Changing lives and improving life: the University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is located in the City of Guelph which is a vibrant community of over 113,000 with a lively downtown, abundant shopping opportunities and a dynamic cultural core. Surrounded by the rolling hills of southwestern Ontario, Guelph is an hour's drive from Toronto and even closer to Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo.

The city is characterized by many 19th-century limestone buildings, specialty shops, coffee houses, nightclubs, restaurants featuring flavours of the world, and a nationally known bookstore housing a repertory cinema, café and bistro. All are within walking or biking distance from the university.

Students choose the University of Guelph because of its challenging academic environment, high-calibre, accessible faculty, and its exceptional student life experience. Over 90% of students entering first year return for their second year at Guelph. That is 4% above the National Average (Maclean's, Nov. 2006)! The variety of extra-curricular activities and opportunities for community involvement make their experience at the university well-rounded.

From arrival on campus with START International where students connect with new friends from Canada and around the world to their first co-op job, international students are encouraged to connect with their community.

Getting involved in campus life at Guelph is easy. Whether your interests are cultural or religious, whether you want to learn how to be a radio DJ or to dance salsa, or if you have a passion for serving your community - we have opportunities in Campus Organizations, Student Government and Clubs that will suit your interests.

At Guelph, we stress the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Our intramural, recreational and intercollegiate programs involve more than 12,000 students. Recreational opportunities are everywhere. Cycling trails challenge off-roaders, and hiking trails link Guelph to Ontario's famous Bruce Trail. Our Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, the Guelph Storm, plays in the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Complex. Guelph's River Run Centre offers concerts for fans of rock, pop, folk, classical and jazz music, plus live theatre and lectures.