Founded as Collège du Sacré-Coeur in 1913, it was the first, and for many years the only, institution of higher learning in Northern Ontario. In 1957, it changed its name to "University of Sudbury" and began to exercise its full teaching and degree-granting powers. It entered into the Laurentian Federation as a founding member in 1960. The University of Sudbury is a bilingual university based in the tradition of its founding Jesuit Fathers, and committed to promoting the traditions and culture of the Indigenous people. Inspired by the Jesuit philosophy of education (the formation of the whole person in service to community), the University of Sudbury also has a special commitment to community engagement and service to others.

The University offers programs and courses in Philosophy, Indigenous Studies, Religious Studies, Folklore, and Études journalistiques – all of which are accredited towards a Laurentian University degree.

The University of Sudbury Residence, formerly known as the Lucien Matte Residence, provides a "home away from home" to 180 students. It offers the largest double rooms on campus, as well as a Healthy Living section. Each room is equipped with cable TV services and an outlet for Internet services. In a bilingual environment, a range of activities, services and support are provided by the Residence Life Director, the Residence Life Leaders and by the University of Sudbury Residence Student Council. Organized events and activities include: cultural nights, banquets, hockey and ball-hockey, fundraising for charities, and many more. Small sections of 10 to 15 students provide a comfortable community environment. Common areas, such as the kitchen and dining area (where you can prepare your own meals), social room, laundry room and study room are conveniently located on the ground floor, ensuring a more peaceful atmosphere in the bedrooms. For any other information please feel free to contact the Residence office at (705) 673-5661, ext. 420 or usudrez@usudbury.ca

Services available to first-year students include an orientation week (some activities directed to students and parents), a writing skills program and special workshop, study skills workshops, and counselling. All first year students are given an academic advisor to assist them with course selection.

The Centre provides career and employment (permanent/summer/ part-time) support services for undergraduate, graduate students and alumni from all disciplines. The Centre help students develop lifelong career management skills through a comprehensive range of accessible services to support and empower students in making informed decisions about their career and employment goals. The Centre also assists employers in recruiting students from the university.

The College Student Council organizes and provides financial support for all the intramural sports teams and the distribution of Awards. For more information on what sports are available, contact the University of Sudbury's College Student Council office, or the Laurentian University's Department of Interuniversity Athletics at 705-675-1151).

The Lucien Matte Residence provides opportunities to participate creatively in competitions, in public speaking and debating, in creative writing, in arts and crafts, in sports and other activities.

The College Student Council organizes and provides financial support for cultural, social and spiritual activities as well as sports, eg: Initiation Week, La Montée, the Debating Society, Talent Night, dances, the Christmas Banquet, On the Hill Carney, the Year End Banquet, all the intramural sports teams and the distribution of Awards. The Council is also a member of the Canadian Catholic Student Association and attends conferences in January and August. Another of its contributions is its support of students participating in "Touch the Poor", an international experience in Cuernovaca, Mexico.

All computer labs feature Pentium-based multimedia workstations with direct Internet connections and most common areas on campus are connected to a wireless network. All registered students are assigned a computer account and e-mail address at no cost. In addition, each residence room is wired with free high-speed Internet and network connections.

Providing assistance to students with specific requirements, the Special Needs Office encourages equal access for individuals with particular needs in the post-secondary education system. The Office offers counselling, advocacy, study skills, and numerous technical aids to students. Ramps, power doors, and accessible washrooms have been installed throughout the University campus.

Laurentian University is one of three universities in Canada, which are part of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). There are currently over 200 universities involved with ISEP worldwide. Last year, students had the opportunity to study in the following countries: Austria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Most exchange universities offer courses in either English or French, and options exist for most programs of study, including those at the master’s level. In addition, many departments offer independent exchange programs.

Campus tours are available from Monday through Friday. Please phone (705) 673-6565 x3109 or 1-800-263-4188 x3109 to set up an appointment.

The University of Sudbury (along with Huntington and Thorneloe Universities) are all federated universities on the Laurentian University campus. All their courses count toward a Laurentian degree, they are managed, registered, and graded by Laurentian.