St. Paul's offers UW courses and student residences which are open to all University of Waterloo students. This teaching and residential community was originally established in 1962 by the United Church of Canada and is affiliated with the University of Waterloo. It is an open and friendly environment welcoming students from a diverse range of cultures, beliefs, faculties, and interests.
The College offers studies in Spirituality and Personal Development, enabling students to understand the relationship between religion and personal growth as they relate to the dynamics of human development. The College also participates in the University's Department of Religious Studies with the other UW Colleges and the Faculty of Arts. Religious Studies courses are available for academic credit to any student enrolled in the University.
UW's Aboriginal Services Coordinator resides at St. Paul's, offering a wide array of support services and cultural experiences, including advice to Aboriginal students, courses in Native Studies, speakers, and an annual Pow Wow. Aboriginal students living in St. Paul's residence benefit from their proximity to Aboriginal services.
One section of the residence, "La Bastille," is designated The French Residence, and offers English-speaking students who have achieved some competence in French an opportunity to further develop their French skills. This program is offered in co-operation with the French Studies Department and is open to any student in any faculty.
St. Paul's residence is available to any UW student. The undergraduate residence is home to 194 first-year and upper-year students. About 100 graduate students reside in our new graduate community. Residence life in the College provides a valuable contribution to a student's university experience. Through a program of community dinners, interest groups, and social activities rich in tradition, students are able to involve themselves with various projects and issues related to the University, spirituality, personal life, and society. Residents and Associates of St. Paul's learn from each other and together form a vital and enriching community.