University of Waterloo — Restaurant in Waterloo

TLDR (not really): Great university but not the best. Not the cheapest, either. Usefulness of degree in job-hunting depends greatly on the field you study. Difficulty too - both academic and co-op requirements. Did not party a lot - and I'm told this isn't the university for that. Degree has some prestige factor to it among employers but "useful knowledge" depends greatly on courses you pick. As for preparing me for the real world + my job: stern no. Not by a long shot. Co-op is the only reason that worked out - don't skip it. You will regret it. Support for international students is excellent and advisors are very helpful. Food around University is excellent (not healthy): definitely miss it now. If you're on the fence - do your research on job prospects before picking a major. I didn't, and it did limit what I got out of my degree.

Long version:

I'm not an engineering student, so my take is not relevant for that.

I studied ARBUS, majoring in Econ. 2019-2024, one co-op cancelled because of the pandemic. Specialized in finance, as that's where I wanted to go after graduation.

My take is double-sided. On one hand, the Econ major is pretty demanding and math heavy. Even coming from ARBUS. Very helpful, and I do think it helped me land roles on many good Co-op opportunities as a result of that. Which, in turn, helped me with post-grad opportunities. Professors were very wise and often helped answer a lot of questions on career + life, and I often found myself seeking out their advice for many things.

ARBUS side of it all was a waste, however. Most courses felt like "compliance" courses - you take them because you need them to graduate. Despite being review-bombed, these courses are still forced on you. I did a minor in HR - I would say that was in-between Econ and ARBUS.

As for usefulness in the real world + the job I got - my degree was objectively a crutch there. It did not help in any actual roles, though you could chalk it up to the fact that ARBUS majors tend to get involved with many different lines of work. My Co-op experiences saved me there: I can definitely say I would not be working in my present role if it weren't for the experiences I built up in Co-op. Word of advice: don't skip on Co-op. You will regret it heavily when you enter the job market, post-graduation.

Support with immigration is great if you are an international student. The advisors were very attentive and gave me sound advice specific to my situation. Co-op advisors were great too - helped me land jobs and nail interviews.

Food is great - the meme of Lazeez is there for a reason. Cheap too. Rent is okay - I used to stay off-campus with WCRi due to a tighter budget. If they are still around, I would recommend the A dorms. That's the cheapest rent you will get with a bus stop to everywhere right outside. Campus is beautiful, but I never got the time to explore due to always worrying about studies or job-hunting for Co-ops. Might just be me, though.

If I could do it all again, I would have picked a better major. And, in that sense, UWaterloo would have delivered. But not in terms of price - I am told it would have been cheaper elsewhere.

I don't look back at UWaterloo as a place of cherished memories. Or remember anything fun in the 4-ish years I spent there. And it was pretty far away from loved ones in Toronto. But as a first point of contact to Canadian life? To being an adult? And to make something out of my life? I don't think I could have asked for, or found, a...

Not perfect, but the best university I could have gone to. All the profs I had first year really cared about their students and teaching. Very flexible and understanding of your circumstances. I know we get a rep as a lame academic school that never parties, but it’s not true at all. Sure we may not be like Queens or Laurier where everyone parties hard all the time, but if you want to party when you go to university you WILL ALWAYS find people to party with. It is a bit more intense than some other schools, but you are paying for an education here so you want to get the most out of it as possible.

The people are also amazing and work to create a sense of belonging amount students. I made my best friends at Waterloo and we are now all living together.

Just to add a couple of things about the campus: huge campus with lots of study spaces and different facilities we have really good indoor bridges between building to keep you warm very lively, there are always events going on we are actually pretty good at sports and have a HUGE sports facility super close to tons of yummy restaurants A LOT of geese, and they do become aggressive in the spring actually a really gorgeous campus despite what you might believe Dana porter library can be so beautiful to study at when you’re on the 10th floor health services is right in the middle of campus and there is also a walk in clinic beside the uni they keep their campus very clean connected to the ion (train that connects uw to other places of the city) lots of grant and scholarship opportunities a lot of fun weird things just around campus like a museum, huge plant wall… lots of food options for people with dietary restrictions a super active student community that doesn’t make u cringe (check out club instagram pages) faculties steal each other’s mascots as a fun little game and a million other little things

For those who are scared to leave home: I left my home town to go to uni and I was so scared and sad, but once I got there I realized how miserable I had been at home. My point is: leaving home is so sad and straight up scary,...

The University of Waterloo is an outstanding institution that offers students a world-class education and countless opportunities for growth. Known for its strong academic programs, innovative research, and excellent co-op opportunities, Waterloo stands out as one of the top universities in Canada and beyond.

One of the best things about the University of Waterloo is its focus on hands-on learning. The co-op program is a major highlight, allowing students to gain real work experience while still in school. This gives graduates a competitive edge when entering the job market, as they already have practical skills and industry connections. Many top companies actively recruit Waterloo students, which speaks to the university’s strong reputation.

Academically, Waterloo excels in fields like engineering, computer science, mathematics, and business. The professors are knowledgeable and dedicated, providing students with a challenging yet supportive learning environment. The courses are designed to prepare students for success in their careers, with a good balance of theory and practical application.

The campus is modern and well-equipped, with excellent facilities including libraries, labs, and study spaces. There are also plenty of student clubs, events, and activities, making it easy to get involved and meet new people. The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive community, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel supported.

Another great aspect of Waterloo is its commitment to innovation and research. Students have opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with experts in their fields. This makes the learning experience even more exciting and impactful.

Overall, the University of Waterloo is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality education, valuable work experience, and a vibrant campus life. It prepares students not just for their first job, but for long-term success in their careers. If you want a university that combines academic excellence with real-world opportunities, Waterloo is a perfect option.

Highly recommended for...