Heritage Meets Modern: Inside Ottawa’s Most Distinctive Student Residence
At 87 Mann Avenue in Sandy Hill, a building that once served the community as a place of worship now serves it…
ALMA @ Sandy Hill is a purpose-built student residence at 87 Mann Avenue, Ottawa — converted from a historic church and offering newly renovated studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed suites. This guide covers everything: suite types, amenities, proximity to uOttawa, what residents say, lease flexibility, and how to apply.
What Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill and Why Does It Exist?
ALMA @ Sandy Hill is part of the ALMA Student Living portfolio — a Canadian purpose-built student housing brand operated by CSL. The Sandy Hill property, located at 87 Mann Avenue in Ottawa, was purpose-selected for its proximity to the University of Ottawa and the quality of the Sandy Hill neighbourhood.
What makes ALMA @ Sandy Hill stand out before you even get inside: the building is a converted historic church. That’s not a marketing line — residents consistently mention the architectural character as something genuinely unusual and appealing about where they live. High ceilings, original structural elements, and a sense of scale that generic apartment buildings simply don’t have.
What Suite Options Are Available at 87 Mann Avenue?
ALMA @ Sandy Hill offers three suite types, all newly renovated:
| Suite Type | Best For |
| Studio | Students wanting a fully self-contained, efficient space — all yours |
| 1-Bedroom | Students who want dedicated bedroom / living room separation, solo occupancy |
| 2-Bedroom | Two students sharing costs while maintaining separate bedrooms and privacy |
All suites feature modern renovations — updated kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, and functional layouts. If you’ve toured older Sandy Hill rentals and been underwhelmed, the quality gap here is noticeable.
What Amenities Does ALMA @ Sandy Hill Offer?
The amenity package is built around the actual rhythms of student life:
| Amenity | Why It Matters |
| Fitness Centre | On-site — no separate membership, no commute to the gym |
| Study / Work Rooms | Dedicated quiet spaces for exam prep, papers, online classes |
| Outdoor Patio + BBQ | Social space for connecting with neighbours — not just a fire exit |
| Flexible Leases | Critical for exchange students, co-op students, and non-standard schedules |
| 24/7 On-Site Management | Real people available — not a voicemail box |
How Does Flexible Leasing at ALMA @ Sandy Hill Actually Work?
Flexible leasing is one of the most meaningful advantages ALMA @ Sandy Hill offers relative to the broader Ottawa rental market. The standard Ottawa rental cycle — August-to-August, often requiring lease signing as early as November or December for the following September — creates real problems for students whose programs don’t align to that schedule.
Exchange students, international students, students on co-op rotations, and students starting in January rather than September all benefit from a leasing structure that accommodates their actual situation. Contact the leasing team directly at sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca to discuss what’s available and how the lease terms can be structured.
What Do Current Residents Say About ALMA @ Sandy Hill?
The most consistent themes in resident feedback about ALMA @ Sandy Hill are:
- The building’s character — residents specifically mention the former church architecture as something that makes the property feel distinct and worth talking about
- The study rooms — particularly valued during exam periods when studying in your suite isn’t always possible
- The management responsiveness — knowing that issues will actually be addressed is something residents contrast with their previous experiences in private rentals
- The location — the combination of being in Sandy Hill, close to campus, and close to the Rideau River pathway is consistently valued
Who Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill Best Suited For?
Based on the suite types, amenities, and lease flexibility, ALMA @ Sandy Hill is particularly well-matched for:
- uOttawa students who want to be close to campus without the uncertainty of the private rental market
- International and exchange students who need flexible lease terms that match their program schedule
- Students who value professional management and building maintenance over the landlord lottery
- Students who want to live somewhere that actually has character — not just a functional box
- Graduate and mature students who want a quieter, more focused residential environment
How to Apply for a Suite at ALMA @ Sandy Hill
The application process is straightforward:
- Visit thisismyalma.ca to view current availability
- Contact the leasing team at sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca
- Discuss your preferred suite type, move-in date, and lease term requirements
- Complete the application and review your lease agreement
Availability at ALMA @ Sandy Hill moves — particularly for the fall semester. If you’re planning to start at uOttawa in September, beginning your inquiry in January or February gives you the best selection.
Frequently Asked Questions: ALMA @ Sandy Hill Suites and Amenities
Are the suites at ALMA @ Sandy Hill fully furnished?
Contact the leasing team at sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca for current furnished/unfurnished options — this can vary by suite type and availability period.
Is there parking available at 87 Mann Avenue?
Contact the leasing team directly for current parking availability. Sandy Hill has limited street parking, so on-site or reserved parking is worth asking about early.
Does ALMA @ Sandy Hill allow short-term leases for a single semester?
Flexible lease terms are a feature of ALMA @ Sandy Hill — contact the team at sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca to discuss semester-length or non-standard lease structures.
What internet and utilities are included at ALMA @ Sandy Hill?
Contact the leasing team for current inclusion details by suite type.
Can two friends lease a 2-bedroom suite together at ALMA @ Sandy Hill?
Yes — the 2-bedroom configuration is designed for shared occupancy. Contact the leasing team to discuss how co-application works.
ALMA @ Sandy Hill | 87 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 7Z9 | sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca
