New students

Welcome to uOttawa! We're thrilled you're joining us.

group of smiling students and fans attending a Gee-Gees event
By accepting your offer of admission, you’re stepping into an exciting new chapter with endless opportunities. The information on this page will guide you and direct you to the support you need. There’s so much to look forward to: new experiences, new connections and a future you’ll start building here. We can’t wait to welcome you and see where your journey leads.

Start here: checklists for new students

Get ready for a smooth start with these three helpful checklists. Whether you’re preparing to arrive, settling in, or coming from abroad, everything you need is right here.

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Pre-arrival checklist

What to do before you arrive

Students walking on campus

Arrival checklist

What to do after you arrive

Four students smiling at the camera

International students checklist

What to do before coming to Canada

Group photo of the mentors

Connect with your mentor

Connect with your regional mentor to get support and answers to your questions.

Group of students sitting around a table with laptops

International students: start your journey with confidence

Join an online welcome session designed just for you: get practical tips from regional mentors, ask your questions, and learn how to prepare for university.

Key resources

Group of students studying

Course enrolment

Learn how to enrol in your courses and what support is available.
Lecturer teaching at the front of classroom

University faculties

Meet your academic community.
Pins on a calendar

Key dates

From course enrolment to graduation, these are the dates to keep track of during the academic year.
Person using a calculator and a notebook to budget

Fees and financial support

Explore funding options and learn how to budget.
Student in residence

Housing and residence life

Discover what to expect when you live in residence.
Fingers pointing at a laptop

Digital tools and IT support

Access essential digital tools and IT support for students.
Group photo of the mentors

Regional mentoring team

Meet our team of student mentors, ready to support you as you prepare for uOttawa.
Students walking on campus

Campus life

Make the most of student life with events, activities and support.
Health and wellness reception

Health and wellness

Discover physical and mental health care services to take care of yourself and those around you.
Students walking and laughing on campus

The Gee: Your student newsletter

Catch up on what’s happening around campus! Read our student newsletter for updates, events and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

Upcoming events

Jun 24 to Jul 13

New student welcome chat: One-on-one with your regional mentor

Starting something new comes with lots of questions, and not all of them fit neatly into an email.

Jul 9

How to Prepare for University: International student welcome session

Excited about university, but also nervous about starting a new chapter abroad? This session is your chance to connect with your international mentor …

Jul 18 to Aug 28

Campus tours for new students

Join a guided campus tour specially designed for new students starting in fall 2026. 

Jul 27 to Aug 7

How to prepare for university (sessions across Canada)

Starting university brings a lot of new experiences, and hearing from students who’ve already been through them can make all the difference. Join our …

Aug 7

Understanding the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) (session in French)

Your health insurance coverage is an important part of your stay in Canada. But it’s not always clear how it works until you need it.Join our virtual …

Aug 7

Understanding the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) (session in English)

Your health insurance coverage is an important part of your stay in Canada. But it’s not always clear how it works until you need it.Join our virtual …

Aug 17 to Aug 28

Airport welcome for new students

Arriving in Ottawa by air? Feel at home from the moment you land with a warm welcome from uOttawa.

Aug 18

Getting Ready for Canada: Immigration Essentials (session in French)

Before you land in Canada, make sure you know exactly what to expect at the border and how to stay on track once you’re here.Join our interactive virt…

Aug 20

Getting Ready for Canada: Immigration Essentials (session in English)

Before you land in Canada, make sure you know exactly what to expect at the border and how to stay on track once you’re here.Join our interactive virt…

Get in touch

We’re here to help!

We’ve got contact information for faculties, services and more. Take a look and find what you need.

Find your contact

Regional mentors

Our regional mentors are here to listen, guide, and help you navigate student life with confidence.

Email us: [email protected]