WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University is preparing for a record number of first-year students in September as 3,850 students — 4.7 per cent more than last year — have accepted offers of admission.

The demand for university education has increased across Ontario, and Laurier has seen a greater increase than the provincial average. The number of high school students who have accepted an offer of admission from Laurier is up five per cent this year compared to the provincial average of 3.5 per cent. The number of incoming first-year students who are not currently in the Ontario secondary school system, and who have accepted an offer of admission at Laurier, is up 3.9 per cent compared to a provincial average of 3.6 per cent.

“More students are seeking post-secondary education in Ontario, but this year’s acceptance numbers clearly show that Laurier’s reputation for excellence continues to make our university an attractive choice for a growing number of students,” said Laurier President Dr. Max Blouw.

Of the total number of first-year acceptances at Laurier, approximately 3,150 students will study at the Waterloo campus and 700 at the Brantford campus starting in September. The combined number of all undergraduate students at both campuses is expected to be approximately 13,500.

Laurier, which guarantees a space in residence for all first-year students who apply for residence by May 28, has been preparing for the enrolment increase. Sufficient residence space has been identified at the Brantford campus but the Waterloo campus is currently about 100 beds short. To make up the difference, Laurier’s Residential Services Office is offering a special deal to students on a first-come, first-served basis.

The university is converting 100 single bedrooms in apartment-style units in Bricker Residence into double occupancy by replacing the single beds with bunk beds. The university will also create additional storage space in these units and install wireless Internet service throughout the residence building so that students can work on their computers outside of their bedrooms.

For each student who accepts a placement in one of these converted double rooms, the university will reduce the cost of residence by 50 per cent ($2,698 per student versus the full cost of $5,396). It will also supply each of these students with a free laptop computer, match volunteers with a roommate of their choice, and guarantee a spot in Bricker Residence — the university’s most popular apartment-style residence.

“We are asking the students who accept this offer to adjust their accommodation expectations, but we are also providing them with a generous incentive,” said David McMurray, dean of students. “Based on past experience, we believe students who choose this option will make the adjustment quickly, and we will do everything we can to ensure that they receive the same quality residence experience that other Laurier students enjoy.”

To find out more about this residence offer and to view photographs of the converted double rooms, please visit the website at: http://www.mylaurier.ca/residence/info/brickeroffer.htm or call 519-884-0710 ext. 3752.

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-Stringer

I still remember when I applied (2 years ago), they offered me $1000 simply to not live in residence. Since WLU is the fastest growing university, this trend will only continue unless they manage to acquire more residences somehow.

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-Stringer

Laurier really just needs to stop guaranteeing residence for everyone. This is not a new problem for them. It's actually one of the things that I'd say counted against Laurier for me - they were triple bunking people in 01/02, let alone my grad year which I knew would be bigger on account of people fast tracking to avoid the double cohort.

Now, Acadia has the opposite issue. They have more space than they need, to the point that they've been keeping a building vacant the past couple years. The only year in recent memory that they were close to capacity was the Double Cohort year.

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The problem isnt residence.

The problem is accepting too many students.

Last year Laurier accepted something like 600 more students then they planned to.

I dont know who's in charge of forecasting the demand, but they're doing a god awful job of doing it. This school cannot keep doing this.

Laurier's not the only one that's had residence capacity issues in recent years. I'm maybe 95% sure I've heard of Western being over capacity and doing something about it - but I don't know if it was financial incentives for people to give up their rooms or triple bunking or what.

Laurier could switch up their policy to something that guarantees residence to most students without guaranteeing it for all. Like guarantee residence for everyone over 80% or from over 300km away, with any remaining spaces given out by lottery.

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