With several top-ranking universities, a diverse job market and countless things for young people to do, Ottawa is an excellent choice for both local and international students looking to take the next steps in their education.

Student.com has made it quick and easy for you to book student housing in Ottawa. We offer a wide range of options with plenty of rooms available, from luxurious downtown apartments to more affordable options in the suburbs. 

Universities in Ottawa 

Ottawa is home to several of Canada’s best universities. From arts and humanities to engineering, medicine and natural sciences, students won’t have any trouble finding a high-quality course in their chosen field of study. 

University of Ottawa 

Ottawa is home to the highly respected University of Ottawa, a public university with a foundation dating back to 1848. The university is conveniently located in the vibrant downtown area of Sandy Hill, where students can find some of the best student housing in Ottawa.

Consistently ranking among the top ten universities in Canada, this multidisciplinary university delivers more than 100 different courses in fields such as law, life sciences, economics, engineering and the humanities.

The University of Ottawa is a proudly multicultural university, being the biggest bilingual university in the world. With over 10,000 international students, it’s a popular choice for those looking to study abroad in Canada.

Ready to enroll at Ottawa’s leading university? We offer a wide range of student accommodation at the University of Ottawa. 

Carleton University 

Another popular choice for students in Ottawa, Carleton University offers a wide range of programs but is particularly known for its courses in public policy, journalism, computer science and international affairs.

The university has a sprawling 150-acre campus that’s surrounded by green space. It’s based west of Old Ottawa South, close to the neighborhoods of Glebe and Confederation Heights – two popular areas for student housing in Ottawa.

With over 30,000 students, including roughly 4,500 international students, Carleton University is a sizable institution with a vibrant campus life. For those looking to connect with others and pursue their hobbies, there are plenty of sports clubs and academic societies to get involved in.

Sounds like somewhere you’d like to study? Check out our listings for student housing at Carleton University. 

Other universities 

Beyond the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, there are several other educational institutions in Ottawa that are worth considering, particularly if you’re looking to study in a specialized field.

One of the largest polytechnic institutes in Ontario, Algonquin College focuses on technology and the applied arts and offers over 180 programs. The college has three campuses, with the main one based in Ottawa’s western district of Nepean.

Located across the Ottawa River in the city of Gatineau, Cégep Outaouais offers a variety of programs in fields like arts, technology and health. And for aspiring chefs looking to enroll in culinary school, the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu has a campus in eastern Ottawa – the only one of its kind in North America! 

Things to do in Ottawa

Blessed with scenic beauty, national monuments and a fascinating cultural heritage owing to its proximity to the U.S. border and the French-speaking province of Quebec, Ottawa has lots to keep students entertained on their days off.

Arts & culture 

The Canadian capital is known as a cultural melting due to the mix of English and French speaking communities either side of Ottawa River, giving international students plenty of opportunities to brush up on their language skills!

One of the city’s main attractions is the Rideau Canal, the oldest continually operated canal system in North America. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a long, meandering boat ride on the canal serves as a great introduction to the city.

The Changing of the Guards, a ceremony that takes place every morning during the summer at Parliament Hill, is a popular spectacle for visitors. Other national monuments which art enthusiasts and history buffs will love include the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. 

Food & drink 

When you get hungry, set out for ByWard Market – just a short walk from the University of Ottawa –for delicious specialty foods. The outdoor market has a range of fresh produce and sweet treats, from everyday essentials like fruit and vegetables to mouthwatering pastries and maple syrup.

For a local experience, don’t forget to sample a beaver tail (sweet fried pastries in the shape of a beaver’s tail) and pop in for late-night comfort food at one of the city’s many 24-hour diners. The waterfront is also worth visiting as there are plenty of options for a more sophisticated, scenic meal. 

Nightlife 

Whether you’re looking for a casual beer or an after-hours party, Ottawa has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to everyone. Elgin Street and Bank Street – both located in downtown Ottawa – are two of the main party hubs and have plenty of nightclubs and cocktail bars.

The city also has a thriving live music scene, with venues like the National Arts Centre and smaller bars hosting local bands and touring acts. Festivals throughout the year also feature live performances, adding to the nightlife experience.

Outdoors 

Along with boating, the Rideau Canal is great for walks, bike rides and jogging. In winter, the canal is transformed into the Rideau Canal Skateway, as freezing temperatures form a layer of solid ice on the surface, with the canal becoming the world’s largest skating rink.

Elsewhere, students can escape the city bustle in one of Ottawa’s many parks. Confederation Park and Major’s Hill Park are both located in the heart of downtown, while Hog’s Back Park is ideally placed for students at Carleton University.

Best student areas in Ottawa 

From the bustle of downtown to Ottawa’s quieter suburban areas, there are many different options for student housing in the Canadian capital. The area that students choose will usually depend on their chosen university. 

Sandy Hill 

Located just east of downtown Ottawa, Sandy Hill is one of the city’s main student hubs. The neighborhood offers a blend of historic charm with its vintage shops and Victorian architecture combined with the youthful buzz of its many pubs, restaurants and bars.

Sandy Hill’s proximity to the University of Ottawa means it has an excellent provision of student housing. For many students enrolling at the university, it’s the go-to neighborhood for accommodation. 

The Glebe

The Glebe, situated south of downtown Ottawa, is another popular student neighborhood. It’s known for its host of delicious restaurants, quirky independent shops and quiet cafes which are great for studying.

The area sits between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Its proximity to the city’s two main universities means it has some of the best options for student housing in Ottawa, albeit often on the more expensive side. 

Old Ottawa South 

As the name suggests, Old Ottawa South is one of the city’s older neighborhoods and is a popular choice for families as well as students at Carleton University. Tree-lined streets house plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants, with the neighborhood offering a quieter, community-oriented feel.

One of Old Ottawa South’s major draws is its proximity to the Rideau Canal, which students can pick up from Bank Street for a scenic stroll into the city’s downtown. Other highlights include the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library and the Ottawa Folklore Centre. 

Public transport in Ottawa

For a major capital city, Ottawa is a very walkable city – but for longer journeys it’s good to know that there are several options for public transport. The two main modes of travel within the city are bus and rail, both of which are operated by OC Transpo. 

Rail

On the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, students can take advantage of the O-Train to reach key destinations across the city. The light rail network consists of two lines and over 15 stations, with services running throughout the day.

If you cross over the river to Quebec, it’s worth noting that the rail system is operated by the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais, with trains running in a similar pattern to those in Ottawa. 

Bus 

The rail system is complemented by an extensive bus network with close to 200 routes and services running 24 hours a day. Buses are especially handy when travelling further out into Ottawa’s suburban areas and late at night after the rail system closes. 

Frequently asked questions 

How can I apply for student housing in Ottawa? 

Found the perfect student apartment in Ottawa? Applying for the lease with Student.com is simple:

1. Choose your room – browse our properties and find a place that suits your needs. Our team of experts are on hand if you need some help!  
2. Request to book – let us know which property you are interested in & our booking consultants will guide you through the next steps. 
3. Sign your contract – once your contract is signed you will pay your rent. Student.com does not charge you anything for our booking service: you’ll only need to pay the rent to your chosen landlord.

Learn more about how the booking process works here. 

What types of student housing do you offer in Ottawa? 

The student residences we list in Ottawa have three different types of rooms:

• Shared Room: Two or more people sleeping in separate beds in the same room. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are all shared with other rooms. 
• Private Room: Additional facilities are also shared with other rooms but you’ll have a private bedroom. In some properties you can also have private rooms with a private bathroom. 
• Entire Place: This is a fully self-contained property. This means you don’t have to share with anyone. Your bedroom, as well as living, cooking and bathing facilities, are exclusively for you.

Can you arrange a tour for me? 

We can definitely help schedule a tour of a property before you book it. Just give us a call and one of our booking consultants will gladly arrange it for you. 

Are bills included in the rent?  

In most cases, bills are included in the total cost of our student residences, but it will ultimately depend on the property, as different landlords may have different policies. Make sure you check to see if this is the case with your chosen property. 

What are the best areas for students to live in Ottawa? 

For University of Ottawa students, Sandy Hill is an obvious choice for student housing in Ottawa due to its proximity to the university. The same is true for Old Ottawa South for Carleton University students, with both neighborhoods having plenty of cafes, pubs and shops to keep students occupied. 

What are the visa requirements for international students in Ottawa? 

To apply for a study permit in Canada as an international student, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institute – the University of Ottawa and Carleton University both fall into this category – along with proof of identity and financial support. The study permit is typically valid for the length of the program plus an additional 90 days.