The Waterloo Effect
The Waterloo Effect is a well-studied phenomenon where students at the University of Waterloo undergo a dramatic transformation between their first terms and their final terms, particularly within the Faculty of Engineering.
The effect has been the subject of numerous online memes from both current students and alumni, and is widely acknowledged in university culture as a defining feature of the Waterloo experience.
It is also likely the only thing your friends and family know about this place.
History
In 2022, Twitter user 416naru (Arman Alam) posted a comparison of his student ID photos. These images have since been reposted widely, often without context, but they actually document a noticeable glow-up. The photo at the top is from his second year, while the one below is from his first year.
2nd year vs. 1st year pic.twitter.com/S0a77gHy4E
— Arman (@armanishmae1) July 31, 2022
Despite the original context, the images quickly took on a life of their own. Viewers focused less on the chronological accuracy and more on the broader concept of transformation, using the photos to humorously illustrate the perceived intensity of the Waterloo experience. The comparison became emblematic of the "Waterloo Effect" in popular discourse, demonstrating how a simple visual can reinforce cultural stereotypes about the challenges and growth associated with the university.
In July 2025, the University of Waterloo posted a picture of a meet up between Alam and another notable victim of the Waterloo effect.
In the media
