Pedro the Panda is a symbol for university students in Ottawa. It goes to the winner of the iconic “Panda Game” that takes place in early October between the two universities in Ottawa. It's where the Carleton University Ravens and the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees partake in a football game where the winner keeps it until the next game the following year. It represents pride for the winner and instills a greater sense of rivalry between the two schools.
The game alone is one of the most celebrated traditions in the Ottawa local area; Pedro is more than just a trophy, he is a mascot of the rivalry, a symbol of school spirit, and a part of the lives of many university students. It represents not just victory in a football game, but also bragging rights, student pride, and a connection to the legacy of the Panda Games.
Why would you wear one of these? Why do students at almost every university, everywhere in the world buy hooded sweatshirts with emblems emblazoned on them? This particular artifact was purchased by an incoming freshman at the University of Ottawa in 2021. They wore it the first time when they entered the university in a freshman orientation, and the second and last time, when they graduated in 2025. The student kept this hoodie as a testimony to hard work and eventual success.
This sherpa jacket is a lightweight but cozy way to stay warm against the cold temperatures we face in Ottawa. Made to resemble sheepskin, this 21st century outwear piece is apart of both men and women's fashion making it a popular choice for everyone.
This travel mug exemplifies the common device of students at the University of Ottawa, along with students at large. Whether it contains coffee, tea or simply water, this drinking vessel is unmistakable on a university campus in 2025.
While a mug bearing the University of Ottawa's insignia is not always in public use, students on the uOttawa campus and those across the country are rarely found without some sort of mug, bottle, or tumbler.
Whether you are tracking your hydration intake, carrying it as a status symbol, or simply carrying it with you to help your morning motivation, this mug is undoubtedly a college kid’s necessity.
This black t-shirt can be found amongst all ages, genders, and lifestyle groups found at the University of Ottawa in 2025. This object is so particular because it crosses barriers allowing diverse groups of people to relate and ease themselves with common fashions.
The computer is the single most important item during a student’s time at the University of Ottawa. It is the medium in which students can access Brightspace, a website where students can submit and receive assignments as well as engage in class discussions, send and receive emails through Outlook, create their class schedule, apply for bursaries, receive tax forms through their student portal (UOzone), research (Omni), and take notes (Word). The computer is also very useful for a student outside of school use; it is a necessary product for all students.
While the specific MacBook Air 15” may not be the most common model, the Apple brand itself clearly dominates among students. Each person tends to choose the version that fits their preferences, but the Apple logo is what ties them all together.
The MacBook stands out with its fast performance, built-in features such as AirDrop, iMessage, and FaceTime. This is what makes it easy for students to connect and share work. While owning a MacBook can feel like a status symbol, it also represents belonging to the image of the modern, connected student.
Apple AirPods Max headphones represents a widely adopted personal audio technology among university students. Known for their premium materials, active noise cancellation, and integration with the Apple device ecosystem, AirPods Max became a recognizable element of campus life
The clear AETSA fanny pack just makes campus life at the University of Ottawa easier. Toss in your student ID, keys, phone, and anything you need for class or a Gee-Gees game. It’s all right there, no digging around. Plus, the transparent look and bold AETSA logo let everyone know you’re part of the Telfer School of Business crowd. It’s a simple way to show your school spirit and stay organized at the same time.
The Adidas Samba shoes throw it back to the glory days of sport. Originally built for football, these iconic kicks have since become a casual favorite for sneakerheads and fashionistas alike. Their full leather upper, accented with a nubuck toe cap, delivers a premium look that only gets better with wear. Serrated 3-Stripes add adidas style for a look that will always be an original. This timeless silhouette is ready to take on your everyday adventures
When it comes to water bottles that students use, there is a variety in terms of brands. Based on our observations, the main target audience of this brand of water bottle is female, due to their fashionable appearance and diverse colors. Despite water bottles being meant as reusable items in which you don't need several, it has been observed that students keep buying new ones. The current trend in part determines what water bottle brands students are getting. This influence comes in the form of videos on social media promoting how much better a particular water bottle is than the last one. To keep up with each new water bottle coming out. They are promoted as another accessory to carry around.
