Move-in weekend for local post-secondary institutions begins in Waterloo this week, bringing a higher volume of vehicles, luggage and activity to streets near campuses. Municipal and campus officials are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead as universities stagger arrivals and the city implements parking and travel restrictions.
How the universities are staging arrivals
At the University of Waterloo, campus housing staff are managing the flow by assigning students a 30-minute timeslot to pick up keys and unload. Pamela Hurvid, manager of marketing and communications within campus housing, said the university expects over 5,000 students to move in over four days, with move-in staggered from Thursday through Sunday to even out volumes.
The University of Guelph will welcome about 5,000 new residents into its residences on Friday and Saturday. Patrick Kelly, director of residence life at the university, asked for patience from families and attendees, noting that move-in slots run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. across the two days.
"Some patience when they come in would be great in case there are line ups,"
Traffic and parking changes in Waterloo
The City of Waterloo has issued a map showing temporary restrictions around the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Measures include no parking on streets immediately around campus and travel restrictions on several roads to ease congestion during peak move times.
- Roads with travel restrictions: Seagram Drive, Bricker Avenue, Marshall, Regina and Hickory streets.
- Parking: No parking on streets around campus during the move-in period.
- Timing: Waterloo’s move-in runs over four days; Guelph’s residential move-in is concentrated over two days with set time slots.
Practical tips for residents and visitors
Residents who normally park near campus should check the city’s map and signage for temporary bans and alternative parking locations. Motorists who need to travel through university neighbourhoods should expect slow-moving traffic, intermittent closures and concentrated pedestrian activity.
| Institution | Estimated residents moving in | Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| University of Waterloo | Over 5,000 | 30-minute timeslots over four days (Thursday–Sunday) |
| University of Guelph | About 5,000 | Move-in slots 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday |
Civic and campus officials say the staggered scheduling and restrictions are intended to keep move-in operations orderly and to minimise disruption for neighbourhoods and through traffic. Residents with concerns about street access or parking should consult the City of Waterloo’s published move-in map and follow temporary signage near campus areas.
