Ways to Learn About Waterloo Over the Summer

Get to know your future university during the sunny summer months.

This article was written by University of Waterloo student Layanne (she/her).

Starting at Waterloo this fall, or thinking about applying in the upcoming future? Summer is one of the best times to explore the city and campus. With warm weather, local events, outdoor spaces, and a lively student community, it’s easy to get a feel for what life in Waterloo is really like!

Explore campus

A great starting point is visiting the University of Waterloo campus. You can book a campus tour to explore the different buildings, residences, and facilities. Visiting in person helps you experience the campus atmosphere firsthand and gives you a better idea of what student life feels like. If you’re not able to come in person, don’t worry, we also offer a virtual tour option!

Although there are still classes held in the summer, campus is usually quieter, making it the perfect time to walk around, learn the layout, and get familiar with the area. The campus is also really beautiful in the summer; I encourage you to check it out!

Talk to current students

One of the best ways to learn about Waterloo is by hearing directly from current students. You can connect with current students in your faculty through the Ask a Warrior web page to learn more about student life, programs, classes, getting involved, and more. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and gain a better sense of what it’s like to study at Waterloo.

Spend time in Uptown Waterloo

Uptown Waterloo is one of the city’s most popular areas for students. Located near two universities and a college, it's a hotspot for cafés, restaurants, shops, patios, and public spaces where people gather. It’s only a five-to-ten-minute bus ride from the Waterloo campus, and there’s also plenty of free parking available if you drive!

Not only is Uptown a fun place to spend time, but it will also give you a better sense of the city’s culture, food scene, and overall atmosphere. You’ll notice how student-friendly the area is, especially with public transit, study spots, fun social spaces, and walkable streets.

Attend local festivals and events

Summer in Waterloo means plenty of fun community events! From outdoor festivals and concerts to markets and community fairs, there’s almost always something happening throughout the city.

Waterloo Town Square, located in Uptown, hosts lots of free ongoing events. Some popular ones in the summer include salsa nights, the Night Market, and one of our biggest events, the Busker Carnival in late August.

Because the city has a large student population, there’s a lot of great activities and events that are geared toward students. Attending these events is a great way to experience the city’s diversity and meet people who live or study here.

Explore parks and trails

Waterloo has plenty of green space, which surprises many first-time visitors. Trails, parks, and outdoor areas are very popular during the summer months, especially for biking, walking, or relaxing with friends.

Places like Waterloo Park or Laurel Creek Conservation Area are often full of students enjoying the weather. Exploring these spaces can help you picture what days might look like outside the classroom and discover some of your favourite places.

Get to know Waterloo

Waterloo offers a balance of academics, student life, community, and opportunities, and summer is the perfect time to discover that for yourself.