Welcome to college life in Ottawa! Moving from the North to a bustling city can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s also a time for growth, new friendships, and discovering your potential. Here, you’ll balance classes, assignments, and city living while exploring opportunities you may never have imagined. Remember, support is always available, and you’re part of a community that’s here to help you succeed and feel at home

Adjusting to college life
Fast-paced environment
In high school, you have all year to learn a subject. At NS, many of your courses are taught in 7 weeks. This means you need to attend all classes, hand in work on time, and ask for help if you need it.
Putting academics first
At NS, we will make sure you have the support you in your studies. However, you are responsible for your own academic success. Unlike high school, you need to make the choice to come to school, hand in work, and keep up!
Daily schedule
NS holds classes from 9:00 - 4:00 each day, Monday to Friday. In addition to classes, there may be times throughout the year where you will be asked to perform at a special event (to fundraise for the year end trip).
Student workload
NS is a busy place! Students are assigned homework and assignments and it is up to each student to organize their time and schedule to make sure the work is completed. NS has academic coaches and we encourage students to work together!
Budgeting
Living in the city can be expensive. It is important to pay your rent, groceries, and any other bills before you spend your monthly amount on other things. We know this is something many students learn at NS and we are here to support you with tips and strategies.
Relationships
NS is a community. During your time here at the college, it is important you are respectful of each other and find ways to work together. NS is a place to feel safe and make lasting friendships that you will carry with you throughout the rest of your life.
Homesickness
Moving away from home can be challenging at times.
While NS staff and your classmates are here to support you when you are feeling homesick, you can also reach out to family and friends back home.
City living
Life in Ottawa offers many opportunities and activities that you can try out. To encourage students to participate in healthy activities, NS reimburses $50/month per student to use on activities such as go-karting, skating, movies, swimming, etc.