University should be the time of your life, and where you live should be at the center of it all!
The MARQ provides an exceptional living experience that lets you live your university experience to the fullest!
Along with modern décor, state-of-the-art amenities and convenient locations, we create a safe, clean and pleasant home-away-from-home in an environment that is conducive to studying and vibrant student life.
We are committed to being a place that you can be proud to call home throughout your university life.
So come on in and visit The MARQ – It's where you want to be!
1. In 2024 there was severe water damage and residents were forced to vacate with no where to go within days.
2. In 2025 there was water damage again and residents were forced to vacate within days. Some people got empty rooms in the same building and others got empty rooms in cheaper properties while paying the same rent.
Also if you do make the mistake of staying here make sure to cancel your lease after 1 year. Even if you are planning to stay longer just sign a new lease since they WILL raise your rent by the maximum allowed (5%) every year. Also you will be notified of this rent increase on the very last day they are legally allowed to do so which is months after you have to let them know you are moving out (since they ammend the ontario lease to make you cancel the lease a month in advance)
We also had an issue in the building where they refused to turn AC on during summer and claimed it was broken. When we called the LTB they finally send someone up to literally flip a switch behing a locked door to turn it on.
Another note is that they locked the rooftop floor (with gym and study room) for renovations for neraly a year. The gym pictures they have are extrememly out of date and most of the equipment is missing (eg only 2 30lb dumbells and a broken treadmill). Upon completion of the renovations they gym was exactly the same but what they did do was add more expensive units to be rented on the rooftop floor (note that when people lost their apartments due to water damage they did not make these available for temporary relocation)
Recommendation: not worth the risk with the plethora of historical issues they have had and their approach is always how can we milk and save the most money possible. They depend on a fast turnover of people so they can screw over new ones which is an ideal setup for them since they are close to schools.
MI
Michael Icharia
Sep 15, 2025
5.0
The management has been responsive and professional, handling questions and maintenance promptly. Overall, it’s a well-managed property that provides a comfortable student living environment.
BG
Brian Gao
Sep 15, 2025
5.0
Lived here as a sublet last year. Great experience overall! Front desk was helpful when I had any concerns. The rooms were clean and contained what I needed. And the apartment itself was worth the price. Highly recommend!
AA
April
Sep 9, 2025
1.0
Absolutely terrible place to live. The heating doesn’t work and the AC is locked at an ice–cold temperature with cool mode on, so I am forced to live in freezing conditions. Marq refused to provide heaters or adjust to a normal temperature, leaving me sick. Zero accountability, zero solutions.
There are far better options in Waterloo for a lower price. Don’t waste your money on this place.
Frequently Asked Questions About The MARQ 1 Columbia
Where is The MARQ 1 Columbia located?
The MARQ 1 Columbia is located at 1 Columbia Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 0C8, Canada.
What type of housing does The MARQ 1 Columbia offer?
The MARQ 1 Columbia offers student housing designed to provide a safe, clean, and vibrant home-away-from-home experience for university students.
What are the operating hours of The MARQ 1 Columbia office?
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Is The MARQ 1 Columbia an LGBTQ+ friendly housing option?
Yes, The MARQ 1 Columbia welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals and is a transgender safe space.
How can I contact The MARQ 1 Columbia for more information?
You can contact The MARQ 1 Columbia by phone at +1 888-236-7767 or visit their website at https://www.themarq.ca/apartments-for-rent/the-marq-waterloo-at-1-columbia.
What nearby amenities are available for residents of The MARQ 1 Columbia?
Nearby amenities include Bianca's Pizza for food delivery, Lashing Out Studio for beauty and spa treatments, and Sleep Ezzz Mattress Express for retail shopping.
Are there any places to relax and enjoy after studying near The MARQ 1 Columbia?
Yes, residents can visit Planet Beach Contempo Spa for beauty and tanning services or enjoy entertainment at 24Billiards, a sports and recreation venue nearby.
Is public transportation accessible near The MARQ 1 Columbia?
While specific transit stops are not listed, The MARQ 1 Columbia is centrally located near landmarks such as One Columbia and Waterloo Student Rental, making it convenient for accessing local transportation and universities.
Are there health services near The MARQ 1 Columbia?
Yes, nearby health services include Ilex Eye Associates (optometrist), Art Dental Clinic (dentist), and Restore Life Physiotherapy & Wellness.
What places of interest are near The MARQ 1 Columbia for students' convenience?
Students can find retail shops like JDI Cleaning Systems, hobby and art stores like Atlas Collectables, and eateries such as McDonald's Canada and Cheez-Us Pizza close to The MARQ 1 Columbia.