Virtual Residence
The University of Ottawa prides itself on our student experience and sense of belonging, and no matter where you are geographically located this year, the Virtual Residence experience is your opportunity to connect with your peers and develop your own community. Our Virtual Residences are open to any current uOttawa student, regardless of year of study or location, and features a Community Advisor to support you, organize events and activities and to help guide you throughout your academic year.
Benefits of Participating in a Virtual Residence:
- Access to a Community Advisor and Residence Life Coordinator for support and guidance
- Placement in an intimate community of your peers
- Access to events and activities specific to your community
- Access to supports, resources and services to help you succeed in your university experience
Application to Participate in a Virtual Residence Community
Application to the 2020-2021 Virtual Residence is currently closed. If you have already applied, you will receive further instructions shortly. Thank you for your interest in participating in a virtual residence community!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does a virtual residence work?
Our virtual residences are designed to mimic the residence communities you would find on campus. Once you have applied, you will be placed in a community with other students. In order to help foster engagement and create a community-feel, each virtual residence will be capped to limit the number of students in each community. To help keep your community safe and by access-only, you will receive specific login information that you will be required to use in order to access your community. Once you have logged on, you will be able to connect with the other students in your community, access your Community Advisor, and join live events and activities.
How can I join a virtual residence?
Applications to participate in a virtual residence will become available in early July. Students who complete the application process will be contacted in mid-August with more information about the specific community they have been assigned and their login information.
How much does it cost to participate?
Nothing! There is no application fee or participation fees required to participate in a virtual community.
What is a Community Advisor and how will they support my community?
A Community Advisor is an upper-year student employee who is responsible for the support and development of their assigned community. Each Community Advisor receives thorough training prior to the start of the academic year, including training on mental health support, conflict resolution and mediation, community development, crisis response and management, and referrals to services and supports both on and off-campus. In addition to being available for questions or support, each Community Advisor also plans events and activities to promote community development, sense of belonging and to encourage fun!
What is a Residence Life Coordinator and how will they support my community?
A Residence Life Coordinator is a professional staff member who is responsible for the support and management of a residence community. A Residence Life Coordinator supervises a team of student-staff, and supports students with conflict resolution and mediation, mental health support, crisis response and management and more.
How will I be assigned to a community?
Information that you include in your application will help us to determine the best community fit for you!
I am going to be living in residence at uOttawa in the fall – can I still join a virtual residence?
Unfortunately, no. The virtual residences are designed to host any current uOttawa student who is not living in our residence communities on campus. By living on campus, you will also have access to a Community Advisor for your specific community, as well as access to activities and events planned for you and your community!
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Keep an eye on this pagefor more information and to access the application form! If you have additional questions about joining a virtual residence, please reach out to res-ver@uottawa.ca.