The two campuses at a glance
The University of Waterloo's main campus is at 200 University Avenue West, and Wilfrid Laurier University's Waterloo campus is a short way east along the same road at 75 University Avenue West. The two are close enough that many families visiting one student end up spending time at both, and Uptown Waterloo — the city's main street of restaurants, shops and cafés — sits just south of Laurier.
Because the campuses are next to each other, where you stay matters less than how you get around. Anywhere in north or central Waterloo with parking puts you within a short drive of both.
Getting to campus
By car, the University of Waterloo and Laurier are each about 10 minutes from Ebstad Luxe outside rush hour. Parking at the house is free; campus visitor parking is paid, so check each university's parking page for lots and rates before a busy day such as move-in or convocation.
Without a car, the ION light rail is the easiest way between north Waterloo and the universities. Its northern end is Conestoga station at Conestoga Mall, about 5 minutes' drive from the house, and trains run south through University of Waterloo station and Laurier–Waterloo Park station on the way to Uptown Waterloo and Kitchener. Grand River Transit buses connect the rest of the region.
The busiest weekends to book early
A few times each year, thousands of families arrive in Waterloo at once and hotels near the universities sell out. Move-in and orientation week at the end of August and start of September is the biggest. Convocation is usually held in June and again in October at both universities, and fall and spring open houses bring prospective students and their parents to town.
October is especially busy because convocation overlaps with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. If you are coming for any of these, book as soon as the dates are announced — and confirm the current year's dates on the University of Waterloo and Laurier websites, as they change from year to year.
Hotel rooms or a furnished home?
For one or two people staying a night, a hotel is simple. For a family — parents, siblings, grandparents — visiting for a convocation weekend or helping with a move, a whole home is often easier: everyone gets a bedroom, you can cook and eat together instead of finding a restaurant for a large group, and there is a living room to gather in after the ceremony.
Ebstad Luxe is a detached 3-bedroom home in Waterloo that sleeps up to 8 guests, with a full kitchen, a dining table, free parking on the premises and a washer and dryer — useful when a move-in weekend involves a lot of laundry. Pets are welcome too, so the family dog does not have to stay behind.
Staying longer: a term, a placement or a research visit
Visiting researchers, co-op supervisors and parents staying for an extended period can book the home by the month. Stays of 30 continuous nights or more are exempt from HST, there is a dedicated workspace with Wi-Fi, and long-term stays are welcome. See our monthly rentals page for how longer stays work.