FAQs
Have questions about Orientation (Online Prep or AC Day 1) or starting at Algonquin College? Check the FAQs below!
Be sure to check out our Resources to Know About to see some handy tools and supports that may apply to you.
What is Orientation, and how do I sign up?
There are three components to your Algonquin College Orientation:
Online Prep has everything you need to get ready before your first day of school from the comfort of your home! Complete your 10-minute must-do list, sign up for a College Essentials Q&A Webinar, tune in on Instagram for the Inside Scoop series, and check out our online resources to get ahead.
AC Start is an opportunity to receive one-on-one support before the start of term. Explore the campus, get your questions answered, and connect with key services in a one-stop-shop setting.
AC Day 1 is your first day of school, where new students will attend Program Orientation and learn about their program, and all students can take part in free Social Activities throughout the day.
Check out each page for the steps to register/and or complete the recommended tasks.
Who should participate? Can I bring family members?
Online Prep is for incoming full-time, level 1 students. Family members are invited to tune in to our College Essentials Q&A Webinar.
AC Start is for incoming full-time, level 1 students and their families.
AC Day 1 is for all full-time new and returning students in Ottawa.
AC Online students do not need to attend AC Day 1, and will instead attend their own Online Learning Orientation.
Where do I check in for AC Day 1?
On AC Day 1, visit one of our registration booths to check in and receive your AC Day 1 Guide for accessing the day’s events! Booths will be located at the entrances of the following buildings:
- Student Commons (E Building)
- C Building
- ACCE/CA Building
What if I can’t make it to the College Essentials: Q&A Webinar?
If you can’t attend the webinars, check back on the College Essentials Q&A Webinar page after the webinars take place – we will post the recording there.
Everyone is encouraged to attend AC Day 1 for fun social activities!
I’m having trouble signing up, lost my ticket, or want to change my ticket info.
Your Eventbrite ticket will be sent to the email address that you used to sign up. You will also be able to register on the day of for AC Day 1! If you lost your ticket, no worries! We’ll be able to look up your registration when you check-in at AC Day 1.
If you can’t access these emails, or are experiencing other issues, please contact us at orientation@algonquincollege.com.
How do I use Zoom?
Zoom is a video conferencing software used for tutoring, coaching, and workshops, and more! For AC Day 1, several events are virtual and will require you to use Zoom. After registering, attendees will receive a link to join a workshop on Zoom via email.
Will I have class during AC Day 1?
Classes will be suspended on AC Day 1 for incoming Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus (this excludes apprenticeship students) so that you can attend Program Orientation and take part in AC Day 1 workshops and social activities. Classes will return to regular schedule the following day. Please check your schedule on ACSIS.
I’m an International student. Do I need to attend International Student Orientation and AC Day 1?
Yes, we recommend that International students attend both AC Day 1 (which will connect you with social opportunities) and your International Student Orientation organized by the IEC (which provides information about living, working and studying in Canada).
We also encourage you to watch our online College Essentials Q&A Webinar, where you can receive answers to your questions about starting College.
I didn’t sign up – can I still attend?
Yes! We recommend that you sign up in advance for AC Day 1, but you can still register at one of our registration booths on campus on the day of.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, career and employment, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
How do I get to campus on AC Day 1? Where can I park?
There are many ways to get to campus including public transit, biking, ride matching, carpooling and more. Check out our sustainable transportation initiatives here. If you are entitled to a U-Pass (transit pass) submit your photo in advance online here and your pass will be ready for pick up on campus.
If you have purchased an Algonquin College parking permit, please park in your designated area (Lot 8, 9, or 12). If you do not have a permit, limited parking will be available in the Lot 12 (Park, Pay and Go), or in the Visitor’s Parking Lot, for a fee.
I have questions about my timetable, fees, or admission status.
For information about about accessing your timetable and paying your fees online, visit our Online Prep page.
Visit the Registrar’s Office website for information on:
• Admissions – Find out your program requirements, application status, etc.
• Fees and payments – Tuition fees and due dates
• Registration – How to register for courses and view or change your timetable
• Key academic dates – Important dates and deadlines
International students: For questions about your application status, tuition fees, or arrival in Canada, contact international@algonquincollege.com or visit our International Students page.
What financial aid options are available to me?
From OSAP to bursaries to awards and scholarships, there are many options for financing your studies. Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards website for more information.
Where can I find housing on or off campus?
On-campus Housing
Algonquin College owns a student residence on the Ottawa campus. The residence has 525 two-bedroom suites, each with a shared bathroom and kitchenette with dining area. Barrier-free suites are also available.
Off-campus Housing
Need a place to stay? Explore the following off-campus housing options.
Places for Students
The Algonquin Students’ Association has partnered with Places For Students, a third-party organization that students can use to find off-campus housing through their portal. This organization vets landlords, housing companies, and students seeking roommates for safer housing opportunities and the site contains helpful resources for housing searches, contracts, issues, and other resources.
International Students
As part of their arrival services, the International Education Centre offers international students 3 days of free settlement support upon arrival. This includes assistance with accommodation search, identifying possible options based on budget and preferences, and transportation to view possible accommodation options.
Students may also wish to visit the international student housing page for more information about finding accommodations in Canada.
Landlord and Tenant Board
Contact information:
Click here to visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website.255 Albert Street, 4th floorOttawa, ON K1P 6A9Tel: 1-888-332-3234
In addition to contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board for information about tenant rights, you can also access forms on their website to inform landlord of maintenance issues, terminate a tenancy, etc.
To learn about your rights as a tenant in Ontario, please click here.
Emergency Housing
If you require emergency support in regards to your living situation, please connect with the following resources.
Housing and Domestic Violence
Women who are living with an abusive partner or have safety concerns related to domestic violence/intimate partner violence may be eligible for emergency shelter and/or being prioritized on the subsidized housing waitlist along with any children or pets they may have.
For emergency shelter at a domestic violence shelter: You can contact the local support line, the shelters themselves, or the city (3-1-1) where a caseworker will call shelters. You will need to inform them that you are requiring an emergency shelter because of domestic violence.
Please reach out to the following resources:
- Ontario Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1 (866) 863-0511 / TTY 1(866) 863-7868 available 24 hours/day
- Eastern Ontario Resource Centre – (613) 745-4818 available 24 hours/day
- Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women
- ShelterSafe
- Canadian Women’s Foundation
Counselling Services
Counselling Services can offer support to students who are experiencing financial and housing distress, including helping students get in touch with emergency support resources such as the Financial Aid Office, Ottawa Food Banks, and Ontario Social Assistance.
They can also help students locate emergency housing through a number of avenues, such as:
- Algonquin College Residence (if available)
- Mental Health Social Worker (through Health Services) who can assist with the Social Housing Registry application
- City of Ottawa Emergency Shelter Services
- Housing Help
Landlord and Tenant Board
Contact information:
Click here to visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website.255 Albert Street, 4th floorOttawa, ON K1P 6A9Tel: 1-888-332-3234
In addition to contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board for information about tenant rights, you can also access forms on their website to inform landlord of maintenance issues, terminate a tenancy, etc.
To learn about your rights as a tenant in Ontario, please click here.
Where can I get tech info or support (for ACSIS, Brightspace, email, course materials, printing, etc.)?
Our 10-minute to-do list will help you connect to ACSIS, your AC Network Account, your student email, and Brightspace.
Need more help?
• Tune in to one of our College Essentials Q&A webinar
• Visit the Course Material Services website
• Check out our Student Survival Guide for tutorials on the software and tools you’ll need at Algonquin College
• Visit the Information and Technology Services (ITS) website for self-help or to request help from ITS
How can I get involved in campus life at Algonquin College?
There are many ways to get involved through events, clubs, volunteering, and more!
• See upcoming virtual and in-person events on the Student Services event calendar
• Check out volunteer opportunities at the AC Hub Volunteer Centre
How can I improve my study skills?
The online modules in our Essential Study Skills Guide provide tutorials, tips, and tricks on everything from time management, to test-taking, to career planning.
When you start at Algonquin College, check out the many online supports available at the Student Learning Centre, including study skills workshops, peer tutoring, and one-on-one coaching.
Can I receive course credit for previous academic or life experiences?
Yes! Visit Transfer Options to learn about applying previous experiences from post-secondary studies, work, volunteering, etc. toward your course credits.
I have specific questions about my program.
For program or course-specific questions, please contact your Program Coordinator for information. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and meet your profs at Program Orientation on AC Day 1.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, career and employment, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
How do I set up my Live AC email?
Your Live AC email should be listed under Network Account on ACSIS. This video outlines the process of logging into your ACSIS, Live AC Email, and Brightspace accounts. Additionally, you can find more information in the Student Survival Guide for AC Applications by the Library.
My User ID is blank on ACSIS, what should I do?
If your User ID is not present on ACSIS, this may be related to your status. If you have not yet paid or deferred your fees to Algonquin College, this may cause a delay in receiving your Network Account information. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more support. Please note, there may be a delay in receiving a response from the Registrar’s Office due to a high volume of inquiries at this time, we thank you for your patience.
I am having technical difficulties, who should I contact?
Please visit the ITS Help Centre for help with troubleshooting.
Where can I find my course materials for my program (textbooks, manuals, etc.)?
You can view and purchase your course materials by visiting The Campus Store online.
Please note:
If you are a learner at the Ottawa, Perth or Pembroke campus, you can access your course materials through Booklist once your timetable is available using your Algonquin College network username and password to gain access. For more information on Booklist, check out our FAQ page.
If you are an AC Online learner, please use the “Textbook Search by Course” function to locate your required and suggested course materials.
Key Links & Resources
Key Links
- If you have questions regarding AC Day 1 activities, please visit the Algonquin College AC Day 1 page.
- Algonquin College COVID-19 information webpage
- Algonquin College website, Brightspace information
- For IT support and assistance. Check out the ITS Study and Work from Home Support.
Jobs/Financial
- For assistance with finding a job off-campus, please visit the Employment Support Centre on the Algonquin College website to make an appointment.
- If you have questions regarding Scholarships, Bursaries, Financial Aid & Student Awards, please visit the Algonquin College Financial Aid and Student Awards website.
Programs/Courses/Co-op
- If you have specific questions regarding your program, please search for your program on the Algonquin College website and contact your Program Coordinator directly.
- Log into your ACSIS account
- If you have specific questions regarding Admissions, please visit the Algonquin College Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid website.
- If you have questions regarding Course kits and school supplies, please visit the Algonquin College Campus Store – Connections website.
- If you have questions regarding Course Material Services, please visit the Algonquin College Course Materials Services website.
- If you have questions regarding Cooperative Education please visit the Algonquin College Cooperative Education website.
- For information on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), please visit the Algonquin College PLAR website.
- For information on Course Exemptions and Credit Transfers, please visit the Algonquin College Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid website.
- For information on Academic Advisors, please visit the Algonquin College Academic Advising website.
AC Card/U-Pass
- If you have questions regarding AC Card and U-Pass, please visit the Algonquin College Card Services website.
- For information on U-Pass opt-out, please visit the Algonquin College U-Pass website.
- For information on OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public bus transportation service, please visit the OC Transpo website.
International Education Centre
The International Education Centre (IEC) supports international students at Algonquin College with resources, services, and support to make the most of their AC experience. If you’re looking for ways to improve your academic performance or become more involved in campus life, the IEC team will point you in the right direction. The IEC can also help you manage your budget, find suitable work opportunities, make friends with other international and Canadian students, and stay safe and healthy during your time here in Ottawa.
Involvement
- For information on Volunteering, please visit the Project In-Kind on the Algonquin College AC Hub Volunteer Centre website.
- For information on free virtual and in-person events, please visit the AC Hub on the Algonquin College Student Support Centre Events Calendar website.
- For information on Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ARIE) please visit the Algonquin College ARIE website.
- For information on the Mamidosewin Centre, Algonquin College’s Indigenous student centre, please visit the Algonquin College Mamidosewin Centre website.
- For information on the Spiritual Centre, please visit the Algonquin College Spiritual Centre website.
- For information on the Library’s Digital Resources, please visit the Algonquin College Library website.
Support
- If you have questions regarding Counselling Services, please visit the Algonquin College Counselling Services website.
- For information on the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL), please visit the Algonquin College CAL website.
- For information on ASPIRE AC, please visit the Algonquin College ASPIRE AC website.
- For information on Health Services, please visit the Algonquin College Health Services website.
- For information on sexual violence prevention, please visit the Algonquin College Project Lighthouse website.
- For information on harm reduction and substance use, please visit the Algonquin College Umbrella Project website.
- For information on Safety and Security Services, please visit the Algonquin College Risk Management website.
- For information on Peer Tutoring and the Student Learning Centre, please visit the Algonquin College Student Learning Centre website.
Students’ Association
- If you have questions regarding Domestic Student Health Insurance, please visit the Algonquin Students’ Association website.
- If you have specific questions regarding the Students’ Association, please contact them directly: Algonquin Students’ Association contact information.