Online Prep
Get ready for college in a few clicks!
Your first day of school is just around the corner! With our do-it-yourself Online Prep, you can get ready while chilling in your PJs! Complete the steps below before you begin your College journey.
Please note: Several Online Prep items become available once timetables are released on April 8.
Step 1: Complete Your 10-minute must-do list
Complete these quick steps online so you’re ready before AC Day 1!
Please note, new students will not have access to Brightspace prior to the Spring 2024 timetable release on April 8.
Do you have a place to live?
Whether you’re looking for on or off-campus accommodations, check out the following resources:
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.
Access your student information on ACSIS
Log into ACSIS (which stands for “Algonquin College Student Information System” – your one-stop online student portal) to receive your Network Account Info, including your student email address.
ACSIS is the portal to your timetable, grades, account balance, and more. The first time you log in, use your student number and birthdate, then create a new password once you’re logged in. If you don’t know your student number, or if the info is correct but you’re still getting an error message, reach out to the Registrar’s Office at algonquincollege.com/ro/askus. (The sooner you reach out, the better, as the RO gets a high volume of emails at the start of term.)
Once if you have access to your timetable, if changes are required, please visit the Registrar’s Office Website to learn more.
Log in to your student email account
Once you have your Network Account Info, including your user ID and initial password from ACSIS, it’s time to log in to your student email. Be sure to check it regularly so you don’t miss any College communications!
If your ACSIS account is blank, contact the Registrar’s Office at algonquincollege.com/ro/askus – it’s usually related to fees and/or registration status.
Submit your AC Card photo online
Submit your AC Card (student ID) photo online! If you are eligible for a U-Pass (transit pass), the same photo will be used for your U-Pass card.
Need help? Check out this How-To video.
Log in to Brightspace
Brightspace is your LMS (Learning Management System) where you’ll find everything you need to know about your courses – including assignments, digital resources, course content, group discussions and projects, announcements, and more.
Use your Network Account information found on ACSIS to login to Brightspace (please note, new students will not have access to Brightspace prior to the Spring 2024 timetable release. Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus will be contacted by your Program Coordinator via email with specific details about where your Program Orientation will be hosted.
If your User ID and network password are correct and you’re still having trouble, contact ITS.
Set up Algonquin College as an online bill payment
You can pay your fees online through any major Canadian bank. It’s easy, secure, and quick!
We will honour the date the payment is initiated, so as long as you log in and pay before midnight on the due date, you will not get a late fee. Here are the steps:
- Login to your banking app or website.
- Go to “Bills” and select “Add a new payee”
- Add “Algonquin College Tuition” as the payee
- Use your Algonquin College 9-digit student number as the account number
- Make your payment. Be sure to check your account balance on ACSIS for the correct amount.
Watch this quick How to Pay Your Fees video to see the process in action
Please note, International students should visit the Registrar’s Office fee payment page for more information on paying fees.
Are you a student with a disability? Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning!
The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is committed to ensuring our students have equal access at Algonquin College. To access accommodations, you are responsible for registering with the CAL and self-identifying as a student with a disability. We encourage you to register with the CAL as early as possible before the start of the term.
To learn more about the Centre for Accessible Learning, visit algonquincollege.com/cal.
Questions? Please email cal@algonquincollege.com.
Are you an Indigenous learner? Register with the Mamidosewin Centre!
If you’re an Indigenous learner, register with the Mamidosewin Centre!
The Mamidosewin Centre provides a variety of cultural programs, services, and resources to Indigenous learners at Algonquin College.
Step 2: Sign Up for the College Essentials Q&A Webinar
Our College experts are here to answer all your burning questions in a live Q&A-style webinar. We’ll be answering questions from students and parents/guardians about registrations and fee dates, the student experience, available services, financial aid, and more!
The College Essentials Q&A Webinar will take place on April 23, from 9am – 10:30am!
Step 3: Get prepared with AC Café
AC Café is a free self-directed resource to help new students get prepared for their studies!
It’s an opportunity for you to learn important information about Algonquin College so that you’ll feel more confident when you start, and you won’t have to absorb as much new information all at once at the beginning of the semester!
Step 4: Tune in on IG Live for the Inside Scoop Series
Get the answers to all of your burning questions! Tune in to Instagram Live each day on the main Algonquin College account to learn about the services at AC that can help you succeed.
Spring 2024 schedule:
- Monday, April 29 at 10 am – Algonquin Students’ Association (SA)
- Monday, April 29 at 1 pm – International Education Centre (IEC)
- Tuesday, April 30 at 10 am – Information Technology Services (ITS)
- Tuesday, April 30 at 1 pm – Mamidosewin Centre
- Wednesday, May 1 at 10 am – Health Services
- Thursday, May 2 at 10 am – Campus Services
- Thursday, May 2 at 1 pm – Student Learning Centre and Library
- Friday, May 3 at 10 am – Registrar’s Office & Financial Aid
Services and Resources
There’s a lot to know when it comes to starting college, but we have many services and supports to help you along the way. Explore these links to learn about the resources available to you.
Campus Services
Everything you need for a great campus experience, including eating on campus, parking, lockers, printing, your AC Card and U-Pass, Residence, and Connections: The Campus Store.
Algonquin Students’ Association
Your destination for clubs and communities, fitness and athletics, your health plan (including dental, vision, travel insurance, etc.), and more.
Health Plan
Want to opt-out of the Health & Dental Plan? You must have coverage from another Health & Dental Plan provider. You have 30 days from the start of your program to opt-out.
The Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard is a supportive service, funded by the Algonquin Students’ Association and other community members, which recognizes the financial concerns of students and is here to make a difference. The Food Cupboard provides students who require the services with food and other basic necessities.
Housing Resources
The SA has crafted a collection of useful resources for students who are looking for housing.
Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)
The CAL provides access to academic accommodations, technology support, and other accessible learning services for students with disabilities.
Student Navigator Program
Whether you’re in your first or final year, the Student Navigator Program is here to provide support and help you make the most of your Algonquin journey. Our trained, upper-year Student Navigators are here to help with:
- General questions about Algonquin College
- Staying in the loop on events, volunteer opportunities, and more
- Finding services, resources, and support
Whatever it is, your Navigator can point you in the right direction! Spend less time trying to figure out Algonquin College, and more time learning and engaging with the college community.
Sign up to be matched with a Navigator who will be your go-to reference person for questions about your AC experience.
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.
Current Students page
Your roadmap to key services, support, and online tools.
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.
Student Support Services
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.
Academic Success
To help you achieve your goals, each program has a Student Success Specialist (for answers, resources, and referrals to assist your learning success), a Program Coordinator (for program-specific questions), and an Academic Advisor (for support with academic goals, your career plan, and College resources).
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.
Virtual Tours
Get an in-depth view of AC from the comfort of your own couch with this 360° virtual tour of the Ottawa campus.
Library
The Library and Student Learning Centre remain open virtually to provide services to help you succeed in learning and research, including a broad resource collection, coaching, peer tutoring, workshops, research help, and more.
Student Learning Kit
Explore the resources below to help you transition to online classes during your studies.
Coronavirus Resources
Visit Algonquin College’s official Coronavirus page for recent communications, FAQs, and available resources.
Food Support
The Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard is a supportive service, funded by the Algonquin Students’ Association and other community members, which recognizes the financial concerns of students and is here to make a difference. The Food Cupboard provides students who require the services with food and other basic necessities.
Good Food on The Move
Good Food on The Move is a local charitable organization that offers access to fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. They offer different sized boxes of fruits and vegetables to purchase.
Finances
You shouldn’t have to worry about finances during your studies at Algonquin College. Here are some resources to check out.
Financial Support
Contact your program’s Financial Aid Officer to explain current situation and see if additional financial support is available. You can access them through the Financial Aid and Student Awards Office (FASA). To find out who your Financial Aid Officer is, please click here.
If you are an international student, the FASA gives out a limited number of bursaries for the International Education Centre. International students can apply for bursaries on ACSIS. Please contact iecsupport@algonquincollege.com if there are Visa or IRCC issues to consider.
Budgeting
Need help budgeting? We’ve got you covered with our budgeting template, financial tips, and more!