Campus & Community

Are you thinking about heading to college sometime soon? Deciding whether to go to school in your hometown or peace out for a bigger adventure can be a tough one, but we think Ottawa is the place for you. Here’s why:

Bigger and better

Sure, Cornwall has some great things going for it – nice waterfront trails, a movie theatre, and all the necessities. But Ottawa kicks it up with so much more – a fantastic music scene, great bars, authentic tacos, even a Feline Cafe.

If being outside is more your thing, we’ve got loads of green space to take in – you can run, hike, ski, skate, tube, and so much more right here in Ottawa. With so much to do, you’ll get to experience college the way it was meant to be – with new adventures, new friends, and new hangouts. You’ll fit right in!

More jobs, more experience

Ottawa has tons of opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job while in school or thinking about your dream gig once you graduate, Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Tons of our programs also have work integrated learning opportunities, meaning an internship, co-op, work placement or other industry experience could be part of your learning. Since Ottawa is home to so many businesses and industries, you’ll gain diverse experience that likely isn’t available in Cornwall.

Close but far

There’s something great about living far enough away from your parents that they can’t just drop in unexpectedly, but close enough that you can still pop home to do laundry or enjoy a homecooked meal. Since Ottawa is just an hour or so away, you can enjoy some of the comforts of home while still creating your own life away from your parent’s nest.

Stay Safe

Moving away from home can be really scary. We want you to feel safe. That’s why you should come to Ottawa! According to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places, Cornwall is less safe than Ottawa. In contrast, Ottawa was actually ranked as the Top Student City in 2017. The best part? The leading factor was friendliness.

You do you

Real talk, Cornwall and Ottawa are both great choices to live and study in. Our (slightly biased) opinion just wants you to have the time of your life at college – and we know Ottawa will welcome you with open arms. You do you, friend. You got this!

You’re looking into post-secondary education? Is choosing a school harder than you anticipated? We get it. There are so many different things to consider, especially if you’re thinking of moving away. If you’re stuck between Oakville and Ottawa, let us enlighten you. These are both awesome places but Ottawa might be a better fit for you. Here’s why:

Party hard or chill out?

Ottawa’s got killer nightlife. A short walk around the ByWard Market can prove it. In the mood for a pint and cheesy mountains of nachos? Check out Patty Boland or one of our many other pubs. Wanna dance the night away to Lady Gaga with drag queens by your side? Try The Lookout or any other club! Not feeling the club you’re in? Cross the street. Ottawa makes bar-hopping easy!

Not into clubbing? Cool. We have more where that came from. Ottawa has great museums (that offer student discounts), groovy music festivals, and a whole lot of green space to relax in. Whether it’s skating, hiking, skiing, tubing, biking, or running, there’s a place for it in Ottawa.

No money? No problem

With so many fun new things on your to-do list, you’ll need some cash. That’s great because Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Stay safe

Leaving the nest can be pretty scary. We want you to feel safe. That’s why Ottawa is the place to be. Ottawa is one of the safest cities in Canada according to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places list AND it was voted as Top Student City back in 2017 with the leading factor being friendliness. The people here are as nice as the city itself. You’ll fit right in.

Do what makes you happy

Moving away is often better than staying home. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the GTA. Live your best, stress-free life. There’s a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

In all seriousness, Oakville and Ottawa are both rockin’ places to live and study in, and you’ll have an incredible adventure no matter where you go. Only you know what makes you happy. Follow your heart, and ignore the haters. Our (very biased) opinion is only here to guide you. Good luck, friend! We believe in you.

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

If you’re looking into post-secondary education but can’t decide between moving to Ottawa or staying around Kingston, we’re here to give you a hand. Both of these cities are awesome in their own way but we think Ottawa has the upper hand. Here are a few things you should consider before making up your mind:

Have fun

We’ve all heard that bigger is better, and Ottawa is here to prove it. It would only take a weekend to cover all the fun things Kingston has to offer. There’s a lot more to Ottawa than that. Ottawa has tons of greenspace you can chill in, but the bars, clubs and pubs are where it’s at. Take a stroll in the ByWard Market, enjoy an artisanal beavertail, a latte or an authentic taco, and a pint.

Clubbing isn’t your thing? That’s cool. Ottawa has loads of other fun stuff to do too. Can we interest you in skating around the canal? How about some downhill skiing? What about a music festival? That’s right. Ottawa has it all. Ranging from hiking around Pink Lake to scoping out the arts scene at the NAC, Ottawa is as well-rounded as they come.

Make bank

Now that you know about all the fun you can have here, you might be wondering where you’ll find the funds to do it all. Don’t sweat it. Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Ottawa has a much lower unemployment rate than Kingston. A reassuring 6.4% lower to be exact. We also have a higher average salary than Kingston. How much higher? We’re glad you asked. How does $2,191.68 higher, sound? Make that coin, friend!

Stay safe

Moving away from home can be really scary. We want you to feel safe. That’s why you should come to Ottawa! According to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places, Kingston is less safe than Ottawa. In contrast, Ottawa was actually ranked as the Top Student City in 2017. The best part? The leading factor was friendliness. Ottawans are really nice people, so we know you’ll fit right in.

Be happy

Moving away is often better than staying home. You’ll have a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

All joking aside, Kingston and Ottawa are super great places to study and live in, you can’t go wrong choosing one over the other. You’re going to have so much fun, and learn so much no matter where you go. Our (incredibly biased) opinion is only here to show you the pros and cons. Whatever you choose, we wish you all the best.

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

So you’re looking into post-secondary education but you aren’t sure if you should stay in Belleville or come to Ottawa? Maybe we can help. Belleville is cool and all but we think you’d fit right in with the Ottawa crowd. Here’s why:

Ottawans have more fun

Bigger isn’t always better but in this case, it is! Belleville isn’t known as the city fun forgot (and we’re not saying it should be) but Ottawa is certainly more fun. You can let loose and party hard in the ByWard Market. Bar-hop to all the local hotspots like El Furniture Warehouse, Pub 101, The Lookout, Blue Cactus, and so many more. The best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other.

Bar-hopping isn’t your cup of tea? Maybe you’d prefer a cup of tea? Would you like to pet a cat at the same time? Then, you should check out the Feline Cafe, one of Ottawa’s many hidden gems! Ottawa has oodles of great cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood or scrumptious Indian cuisine, an authentic bowl of ramen, or mouth-watering tacos, Ottawa has you covered.

Maybe you’d rather get in touch with nature? You can do that in Ottawa too. With loads of green space to chill in, you’ll never feel claustrophobic. You can run, hike, ski, skate, tube, and so much more right here in Ottawa. We really do have more fun. And yes, Ottawan is a real word.

We make bank

You’re probably thinking, “Gosh, there sure are a lot of fun things to do in Ottawa! How ever will I afford to do them all?” Don’t sweat it, pal. Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low unemployment rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

There is safety in numbers

Moving is scary. It’s imperative that you feel safe. Ottawa might be a larger city but according to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places in Canada list, it’s actually safer than Belleville by a lot. Your parents will find this reassuring. Ottawa is nicer in many ways. In fact, it was voted as Top Student City back in 2017 with the leading factor being friendliness. The people here are as nice as the city itself. You’ll fit right in.

You do you

Moving away is often better than staying home. You have a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

Real talk, Belleville and Ottawa rock. They’re both great places to study and live in, and you’ll kill it no matter where you go. You’ll learn a ton, and have the time of your life while doing it. Our (slightly biased) opinion is just a helping hand. You do you, friend. You got this!

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

A tour is the best way to get a feel for the campus and imagine what life will be like if you study here. Our campus tours are led by real students, which means you’ll get real answers.

Here are a few questions to ask to make the most out of your visit!

What’s student life like?

If events, concerts, or workshops are important to you, ask about what takes place for students throughout the year. Maybe you’re into sports, so you can find out about varsity athletics, intramural sports, or the gym. If you like to lay low, knowing there are great study spaces and quieter events like movie nights might be helpful. Think about how you like to spend your time and ask questions to see if student life matches your interests and social needs.

What kind of support is available?

College is a big change and we all need support at some point. Asking about the student services that are available could ease your mind if you need them later on. We have counsellors, health services, career services, peer tutoring, and much more – consider what’s important to you and ask your tour ambassador for more information.

Where’s the best food on campus?

It’s these little inside secrets that will give you an edge once school starts! Find out where to grab the best burger, the tastiest smoothies, and more. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s a great time to ask about those options. You can even get something to eat after your tour if you want a taste of food on campus.

Where will my classes take place?

Taking a peek at the buildings or classrooms where you might be spending your time will give you a good sense of what your days might look like. Just walking around the buildings with your tour group will give you an idea of what the campus is all about.

Why did you choose to study here?

Since your tour will be led by a real student, ask them why they chose to study here. They’ll likely have some good insights that you hadn’t considered before. They’re here to help you, so use them to your advantage!

If you’re like many students, you’re wondering how much college will cost. And not just a ballpark number – you already know it’s in the thousands – but an actual estimate, based on the program(s) you’re interested in. Swooping in to save the day is Algonquin’s Tuition and Fee Estimator! Go ahead, give it a try.

We know what you’re thinking – “Wow, that’s a lot of money!”. Yes, it is – there’s no denying it. BUT, it’s an investment in yourself… your career… your future… your life. What you spend now will repay you over and over and over again when you graduate and land your dream job.

And don’t worry, there could be $$$ to help you along the way, too.

Last year, Algonquin gave out more than $6 million in bursaries to ease the financial stress of going to college. You’ll also be paired up with a Financial Aid Officer once you register at Algonquin – they’re full of information and tips to maximize your money. And don’t forget to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) – you could qualify for grants and loans to help you pay for school.

So go ahead, find out how much college could cost. Knowledge is power – and your future is waiting!

So you’re looking into post-secondary education but can’t decide between Ottawa or Toronto? You’ve come to the right place. Both of these options have qualities that make them great places to study and live in. We think Ottawa might suit you a little better, though. Here’s why:

Ottawa has much more affordable housing costs than Toronto. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto, according to PadMapper, is $2,230 whereas Ottawa can offer you the same thing for $1,270. That’s almost half the price!

Moving away from home can be scary and feeling safe is important. Ottawa has a lower crime rate than Toronto. The Most Dangerous Places in Canada list states that Toronto is in 124^th place while Ottawa is less dangerous and sitting pretty in 144^th place. Your parents will probably find this information very comforting.

If you’re worried about finding a job after you move or once you graduate, Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Ottawa was voted Top Student City back in 2017. The leading factor? Friendliness. That’s right! The people here are as nice as the city itself. Ottawans are kind, diverse, and tolerant. People are nice in Toronto too, but we actually got on the list.

What about when you’re not studying? We’ve all heard that Ottawa is the city that fun forgot, but you can forget you ever heard that. Not only is there more green space to chill in in Ottawa, the nightlife is great here too. Ottawa’s got great bars and clubs like Pub 101, The Lookout, El Furniture Warehouse, Blue Cactus, The Liquor Store, and more. The best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other. Take that, Toronto!

Maybe clubbing and bar-hopping isn’t your thing. We respect that. If you’re still not convinced that Ottawa is the place to be, think again. With great year-round activities like festivals, museums, skiing, hiking, skating, Ottawa has something for every scene. So whether you’re sporty or artsy, we’ve got you covered.

In all seriousness, both Ottawa and Toronto are fabulous places to live, and you can’t go wrong either way. You’re bound to learn a lot and have a ton of fun wherever you end up. We’re just putting our (slightly biased) opinion out there to help guide you. Whatever you choose, we know you’ll make the best of it.

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

Thinking about moving to Ottawa for school? Great! …But where are you going to live? Whether it’s our Residence or other off-campus housing, here are a few things to think about.

On-Campus – Residence Life

If the idea of rolling out of bed and into class appeals to you, you can’t get much closer than living in Residence. It’s the most convenient option for students who want easy access to classes, campus living, and friends. You’ll be steps away from the College, transportation, restaurants and shopping.

When you move into Residence, you’re part of a community from day one. You’ll meet lots of new people and some of those friendships will last a lifetime. And there’s always lots going on, too — our Residence Life Team hosts a variety of events to bring students together.

Applications to live in Res are on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if you’re thinking of living there, get your application in ASAP because as soon as it’s full, it’s full!

Off-Campus Options – So Many Choices!

Will you live alone or with friends? In an apartment or house? Which area? Start researching places to live now so you get an idea of the cost of off-campus housing. Ottawa has so many great neighbourhoods and location is a really important factor, too. Do you want to live close to Algonquin so you can walk or bike to class? Or would you rather live downtown? The cost of rent will vary depending on the location. Google Maps is a great tool to see how far a rental is from Algonquin.

Many students opt for something like a studio or one bedroom apartment so they can live alone and avoid roommate hassles. But if you live with roommates, you may be able to rent a house together and have a lot more living space for a similar (or even cheaper) price.

Search Options

If you’re not familiar with Ottawa, starting your search online is usually your best bet. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and Craigslist are great resources. Make sure to do your research on the different areas and on each landlord when looking into places to live.

The Students’ Association is another great source to search for student housing in the area. Please note, the SA does not inspect the units and can’t make any recommendations about the rental but does appreciate hearing of any unsatisfactory experiences to avoid future issues.

Once you have an idea of where you want to live, schedule some appointments with landlords and make a road trip to see the places in person! Bring your parents or a friend so they can check out the spaces with you — it’s always great to have a second set of eyes… after all, you’re likely signing a lease for a year.

Moving is always stressful, no matter how old you are or how excited you may be. The sooner you find a place to live and take care of the details, the less you’ll have to worry about when the big day happens. Then you can sit back and enjoy all the fun and excitement that comes with starting your new life at college. You got this!