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 purpose-built student housing located at 87 Mann Avenue, Ottawa — a 15–20 minute walk from the University of Ottawa main campus. Housed in a beautifully converted former church, it offers newly renovated studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites with a fitness centre, dedicated study rooms, and outdoor patio. Flexible leases and professional 24/7 management make it a standout choice for uOttawa students.
Why Do uOttawa Students Struggle to Find Good Off-Campus Housing?
Finding a place to live near the University of Ottawa is genuinely competitive. The Sandy Hill neighbourhood — where uOttawa’s main campus sits — is one of Ottawa’s most sought-after student areas, but the supply of quality, purpose-built student housing hasn’t always kept pace with demand.
Most students face a frustrating set of trade-offs: basement apartments with minimal amenities, shared houses that require year-long leases signed months in advance, or generic apartment buildings that weren’t designed with student life in mind. ALMA @ Sandy Hill was built to address exactly this gap.
What Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill and Where Is It Located?
ALMA @ Sandy Hill is a purpose-built student residence located at 87 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 7Z9. It sits in the heart of Sandy Hill, one of Ottawa’s most historically rich and academically connected neighbourhoods.
The building has a genuinely distinctive story: it was converted from a former church, and that architectural heritage is visible throughout the property. High ceilings, unique structural details, and a sense of character that no generic apartment block can replicate. Residents consistently single out the building itself as one of their favourite things about living there.
Contact: sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca
How Far Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill From the University of Ottawa?
The University of Ottawa main campus is approximately a 15–20 minute walk from 87 Mann Avenue. For students who prefer not to walk, Sandy Hill is well-served by OC Transpo routes, with multiple bus connections that cut travel time further. The neighbourhood is also very bike-friendly, and cycling to campus takes under 10 minutes.
This proximity matters practically: no long commutes eating into your study time, no need to budget for transit every day, and the freedom to duck back to your suite between classes.
What Suite Types Are Available at ALMA @ Sandy Hill?
ALMA @ Sandy Hill offers three newly renovated suite configurations to suit different needs and budgets:
- Studio suites — ideal for students who want their own fully self-contained space at an efficient footprint
- 1-bedroom suites — a step up in space, with a dedicated bedroom separate from your living area
- 2-bedroom suites — suited to students who want to share costs with a roommate while still having private bedrooms
All suites are newly renovated, meaning modern finishes, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and functional layouts designed for student living. This is not ‘student housing’ in the dated sense — these are genuinely quality apartments.
What Amenities Does ALMA @ Sandy Hill Include?
The amenity package at ALMA @ Sandy Hill is designed for the full arc of student life — studying, working out, cooking, relaxing, and connecting with other residents:
- Fitness centre — on-site, so no gym membership required
- Dedicated study and work rooms — quiet, focused spaces separate from your suite for exam season or deep work
- Outdoor patio with BBQ — a genuine outdoor social space, not just a fire exit
- Flexible lease options — a significant advantage over the rigid August-to-August model common in Ottawa
- Professional 24/7 on-site management — real people available when things need attention
The combination of flexible leases and on-site management is particularly valuable for international students and exchange students who may not arrive or depart on a standard September-to-April schedule.
Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill a Good Fit for International and Exchange Students?
Yes — and the flexible lease structure is a big part of why. Many international students studying at uOttawa arrive mid-year, stay for a single semester, or have departure dates that don’t align with standard lease cycles. ALMA’s flexible leasing means you’re not locked into a timeline that doesn’t match your academic program.
Professional 24/7 management also means there’s always someone available to assist with questions, maintenance, or anything that comes up — a meaningful comfort for students navigating a new city and country.
What Makes ALMA @ Sandy Hill Different From Other Student Rentals Near uOttawa?
Three things set ALMA @ Sandy Hill apart from the broader Sandy Hill rental market:
- The building itself.
Converted from a historic church, ALMA @ Sandy Hill has architectural character that no new-build or generic apartment can replicate. Students who live there talk about it specifically — the building is genuinely memorable and creates a strong sense of community.
- Purpose-built for students.
Unlike many Sandy Hill rentals that are simply older apartments rented to students, ALMA was designed with student life in mind. The study rooms, fitness centre, patio, and management model all reflect what students actually need.
- Professional management.
The 24/7 on-site management team is a material difference from renting through a private landlord. Issues get addressed promptly, the building is maintained to a professional standard, and you have a real point of contact throughout your tenancy.
Frequently Asked Questions: ALMA @ Sandy Hill
Are utilities included in rent at ALMA @ Sandy Hill?
Utility and inclusion details vary by suite. Contact the leasing team directly for current pricing and what’s included in your lease.
Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill close to Rideau Centre and downtown Ottawa?
Yes — Sandy Hill is well-positioned between the uOttawa campus and downtown Ottawa. Rideau Centre, the ByWard Market, and the Rideau River are all within easy reach on foot or by transit.
Does ALMA @ Sandy Hill allow pets?
Contact the leasing team at sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca for current pet policy details.
What is the neighbourhood like around 87 Mann Avenue?
Sandy Hill is one of Ottawa’s most established student neighbourhoods — tree-lined streets, close to the Rideau River, mix of long-term residents and students, good food options, and easy transit access to the rest of the city.
ALMA @ Sandy Hill | 87 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 7Z9 | sandyhill@thisismyalma.ca
