Home 2.0

Ottawa winters are cold — everyone knows that. But over time, you start finding the places, routines, and people that make the city feel warmer. In this episode, we talk about adjusting to winter life in Ottawa, the little comforts that make a difference, and how a city that once felt unfamiliar slowly starts feeling like home. Thank you to Jane and Paris for sharing their tips and recommendations...

Culture shock isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just the quiet feeling that everything is slightly unfamiliar. In this episode, Ottavia is joined by 3 co-hosts. Together, they talk about adjusting to new environments, different habits, and learning a new normal while still holding on to parts of yourself. Welcome back to Home 2.0.

Homesickness is a universal experience, especially for boarders! While living in a diverse and stimulating community like boarding is very fun and does being far from home easier, it is also important to realize that sometimes you inevitably feel homesick. And that's okay! In Episode 7, Santiago, Ophelie and Ottavia explore what it's like to missing homes and all the nuances that come with...

Ashbury Boarding wouldn't be the same without our sister house "Maple". Locared just outside the perimeter of our campus it is definitely one of the most unique spots of Boarding. In Episode 6, Ottavia is joined by Larysa and Mara, who both live in Maple. Together they explore how life in Maple is, traditions of their own and how sharing a house with just 7 people is, instead of 53....

How do academics and boarding life complement each other? On one hand, being in boarding means being surrounded by people, activities, events. On the other, boarding is a very structured environment where studying and school work is given its own definite time (i.e. prep time). For Episode 5, Ottavia is joined by full IB boarder Yaryna. Together, they touch upon this duality and explore how boardi...

In boarding we hear a lot of titles - captain, wing leader, boarding council. But that doesn't necessarily mean everyone knows what these titles mean. Episode 4 is what this is for! Whether you're a Grade 10 or 11 interested in getting involved in boarding, or a future boarder, this episode is for you! Follow along to get to know our community better! Welcome back to Home 2.0!

Sharing a room means sharing routines, habits, and sometimes even moods. In this episode, we talk about roommates: the good, the complicated, and everything in between. Learning how to share space, set boundaries, and figure things out as you go. Enjoy!

Going home is supposed to feel easy — but sometimes, it doesn’t. And that’s normal too. In this episode, with co-hosts Diego and Cat, we talk about the mix of emotions that comes with going home after time away… and what it’s like to come back to boarding after a break. The in-between feeling, the shift, the adjustment — it’s all part of it. Welcome back to Home 2.0!

The Boarding Handbook is a wonderful tool boarders receive when they enroll - it has all the important information you need to know: contact details, arrival times, rules, items provided... But it doesn't tell you what boarding really feels like! Episode 1 is all about the first days, first impressions, and the reality of settling into boarding life. Welcome to Home 2.0! P.S: the so-called "polar...