1. Fresh air, trees and quiet: Green spaces for study
In the middle of the Biosciences Complex, there’s a living courtyard simulation of a young boreal forest with multiple plant species and a pond where you can view American toads as they grow!
What about the Tabaret Hall terrace? When you exit the Desmarais Building, take the stairs across the street to reach a calm, green, Instagrammable place, perfect for study.
Do you like gardening? We’ve got over 50 community gardens where you can cultivate both plants and lasting friendships.
Have you explored beyond the main campus yet?
The landscaped grounds surrounding 200 Lees Avenue feature native trees, drought-resistant plants and welcoming outdoor spaces designed to support biodiversity.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a break, catch up with friends or just enjoy some fresh air, this green corner of the Lees campus might become your next favourite escape.
2. Financial resources to discover
Did you know that, in addition to Online Scholarships and Bursaries, which features hundreds of awards to students, there are many other ways to meet your financial needs? Let’s talk about it!
There’s considerable funding for Indigenous students as well as funding for francophones and francophiles in the community.
Should you have an unexpected financial emergency, there’s a UOSU hardship fund to support you, and there are GSAED emergency grants for graduate students.
To support your community projects, take advantage of funding for experiential learning, including microgrants and scholarships and bursaries for international placements. If you’re a graduate student, some faculties offer admission scholarships and funding for your research.
Whatever your level of study, there’s definitely support right for you. Sometimes you just need to know where to look!
3. Places to park your bike
Here’s something that might interest cyclists! There’s an interactive map of the places to leave your bike, even the hardest to find! No need to go around in circles. Save time by finding the best locations in advance.
4. Fix your bike without breaking your budget
Got a flat tire, squeaky brakes or a bike that’s been sitting untouched for months? The UOSU Bike Co-op can help you get back on the road.
This student service offers tool access, affordable parts and bike repair support. You might even learn how to fix the problem yourself, a useful skill for navigating Ottawa on two wheels!
5. Free, local and organic eats
Did you know you can eat healthy for free on campus? Find out about the Free Food Alert program (sign up today using your uOttawa email address to receive notifications and to pick up free food!) and free meals from the People’s Republic of Delicious at the Déjà Vu space.
6. Digital secrets: Tech tricks for better study
If you’re not getting the grades you want or it’s taking too long to work with an exam page, think about visiting the Assistive Technology Mentoring Centre. You’ll get individual support to make better use of the tools available to you, including AI, and improve your course results.
7. The Library: More than a place to study
Video games, films and comics, multimedia equipment and archives (useful for creating content)... there are plenty of great Library resources you absolutely have to get to know!
Read more about the full range of library services available in The uOttawa Library: Much more than books, and watch the orientation video.
8. Improve your language skills
Keep having a hard time practising your second language? Register for an OLBI conversation workshop, where you can improve your French or English in a group of no more than five people. Learn more about conversation workshops.
If you’d like something one on one, book a meeting with a conversation partner, according to your profile and interests, for a 30-minute talk in your second language.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to take some language risks! Tackle daily language challenges with OLBI to feel more comfortable speaking your second language.
Did you know that unless your program has specific language requirements, you have the right to take your exams and write your assignments in English or in French, no matter what language the course is taught in? It’s a cornerstone of uOttawa’s commitment to bilingualism. So, if you feel you’ll do better in the other official language of your choice, go ahead! Know your language rights.
9. On-campus pharmacy care clinic
You can consult a clinical pharmacist right on campus! The new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinic, in the Minto Sports Complex, can deal with your health-care concerns for free or a reduced fee.
10. Roger Guindon Hall nursing room: A safe hideaway
The nursing room, a Faculty of Medicine initiative on the second floor of Roger Guindon Hall, Room 2059, is a private, exclusive space for those who wish to breastfeed undisturbed. You can close the curtains and lock the door to enjoy some peace and quiet.
11. A home away from home for Indigenous students
The Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre is a culturally safe space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Identify yourself as an Indigenous person to get the latest news and meet other community members you can form lasting connections with!
12. For a break: Spaces to recharge your spiritual batteries
If you’ve got spiritual questions, you can contact the chaplain of your choice for advice adapted to your needs.
The campus also has multifaith prayer and meditation rooms open to those of all spiritual backgrounds. Whatever your beliefs, you’re sure to find a moment to refocus.
13. Some artistic jewels
We’ve got an art gallery on campus! Gallery 115, on the first floor of 100 Laurier (Department of Visual Arts), is a space where students bring their projects to life before exhibiting them to an appreciative, broader community.
The next time you walk near Simard Hall, take a closer look at the digital screen nearby. It features a rotating selection of artwork created by uOttawa visual arts students, including pieces chosen for the SimArts student showcase.
Continue your mini art tour inside Simard Hall and the Julien Couture Resource Centre in Hamelin Hall, where other student works are displayed. Who knew your walk to class could double as a gallery visit?
Discover more. Read your ultimate guide to art on campus.
14. Food Truck Festival — September 21 to 25
Here’s a little insider knowledge for you: watch for the Food Truck Festival along the tree-lined Kichi Mìkàns / Grande Allée this fall. Discover the culinary delights of Salut, Dudebero Potato Co., the Mango Boyz, Le Donut Stop, Chez Wally’s, Gaufre N’go and Mr. Churritos. Grab a bite between classes and try something new.
15. Travel back in time at our on-campus museum
In between classes, change your era completely by visiting our Museum of Classical Antiquities. You’ll see things like a terracotta oil lamp from Roman times, a fish plate from southern Italy that dates back to the fourth century BC, textiles and much more.
Comprised of artifacts that reflect daily life during the period from the seventh century BC to the seventh century AD, the permanent collection is enhanced by touring exhibitions and items belonging to Canadian and foreign collectors.
Situated in the Desmarais Building, Room 3104, the museum’s collections are managed by passionate students.
16. Check out some tucked away passageways and tunnels
What if I said you could go from Marion Hall to SITE or go from Hamelin Hall to the Social Sciences Building without setting foot outdoors?
When the temperature drops, take your map and follow these travel tips to stay warm indoors, taking these hidden routes.
Do you have a hidden gem that we’ve missed that you’d like to share? Email The Gee!