Get to know Waterloo and What’s Near Campus

Now that you’re a Luther student joining us this fall, that also means you’re a part of the wider Waterloo community too, which truly has a lot to offer!   

Explore a variety of spots on Laurier’s campus or around the city with this quick guide for nearby food, beverages, exercise, entertainment and transit.  

Parks  

Waterloo has a variety of parks, with one of the bigger and more notable options near campus being Waterloo Park, just a seven-minute walk from campus. Take the opportunity to explore nature and enjoy these spaces for some relaxation to recharge yourself as you get the opportunity. The chance to stretch your legs and gain a change of scenery can go a long way to clear your mind and refocus on your projects!  

Trails  

Spending as little as two hours per week in nature is linked to improved mental health and mood, lower levels of stress and physical wellness. There are a variety of trails and nature areas around Waterloo and Kitchener for you to enjoy. See Laurier’s guide to local trails to get an idea of where to start!  

Shopping and Entertainment  

There are a variety of nearby shopping centre plazas near campus to do groceries and gain access to other house-hold essentials. Uptown Waterloo, just a short walk from campus, is home to many independent businesses and spots for entertainment. You can even catch events and installations at Waterloo Public Square.   

Transit  

Luther’s and Laurier’s Waterloo Campus is fortunate enough to be served by or located in proximity to many transit systems, enabling easy travel to and from campus. All full-time students have travel access with Grand River Transit by using their OneCard. See full details regarding student access to transit.  

Food and Beverages at Laurier  

Luther students can walk a short distance across campus to Laurier for food and beverages. Laurier’s Terrace Food Court is located at the bottom of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre. It houses a variety of food options from sandwiches, burrito bowls, sushi and more.   

You can also find nearby coffee in Laurier’s Concourse on the upper level of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, Byte75 in the Lazaridis building or Veritas Café by Laurier’s outdoor Quad on campus.