Tip #1 : Practice speaking French
That's essential. A lot of students feel blocked when they try to speak French. By practicing often, you will gain confidence and feel more at ease: reading out loud, learning French songs, karaoke, conversing with Francophone friends...
On campus, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) organizes conversation workshops with small groups of students with similar French skills.
If you want to practice speaking French in a real context, try speaking to the University staff in French (they're all bilingual), including your Immersion Mentors! Don't hesitate to actively search for opportunities to speak French.
Here is a website that provides ways to practice your French in everyday life: Practice Speaking French Every Day
Tip #2: Review your grammar and vocabulary
Tools and strategies like audio books, the Word of the Day and grammar games can help you practice the notions you have learned since you started learning French. Linguistic apps such as Duolingo are an excellent way to start: not only do they provide you with grammar and vocabulary exercises, they also encourage you to speak French! By reviewing your knowledge this way, you will be able to speak and write with more confidence and ease.
You can find more advice about improving your grammar and vocabulary on the following websites: 7 Tips for Learning French Grammar I Wish I’d Known Earlier and Tips to Improve Your French Vocabulary.
Tip #3 : Write in French
By actively looking for opportunities to practice writing in French (e.g. when you prepare your grocery list, by keeping a log or texting your friend), you maintain your skills. If you really want to practice writing in French, you can submit your assignments and exams in French. The University of Ottawa's Regulation on Bilingualism (Part VII, 18.(3)) allows students to write their assignments and exams in the official language of their choice in all courses, except language courses. This means you could write some of your research reports or essays in French in order to practice.
The Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC) is a useful resource available to students who wish to improve their writing skills. A writing advisor will guide you throughout your assignments, from the first draft to the final version, which will make the task of writing your assignments in French easier, if you choose to do so.
You can find other suggestions and resources about writing in French on the following websites: The best free online learning resources and The Coolest Way to Practice Writing in French: Creating Your Own Short Stories.
Tip #4 : It's an immersion program, so dive in!
It is undeniable that be integrating various aspects of French culture in your life, you will be able to maintain your skills and improve your French. You could, for example, watch TV in French, listen to the radio or read in French! You could even organize a whole week-end in French: French food, French films, French music and, of course, French language!
University of Ottawa students are lucky to live in an officially bilingual city, which offers many activities in both languages! And the city of Gatineau is so close! You will find many opportunities there to immerse yourself in French.
The following website suggests activities to do in French in Ottawa: Five Places to Practise Your French in Ottawa.
For information about tourism in Gatineau, see the Tourisme Outaouais website.
Tip #5 : Travel!
Why not immerse yourself in a completely Francophone environment? By stepping out of your comfort zone, you will quickly get used to using your French on a daily basis. Even before starting university, you can take part in the Explore program.
Once in University, you can take advantage of the trips to Montreal or Quebec City organized by the Immersion Club, or you can even study abroad!