Written by Zohra Kassam
As soon as you step on campus, you fall in love with the iconic architecture of the University of Ottawa. Student life is particularly rich, from the very beginning, as Frosh Week starts the moment you move in. Events are lined up almost one after another, and immediately following Frosh Week is Clubs Week, as well as rush, where clubs, intramural teams, and Greek houses alike will recruit new members. The students at uOttawa are incredibly politically and socially active, and you can’t help but want to join in the action. The Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) plays a major role in fueling student involvement and enriching campus life, particularly with its outreach initiatives. Through residence life events, faculty/department events, club events, sporting events, and fundraisers, you really have to squeeze time for your academics!
Ottawa itself is a beautiful city, and the University of Ottawa is in the heart of Ottawa's downtown. Amazing restaurants and incredible nightlife await students who live for the weekend. Downtown Ottawa is also home to some of Ottawa's most historic and interesting attractions, such as Parliament Hill. The University of Ottawa's most amazing attribute is its bilingualism, making the city a very culturally engaging experience. The student population is incredibly diverse, and students of all faiths, ethnicities, and walks of life study at the University. As Ottawa is the political capital of Canada, students are exposed to exciting volunteer and internship opportunities with the federal government. The University of Ottawa is renowned for its bilingual research programs, being affiliated with more than 20 institutions and providing a wealth of opportunities for its undergrads. The co-op program is another fantastic facet of the uOttawa experience, offering bilingual, local, as well as international co-op placements. UOttawa is the place for opportunity!