Blog Posts

9 University Expenses to Prepare For

University can be expensive — and not just because of tuition fees. Here are a number of expenses you need to add to your budget that you may have neglected to consider. 1. Books One of the major expenses for university students tends to be books. To save money, purchase secondhand books from other students or rent through a textbook service. If you decide to buy your books, you can also gain back some of your investment by selling them when you’ve finished your classes. 2. Food If you live on campus, you may receive a meal plan, but you should be aware that this will be more expensive than purchasing your own food. Plus, even if you do have a meal plan, you’ll have additional food-related expenses, such as for snacks and eating out with friends. 3. Utilities Some student apartments don’t include utilities in the cost of rent. Others include electricity, gas, and water, but landlords expect you to pay for internet services. 4. Clothing You likely want at least some new clothes for university. It could even be a necessity to update your wardrobe if you’re moving somewhere with a different climate. 5. Tech A decent laptop is essential for every university student. Depending on your major, you may even need a high-range laptop and some other tech equipment. 6. Extracurriculars You’ll have numerous opportunities to join clubs, societies, and other activities at university. Some of these may require membership fees and you may incur additional expenses, such as for purchasing equipment, travel, or insurance. 7. Transportation You may also need to pay for transportation for other purposes. If you live some distance from campus, you may need to pay for public transportation or have your own car, which comes with expenses including fuel, insurance, and parking. You should also think about how you’ll return home and how often. 8. Travel and Study Abroad You may like to use your breaks to travel farther afield. In addition to flights, you’ll need to pay for accommodation, travel insurance, and other essentials. You could even decide to study abroad for an entire semester. This is becoming an increasingly popular option with students, as it’s a great way to expand your horizons, experience other cultures, and put your language skills into practice. 9. Emergencies You’ll need to have an emergency fund for any unexpected expenses — and it’s important not to touch this money unless it’s a true emergency. For instance, you may need to repair your car or return home unexpectedly. Running short of spending money for the month, however, doesn’t count as an emergency. One thing that doesn’t need to be a huge expense is housing — you just need to search for affordable apartments for rent. North Oshawa students can find high-quality student rentals at a price that fits their budget at Foundry Simcoe. Plus, the rent is all inclusive and the suites fully furnished, including with a washer and dryer. This means you won’t need to pay for utilities, internet, furniture, or laundromat services. Apply now to secure your spot for the move-in day of your choice.

Tips for Balancing A Busy University Schedule

The hectic nature of university life can have many different effects on students. Fatigue from lack of sleep, difficulty focusing on lectures, and a higher stress level are just some of the side effects of busy university life. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help manage your time. Here are some tips for balancing a busy university schedule. Set a Workable Routine You're in university, so you're most likely juggling a full schedule of coursework, assignments, a part-time job, and more. Establishing a routine is a tried and tested method to minimize stress and increase productivity. A practical and realistic routine helps manage all of the responsibilities you have without falling behind. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too! You're not superhuman; you're a student trying to work things out, so don't make your routine a strict rule. Instead, keep it flexible, make adjustments , and don't stress yourself out if you somehow slip away from your plan. Also, try to keep your weekends free to catch on some sleep and relax after a week's hard work . During the week, keep your work mode on and complete tasks early so you don’t have to cram. The "I’ll do it later" attitude cannot only disturb your schedule but also lead to more work for you. Eventually, it could even cause burnout. Find Your Most Productive Time & Place Are you more fresh , relaxed, and alert in the morning, between classes, or late at night? Similarly, does your roommate disturb your studies, or are you okay with people walking around while you try to focus? It’s a good idea to try different times and places to find your most productive hours and environment. For some, corner coffee shops work well for studying, while others need the pin-drop silence of a library to activate their brain cells. Determine yours, and you're sure to be more productive. Take Breaks Following the same everyday routine can eventually become boring and tiresome. As such, you should consider taking breaks whenever you can to switch off the "study brain" for a while and relax. For example, you could take a short break of five to ten minutes after every 30 minutes of studying. Also, consider taking a mental health day once every couple of months to unwind and re-energize your mind and body. Get Enough Sleep University students often don't get enough sleep because of deadlines and unending assignments, coursework, meetings, and more. Remember that getting enough sleep every night is crucial for your health. So, you must set a proper sleep schedule and follow it as closely as possible. Doing so will help your brain function better and be more productive the next day . Try New and Fun Things Take some time off your busy life to try new things. For instance, you could visit a new place or browse student apartments for rent. North Oshawa has plenty of locations for you to explore during your downtime. Or, you could spend some time on your hobby or anything that interests you. This is important for your mental and emotional health and can boost your productivity. Adding new experiences can be exciting and keep your energy levels high. Spend Time With Your Loved Ones Being in university doesn't mean you have to put your family life on pause. Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, try to visit your family once a month. Or ,you could do video calls if visiting your family isn't feasible . Similarly, consider friends' meetups every other week to stay connected and have fun. Final Thoughts Studies consume so much of the best years of our lives. Just because the clock is ticking and there's a lot to do doesn't mean you have to forget about yourself. Don't allow the pressure to excel in school cause you to become exhausted and overworked. Instead, develop a schedule that includes a balance of studies, work, and free time. You can tailor your schedule and change priorities as needed, since staying flexible will help you do well in university and beyond.

How to Choose the Right Major

A lot of pressure is put on students to pick a major that will make them financially successful, but that's not always the best idea. On the other hand, some people wind up being unhappy in their careers because they went with their passion instead of their strengths. Feeling overwhelmed? Pair that with the thousands of majors being offered, and you're sure to find yourself stressed about making the right decision for your future. Don’t worry if you're not sure about your major— you’re not alone. Here are a few things you should consider before you settle on the best choice for you. Identify Your Interests, Values, and Abilities Don't choose a major just because it’s the latest trend. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon , determine if the major you’re considering matches your interests, abilities, and values. It's also a good idea to give yourself some room to grow because, with the right exposure, some of your interests and values may solidify later in life. And if you have an interest or passion for something, why not get paid for it? Consider the Future Will you still enjoy your career path years down the road? Is it employable? Will it pay enough? Is it sustainable? Is there enough room for growth? These are important questions to consider when choosing a major. A safe way to stay out of problematic situations is not to choose a super niche degree that limits employment opportunities. Doing so will also keep you from picking a major that will become obsolete with rapid technological advancements. Choose the Right School If you know what you want to pursue, choose a school popular for offering quality education in that particular field . Even if you haven't decided yet what to major in, you can shortlist some suitable schools and look at what programs they are offering. Also, consider a college or university with a good alumni network—it can go a long way towards helping you in your career growth. Take Time to Decide Choosing a major doesn't have to be an overnight decision. That's because it will affect your life for years to come, so it’s important to give it careful thought. Even university advisors suggest students avoid choosing majors immediately . Instead, they encourage students to take time to experiment with different courses before declaring their majors. You can even consider taking a gap year or a semester off to travel to find yourself before deciding. Get Help While you are the only one who can make the final decision, it's always a good idea to take the opinions of others and learn from their experiences or insights. For instance, you could talk to your advisors, career counselors, and parents. You can even speak with your peers - who, even though they're in the same boat as you, can sometimes offer excellent advice. Allow Yourself to Change Your Mind According to the NY Times, 61% of the students at the University of Florida change their minds about their major by the time they reach the end of sophomore year. So, if the same thing happens to you, don't worry— you're in the majority if you're second-guessing your decision! As you evolve as a person and in university, you may find out that a particular major isn't right for you anymore. And that's okay! Key Takeaway Remember that college or university brings so many new experiences. Living on-campus or off-campus in the r ooms for rent in Oshawa, meeting new people, making new friends, new experiences, and more—it can all be a lot to take in at once! If you're happy with your major and the path you've chosen, you may find it easier to settle into the other changes. Indeed, choosing a major can be one of the most challenging decisions in life. The good news is that by following the tips given in this post, you can work your way towards the decision that’s best for you.

How to Start a New Semester Off Right

A new semester is an ideal time for a fresh start. Use the opportunity to develop better habits related to everything from your studies to your social life. 1. Find a Space Where You Can Focus If you’re attending in-person classes, you need a space to return to at the end of the day for your independent study. If you’re taking online classes, a study space is even more important, as you’ll need to maintain your concentration for long periods of time. The perfect study space is different for everyone. Some people find it motivating to be around others and enjoy spending time in a library or even a café. Others can only concentrate where it’s quiet and prefer to be alone. If you’re unsure where you focus best, take time to experiment with different locations and setups. 2. Improve Your Study Habits There’s always room for improvement when it comes to studying. Maybe your mind wanders too easily, or maybe you’re prone to leaving schoolwork to the last minute and need to study for hours just to finish in time. Whatever the case is for you, set goals this semester to improve. Setting regular times to study over the week and timing yourself to ensure you take enough (but not too many) breaks can be helpful no matter what you’re trying to achieve. In addition, keep your mind active when you’re away from your textbooks. You could, for instance, play brain-training games or dedicate more time to reading challenging articles. 3. Learn About the Resources Your School Offers Most universities have a variety of resources on offer to students — these could be invaluable to your study journey. For example, your school may offer useful workshops to help with particular study skills or be able to connect you with a tutor. 4. Reach Out for Support Besides your university, you can also rely on informal resources: the people you know. If you ever feel like you’re struggling or just need moral support, there’s no need to feel alone. Many of your family members, friends, and coworkers have already gone through what you’re experiencing. They may be able to offer you advice or just commiserate when times are tough. Plus, they’ll want to celebrate with you when you reach major milestones. 5. Get to Know Others in Your Classes Forming study groups with classmates is a great way to prepare for exams, check that you understand the material, and just spend time with people who are facing the same challenges as you. Arrive early to class to talk to people or catch them on the way out. If all your classes are online, reach out through chat and ask classmates if they’d like to join a WhatsApp group or have a study session on Zoom. 6. Strike the Right Balance In addition to studying, you may be working. Plus, you certainly need to maintain an active social life and dedicate time to yourself. It’s important to create a balance among all these responsibilities. Make sure your employer, friends, and family understand how important your studies are, particularly when an important deadline is looming. However, it’s also crucial you avoid becoming so devoted to your schoolwork that you miss out on other aspects of life. Schedule time to see friends, practice your hobbies, and just relax — you need it! A new semester is also a perfect time to move into better accommodation. For an off-campus Ontario Tech residence, a great option is Foundry Simcoe. You’ll have a comfortable place to study in your room, access to high-speed internet, and the chance to meet many other students to expand your social group. Book a tour to see our student housing options today.

9 Unique Electives to Consider

Although many of your classes are necessary for your degree, you’ll likely have at least a few electives, which allow you to choose classes in almost any subject. By picking some unique classes, you’ll create a less-demanding schedule, learn skills that none of your other classes cover, and give yourself something to look forward to when your core classes are tough. Whereas some electives may be just as difficult as your required courses, all the ones on this list are particularly fun and engaging. 1. Sign Language Many universities offer introductory sign language, but few students take advantage of the opportunity — most likely because they underestimate the usefulness of this elective. Being able to communicate in sign well enough to hold a simple conversation will be invaluable for a wide range of jobs and industries. 2. Improv Although most people are unlikely to use their improv skills in a career setting, it’s hard to find a better class if you’re looking to gain confidence. Improv is more relaxed than public speaking and you’ll be with other students who have no acting experience, many of whom may also feel anxious. Best of all, you’ll be on stage in a group rather than alone. 3. Intro to Psychology There’s no need to be a psychology student to take an introductory psychology class. If you intend to work in a field that involves interacting with people, you’ll find it useful to learn about the science behind behaviour , personality, and thought processes. You may even feel inspired to take a more specialized psych elective later. 4. World Music Understand music on another level by learning about genres, instruments, and traditions around the world. The great thing about this elective is anyone can do well, not just talented musicians. 5. Creative Writing A creative writing elective is ideal for anyone who has an idea for a novel or screenplay but can’t seem to get it down on paper. You’ll learn how to tell stories, create realistic characters and dialogues, and structure your text correctly. Plus, improving your writing skills will help you succeed in all the other courses that involve any kind of writing. Another benefit to this elective is you’ll learn to take criticism: your classmates will read your work and provide feedback, helping you to continuously improve. 6. Pottery Another way to experiment with creativity is through an elective like pottery. Even if you feel like you lack artistic skills, give it a go — you may surprise yourself when you engage with a completely new medium. Best of all, you’ll have something tangible at the end of the course. 7. Personal Finance Students who are studying a creative major can add some variety to their class schedules by taking an elective like personal finance. This can be beneficial whatever you intend to do after you graduate, as you’ll have a better knowledge of how to save, manage debt, and use credit cards responsibly. It’s a particularly good option if you want to start your own business or even if you just have student debt. 8. Dance If you’re struggling to stay active due to a heavy course load, consider taking an elective to keep fit. Your university may even offer more than one dance elective, allowing you to find a style you enjoy. You might even continue practicing after the course is over. As well as teaching you dance moves, the classes will cover aspects of dance such as history and culture. 9. Art History A more academic elective than the above is art history. This elective is the perfect way to gain a deeper appreciation for all kinds of art or take your study of history in a new direction. It may even include a field trip to a nearby art museum. Another way to bring fun into your life at university is by living in off-campus student housing. Oshawa students at Ontario Tech and Durham College can join a community of students living at Foundry Simcoe. You can choose between a suite and a townhouse, both of which are fully-furnished and equipped with everything you need. Contact us to schedule a tour.

How to Become a Morning Person at University

Students love to sleep, but going to bed on time is often difficult — and getting up in the morning is even more of a challenge. Nonetheless, becoming a morning person at university can improve your life. Not only will you arrive to class on time (without needing to rush), you can also use your morning productively, which will make it feel like you have more time. This may sound like a dream, but anyone can become a morning person — here’s how. 1. Get Up When Your Alarm Goes Off Instead of hitting the snooze button, get out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off. You may need to train yourself to do this. One method is to set your alarm to become louder every time you hit snooze; another is to set an alarm sound that you can’t stand. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, avoid looking at any notifications — that will only keep you in bed that much longer. It can help to leave your phone across the room, making the only option to get out of bed. Just don’t allow yourself to climb back in. 2. Prepare Yourself for the Day If you’re slow to wake up, it can help to spend a few minutes adjusting your mindset for the day. Think about what you want to achieve (such as how you’ll progress toward your goals) and check your calendar to see what you have on your schedule for the day. Perhaps think about how you’ll manage to complete everything on your to-do list, including how it will feel to check off that final item — which is much more likely to happen if you’re productive early in the day. Finally, you may like to meditate or ref lect on the positive things in your life. Turn all this into a regular morning ritual. Soon, you’ll find yourself adapting to this reflective morning routine. 3. Talk to Someone A solution for morning irritability is to socialize. Call a friend or family member or strike up a conversation with a roommate. You may feel like this takes an unreasonable amount of effort at first, but it will soon lead to you feeling happier at the start of every day. 4. Start Moving It’s impossible to stay sleepy when you exercise. Find an exercise routine that works for you to energize yourself in the morning. You could use an app for a workout to do in your room, head to a nearby gym, jog in the park, or even join a fitness class. In fact, exercising with others can keep you motivated and accountable. If there are no organized classes in your area, create something yourself with a group of friends. 5. Go to Sleep on Time Unless you’ve slept enough, it’s impossible to feel anything but exhausted in the morning. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try putting away all screens a couple hours before bedtime. If this is impossible due to your study schedule, at least enable a blue light filter on your devices. 6. If All Else Fails, There’s Coffee If you need an extra boost of energy in the morning, turn to coffee. Just thinking about how it will taste and smell may be enough to incentivize you to get out of bed. Plus, you’ll feel instantly awake and ready to take on the day. One more thing that can help you become a morning person at university is having your own room. No one will disturb you at night, which will mean you gain a better night’s sleep. To have your own room, though, you’ll likely need to move out of your dorm and look for student apartments. Oshawa students have Foundry Simcoe. You’ll share an apartment with just two or four other people and have a private bedroom that comes with a comfortable double bed. Apply now to secure your spot in time for next semester.