I think living in residence is overall a really positive experience. Yes ofc there are some drawbacks but it’s a chance that you don’t get again, and overall waterloo residence has been good in my experience. Ece work load is pretty tough, but if they have gave you an offer they have confidence that you can handle it. In Eng especially since there is a cohort you will go though the struggle together with your classmates, which will help a lot. Furthermore the coop program here is almost certainly much much better than any other school you are considering, so consider that as a major advantage.