Why do we say we’re all Gee-Gees?
Our school colours are garnet and grey, so the initials in both languages give “GG”. Throughout the years, the nickname just stuck. A gee-gee is also an old British slang term for the first horse out of the gate in a race. That’s why our mascot is a horse! Now that you’re a Gee-Gee, welcome to the Gee-Gee family!
Get to know the power of your student card
You’ll need to show this card to take exams, but it’s also your all-access bus and train pass in Ottawa and Gatineau! You can use it to buy food on campus, borrow books from the library, go to the gym and use your flex dollars to make photocopies and get off-campus deals. Basically, it will serve as a debit card on campus and as a transit pass (formerly known as the U-Pass) off campus! Be sure to submit your student card photo online if you haven’t already done so! This little piece of plastic is your golden ticket to the uOttawa campus and beyond. Pick up your uOttawa card.
Visit our web page for new students
We hope you’ve already visited this site, but why not refresh your memory: check out what you need to do by reviewing the details under the Go! – Welcome to campus tab.
Get to know the campus
Make sure you’re never late for class and know where to go to work out or grab a bite to eat. If you haven’t done so already, there’s still time to take a tour for incoming students. Act soon though as these wrap up at the end of August. Pro tip: Take a faculty tour to get a good idea of the buildings you’ll be in.
Put key academic dates in your calendar
When’s reading week? Can you still switch classes? This calendar will help you keep track of important academic dates and deadlines throughout the year. Make sure you check it regularly to stay on track!
Know how to reach student mentors
You’ve probably already been in contact with our team of regional mentors. We hope you found the sessions on how to prepare for university useful and fun. If you missed these sessions or have any follow-up questions, you can contact a mentor through our regional mentoring webpage.
Pick up your books
Check the syllabus of each course you’re taking to see which textbooks you will need. It’s best to get your textbooks sooner rather than later, so don’t put off this crucial step! You can buy or rent textbooks for most courses from the Campus Store. If you’re getting a textbook elsewhere, be sure to check that you’ve picked the right edition!
Pro tip: Check the Free Store: you could get lucky and find a free used copy of a textbook you need!
Get familiar with our key IT tools
uoZone: This secure student portal provides access to everything you’ll need while at uOttawa. uoZone will grant you access to your uOttawa email, the Student Centre, as well as to your financial statement, information on scholarships and bursaries, and more. The Student Centre is one of the main hubs you will be using to explore program and degree requirements, enrol in courses, or change your course selection.
BrightSpace: BrightSpace is your best friend. It’s a learning management system where most of your professors will post course content, including PowerPoint slides, assignments, and reading material. It’s like one of those big binders where you kept all your subjects in high school.
SecurUO: Safety first. Download SecurUO onto your phone and install Alertus on your computer so you can be instantly notified if an emergency occurs on campus.
Know how to stay safe. Use the Virtual Friend Walk feature in SecurUO to send your location to a friend in real time so they can track your walk until you get to your destination! Protection Services is also available 24/7.
Know the lingo
What is a LEC and what is a DGD? It’s a good idea to get familiar with our course enrolment terminology. (By the way, the first is “lecture”, and the second is “discussion group”).
Syllabus: Want to know what in the world to expect at your first-ever university class? Your professor will probably post a syllabus on BrightSpace and go over it during your first class. In it, you’ll find the course outline, the learning objectives, the required course material, and the exam schedule. In essence, it’s somewhat of a “contract” between you and your professor. (Pro tip: add all those mid-term, essay deadline, and final exam dates to your planner/calendar at the beginning of the term).
Units: Ah yes, our precious units (sometimes referred to as credits). This is what will make all those late-night study sessions worth it (*ahem, besides the joy of learning, of course). A unit is the value assigned to an academic activity. Regular undergraduate courses are usually worth three units and run for one term. Graduate courses are typically worth 1.5 or 3 units and have a slightly different schedule.
Register for academic accommodations if you need them
If you’re living with a temporary or permanent disability, our Academic Accommodations Service offers support. For more information, go to our registering for accommodation web page.
Stay connected on social media
Follow @uOttawacampus. It’s your best social media window for instant access to everything going on throughout uOttawa’s student community. Load your feed with timely updates about food festivals, fun events, campus news, inspiring and informative reels, important reminders, and everything to do with student life, often produced by students like you.
Get into university life. Celebrate and elevate our Gee-Gees community. View, like and share.
Read The Gee
Check your student email every two weeks for The Gee, your student life newsletter. Be sure to give it a quick skim to find out everything you need to know to max out your student experience. Get essential insights, advice and information about student life, and strengthen your ties to your campus and your community.
Pro tip:Visit the Gee hub online at any time to catch up on news, events and important information. Got an idea for a story or a uOttawa service you want to know more about? Send an email to The Gee.
Look for a job on campus
Although right now you’re probably laser focused on doing well in class, if you do find you have time for some part-time employment, our on-campus employment page is a good place to start your job search.
Download the uoWellness app
Take the first steps on your wellness journey by downloading the uoWellness app, which was made by students for students. You can book appointments, access peer wellness chats and self-help, share wellness tips with friends, book light therapy or plant rooms, see future events and much more. As you explore and use the app, such as when you create an avatar, share a tip or event, or book a service, you’ll earn points toward badges. You then become eligible for prizes, based on your badge.
Keep your schedule on hand
It helps to keep a screenshot of your schedule on your phone (or a paper copy) to know where and when to go to your next class. Pro tip: check out where your classes are before the term starts to save time. Refer to the online campus map and plan your route so that you can get to class on time and stay in your professor’s good books!
Save money with the Rivalry package
Because you’re a new student, we’re giving you a heads up on a great deal: save money on tickets to the Panda Game – which draws a record crowd for university football in Canada – PLUS four other top Gee-Gees versus Carleton rivalry matches for just $75! The Rivalry package, which includes tickets to the Capital Hoops tournament (basketball) and the Colonel By Classic (hockey) go on sale tomorrow, August 15! FYI: single tickets to the Panda Game alone generally go for $60 each. Being in a crowd with thousands of other Gee-Gees fans is an amazing way to embrace uOttawa student life. Get first dibs on the Rivalry package now!