Welcome to the University of Ottawa and to your new academic career. We know you’re going to love it here! Every year we receive many of the same questions from newcomers, so to help you find your feet on campus, here are answers to the top 12.
1. Welcome Week and 101 Week: What’s the difference?
Welcome Week is for all new and returning students and features events such as the uOShow, an annual back-to-school concert, the President’s Welcome and information sessions. It’s organized by the University’s Community Life Service.
101 Week is organized for first-year students by the SFUO (Student Federation of the University of Ottawa), the undergraduate student union. This year’s activities include the FedChella concert featuring Canadian hip hop recording artist NAV, as well as 88GLAM and more. Don’t miss out: Buy your 101 Week Kit!
2. Where can I park my bike or car?
Many students (and employees) use uOttawa cycling facilities. There are about 170 bicycle racks across campus, as well as two secure bike cages (near Montpetit Hall and in the Desmarais garage) available for $10 per term or $25 for the full year.
If you bring your car, the University’s parking service charges daily rates. Parking permits are also available for the academic year. You could also consider the perks of carpooling.
3. Is there a campus map?
Use this interactive map to get your uOttawa bearings. Don’t worry if you’re taking back-to-back courses, because all classes finish 10 minutes before their scheduled ending, to allow you time to get to your next classroom.
4. Is it easy to get a uOttawa Card or buy textbooks?
It’s less of a hassle to order your uOttawa Card online. You also get to use a favourite photo of yourself and save time when picking it up. This card is necessary for accessing the gym and library, using your meal plan, paying for photocopying and more, so get it as soon as you can.
By keeping funds on your card, you’ll be allowed to use the fast lane at the bookstore. Put money on your card online or use one of the reloading stations.
5. Where can I get help when I need it?
For health care, visit the walk-in clinic at 100 Marie Curie and access Health Services’ other offerings, such as allergy injections, a travel clinic and STI treatment. There are resources also available for mental health and wellness and counselling and coaching.
Other support services at uOttawa (including for academic help) are offered by the Student Academic Success Service, a network of free services and programs that includes the Academic Writing Help Centre, the Indigenous Resource Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, and 19 mentoring centres. Students with temporary or permanent disabilities can get help from Academic Accommodations.
6. Who can I speak with about my academic path?
Each faculty has academic advisers ready to answer your questions. Check your faculty website for information to make an appointment.
7. How can I keep track of my academics?
Use the student portal, uoZone, to register for your uOttawa Gmail account, personal course schedule, Student Centre, finances and more. Be sure to check your Gmail account regularly since professors use it to share important information.
The Student Centre is where you can add courses (by September 21) or drop them (by September 28 with financial credit or by November 16 without), and keep track of your grades after each term.
8. Where can I eat on campus?
The 24/7 Dining Hall has 10 food stations offering choices such as international and
vegetarian cooking. You can cook your own food (“My Pantry”) or use the Dietary Restriction Meal Program if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
There are smaller food outlets across campus including coffee shops, food trucks, Bento Sushi, Première Moisson and quick-stop shops such as Pivik.
Low-cost and free food possibilities exist. You can also save money by bringing food from home. Numerous microwaves on campus are available for use.
9. How can I earn money while studying?
There are more than 1,700 positions available at uOttawa in our Work-Study Program for eligible students available to work part time during the academic year and full time in the summer. Go to the Work-Study Navigator in uoZone to apply.
10. Are my rights protected at uOttawa?
Absolutely. The Student Rights Centre, run by the SFUO, offers confidential advocacy and representation services to all uOttawa students. The Human Rights Office manages (among other things) complaints of harassment and discrimination, and the Office of the Ombudsperson resolves academic or administrative issues.
Resources for survivors of sexual violence, as well as information for bystanders and others on how they can make a difference, are on the Sexual violence: support and prevention website.
11. What if I have other safety concerns?
Protection Services handles all aspects of campus security, including community protection and theft prevention. They also work with the SFUO to run the valuable Foot Patrol program, a student-run safe walk service offered to all students and employees.
You can reach Protection Services at 613-562-5499 (non-emergencies) and 613-562-5411 (emergencies).
12. Where can I find more information?
InfoService, located on the Tabaret Hall main floor, can provide information about tuition fees, transcript requests and such. Avoid lineups by handling these matters through the Student Centre in uoZone. However, if you’re a special student, you must visit InfoService in person to arrange transfer of credits, for example.
More information can be found in the Undergraduate Student Guide and on your faculty website. Also, check out This is uOttawa and discover some of the many reasons why the University of Ottawa is ranked among the world’s top universities.