I sort of know a college student who was on Erasmus in Ottawa University. He stayed in college dorms and had a great time. From what I remember, a "furnished" room was literally a bed and a desk, so an extra bit of shopping was required to provide some home comforts, including bed linen & duvet. Apparently the cheapest method of transport was to buy a pair of ice skates, and zip up and down the frozen river, but obviously that is only available at certain time of the year.
If I can find out anything else I'll let you know. In the meantime if you have any specific questions it would be no harm to post them and you might get some very helpful information. One way or another I'm sure your son will have a fantastic time.