Finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a University of Ottawa student. Whether you’re starting your first year, moving off campus, or relocating to Ottawa from another city, where you live can shape your entire university experience.

If you’re looking for student housing near the University of Ottawa, two neighbourhoods consistently stand out: Sandy Hill and the Golden Triangle. Both offer unbeatable proximity to campus, excellent transit access, and a lifestyle that fits student needs and they’re also where we offer high-quality rental properties designed specifically for students.

Below, we’ll break down why these neighbourhoods are the best places for uOttawa students to live, how they compare, and how to choose the right one for you.

Top Ottawa Neighbourhoods for University of Ottawa Students

Ottawa has many great neighbourhoods, but not all are equally convenient for students. When proximity, affordability, walkability, and student life are factored in, Sandy Hill and the Golden Triangle consistently rank as the top choices for uOttawa students.

These neighbourhoods are:

• Steps or minutes from campus
• Well connected by OC Transpo
• Surrounded by student-friendly amenities
• Popular with both undergraduate and graduate students

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Sandy Hill: The #1 Choice for uOttawa Students

Sandy Hill is widely considered the best neighbourhood for University of Ottawa students, and for good reason. Located directly beside campus, Sandy Hill has long been known as Ottawa’s primary student housing hub.

Many University of Ottawa buildings border Sandy Hill, making it possible to walk to class in under 10 minutes. The community is filled with student rentals, cafes, grocery stores, and parks, which are all designed to cater to student lifestyles.

Why Choose Sandy Hill

• Closest neighbourhood to campus: ideal for early classes and late study sessions.
• Strong student community: you’ll be surrounded by fellow uOttawa students.
• Walkable & bike-friendly: no car required.
• Access to transit: quick connections across Ottawa.
• Variety of rental options: from shared student houses to apartment units.

Sandy Hill is especially popular with first-year students and those who want to be fully immersed in campus life. If convenience and community are your top priorities, Sandy Hill is hard to beat.

Our student rentals in Sandy Hill can be found here (insert link).

Golden Triangle: Vibrant Living Just Steps from Campus

If you’re looking for a slightly more urban feel while still staying close to campus, the Golden Triangle is an excellent alternative. Located just southwest of the University of Ottawa, near Rideau Street and Elgin Street, this neighbourhood offers a blend of student convenience and downtown energy.

Golden Triangle rentals are ideal for students who want to live near campus without feeling like they’re in a strictly student-only area.

Benefits of Living in the Golden Triangle

• Short walk or transit ride to uOttawa
• Close to Rideau Street & Elgin Street shopping, dining, and nightlife
• Excellent public transit access
• Great balance of students and professionals
• Ideal for upper-year and graduate students

The Golden Triangle is a popular choice for students who want easy access to campus while enjoying Ottawa’s downtown lifestyle.

Sandy Hill vs Golden Triangle: Which Is Right for You?

Both neighbourhoods are excellent choices, but the best one depends on your priorities.

Sandy Hill:

• Closest possible location to campus
• Strong student atmosphere
• Ideal for first-year and full-time on-campus students
• Slightly quieter residential feel

Golden Triangle:

• Still very close to campus
• More urban and downtown-oriented
• Great access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife
• Popular with upper-year and graduate students

If your main goal is minimizing commute time, Sandy Hill is usually the top pick. If you want a mix of campus access and city living, the Golden Triangle is a great fit.

Choosing the Right Student Home Near uOttawa

Choosing where to live as a University of Ottawa student is about more than just finding a place to sleep, it’s about setting yourself up for a successful, balanced, and enjoyable university experience. Factors like distance to campus, budget, walkability, transit access, and nearby amenities all play a role in finding the right student rental.

Living close to campus can make a meaningful difference. Shorter commutes mean more time for studying, socializing, and campus involvement, easier access to libraries and academic buildings, and safer, stress-free travel home at the end of the day. For many students, proximity to uOttawa leads to better routines, stronger connections, and a more rewarding student life.

That’s why Sandy Hill and the Golden Triangle remain the top choices for University of Ottawa students. Sandy Hill offers unbeatable proximity and a strong student community, while the Golden Triangle provides a vibrant downtown lifestyle just minutes from campus. Both neighborhoods give you the convenience, accessibility, and environment students need to thrive.

If you’re ready to start your search, we offer student-focused rental properties in Sandy Hill and the Golden Triangle, designed to meet the needs of uOttawa students. Contact us today to check availability or book a viewing and take the next step toward finding a comfortable, well-located home near campus.