Students from around the world tell us why they picked the nation’s capital as their home away from home.
India
Aakanksha Jain
MSc in Environmental Engineering
I chose uOttawa because Ottawa is a very peaceful city to live in, and uOttawa has one of the best graduate schools in Canada.
Mauritius
Vasoudha Bye Bullo
Financial Mathematics and Economics
The bilingual society and friendly atmosphere make Ottawa so similar to home. Plus the importance given to student mental health is the cherry on the cake! Ottawa is a home-away-from-home.
Gabon
Kenne Ryan
Marketing
I chose uOttawa because I felt it was the university that had the best program in a business school with triple-crown accreditation: Telfer. What I like most about Ottawa is its cultural diversity.
Haiti
David Ronald Eveillard
Psychology
I chose Ottawa because I am bilingual and feel it offers the best kind of social immersion for international students. I also chose uOttawa because Ottawa seems to be vegan-friendly!
Ghana
Aditi Singh
Computer Science
I have no words to describe how perfect it feels to have started at uOttawa this fall. Best decision of my life!
Morocco
Rania Abi
Master's in Public and International Affairs
I chose the University of Ottawa because of its bilingualism. I can study in French while living in an Anglophone province, which is great for becoming fluently bilingual without jeopardizing my education!
The city of Ottawa is an excellent choice for several reasons, but what I like most about the city is the opportunity to be in an urban setting only a few kilometres from one of the largest parks in the area, with breathtaking scenery!
USA (Texas)
Emma Ashling Stack
Communications
I chose to attend the University of Ottawa because I was yearning to study internationally. I decided on uOttawa when I visited during an open house in March because of the wide variety of clubs and activities that uOttawa offers. I also loved the course curriculum for my program. One of my favourite aspects is the architecture throughout the city. The Parliament buildings are absolutely stunning. This university is the perfect fit for me!
USA (Vermont)
Gabbi Ward
Health Science
I chose uOttawa for its strong health sciences program and diversity. The school is also downtown, which allows students to engage in all the activities going on there. Not only is Ottawa beautiful, but there is always something to do, whether it be the Tulip Festival or a show on Parliament Hill during the summer.
Ghana
Okatayie Ofori
Commerce
I turned down eight offers and chose the University of Ottawa because I was aware of the University’s sterling reputation and I was drawn to Ottawa’s urban landscape.
Comoro Islands (Indian Ocean)
Amina Alnemer
Public Administration
For its bilingual side (of course), and the fact that it’s located in the capital, and also due to the excellent reputation of its alumni and future alumni. I appreciate the calmness of the city.
Morocco
Ismail Hassar
Finance
Why uOttawa? First because it’s one of the best universities in Canada, and because it has programs that highlight both languages. What I like most about the city of Ottawa is its location near Montreal, New York, Boston and Toronto, and since it’s the capital, there are more opportunities and it’s a great place to live.
Iran
Mana H. Khosrowshahi
Conflict Studies and Human Rights
I love that Ottawa is such a cozy place and that you get to have everything but avoid the noise and rush of a city like Toronto. Ottawa is very clean too. I chose uOttawa because my program (Conflict Studies and Human Rights) is unique in Canada and I believe the University really has a forward way of thinking, with all its new investment in faculties. I also love the political vibes of the city.
Nigeria
Grace Toé
Biology
I think that the diversity of students attracted me the most. I love the fact you are so active on social media.
France
Miléna Franchebois
History
I chose uOttawa because it is located in Canada, a country I fell in love with when I visited it two years ago. In addition, the partial tuition fee waiver is very attractive. Ottawa seems to be a very multicultural city and there’s also Parliament. The University of Ottawa has so many programs and events. It’s like a dream for French girls like me; it’s like living in an American movie.