Get to know your regional mentor and benefit from what they wish they’d known before they’d started. To encourage you to sign up and attend, here’s a taste of why it’s worthwhile.
Natalia, regional mentor for Northern Ontario
Natalia says she benefited from attending a session before she started at uOttawa and is now happy to share her experience.
“I appreciated learning about all the student clubs on campus and, because I was going to live in residence, what the move-in would look like.”
“I think the person-to-person connection is very important when mentoring. It’s great sharing our knowledge. That’s how we get closer as a university community.”
“One tip I would have for first-year students is to prioritize the balance between your studies and your well-being. We have various resources on campus to help with that, such as peer support and therapy dogs.”
Natalia
— Natalia, regional mentor for Northern Ontario
Rose, regional mentor for international students studying in Canadian secondary schools
“I didn’t get a chance to attend an orientation session before I started. I wish I’d known more about 101 Week and the different student associations.”
Rose
— Regional mentor
Rose adds: “I did attend a presentation about how to enrol in courses, however, and mentors showed me how to use uoZone and sign up for courses. When I came to campus in September, my mentor helped me find my classroom through a campus tour.”
“Going to an orientation and speaking to real people is very helpful. Mentors share their knowledge as well as their own experiences. We see the bigger picture, not just the immediate challenge you’re facing right now.”
Matias, regional mentor for Secondary V, Quebec
“One activity that’s really good for meeting new people is ‘How to Prepare for University,’ especially for Secondary V students, who are younger. They can meet people there of the same age, who are having a similar experience.”
Matias
— Regional mentor for Secondary V, Quebec
Matias recalls learning very helpful things about the University’s resources, where to get support, best places to study and more when he attended a How to Prepare for University session as an incoming student.
“Now, it’s my turn to help students find the right resources.”
“As a mentor, I can show students that I’ve experienced the same situation as them. They feel seen and understand that someone else has come from the same community.”
“It’s always good to take a little break from school. We’re there for school, of course, but having fun, getting involved is really important in first year.”
Olivier, regional mentor for Eastern Ontario
“My advice to new students is to come visit all the buildings before starting university, including the small stores and restaurants. It’s a good idea to visit the campus to be better prepared for your first day at university.”
Olivier
— Regional mentor for Eastern Ontario
“I think the human side is important when speaking with students. You can put yourself in their shoes and have some empathy for them. You’ve experienced exactly what they’ve experienced. You can see the person and not just the issue, and you can make their emotions and well-being the priority.”
Olivier adds that he had an advantage because his sister was a regional mentor when he first started his University of Ottawa experience.
“I found that attending several orientation presentations really helped me reduce my stress. I went to more than one just to be sure of remembering the information. It works out really well when it’s your sister giving the presentation. She kind of forced me to go, but it really helped me to know what to prepare for university.”
Join us in your community
Regional mentors will be in 27 cities across Canada between July 27 and August 7.
Find a session near you and register
We recommend saving your spot early.
You’re welcome to bring your family. Many students do and it helps everyone get a better understanding of what university will be like.
Each session starts with a short presentation, followed by an open Q&A session. You’ll hear directly from your regional mentor as they share what helped them navigate their first few weeks on campus and start feeling confident at uOttawa.
You’ll come away with a clearer sense of what to expect at uOttawa, what matters most early on and where to find support.
And just as important: you’ll get to meet other new students from your area before you even arrive on campus.
If you’d rather ask your questions one-on-one, you’ll have the chance to connect with your mentor after the session and get more personalized advice.
Can’t make it in person?
We’ll also offer an online session on August 12, so you can still get the same guidance and ask your questions.
Register for the online session
Are you an international student?
Attend a virtual information session titled Getting Ready for Canada: Immigration Essentials as well as Understanding the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).