Know the Important Dates and Deadlines  

Get to know the important dates and deadlines related to your academic program, including:

• the start and end date of every term;
• the deadlines for enrolment and payment of tuition fees;
• exam periods;
• convocation dates;
• statutory holidays;
• breaks and special events for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Throughout your studies, you must know the deadlines and submit your documents and assignments on time. 

Apply for Housing

On-campus housing

The University guarantees on-campus housing for one year to newly admitted first-year undergraduate students who meet the housing guarantee criteria. On-campus residences are primarily for first-year students. However, some areas are designated for upper-year students. 

The accommodation guarantee is valid until June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern (Ottawa) Time. After this deadline, you can still apply for on-campus housing, but offers are made on a first come, first served basis, according to availability. Learn more about how to apply for residences. 

Your health and safety are important to us. Stay informed about University of Ottawa residences and the safety measures in place by checking out the Housing Service COVID-19 residence updates.  

Off-campus housing 

If you choose off-campus housing, here are some tips: 

• See our off-campus housing information for average monthly rents in the area and more. 

• Check out our Student Housing Billboard. 

• Finalize your housing arrangements only once you’ve arrived in Ottawa, if you can. This will give you the chance to meet the landlords and visit the units. Arrive early and set a few days aside for this. 

For more information, email the Off-Campus Housing Office or call the office at 613-562-5621. They’ll be able to help you. 

Course enrolment 

You must choose your courses yourself. Prepare your course selection before the enrolment period, and note the enrolment dates and times that apply to you. 

To enrol in courses, select the Applications tab in uoZone and then Enrol. Enrol in your fall and winter courses at the same time — courses can fill up quickly! Learn more about course enrolment.  

Note: Check your offer of admission for any requirements or conditions, including a requirement to take language or make-up courses. 

Undergraduate students  

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for course enrolment:  

• Watch the course enrolment support videos. 

• Use the course enrolment forms and tools.  

• Understand course enrolment terminology. 

• Follow your suggested course sequence. 

• See the list of courses offered. 

• Use the course timetable. 

For questions related to course enrolment, contact your faculty. 

Graduate students  

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for course enrolment: 

• Find your program description. 

• Check My Academic Requirements in uoZone to make sure you enrol for all the courses and activities you need to complete your program. 

• Check the course timetable for the courses you’re interested in. 

• Watch the Enrolment Help Centre’s enrolment support tutorials and check out the enrolment FAQ. 

If you need help, email us about course enrolment. We can help you with basic questions. If you have questions about your program requirements and course selection, contact your academic unit.  

Plan your finances  

Plan a budget that includes your tuition, as well as your rent or residence fees, books, travel and other living expenses. See our estimated university costs. 

You can also estimate your tuition fees with our fee calculator. 

To help you develop a good financial plan and prevent a financial crisis, see our financial planning tips. 

Tuition fee payment 

Once you’ve enrolled for 12 units (for undergraduate students) or three units (for graduate students) per term, the total amount due for your term as a full-time international student will appear on your statement of account in uoZone.  

Your statement of account is available about a month prior to the start of classes.  

Check out the important academic dates and deadlines for the Fall and Winter terms and the payment dates and late payment fees. 

Important: If you don’t pay your tuition and UHIP (health insurance) fees on time, you must withdraw from your program. 

The University of Ottawa’s Board of Governors reserves the right to change tuition fees, ancillary fees and refund regulations without notice. 

Methods of payment

International students have two options to pay tuition and other university fees from a bank account outside Canada:  

• Western Union Business Solutions (PDF, 1,026KB)
  Your account/bill number is your student number and the amount is payable to the University of Ottawa. 

• CIBC International Student Pay (PDF, 4.3MB)

Learn more about methods of payment  

Important: Your student account is not a bank account, you can’t withdraw funds remaining in it. Remaining funds are transferred back to the bank account you originally transferred them from. 

Follow us on social media

Facebook

Follow our uOInternational Facebook page to ask our mentors questions and learn about immigration sessions, socio-cultural activities and more! 

Join our uOInternational Facebook group to meet new people and find or share useful information on rooms and apartments for rent, items for sale, special events on campus and in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, your research and more. 

Instagram 

Join the @uOttawa_Intl Instagram community for tips and advice on how to improve your university experience.   

Tag us on your posts — @uOttawa_Intl — and use the #uOInternational hashtag to share your experience at university as an international student! 

Twitter 

Follow us on @uOttawa_Intl for the latest news. 

LinkedIn 

Read in-depth articles and engage with the community on uOttawa, International, Francophonie.  

Microsoft Teams  

Join our private group on Microsoft Teams to receive important updates and meet and network with other newly admitted international students.  

We’ll send an invitation to your @uOttawa email. Please note that you’ll have access to your @uOttawa email once you’ve enrolled in courses. Keep an eye out!  

In the meantime, learn more about Microsoft Teams and watch the Microsoft Teams training videos.  

Check the latest travel restrictions

If you’re planning to come to Canada, review the latest travel restrictions. See our Travel Safety page.  

Get your health insurance card 

UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is a compulsory insurance plan for international students and their dependants. 

Learn more about UHIP, including how to register your dependants and how to get your coverage card.

Important: Your student association manages your additional health and dental insurance. UHIP does not cover dental care or prescriptions.  

Pack your Luggage 

For advice on adapting to life in Canada and the climate, book a virtual appointment with an international mentor.

See this webinar on preparing for your first Canadian winter from our international mentors.  

Departure Checklist  

Visit the "Travelling to Canada" section of our immigration frequently asked questions. You will find information on the documents you may require at a Canadian port of entry and more. 

Apply for your Social Insurance Number  

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential for accessing government services and working in Canada. You can apply for your SIN once you’ve arrived in Canada or have proof of a Canadian residential address.  

Service Canada offers live SIN information sessions for international students to explain the application process as well as the importance of protecting your SIN.  

Get your uOttawa student card 

We strongly encourage you to apply for your first uOttawa Card online. For security reasons, the University doesn’t send uOttawa Cards by mail. 

Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive an email to your uOttawa account with instructions on picking up your card. Don’t order your card until you’re in Ottawa. 

Get your public transit pass (U-Pass) 

Your U-Pass lets you to take public transit anywhere in Ottawa or Gatineau for eight months (from September to April) if you’re a full-time student.  

Due to COVID-19 security measures, you must pick up your first U-Pass in person. 

Before picking up your U-Pass, check your Student account on uoZone to make sure you’ve been charged U-Pass fees. If you opted into the program, you’ll only be charged for your U-Pass once you pick it up. So, wait until you receive the email informing you that it’s ready.  

Students enrolled full time for the Spring-Summer term can be eligible for a full-year U-Pass.  

You can check if you qualify for a U-Pass exemption. Note that you can receive an exemption if you have no in-person classes. 

Buy your textbooks   

Textbooks are essential for your courses. We suggest not buying your textbooks until your professor confirms the textbooks you need in the course syllabus. 

You can purchase most of your textbooks and other course materials at the University of Ottawa Bookstore, located in the University Centre. Some textbooks are available as e-books or through the rent-a-textbook program. You can also find many used books at the Free Store, bookstores on and around campus and through various Facebook groups.  

Textbooks and course packs (a bound collection of photocopied texts) may also be available at DocUcentre or other locations near the campus, for example, the Librairie du soleil (for French material) or Rytec Printing. Professors usually tell you on the first day of class which books and other materials you need and where to buy them.  

Open a bank account    

If you want to have a bank account in Canada, we recommend that you open one once you arrive in Ottawa. 

Opening a student bank account in Canada is free and simple. There are several banks close to the University. Find out what type of account best suits your needs.  

To open an account, you’ll need personal identification. Bring your passport, study permit (if applicable) and University-issued student card. 

Watch this video on banking in Canada to understand banking basics, like bank accounts, account opening, types of cards and international transfers.  

Watch this video on credit in Canada to understand credit basics, like credit cards, credit card statements and the importance and benefits of credit. 

Purchase a cellphone plan  

To get a service (plan, SIM card, phone, etc.), you’ll need to bring your passport, study permit and credit card (if you have one). There are many cellphone providers with stores near our campus.

Furnish your new home

Furnishing your home is easier than ever before. There are many places with a huge choice of items. You can start by visiting the campus Free Store. Everything there is free! Common items include clothing, footwear, towels and blankets, office supplies, kitchenware, electronics, lamps, textbooks and novels.