Carleton’s New Residence: A Place to Call Home
By
Elizabeth Kane
Photo Credit:
Brenna Mackay and Mike Pinder
Thousands of students call Carleton University’s picturesque campus home during their studies. As a smart, caring and inclusive community, Carleton has been unwavering in its commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
A cornerstone of this sense of community are the buildings that students call home, providing spaces that allow them to build connections, rest and recharge.
The newest addition to the on-campus residence community was unveiled on Oct. 16 with the grand opening of the Rideau House Residence. Home to 450 first- and upper-year students, the building serves as a hub of activity for all residence students, offering exciting new spaces and amenities.
“This building is a testament to our unstoppable momentum – a place where our students will grow, connect and contribute to a better world,” said Carleton University President Wisdom Tettey at the opening event. “It reflects our collective journey from promise to inclusive impact and prominence together.”
“Let us continue to build a university where every student feels seen, heard, valued and embraced, where every space is a place of possibility.”
One of the event speakers was third year Journalism student Carolyne Bergeron, who shared her experience living in Rideau House.
For her, move-in day had a special significance, as she had seen the new building be constructed – rain or shine – from the point of view of her residence room the year prior.
“When I got the e-mail that I would be living in Rideau House, I was really happy to be placed there,” says Bergeron. “I’ve been loving it so far.”
As a Residence Fellow, Bergeron was among the first students that were able to call Rideau House home, settling in with her team a day ahead of the other residents.
“We were really excited to move in and see what the space looked like. I was blown away by how modern the inside of the building is and the vibrant brightness of it,” she says. “There are so many windows everywhere, I feel like the bright interior creates a really positive energy.”
New Amenities Enhance Student Experience
While she continues to learn the ins and outs of the new building, Bergeron is enjoying its new, modern amenities.
“What I love most about Rideau House is the small, thoughtful touches that make it feel like home,” says Bergeron. “From being able to turn off my lights from bed to the convenient USB and USB-C outlets to water stations on every floor, every feature shows just how much care went into designing this space.”
“My favourite part about my room is my view. I moved my desk in front of my window and get to enjoy the natural light everyday,” she says.
Having grown up in Jamaica, Bergeron already had a strong appreciation for having all-weather connections through the tunnel system on campus – especially during the winter months.
The added convenience of the many new amenities open to residence students – from a basketball court to a community kitchen to a games and media room – available to her at Rideau House further enhance her daily routine as she balances her studies and on-campus jobs.
“I think everyone will agree that it’s so nice to have a gym downstairs,” she says. “It’s probably one of my favourite things to being able to say, ‘OK, I’m going to go work out’ and then I can take the elevator and its right there.”
Community Spaces to Create Connections
The addition of Rideau House to the residence precinct provides new gathering spaces for students to build community.
As a Residence Fellow, Bergeron supports students living on her floor by building personal connections and providing resources when needed. She appreciates having new spaces that also increase the variety of location options for students to socialize.
“This building is not just a residence. It’s a community in the making. It’s where first year students will find their footing, where friendships will form in the lounges over late night study sessions or Mario Kart games in the media room, and where ideas will grow through everyday conversations,” she says. “I love seeing those connections being formed and that these spaces are open to the whole residence community.”
Bergeron anticipates current and future students will find a wonderful home at Rideau House as they start an exciting new chapter of their lives.
“To the current and future students of Rideau House: Welcome. I hope this place becomes somewhere you not only find community, but also learn, grow and create memories that last far beyond your time at Carleton,” she says. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call two places home, Jamaica, where my story began, and Rideau House, where I now have the privilege of helping others start theirs.”
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