Best Social Activities At The University of Waterloo

Are you studying at the University of Waterloo? Great choice! There are tons of social activities to explore within the city and on a student budget. When you have a chance and it is safe to do so, start checking off things from this list. So, without further ado, here’s what you can do around the city if you’re studying at the University of Waterloo.

NOTE: Restrictions caused by COVID-19 may impact the following. 

Kitchener Market

Firstly, do you prefer locally sourced items? Students can benefit from using this farmer’s market to find inexpensive food and products from local vendors. If you plan on eating healthy, check out the Kitchener Market for some recipe ingredients. Or discover a cute trinket to take home.

THEMUSEUM

Secondly, THEMUSEUM has a little bit of everything from interactive exhibitions to good old fashion family fun. They provide a new kind of experiential museum without dusty objects and velvet ropes. THEMUSEUM is the only cultural destination that presents fresh, inspiring content around the globe in unique and immersive ways to showcase art and technology. 

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra

Thirdly, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony is now the third-largest in Ontario next to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Having the reputation of being one of Canada’s top symphony orchestras, you are bound to have an unforgettable musical experience. Most importantly, you can enjoy it all for a fraction of a big-city concert price. 

Cozy Coffee Shops

There are so many cozy coffee shops around Kitchener-Waterloo. Some student favorites include Seven Shores, Aroma, BRCH, Princess Cafe, and Settlement Coffee. These locations are great for studying, connecting with friends, and being social (when it is safe to do so). 

Local Restaurants 

If you’re looking for take-out and restaurant options, a popular student spot is Graffiti Market where you can grab a slice of Detroit-style pizza. Arabesque Family Restaurant is another terrific restaurant for hearty Lebanese dishes such as shawarma and kebabs. Lastly, Kinkaku Izakaya is a favorite among both locals and students. It’s a Japanese All-You-Can-Eat and is terrific for special and social occasions. 

Or if you have a sweet tooth, there is Lady Glaze Doughnuts and the Four All Ice Cream Scoop Shop. There are a large number of fantastic food options in the area. So explore them! 

Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery

Walkthrough the stunning displays of glass sculptures and clay from Canadian artists. It’s a great place to take a study break and embrace peoples’ creativity.  The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery is free! So what are you waiting for? 

Walk the Parks

There are many wonderful parks in the area. However, there are two in particular that are worth visiting. The first is Waterloo Park. It is well-known for its stunning open green space, trees, ponds, and rivers. 

A second park to visit is Victoria Park. Considered to be the oldest park in Kitchener, Victoria Park is full of flowering gardens and wildlife. Therefore, pause your intense study sessions for some fresh air as you walk the winding paths. And don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Otis and Ophelia — the resident swans! 

As you can see, there are tons of fun social activities to do in Waterloo! Get out there and explore the city! 

Looking for more information about the University of Waterloo? Check out ‘Tips For Starting First Year At The University of Waterloo’ for more insights!

Published on August 16, 2021

About Campus Guides Team

Our student-written campus guides help students who want to get a sense of what life at their new school and city will really be like by avoiding embellishment and focusing on what actual students think.