, set against a blue sky with clouds.
    Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Student Housing: On-Campus and Off-Campus Options at Waterloo

    Finding the perfect housing as a student doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

  • Illustrated image of a hand holding a small house with a red roof and blue windows. A key is attached to the hand on a keyring. The background is dark blue with constellation patterns. The text reads, "WUSA in the News: Housing Playbook.
    WUSA in the News: Housing Playbook

    Your WUSA Vice President, Katie Traynor, was featured on CTV Kitchener to

  • Image shows a promotional graphic for the WUSA Housing Playbook by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA). The background is a dark blue with white and teal text reading "Introducing the WUSA Housing Playbook!". Simple illustrations include a house, trees, and a tall building. Live smart with WUSA—grab your guide now!
    WUSA’s Housing Playbook is Live!

    As undergraduate students, we are on the journey of adulting and navigating

  • A promotional image for a "Know your housing rights: Student Tenancy Legal Session" hosted by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, featuring modern high-rise buildings in the background.
    Student Tenancy Legal Sessions

    It’s hard enough to find a place to live without having to

Education

Further Reading and Resources