Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I arrive in Ottawa? We encourage you to arrive in Ottawa at least 1-2 weeks before the start of classes. This will allow you to settle your accommodations, set up your Canadian bank account, obtain your U-Pass, take a tour of the campus and prepare for your next steps.

2. How do I get to Ottawa? If arriving by air you will be arriving in Ottawa at MacDonald-Cartier International Airport. More information can be found here.

3. What should I expect when I arrive at Customs and Immigration? When you arrive in Canada you will be greeted by a Canada Border Services Agent and will be asked to present documents. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage and that you have them with you. More information can be found here.

4. How do I find housing/accommodations? You have many options for accommodations and you are required to coordinate your own accommodation and related expenses. More information can be found here.

5. Do I need to register for classes? No, your timetable will be available for viewing on Brightspace: https://brightspace.algonquincollege.com/.

6. Where can I find my Algonquin College network account and student email info? Visit the following link to obtain more information.

7. Where can I find information about my Health Insurance plan? Guard.me is your health insurance provider. You will be sent an email from guard.me at the beginning of the term with will contain your policy information. Please keep and read this email. More information about your health insurance policy can be found here.

8. Can I work on and off campus? As per IRCC’s rules and regulations, you may work on and off-campus without a work permit if you have started your academic program (not the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program). There are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work on campus [as per R186(f)] in addition to working off campus, provided that the student continues to meet the applicable eligibility requirements stated on the study permit. More information can be found at the following links.

Working in Canada

IRCC Guidelines

Getting Around Town

If you are not using Arrival Services upon arrival, rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are available in Ottawa. There are also taxis available outside the airport terminal on arrival. Make sure you have the address of where you are going and at least $70 in Canadian money.

For students studying in Ottawa, your UPass will start working the first day of the month in which classes start. Prior to this you can use cash or a Presto card to travel on public transit in Ottawa. For more information, visit the OC Transpo website.

Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus is located at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, across from OC Transpo’s Baseline Station.