Depending on your student profile and housing needs, the application process and available options can vary. Use the sections below based on which categories best fit your situation.

Newly-admitted students

The application period opens December 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Ottawa time).

1. Once you receive an offer of admission, log into the Housing Portal in uoZone.
2. Room selection: Based on your application, the portal will guide you to either book a specific room immediately or to choose your room preferences. If you’re choosing preferences, you must choose a minimum of three and a maximum of seven options, subject to availability.
3. Pay the deposit by the application deadline with a credit card issued by an institution located in Canada or the U.S. or through an alternative payment method (processing your payment this way can take several days ).

Your residence application is considered complete once we receive both your application and deposit. Completed applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

For more on how we assign rooms, see the room assignment process.

When we assign rooms, we consider the residence and room type preferences you indicate in your housing application. However, we can’t guarantee your preferences will be met.

Current students not living in residence

Current students not living in residence can apply to live on campus. However, housing isn’t guaranteed. 

After all applicants with a guarantee have been assigned housing, we make offers to applicants without a guarantee on a first come, first served basis. The earliest offers are usually sent toward the end of June. Offers can continue to be sent throughout the summer as spaces become available. 

If you haven’t received a housing offer by mid-July, we strongly recommend exploring other housing options. Learn more about off-campus housing, including helpful resources. 

How to apply

1. Log Into the Housing Portal in uoZone.
2. Select your room preferences, subject to availability. You can apply for either an 8-month or a 12-month residence agreement.
3. Pay the deposit by a credit card issued by an institution located in Canada or the U.S. or by an alternative payment method (processing your payment this way can take several days ).
4. Submit your application.

Students currently living in the Annex, Hyman Soloway or Mann residence with a 12-month agreement

If you’re currently living in the Annex, Hyman Soloway or Mann residence and have signed and completed a full 12-month residence, you’re guaranteed continued residence if you apply by the deadline and request to return for the following year to either the same room or to another residence with a 12-month agreement.

If you apply for residence after the deadline, we can’t guarantee you a place.

The application process is open from January 14, 2026, at 9 a.m. The guarantee ends on February 12, 2026.

1. Log into the Housing Portal in uoZone.
2. Select the room you want to live in. If you want to have a guaranteed room (see criteria below), select the same room you’re currently living in. To continue living with your current roommates, list their names in your application.
3. Pay the deposit with a credit card issued by an institution located in Canada or the U.S. or through an alternative payment method (processing your payment this way can take several days).

Students currently living with an 8-month residence agreement

If you’re currently in an 8-month residence agreement, you can apply to return to residence. However, housing is not guaranteed.

How to apply

1. Log Into the Housing Portal in uoZone.
2. Select your preferences, subject to availability. Returning students must apply for a 12-month agreement.
3. Pay the deposit by credit card issued by an institution with offices in Canada or the U.S. or by an alternative payment method (processing your payment this way can take several days).
4. Submit your application.

Please note

If your application is accepted, you must move out at the end of your current agreement and move back in for the new term.

If you’re looking for short-term options, consider a lease takeover or sublet.

Students with an existing disability or medical condition: You must request support or adaptive measures before or during the residence application process.

Family housing and other types of living arrangements: If you’re looking to live with your family or find living arrangements other than our on-campus options, learn more about off-campus housing.

Students looking for a short term stay: Explore takeover or sublet opportunities on the Student Housing Billboard.

Non-students looking for a place to stay during the summer: Consider staying on campus through uOttawa’s hoteling options.

Accepting your residence offer

1. Check your uOttawa email address regularly.
2. Accept your offer through the Housing Portal by the deadline.
3. If you don’t have a guaranteed offer, pay the deposit when you accept your offer with a credit card issued by an institution located in Canada or the U.S. or by an alternative payment method (processing your payment this way can take several days).

Your offer is finalized only when we receive your acceptance and deposit.

Changing your preferences

If you haven’t selected your own room using our Book Now feature, then once you’ve applied online, you can log into the Housing Portal to change your application preferences before we assign your room.

Don’t withdraw your request.

1. Log into the Housing Portal in uoZone.
2. Select Edit and update your preferences.
3. Save your changes.

Note: Once we’ve assigned your room or if you select your own room using Book Now, you can’t change your preferences.

Cancelling your residence application for September

Follow the procedure to cancel your housing application.

If you’re applying to live in residence and need financial support, learn about fees and financial support, including scholarships, bursaries and other funding options. 

While there’s no housing-specific financial aid available, you may find general resources to help you manage your expenses.