So, if you want to find your people, why not stroll down the Grande Allée during the Club Fair on September 4 and September 5. There you’ll see many more clubs enticing you to join with colourful signs and friendly faces.
uOttawa English Debating Society
No debate: the English Debating Society is the oldest student organization at the University of Ottawa. Since 1880, members have competed against universities across Canada, North America and the world.
“No prior experience is necessary. We pride ourselves on being an open and friendly environment that provides space for casual and competitive debaters to enjoy themselves and improve. We provide the tools, training and opportunities for those who want to learn.”
- Anais Kneppers, third-year JD program
uOttawa Outdoors Club
Looking for adventure? Last year, club members enjoyed winter camping in the Adirondacks in New York State, a 10-day rock climbing trip to Nevada’s Red Rocks, and a gathering of more than 40 members to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
“We organize many trips throughout the year, each requiring different experience levels. Typically, we have a couple of car camping trips, which are great for people who may have never slept in a tent before. We also organize more difficult, multi-day backpacking and canoeing trips for our more experienced members.”
- Georgia Thompson
Glee-Gees
Do you remember the TV musical comedy-drama, Glee? Well, the University of Ottawa has the Glee-Gees – our very own acapella club! The club consists of a competitive side, the Glee-Gees, (you’ll need to audition to join; it’s serious business!), and a recreational side, the Glee Club, which is open to singers of all skill levels.
“What makes the Glee Gees special is the profound sense of community and belonging it fosters among its members. The club provides a supportive environment where individuals can express themselves freely and unapologetically.”
- Genevieve Dunn, third-year Biology
La LIEU
If you pride yourself on your acting talent, then La LIEU is the club for you! Once a week, La LIEU members participate in friendly improv matches in front of an audience of uOttawa students. They also compete in the Coupe Universitaire d’Improvisation (CUI) each year, an inter-university competition between Francophone Canadian universities!
"We’re probably one of the only exclusively francophone clubs at the University of Ottawa. Our existence is essential for promoting our beautiful language and culture in my opinion. La LIEU gives people a chance to meet those who share the same interests in a warm and welcoming environment."
- Benjamin Lefebvre, fifth-year graduate student in Communications
uOttawa Trivia
Got a knack for facts? Show off your knowledge at the uOttawa Trivia Club! Last season, the Trivia Club won the Student Life Award for Competitive Club of the Year and hosted many inter-university competitions. Talk about a winning streak!
“uOttawa Trivia does academic and pop culture trivia at our regular practices and competitions. There is no pressure for people to show up to practice or to get involved in tournaments if that’s not their thing. We primarily compete against other universities in Ontario and Quebec, although we also send teams to national-level competitions in the United States.”
- Anastacia Healey, third-year Linguistics
uOttawa Research Peers
Looking to get into research? Find out everything you need to know by attending the uOttawa Research Peers’ workshops throughout the year!
“We provide sessions and mentorship on current research opportunities at uOttawa, including research initiatives like USRO (Undergraduate Science Research Opportunity Program), the TMM (Translational and Molecular Medicine) program and research projects. We also guide participants through practical steps, such as identifying potential labs, connecting with professors and crafting emails that stand out.”
- Samia Jahouri, fourth-year Biopharmaceutical Science
Jeux de la communication (JDLC)
Showcase your creativity and communications skills! JDLC Ottawa is a Francophone chapter from uOttawa that participates in the yearly Jeux de la communication. There are auditions each year in September, and students from all disciplines are invited to try out!
“The University of Ottawa’s team knows how to stand out, both academically and socially, at this prestigious competition. Last year, the uOttawa team was fourth overall and we are ready to climb onto the podium at the 29th edition of these Games, which will be held in March 2025 at the University of Montreal.”
- Ophélie Cadieux-Lanoue, fifth-year student in Communications - Darhnell Germain, third-year student in Public Relations and Communications - Sophie Lacelle-Bastien, fifth-year student in Journalism
uOttawa Anime
Turn your movie night into an anime night. Come to the next club meeting, where you can watch your favourite anime on a big screen! Some of the latest screenings include Ouran High School Host Club, Suzume and Princess Mononoke! Members also participate in anime conventions, thrift outings, karaoke nights and more.
“We try to have a large variety of anime to introduce members to new genres and themes. Our club is fully bilingual. Viewings are done with original Japanese audio and French or English subtitles.
- McQueen Z., fourth-year Electrical Engineering
uOttawa Dance Club
Get grooving with the uOttawa Dance Club! With up to 14 different dance styles and six levels to choose from, you’re sure to be dancing in no time!
“We hold a dance recital in March every year where all 300 of our members perform! We do other smaller events, such as club night with Sky Lounge (we’ve developed a partnership with them), Strathcona Stretch, a holiday party and weekly drop-in dance classes alongside our regular programming, which runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. every weekday.”
- Silvi Ivardi, third-year Psychology
MisAmigos: Disabilities Club
Are you passionate about accessibility and mental health? Join the MisAmigos: Disabilities Club to foster an inclusive environment and address mental health challenges for students with disabilities. As stated in its constitution, the club is entirely bilingual and accepting of people from all walks of life.
“Our mission at MisAmigos: Disabilities Club is to promote mental health and create a supportive community for people with disabilities. We are committed to providing a university environment where kindness, accessibility, and inclusivity are not just ideals, but lived realities for all community members.”
- Ethan Rolando Dolcino, second-year International Development and Globalization
This list is just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many other intriguing clubs out there – the Fika Club, which stems from the Swedish custom of low-key hangouts with friends, uOttawa Pagans and Friends, the uOttawa Theatre Club, Kelpie Robotics, the Boxing Club and many more! Now it’s your turn to explore for yourself, either on the University of Ottawa Student Union website or in person during the Club Fair. No matter what your niche is, you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest!
Have a club you want us to highlight in our next issue? Send an email to The Gee.