Campus Life

DUC is situated in the midst of a vibrant and growing multicultural and multilingual community in downtown Ottawa. The location affords students the opportunity to explore and to learn about a variety of cultures. The campus is also within easy walking distance of the capital’s main tourist attractions, such as the Parliamentary buildings, the Library and Archives, the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market, as well as Ottawa’s major cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery and the National Arts Centre.

The campus itself is housed within the same buildings as the Dominican Monastery and adjoining Saint Jean-Baptist church, allowing students immediate access to shared meals with other students, faculty members and Dominican Friars. Students and the general public are also welcome to participate in the daily religious offices held in the parish church.

The heritage buildings are architecturally significant. The old stone structures display the vaulted ceilings typical of neo-Gothic design. The class and seminar rooms are large and airy. Many overlook an interior courtyard. The university’s specialized and highly reputed Library, housing five floors of books dedicated to philosophy and theology, is distinguished by its stained glass windows and its many carrels, allowing graduate and even undergraduate students to obtain a dedicated study area in a tranquil environment that is highly conducive to study and research. In addition to its extensive collection, the library is known for its Wilson Room, which is dedicated to antiquated books dating back to the 15th century.

Would you like to visit our campus? Contact us to make an appointment.