Carleton University

The rooms I was in were freezing.

I was an undergraduate student at Carleton from 2004 – 2008. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, and a Minor in Sexuality Studies. I was one of two students to graduate first with the Sexuality Studies Minor, since my graduating year was its first year. It’s a really awesome, interesting, informative, and comprehensive program, and I’d definitely recommend taking at least a course or two within this program. The student population is quite diverse and absolutely welcomes and supports all ethnicities, sexes, genders, sexualities, religions, cultures, ages, abilities, and walks of life.
When I was applying to universities in Grade 12, I knew that I wanted to go to Ottawa. My two main options were Carleton University or the University of Ottawa. Now, at the time, I hadn’t really researched either too in-​depth, but I had attended a couple of university fairs and I was leaning towards Carleton. When I checked out the programs, I decided to only apply to Carleton, as there was nothing at Ottawa U that really appealed to me. When I found out that a lot of my friends from Ottawa were also choosing Carleton over Ottawa U, I thought, «Well, that obviously says something about Ottawa U».
I lived in the Prescott House residence in my first year. Frosh was a blast, and they really get you chanting about how much you hate Ottawa U haha The rooms in Prescott were nice and clean, and this res building was much newer than the others. After taking an interest and personality survey, they matched me with amazing suite mates and a great group of people on my floor. I couldn’t have been happier with where I lived and with whom.
The campus itself is further away from downtown, but pretty scenic nonetheless. It’s located along the Rideau River, which is really great for walks and quieter places to post up while doing some reading.
The cafeteria, food court, restaurants, and pubs on campus are all quite good. Oliver’s aka Ollies is really popular, but for more of a mellow vibe, I prefer Mike’s Place, as do most professors and graduate students.
Another big deal at Carleton is the Ravens men’s basketball team, which are well-​known champions and have quite the following. The games are really fun to go to and help build your team/​Carleton spirit, even if you’re not into basketball. The Physical Recreation Centre (PRC) is also really popular, as it’s one of the largest multi-​purpose facilities in Canada.
The classes are a bit of a toss up, like any other undergraduate institution. You have your wacky profs, those you simply can’t understand, those that don’t seem to care at all, and those that you remember for the rest of your life, for whatever reason. I had some pretty terrible ones, but I also had a lot of really great ones. When the prof seems to be more passionate about teaching and their work, it shows a lot more in how they present the course material and how they interact with the students. Not to name drop or anything, but if you have the chance to take a class with any of these profs, DO IT: Chris Motz, Dan Irving, Alia Offman, and Joanna Pozzulo. These professors made the biggest impact on my education, career, and life. Also, even if you’ve heard it being called «Last Chance U», don’t be fooled — a lot of people get scholarships their first year, but lose it the next, so work as hard as you play. I believe last year, in 2010, it was actually ranked 10^th in Canada, above Ottawa U, Queen’s, and Waterloo.
I’d also quickly like to mention a few random things. The tunnel system at Carleton is phenomenal. People tend to forget about what a great amenity it is. until winter comes along. When it’s cold and windy outside, take the underground tunnels!
The shuttle bus to and from Ottawa U is also great. It’s free for students, teachers, and staff. It only runs about once an hour, every 40 minutes or so, but it only takes 20 minutes per ride if you’re not in a hurry.
And for all of you newbies out there, make sure to check out when the deadlines for bursaries are, because if you apply, there’s a really big chance you’ll get one, and it’s basically free money to help out your student life and student budget, so why not? Also, at the beginning of the year, if you are under your parents’ or your own work insurance, opt-​out of the one that Carleton charges you for. You’ll be able to get a decent amount of money back that you paid for, but don’t need.