Exchange at Telfer | COVID19 Updates | 2020 Winter UOttawa

Updates of the COVID-19 | international exchange student

-3/14(Sat) UOttawa announced remain courses shifted to online channels

-3/15(Sun) authorities closed ice rink, gallery, and stores in a sudden

-3/16(Mon) I booked a ticket leaving Canada on 3/20. (and bought 4 bottles of icewine, turned out to be my only souvenir)

-3/18(Wed) started to take courses through Zoom.

-3/20(Fri) I left the UOttawa residence in 4 in the morning.

In general, it showed the decent ability of crisis management of the university. For correct information, the school regularly email to keep everything updated and transparent. Also, quick responses to questions through all channels could reassure students. Moreover, they held online conferences to explain school policies for international students. Many of us were considering whether to leave Canada. Most importantly, they confirmed the refund of the university residence and meal plan. The comprehensive measures couldn't achieve without collaborations across all levels of the university and professors rushed up the online courses.

------more about me

Four months ago, I did some research before applying for exchange at Telfer. I heard that here are high-quality business courses, convenient transportation, and a great location to access all kinds of events. Now, I would say Telfer is the best choice to exchange in Canada.

University Residence | 90U

Most of the international students live in Marchand building. There are two options for room type: single room, double room. I choose a double one, and thanks to that, I met a friendly french roommate. Sometimes I could learn about new fun activities to do in Ottawa from asked about her day and vacation. For example, Winterlude, free Tim Horton, free beavertail, and where to buy second-hand skates. Anyway, I'm fortunate to meet a get-alone-well roommate. So I recommend choosing a double room so that you at least have one friend hehehe. 

24hrs Dining Hall | Meal Plan

The best university facility in UOttawa must be the dining hall. Especially for international students who are exchanging in winter. You will not want to walk outside at this time of a year. Ok back to the dining hall, it serves pretty much everything, from western to Thai food, from Starbucks coffee to Haagen-Dazs ice cream, all buffet. Plus, it opens 24 hours so you can literally live in the dining hall (just kidding, please shower every day). Not to mention, the best part is a section that can customize your omelet, noodles, sometimes pizza. In short, it has to kinds of meal plans: 5 days, 7 days. I bought 5 days one in case I have plans on weekends.

Transportation | UOttawa Station

For transportation, the UOttawa station of Train 1 is right next to the residence (about 3 mins walk). That is, it's ok to travel a little further away without a car because we can rely on the public transportation system. Among the short distance options, Telfer UOttawa locates in downtown so that you can find department stores, ice rinks, and galleries within 15 mins walk. Thus, the life function is more than enough for exchange students. 

I planned to stay till May and travel again to New York if not the COVID-19 burst. (check my last New York food review). Now we hope everyone stays safe and will get through this soon.