As I am recently done my undergraduate degree, I am excited to move on to better and bigger things. Looking back at my four years at the University of Ottawa, I am proud to say that I think I made the most out of my experience on campus and in this city. As a 17 year old, arriving to the capital of Canada, I was petrified, but we are lucky to live in a city that has a lot to offer and I made sure to keep myself busy. I will miss campus and Ottawa itself, but smile as I remember the good (and the bad) times.
Here is a list of my favourite places to go and activities to do in Otown that I think should be experienced before graduating from the University of Ottawa:
In Ottawa:
- The Canal. Throughout most of the year, we are able to go for walks or runs on the Canal and I have to say, it is a beautiful place where you will empty your mind. During the winter, skating on the longest skating rink in the world is definitely a great experience as well.
- Parliament Hill. Whether you love or hate politics, Parliament is an important part of our history and it is quite interesting to go take a look at where the most important decisions within our society are taken (it’s also free, major detail when you are a student).
- Museums. Ottawa has lots of them: War Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian Museum of Civilizations and much more! Have I mentioned that some of these museums offer free admission on certain days, at specific times ? Even if you are not a museum type of person, there is a museum for everyone and everything: learning and discovering new things has never hurt anyone.
- Music Festivals. Ottawa Jazz Festival, Bluesfest, Capital Hoedown, there is a festival for everyone. They also are the perfect way to enjoy the nice weather after a long week at work.
- Hockey game at Scotia Bank Place. Even if you hate hockey, attending a hockey game is just a Canadian thing to do and if you are from a small town like myself, living in Ottawa is your chance! The SFUO often organizes cheap packages for its students (includes transportation and a ticket) so don’t you worry, you’ll be able to live the Hockey experience without breaking your budget.
- Concertos and Ballets at NAC. Whether you are a dancer, a violin player or simply enjoys classical music and ballets, the National Art Centre offers Rush tickets for students, allowing us to enjoy an expensive experience adapted to our budget.
- The market. You can complain all you want about how sketchy Mc Donald’s on Rideau is and how much you wish we had more “clubs” in the market, the fact of the matter is the Byward Market is beautiful, convenient and perfect to try out new food. And the patios ! Who in the world does not like sipping on a beer or a cold lemonade sitting on a patio, during the summer ? Whether it is to make a trip to Ahora for Mexican food or a night out at Heart and Crown, the market is a must to your university experience in Ottawa.
- Canada Day. While Saint-Patrick’s is fun in Ottawa, Canada Day cannot be compared to it. First of all, Canada Day is during the summer and summer comes with nice weather, patios drinking, outside fun and concerts, fireworks and everyone just seems happier during the summer. Canada Day in the capital is definitely one of my unforgettable experiences in Ottawa and I recommend you to take part in our dear National Holiday, here in Ottawa, at least once throughout your time here.
On Campus:
- 1848. Toonie Tuesday, Thumpin Thursdays, Pool, Burrito breakfast and beer after class. We are lucky to have an awesome student bar, with an amazing staff and managers that want you to have the most fun possible. Even if you are not much of a partier or do not drink, 1848 is always a fun place to be, and you can even enjoy it as a study spot during the day!
- FnS. Fathers And Sons’ breakfast is a classic and will always be, ‘nough said.
- La Maison. No matter when you show up, there seems to always be someone you know in this bar. The staff is once again amazing and we secretly all wish La Maison was OUR Maison.
- Be a proud GEE-GEE. Get your school spirit on, take a break from your busy schedule and make sure you attend a football game, a basketball game, a rugby game, whatever you enjoy watching! Not only is it fun, but you are also encouraging your fellow colleagues who work hard to be super athletes !
- GET INVOLVED. Whether you like music and want to attend the concerts that the SFUO puts together, want to travel for a quick 30 min and attend International Week or like Politics and decide to join one of the clubs on campus, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Make sure you volunteer and give back to your community, not only is it rewarding, it also allows people that do not have access to the opportunities you have to receive support.
Do not forget that the university experience is more than your books, there is so much outside of your classrooms. If you ask anyone that made sure to stay involved apart from focusing on their academics, they have learnt far more from challenging themselves outside the classroom and grew more out of those experiences than studying at the library. Don’t get me wrong, studying is important and will get you far in life, but there is more to you than your brain, you as a person have passions and interests, find them, use them, to learn, live and come out of university as a young adult who is ready to persevere and embark on a new journey.
Photo credits:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/…