What It’s Like to Study at a University in Canada’s Capital ｜ A SuOn Academy Student’s Visit to the University of Ottawa

From March 21 to 22, a group of ambitious SuOn Academy students embarked on a 400-kilometer journey from Toronto to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, to participate in the University of Ottawa’s Spring Open House. Over two days, they not only explored the academic excellence of this top institution but also experienced the unique atmosphere of the capital amid the evening lights of Parliament Hill and the shimmering waters of the Rideau Canal. Let’s follow their journey — a blend of academic discovery and city exploration.

DAY 1 | First Academic Encounters: From Bilingual Welcome to Campus Immersion

Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from the University of Ottawa staff. They quickly assisted us in settling into the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel downtown, ensuring we could fully focus on the activities ahead.

Our first event was a bilingual (English and Chinese) welcome session. Dr. Jacques Beauvais, Vice-President Academic and Provost, provided a detailed overview of the university. Three student ambassadors from diverse backgrounds shared their academic journeys and reasons for choosing uOttawa, truly reflecting the university’s spirit of diversity and inclusiveness, where every student feels respected and valued.

Following the welcome session, we embarked on a campus tour. The University of Ottawa’s campus harmoniously blends modern and historical architecture, brimming with vitality and innovation. From state-of-the-art academic buildings to cozy study spaces, every corner exuded a deep sense of care for students’ academic and personal growth. Touring the residence halls allowed us to vividly picture our potential future life and study here.

 

The University of Ottawa invites many Ontario private schools to its Open House each year, and SuOn Academy was one of the largest groups participating this time. Our strong partnership with uOttawa was evident throughout the visit.

Michelle Beauchamp, Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment, specially highlighted:
“SuOn Academy students perform exceptionally well at the University of Ottawa. We are proud of their achievements and therefore offer more accessible admission conditions for them.”

As a result, SuOn students who achieve a final mark of 80% or higher in their Grade 12 English course are eligible for an IELTS waiver. Several other Canadian universities also offer similar exclusive policies to SuOn students.

One of the most memorable moments was meeting SuOn Academy alumnus Maweixing Chen, now studying at the Faculty of Engineering at uOttawa. He helped organize parts of our itinerary and shared valuable insights about his university life and future plans. His positive attitude and sincere advice were truly inspiring.

As evening fell, we left the campus to explore the city of Ottawa. Strolling along the Rideau Canal, we admired the blend of historic architecture and natural beauty, feeling the city’s tranquility and orderliness. The night tour of Parliament Hill was a highlight, with the Gothic Revival-style buildings illuminated like a fairy tale castle. Meanwhile, the fresh oysters and maple-smoked bacon bagels at ByWard Market left an unforgettable impression on our taste buds.

 

DAY 2 | A Morning Awakened by Flavor, Moments When Dreams Take Root

Our second day began with a hearty breakfast at the university cafeteria — smoked salmon bagels, sizzling bacon, crisp salads, juicy burgers, and colorful fruit platters — a vibrant morning ritual that fueled us for the knowledge ahead.

After breakfast, we were divided into faculty-specific groups based on our interests:

Faculty of Engineering: We toured various labs and engaged in an interactive cybersecurity simulation, experiencing firsthand the excitement and challenges of professional learning.

Faculty of Arts: We participated in experiential learning activities such as creative workshops and student-faculty exchange sessions, offering a vivid insight into arts education.

Telfer School of Management: Students attended a lecture on business innovation and career development, and had in-depth discussions with alumni and current students, learning about the school’s strong industry ties and emphasis on leadership.

Faculty of Social Sciences: Discussions on global issues sparked critical thinking, and visits to psychology labs gave us a glimpse into real research environments.

Faculty of Health Sciences: We explored professional training and simulation labs in nursing, nutrition, and rehabilitation, highlighting the faculty’s strength in interdisciplinary research.

Faculty of Science: Science enthusiasts visited research labs and a coral reef fish aquarium. Through the “Let’s Talk Science” outreach program, we also witnessed how the university brings scientific research into community service.

 

Moments of Exchange, Moments of Growth

Beyond the scheduled activities, face-to-face conversations with current students and professors offered a more authentic understanding of university life. Hearing their stories of academic pursuits, personal growth, and overcoming challenges gave us a real sense of the supportive, academically rich environment at uOttawa.

One particularly impressive aspect is that the University of Ottawa is Canada’s largest bilingual (English-French) university. Being able to study in both languages not only boosts career competitiveness but also simplifies future immigration processes. Throughout the visit, university staff effortlessly switched between English and French, demonstrating remarkable language proficiency and creating a highly inclusive and diverse atmosphere.

At the end of the event, we gathered for a commemorative group photo in the stately Tabaret Hall, capturing the memories and gains of this meaningful journey.

 

Reflections on the Journey: A Clearer Vision for the Future

As we boarded the bus back to Toronto, my mind was filled with dreams of the future. This trip to Ottawa not only deepened my understanding of the University of Ottawa’s rich academic resources and inclusive campus culture but also gave me a clearer sense of my future academic and life path.

The University of Ottawa’s commitment to academic excellence, its emphasis on developing practical skills, and its respect for cultural diversity are all incredibly attractive. And the city of Ottawa itself — with its tranquility, beauty, and safety — made it easy to imagine myself living, growing, and realizing my dreams here in the near future.