“Having access to group study rooms and late-night quiet areas gives me the flexibility to study whenever my schedule allows. Meeting new people in residence was easy thanks to the social events, icebreakers, and floor gatherings. Whether it was chatting in the dining hall, hanging out in lounges, or meeting through Affinity Groups, residence made it simple to build a strong network of friends who share the same interests as me. 

My favourite residence events have been Trivia Night and Paint Night. They’re relaxing, easygoing, and a great way to get to know people. Everyone’s laughing and hanging out, and I’ve met so many friends by participating. It’s a fun reminder that residence life is more than just studying. 

The Affinity Groups have been one of the most meaningful parts of my residence experience. They create spaces where students can connect through shared identities and experiences.

Living in residence has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me independence, time management, and how to balance academics with social life. I’ve learned how to live and communicate with different people, making me more understanding and adaptable. Being part of residence helped me step out of my comfort zone, take initiative, and learn from others’ perspectives. 

My favorite part of living in residence has been the sense of community. Whether it’s late-night study sessions in the lounge, spontaneous hangouts in the quad, or cultural celebrations that bring everyone together, there’s always something happening that reminds you that you are part of something bigger.”

“I embrace the community and enjoy actively participating in residence events. I would suggest using the community spaces such as the lounges and the dining hall to socialize and make new friends.

Living on campus supports my academic goals, providing easy access to my classes and the library. Proximity allows me to focus and excel in my studies. Carleton Residence makes it easier to meet new people and build friendships as they organize events throughout the year catering to a variety of interests. Serving as a social hub, Teraanga Commons Dining Hall provides a welcoming space to connect with others.”

Living on campus makes balancing academics and extracurricular activities easy. With quick access to classes, the library, and academic advising, I never have to worry about long commutes cutting into my day. Having everything I need right on campus keeps me organizedthroughout the semester. 

It’s easy to meet new people because everyone is adjusting and looking to build connections. Between floor events, club activities, and common spaces, friendships form naturally. I love spontaneous late-night conversations, eating at the Dining Hall, and playing games in Raven’s Roost.” There’s always someone to talk or study with, making residence feel lively and supportive. 

My favourite event was the Diwali celebration because of the great food and music, and I also loved the tote bag painting activity. Residence events are always fun and bring the community together in a memorable way. 

The study lounges provide a quiet space to get work done, and the tunnels, especially in winter, make getting around campus easy. Resources like Career Services and the Co-op Advisors have been incredibly helpful, providing guidance whenever needed. Having access tomultiple study spaces and reliable support made the transition to university smooth. 

My independence and confidence have grown by living in residence. I’ve learned to manage my time, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges on my own. Being surrounded by diverse perspectives has contributed to my personal development and the wide range of on-campus jobs makes it easy to stay involved and develop valuable skills.  

New students should keep an open mind and get involved early. Attend events, explore different spaces, and take advantage of the resources available to you. Say yes to opportunities, because you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll discover about yourself. Living on campus isn’t just about convenience; it’s a chance to build meaningful friendships and make the most of every moment while living in Ottawa. 

“Living on campus helps me stay on top of my academic goals, adding a level of convenience. I’m in proximity to my classes and any necessary resources that will help me reach my goals, such as the library. 

Using common spaces such as the TV lounges and the Raven’s Roost helped me meet other students living on campus with similar interests and build new connections. Making friends in residence is easier as it’s a space where everyone shares similar experiences. 

The convenience of eating at the Teraanga Commons Dining Hall is one of my favourite parts of living in residence. Especially, when they have weekly pop-ups with foods from around the world. 

Living in residence eliminates the stress of commuting to campus. Additionally, it’s beneficial for personal growth to be around other students and meet people from different places.”

“Carleton Residence offers resources such as counseling, connections with other students, and supportive staff. This has provided a wonderful first experience of living independently. It has boosted my self-confidence and has contributed to my academic success.  

Residence counselling has been extremely helpful to me in coping with stress and learning strategies to develop resilience while balancing life being a university student. Living on campus has supported my academic goals by creating an environment where all resources are easily accessible. The proximity to classes and academic support have helped me stay focused and more assured in my academics. 

At first, it was difficult as it was the first time living away from home. Eventually, I met some amazing people through social events and made new friends. Diwali celebration in residence was my favourite among various events. I missed celebrating it with my family. But when the residence community celebrated it with different elements from my culture, it made me feel even more connected and included in the community.  

Additionally, I loved the plant potting event, as I met people who shared common interests. It’s easier to find your crowd living in residence and there are many opportunities to connect.”