Blog Posts

How to Safely Meet Up with Someone You Met Online

As a college student, you have a huge number of opportunities to meet new people. In addition to making friends on campus, you may meet people online, such as in virtual clubs, interest groups, and fandom spaces. It’s easy for these friends to become as close as the people you see on a regular basis. If the opportunity arises to meet up with online friends, you’ll definitely want to take it. However, there are steps you need to take to ensure your safety. 1. Check Your Friend’s Identity There are several ways to confirm someone’s identity. For instance, you could ask to follow the friend on social media and check if the account seems legitimate. Even better, you could have a couple of video chats before you meet up. Online friends who are unwilling to do either of these things may be lying about their personal details. 2. Go to a Public Place It’s best to meet in a public place — just in case the encounter doesn’t turn out as you expected. A good choice is a local coffee shop. Alternatively, if you originally connected over a shared taste in music, a hobby, or an interest, bonding at a concert or convention could be better still. 3. Arrange Your Own Transportation Never rely on someone you’ve only just met for transportation. If you don’t have your own car, go somewhere you can reach by public transit. This will mean you can leave at a moment’s notice if you feel uncomfortable. 4. Involve Another Friend It may be worth inviting another friend to come along with you, both for your safety and to prevent you from feeling awkward. Choose someone you believe will get along with your online friend — perhaps someone who is talkative and will keep the conversation flowing. If you don’t want to bring someone with you, at least let a friend know where you’ll be. This is useful whenever you go out, but it’s extra important when you’re meeting someone new. You may even like to share your live location. 5. Prepare Some Icebreakers Another way to avoid an awkward situation is to think about possible topics of conversation beforehand . Remind yourself that you do know this person — just because you’ve never met before doesn’t mean you’re strangers. Ask personal questions and continue conversations you’ve had online. 6. Have Clear Plans Let your online friend know what you expect from the meeting in advance. For instance, make it clear where you’ll be meeting, how much time you’d like to spend together, and if anyone else will be coming along. Feel free to set boundaries and let your friend know if anything makes you uncomfortable. Anyone who’s worth spending time with will respect your boundaries. You also need to have an exit plan — just in case. You could have an excuse in mind to use if you want to leave early or have a friend call or text you to give you a reason to leave. If your meeting goes well, you may want to arrange to see your online friend more often. Once you get to know each other better, this could include inviting your friend over to your home. However, it’s difficult to entertain guests when you’re living on campus — which is another in the long list of reasons why you should find your own apartment. An alternative to Niagara College residence is Foundry Lofts. Our spacious apartments are ideal for entertaining . Plus, you’ll have access to common areas like the outdoor courtyard, movie theater, and fireside lounge. Book a tour to pay us a visit before you sign a lease.

9 Easy Single-Serve Meals to Make in Your Student Apartment

As a busy student, you have limited time to devote to cooking — but preparing your own meals is much less expensive than eating out. Plus, cooking for yourself will help you maintain a balanced diet. What you need is some ideas for easy meals you can whip up quickly. It’s possible to make all the following as single servings to avoid food waste from leftovers that you end up throwing out. 1. Tex-Mex Bowl A meal can be both filling and healthy — a great example is this Tex-Mex bowl. Use equal parts quinoa and brown rice and add ingredients like beans, tomato, avocado, onion, chili peppers, and cilantro. Top with a fried or poached egg. 2. Pasta in Tomato Sauce A serving of pasta for one person is about 60 to 100 grams . You can make the sauce yourself using tomato, onion, and herbs or purchase a jar of sauce — this will be more expensive but faster. Complete your meal with some chunks of sausage or vegetables like broccoli and spinach. 3. Omelette A great choice for a healthy breakfast or light meal any time of the day is an omelette . For the omelette itself, all you need is a couple eggs, a little cooking oil, and some pepper. You can make the filling from virtually any type of cheese and vegetables. 4. Pesto Pizza For an individual-size pizza, use a naan or pita. Instead of pizza sauce, you can use pesto. Sliced tomatoes and mozzarella are ideal as toppings, but you can use different ingredients if you prefer. 5. Yogurt Parfait To make yogurt parfait, combine Greek yogurt, granola, chia seeds, your choice of fruit (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are ideal), and some honey. Prepare it the night before to have a ready-to-go breakfast. 6. Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Put a twist on a regular grilled cheese sandwich by using feta. This goes great with Mediterranean vegetables like roasted peppers, red onion, tomato, and olives. 7. Eggplant Parmesan Using a small casserole dish, you can prepare a single-serve eggplant Parmesan. You’ll need to prepare the eggplant first — dip it in egg, coat it in breadcrumbs, and then fry it until it’s golden on either side. Once you’ve done this, lightly grease your dish and add a layer of eggplant slices. Follow this with a layer of mozzarella and a layer of tomato sauce. Then, repeat all three layers one more time. Top with a sprinkling of Parmesan. It takes just 30 minutes to bake at 180 ºC. 8. Baked Oatmeal Hot oatmeal can be comforting — and it’s just as easy to prepare as cold oatmeal. Simply heat half a cup of oats with a cup of either milk or water (or a combination of the two). Then, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter, some chunks of apple, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. 9. Caprese Salad Salads make great lunches and sides to larger meals, but they become boring when you always use the same vegetables. A new combination to try is mozzarella, tomato, and arugula. You can also make this classic caprese salad a little heavier by adding some avocado. Although all these meals are easy to make, they still require a kitchen, which is something you don’t have when you’re living on campus. You’ll find apartments near Brock University at Foundry Lofts that have full-size kitchens with stainless steel appliances. There are also grocery stores nearby — as well as restaurants for times when you want a treat. Contact us now before all the units are leased.

4 Ways to Build a Strong Resume in College

College is all about preparing for the world of work. In addition to gaining a qualification, you’ll have the chance to participate in activities that will enhance your resume. This is particularly important when you have limited work experience. Of course, not all activities are equal and there are certain things that are extra worthwhile for building a strong resume. Here are a few strategies to consider. 1. Find a Job One of the best things to have on your resume is an employment history. Start looking for a job by searching for opportunities on campus. These positions are often ideal because you’re able to fit your work around your college schedule. Plus, there tend to be numerous positions available, meaning you should be able to find something that matches your interests and gives you the chance to acquire relevant skills. Having said that, there’s no need to limit your search to campus jobs. You may be able to find something that appeals to you more through an external employer. Alternatively, you could even start your own venture or think of a service you could offer on a freelance basis, such as childcare, IT support, or dog walking. 2. Search for an Internship Related to Your Career Goals Another way to gain work experience is through an internship. However, it’s important not to simply apply for anything that comes your way. Instead, think about how an opportunity could benefit you in the future and choose something that will look impressive on your resume. Besides, you have a much higher chance of landing a position if you have a good reason for applying. 3. Use Your College Career Services Whenever you feel unsure about anything related to employment, use your college’s career services. In addition to improving your resume, you may be able to receive one-on-one support for finding a job, searching for suitable internships, and mastering interview techniques. An advisor can also help you with your career goals, including by telling you what skills you need to acquire and what action you should take now to start preparing. 4. Attend Networking Events Besides a strong resume, you’ll need connections in your field. Put in the effort to meet people who could help to open doors for you later. Talk to employers at career fairs, get to know your professors on a personal level, and strive to keep expanding your social circle, especially with students taking the same major as you. Another place to meet people is conferences and other industry specific events. You can even mention your attendance on your resume. While it’s not typical for someone with experience to include this information, it can be helpful for showing your passion and filling up your resume when you have little to include. After spending a long day in classes and at your job or internship, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to come home to. An alternative to Niagara College residence is Foundry Lofts. Our off-campus student community has spacious suites and a management team to keep the buildings in great condition . Apply now to secure our lowest rates.

What to Look For in a Student Apartment

Although living off campus is almost always preferable to staying in student residence, not all student apartments are equal. There are certain things you should look for in an apartment to ensure you’ll be comfortable, safe, and happy. Here are a few starting points to guide you. 1. All-Inclusive Rent Beyond finding an apartment within your budget, it’s best if the rent is all inclusive. This means you won’t need to worry about budgeting for multiple utilities or services, including electricity, heating, and internet bills. 2. Great Amenities Some amenities are essential, whereas others will enhance your experience. Consider which amenities matter the most to you and only visit apartments that offer these features. For instance, you may want a furnished apartment, onsite laundry facilities, somewhere you can park, or air conditioning. 3. Condition of the Property It’s crucial to check that the property is in good working order before you commit to a lease. You can check many things during your tour, including the faucets, toilets, water pressure in the shower, outlets, heating, and locks. Also think about how much natural light you’ll gain and whether the windows are leaky. Look at the appliances: are they modern or old and potentially worn out? Finally, consider your impression of the landlord and the other residents in the building to determine if you’d be comfort able living in the apartment. 4. Safe and Convenient Neighbourhood Since there may be times when you come home late at night, it’s critical that the neighbourhood is safe. You can do some research online, but you should also go with your gut feeling. It’s best of all if you can find an apartment near campus that’s also close to places like a grocery store, a coffee shop, and public transport (if you don’t have a car). 5. Minimal Leasing Fees Bear in mind that some landlords charge extra fees related to the lease, including approval and administrative processing fees. You may also incur a fee if you want to sublease your apartment or delay signing the lease until later. Since these fees can add up, look for a landlord that will charge you a minimal amount. 6. Conditions of the Lease Make sure you read the lease carefully and never allow a landlord to pressure you into signing. Ask for clarification for anything you’re unsure about. In particular, check if there is an option to renew your lease for another year — this will prevent you from needing to look for new accommodation. 7. Maintenance Requests No matter if the building is old or new, you may need to request maintenance at some point. Ask your landlord about how service requests work. For Brock off-campus living where you’ll receive all the above and much more, there’s Foundry Lofts. Our student apartments are just a 10-minute walk from campus. We have both furnished and unfurnished units available for an all-inclusive price. As well as amenities like WiFi , an in-suite washer and dryer, and self-controlled air conditioning, you’ll have access to our fitness centre , lounges, and movie theatre. Apply now while our lowest rates are still available.

7 Tips for Budgeting as a Student

One of the biggest challenges students face when they start university is being fully responsible for their finances. This means learning to budget. It’s important to stick to a budget to live comfortably and participate in activities until the very end of the month. Plus, improving your budgeting skills now will be beneficial for the rest of your life. Here are some strategies to practise . 1. Calculate Your Income To figure out how much you have available to spend each month, you need to know your income. This may include the amount you receive for living costs from your student loans and funds from grants. If you feel that your income is too low for your needs, consider searching for a part-time job, picking up gig work, or starting your own business at university. 2. Find Scholarships Another way you can increase your income is to find scholarships. If you search enough, you should be able to find several that are relevant for your situation. It may take some effort to apply to them all, but it can pay off in the long term by significantly increasing your income. 3. Track Where Your Money Goes Your budget should be about more than how much you can afford to spend: you need to allocate funds to different activities. The best way to determine how much you can assign to each is to track your current spending habits with a budgeting app. Bear in mind that some expenses will be the same each month, whereas others will vary. It’s the variable ones you need to be most careful about, as these can push you over budget. 4. Include Credit Card Payments in Your Budget You’ll quickly build high-interest debt if you use your credit card frequently and only make minimum payments. It’s best to pay off your balance in full each month — but to be able to do this, you need to include credit card payments in your budget. If you use your credit card responsibly, you can start building a good credit score. However, make sure you do your research before you choose a credit card. Rather than applying for the first one you come across, find one that will benefit you. 5. Aim to Spend Less Than Your Income You should never set a budget that uses 100 percent of your income. There’s always a chance you’ll face an emergency — and if you have no funds left, you’ll need to add a payment you can’t afford to your credit card. Avoid debt by consistently spending less than your monthly budget. 6. Save Whatever You Can It’s better still to allocate some of your budget to savings. You can use these funds in an emergency, for purchases that are too large for your monthly budget, or just to start developing good financial habits. 7. Set Financial Goals It can help with your motivation to budget to have long-term financial goals, such as paying off your student loans by a certain time. To reach these goals, you’ll need to have some short-term targets that relate to your everyday budgeting. One way you can free up more funds in your budget is to move into an affordable apartment. Foundry Lofts offers Brock University off-campus housing to suit any budget. Choose between a furnished or unfurnished suite with three or four roommates. Apply now for the floor plan you want before they’re all sold out.

10 Careers with the Best Job Prospects in Canada

Even earning a university degree is no guarantee of a great job . However, you’ll increase your chances of steady employment if you enter a career that has excellent job prospects in Canada. Jobs in a variety of industries are in high demand now and are likely to continue to have good prospects in the future. 1. Human Resources Manager You may think of human resources managers as being responsible for the hiring decisions at a company, but they actually do much more than this. In fact, they’re necessary in every industry for their role in coordinating the administration of organizations. To qualify for the top positions, you should continue your education to a master’s degree. 2. Web Developer A career in web development can be whatever you make it. Whereas some web developers are self-employed, others work at businesses of all sizes, particularly in the computer systems industry. You may end up developing applications, creating or maintaining websites, or doing another type of programming. 3. Pharmacist There are great prospects in almost all healthcare jobs, but a career as a pharmacist has to be near the top of the list. You’ll provide patients with medical advice, either while working at a hospital or in a drugstore — you could even establish your own pharmacy. To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to pass an exam after you obtain your degree and meet the specific requirements of your province. 4. Aerospace Engineer It’s aerospace engineers who are behind the design and function of all aerospace vehicles and systems, including aircrafts , spacecrafts , and satellites. Not only is the aerospace industry growing in Canada, but many current workers are nearing retirement age, which opens up new positions. 5. Electrical Engineer Another engineering career path that has great job prospects is as an electrical engineer. You could be responsible for designing, manufacturing, or testing electrical systems. Most of the work takes place in an office environment, but some jobs require you to visit equipment in the field. 6. Financial Advisor If you have a head for numbers and you’re interested in investing, you could find a fruitful career as a financial advisor. Jobs are available at banks, where you will advise clients about the products your institution offers, or you can work on a freelance basis, helping individuals to manage their money. 7. Business Development Manager For a role in business where you’re actively responsible for helping the company grow, consider a career as a business development manager. You’ll be working closely with the sales team, finding opportunities for sales executives and building relationships with potential clients. The best positions will become available when you have experience or if you earn a master’s degree. 8. Veterinarian With more people becoming pet owners or expanding their families to include more animals, the demand for veterinarians is increasing. You’ll need to major in pre-veterinary study at university and then attend an accredited veterinary college. However, the few additional years of education this career requires should be worthwhile if you love animals and want to work with them every day. 9. Accountant Accountants are critical for businesses and individuals who need support with their finances. Most accountants specialize in a particular area, such as auditing, payroll, or taxes. After you achieve your degree, you’ll find it invaluable to complete the certification to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). 10. Registered Nurse Nurses are the glue that hold the healthcare system together, but there’s currently a shortage in Canada that needs to be filled. As a registered nurse, you’ll be responsible for coordinating patient care and educating the public about health. To pursue one of these careers, you’ll need to study hard. However, it can be difficult to obtain the best grades when you live in a university residence — it makes more sense to search for off-campus rooms for rent. St Catharines students have Foundry Lofts. You’ll receive your own bedroom in a spacious suite as well as access to great amenities like a fitness centre , lounges, and a quiet study zone. Apply now to take advantage of the best rates of the year.