University Of Guelph: Student Population And Campus Life

The University of Guelph is a public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1964 and has since grown to accommodate almost 30,000 students, including those at its various campuses, such as the Humber campus, Ridgetown campus, and off-campus degree enrolments. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, arts, and agriculture. With a focus on research and innovation, the University of Guelph is known for its excellence in academic programs and its commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens.

Student body size

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1964, it has since grown to accommodate almost 30,000 students, including those at the Humber campus, Ridgetown campus, off-campus degree enrolments, diploma enrolments, and part-time students.

The university is recognised as one of Canada's top universities, with a reputation for innovation and excellence. It is also known as Canada's Food University, with a long history of expertise in food, the environment, and communities. The University of Guelph is committed to improving lives and is well-known for its agricultural research and innovation.

The student body is diverse, with students from over 130 countries, and a male-female ratio of 38:62. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, with over 80 degree programs and more than 100 graduate and post-doctoral study programs.

The University of Guelph has seven colleges, offering programs in various fields such as physical and life sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences, business, agricultural sciences, and veterinary sciences. The colleges are:

• College of Biological Science
• Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• College of Social & Applied Human Sciences
• Ontario Agricultural College
• Ontario Veterinary College

The University of Guelph also has several schools, including the School of Computer Science, School of Engineering, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and more.

With a focus on student engagement and a commitment to improving lives, the University of Guelph offers a vibrant and diverse learning environment for its large student body.

Student demographics

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1964 through the amalgamation of three colleges: the Ontario Agricultural College, the Macdonald Institute, and the Ontario Veterinary College. Today, the university has a student population of almost 30,000, including those at the Humber campus, Ridgetown campus, off-campus degree enrolments, diploma enrolments, and part-time students.

The University of Guelph is known for its diverse and inclusive community, with students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Here are some key demographics of the student body:

• International Students: The University of Guelph welcomes over 1,200 international students from more than 130 countries, contributing to a global perspective on campus.
• Gender Ratio: The university has a higher proportion of female students, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 38:62.
• Student Satisfaction: Guelph students are among the most satisfied in Canada, with the university receiving high marks in student experience surveys.
• Residence Life: The university offers a large residence system, with over 5,000 students living in on-campus housing. There are 14 different campus living environments, making it one of the largest university housing systems in Canada.
• Extracurricular Activities: Guelph offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including intramural and varsity sports teams, as well as over 200 student clubs and organizations catering to various interests.
• Employment Prospects: The university boasts a strong record of employability, with over 90% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation, thanks to its focus on practical skills and industry connections.
• Academic Programs: Guelph offers a diverse range of academic programs, with students able to choose from over 80 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, arts, and more.
• Alumni Network: The University of Guelph has a global alumni network of over 100,000 individuals living and working in more than 160 countries, providing a valuable network for current and future graduates.
• Student Support: The university prioritises student engagement and focuses on the "whole student," offering a range of support services and resources to ensure students' academic and personal success.

The University of Guelph's student demographics reflect a diverse and vibrant community, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, student experience, and community engagement. With a mix of domestic and international students, a variety of academic programs, and a supportive campus environment, the university offers a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

Student residence

The University of Guelph offers its students a vibrant and diverse residence life, with 14 different living environments and 16 residence communities, making it one of the largest university housing systems in Canada. Most students choose to live on campus in co-ed residences, enjoying the convenience and sense of community that comes with it.

Residence Options:

• East Residence: Housing 610 residents.
• East Townhouses: Accommodating 645 students.
• Johnston Hall: With a capacity of 315 residents.
• Lambton Hall: Home to 400 students.
• Lennox/Addington Hall: A vibrant community of 520 residents.
• Maids Hall (Artz Haüs): A smaller residence with 50 residents, fostering a close-knit environment.
• Mills Hall: Accommodating 160 students.
• Watson Hall: A female-only residence with 67 residents.
• West Residences: Consisting of two locations, College Avenue and Wellington Woods, with a total of 110 upper-year students living among Family Housing residents.
• South Residence: The largest residence on campus, with 1,800 residents and over 50 Residence Life staff members. It is divided into three self-contained halls, each with its own independent fire alarm grid.
• East Village Townhouses: Opened in the fall of 2001, offering 164 four-, five-, and six-bedroom self-contained units. These houses primarily cater to upper-year and international students.

Residence Experience:

Living in residence is an integral part of the Gryphon Experience at the University of Guelph. The university's residence communities offer a diverse range of living-learning opportunities, room types, and amenities. The university aims to support students' personal and academic success while they make lifelong memories in their new home away from home.

The University of Guelph's residence life provides a vibrant and inclusive environment, rated #1 for student living and food by Maclean's in 2022. With a wide range of amenities and living options, students can find a perfect balance between academics and community involvement.

Residence Application:

For those eager to join the University of Guelph's vibrant residence community, the Fall 2025 residence application opens on February 1, 2025.

Student clubs and organisations

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It has a student population of almost 30,000, including those at the Humber campus, Ridgetown campus, off-campus degree enrolments, diploma enrolments, and part-time students.

The University of Guelph recognises the importance of extracurricular activities for an individual's maturity and the well-being of the community. The university supports student organisations, fundraising for charities, and volunteering efforts and contributions to community life.

Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College (SFOAC)

SFOAC promotes student activities and class spirit within the Ontario Agricultural College. Many students from the college actively participate in student councils and the broader Guelph campus life through this organisation.

Environmental Sciences Student Executive (ESSE)

ESSE caters to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. It provides social and extracurricular learning activities that foster pride and a sense of community. ESSE also acts on behalf of the students on various committees within the university and the local community. They host an annual public symposium featuring renowned speakers and workshops that integrate natural, physical, and social sciences.

CAMA Student Chapter

The CAMA Student Chapter is affiliated with the national Canadian Agri-Marketing Association (CAMA). Students in this club develop marketing plans for new products and compete in the National Agri-Marketing Association student competition in the US. They collaborate closely with professionals in the field to refine their ideas and plans.

ACE UofGH (formerly DECA UGH)

ACE UofGH is a chapter of ACE Canada, an international organisation that empowers students to compete, network, and gain valuable skills through business simulations and conferences. ACE UofGH prepares its members for future business scenarios and helps them build essential professional connections.

Guelph-Humber Advertising & Marketing Association (GHAMA)

GHAMA assists students in developing their professional careers in advertising and marketing. They provide creative advertising and marketing experiences, as well as networking opportunities, to help students build their industry connections and enhance their skill set.

Guelph-Humber Entrepreneurs Society (GHES)

GHES is an organisation run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. They aim to foster connections, provide vital resources, and share information to support the success of aspiring entrepreneurs within the university community.

Guelph-Humber Human Resource Society (GHHRS)

GHHRS offers students the opportunity to learn about the growing field of Human Resources (HR). Through exclusive events, members can develop transferable skills, explore potential career paths, and contribute to shaping the future of the HR profession.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of student clubs and organisations at the University of Guelph. With a strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement, the university provides numerous opportunities for students to pursue their passions, develop leadership skills, and actively contribute to the community.

Student employment

The University of Guelph is a public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with almost 30,000 students and 830 full-time faculty members as of fall 2019. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, with a focus on agricultural and veterinary sciences.

The University of Guelph provides various employment opportunities for its students, offering them the chance to gain valuable work experience and apply their skills in different fields. Here are some examples of student jobs available at the university:

• Teaching Assistantships: The university offers teaching assistant positions in various departments, such as Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics (FARE). Teaching assistants support faculty members in teaching and student assessment, gaining valuable pedagogical skills and subject knowledge.
• Research Positions: Research assistant and associate roles are available for graduate students, providing them with the opportunity to work alongside faculty researchers. These positions allow students to develop their research skills and contribute to knowledge in their field of study.
• On-Campus Jobs: The university also offers on-campus employment opportunities in various departments. For example, students can work as hospitality services assistants, exam prep instructors, or curriculum and training specialists. These roles enable students to gain valuable work experience while also contributing to the smooth functioning of the university.
• Partnerships with External Organisations: The University of Guelph has partnerships with organisations like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, which offer student jobs. These partnerships provide students with diverse employment options and the chance to work with external organisations, gaining industry experience.
• Graduate Programs: The University of Guelph offers graduate programs that include assistantships or internships. For instance, the Assistant Professor in Computer Science position includes the expectation of supervising graduate students, providing them with teaching and mentorship experience.
• Promotions and Marketing: Students can also find employment opportunities in promotions and marketing. For instance, the role of MCAT Course Promoter involves promoting free pre-med seminars and MCAT prep courses to students. Such roles allow students to develop their communication and marketing skills while also staying connected with the academic community.

The University of Guelph's focus on student employment reflects its commitment to providing a holistic education that equips graduates with the tools and skills to succeed in their chosen careers and make a difference in the world.

Frequently asked questions