Student Resource Hub

Your go-to hub for essential links and tips to help you prepare for Ottawa and feel supported while you’re here.

Ottawa, the capital city

Home to over 1 million people, Ottawa is Canada’s vibrant capital city. Located in the Eastern Standard Time zone (GMT –5), Ottawa offers the full Canadian seasonal experience with hot, humid summers reaching up to +30°C and chilly winters that can dip as low as –30°C with the windchill. Spring and fall often bring quick weather changes, so layering is key! 

 As a bilingual city, both English and French are official languages. Ottawa is known for being a safe, welcoming, and student-friendly city, filled with parks, museums, cafés, and a vibrant mix of cultures. It’s easy to get around using public transit (OC Transpo), or by walking and biking. 

Before arriving in Ottawa

Arrivals sign at airport

Airport Information

Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the main airport serving Ottawa.

Canadian flag spray painted on the ground.

IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Make sure all your documents are in order before arriving in Canada.

Person rolling their suitcase in the airport

What to pack

Packing Guide: Getting ready for Ottawa’s four seasons

Individual on phone logging into their account

Student Accounts

uoZone, Brightspace, and Outlook are essential platforms for managing your records, learning, and communicating.

Blue "pay online" key on key board

Tuition

Learn about your payment options and methods for submitting tuition fees.

Looking up outside the student residence building

Accommodations

Looking for a place to stay? We have options for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

someone taking notes while sitting in front of their laptop

Pre-Arrival Course

This self-paced course helps you arrive prepared and confident. Depending on your level, you'll be added in this course in BrightSpace.

Woman walking while looking at phone

Mobile phone plans

Sign up with your current provider’s international plan, a local Ottawa carrier, or use an eSIM for flexible short-stay service in Canada.

While in Ottawa

3 people sitting in the "O" of the large Ottawa sign.

Local info and services

The Ottawa Tourism website is a great resource for local information and events taking place in the city.

Light Rail Train

Public transit

The U-Pass transit card provides students with unlimited travel on Ottawa's OC Transpo and STO (Société de transport de l’Outaouais) in Gatineau.

Picture taken on campus with city bus in the distance

Transit App

This app provides real-time updates, so you know when your bus will arrive and can plan for delays or cancellations.

Woman seen through a window at a coffee shop drinking from a cup

Places near campus

Popular places and hidden local favourites to help you get to know the city.

Aerial view of Ottawa and campus

Everyday Essentials Map

Discover nearby shops, pharmacies, banks, and more—all in one easy map.

Hands together holding plants

Volunteer

Meet new people, support local organizations, build leadership skills, and strengthen your resumé.

Woman looking at iPad

Career corner

Equip yourself with skills, tools, and strategies to give you the confidence to transition to the workforce and thrive.

3 people talking outside the Julien Couture Resource Centre

Julien Couture Resource Centre

Meet with conversation partners, participate in workshops, and take advantage of the resources available to language learners

Gee-gee mascot giving high five to student outside

Health, wellness and student clubs

Enjoy campus life essentials and feel at home by fully enjoying being part of the Gee-Gees family.

person typing on laptop

Questions?

Contact us

Centre for Language Learning

70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 101
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada

Tel. : +1-877-868-8292
        +1-613-562-5980
[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday

September to May
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June to August
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation