Blog Posts

10 Fall Fashion Trends You’ll See on Campus

While you’re packing for next semester, consider how you could give your wardrobe an update. It will help to know what styles are in fashion this fall — in particular, what’s trending with university students. Use these fashion trends to decide what clothing and accessories to pick up for yourself. 1. Matching Workout Attire Being comfortable is always a priority for students. Workout gear is not only comfortable, it’s ideal for everything from classes and hanging out with friends to actual workouts. This fall semester, expect to see many students wearing matching workout sets. 2. Uggs Something else trending due to comfort are Uggs. These are perfect for the fall as the weather turns cooler because they’ll also keep your feet warm in chilly classrooms, especially the classic boots. 3. Messy Hairstyles Don’t expect to see much of the slicked-back hairstyles that were prevalent on campus last year. This fall, students are embracing a messy look. This is great news if you’re often running late in the mornings, as it requires much less effort to achieve than a gelled hairstyle. 4. Casual Business Wear Sometimes, students like to dress up a bit. Expect to see students around campus who are wearing clothing inspired by traditional business wear but more casual. This look is ideal for occasions when you want to look more professional but don’t want to come across as too formal. 5. Eye-Catching Accessories To stand out from the crowd, students are choosing big, bold accessories. This includes chunky chains, statement rings, and oversized earrings. 6. Sustainable Clothing Another way to look unique is to go thrifting for your clothing. This is a major trend on university campuses because it shows a commitment to sustainability and embraces an eco-friendly lifestyle. 7. Varsity Jackets A style that never goes out of fashion among students is varsity jackets. If you only have one piece of attire with your university’s name on it, make it a varsity jacket. 8. Large Tote Bags Models on the runway have been flaunting big tote bags in 2024. This is great news for students, who often need to carry a large amount of stuff with them all day. 9. Bows You’ll see bows everywhere this semester. They feature on everything from hair clips and handbags to all sorts of clothing. It’s all about turning the original connotation of a bow on its head to redefine femininity. 10. Peach Fuzz Since Peach Fuzz was Pantone’s colour of the year for 2024, expect to see this tone making a big appearance on campus. You’ll see it combined with other trends, such as casual suits, oversized bags, and workout attire. You’ll have plenty of space for all your clothes if you live at Foundry Lofts. Our Brock University off-campus housing offers spacious bedrooms and comfortable communal living areas, including fully-furnished options with everything you need. Our apartment community is also a great alternative to campus for meeting other students, such as in places like the fireside lounge, movie theatre, and games room. Apply for your spot now while there are still some spaces available.

How to Become a Student Entrepreneur

Many students choose to go to university not for better job opportunities but in pursuit of starting their own business. There’s no need to wait until you graduate to begin — by becoming a student entrepreneur, you’ll learn crucial skills now, earn some money while you study, and perhaps set the foundations for a business you’ll continue once you’ve left university. 1. Seek Support from Your School The first step is to find out if your school offers any support for student entrepreneurs. Many universities now have entrepreneurship centers, where you’ll have access to resources like advisors, courses, and useful contacts. 2. Search for a Mentor Find a mentor who has the relevant experience to help you. Ask at your university or directly reach out to people who have relevant expertise in the field. You should find that many people are willing to help you succeed, especially if they were once in your position. 3. Apply for Funding Your inexperience means you’re unlikely to have much success if you apply for funding from venture capital firms. However, there are other sources of funding specifically for students. Search for student business grants to gain the cash you need to take your idea off the ground. 4. Compete in Business Contests Another way to gain funding is to participate in competitions for student entrepreneurs. The prize tends to be non-dilutive funding, meaning you’ll maintain ownership of your startup. You’ll need to pitch your idea in front of a panel of investors, which alone is a great experience for teaching you how to present your concept. Plus, you’ll likely receive feedback about your startup idea, including ways to improve it. 5. Take Part in Entrepreneurial Programs Learn the key skills you need to build a business by participating in entrepreneurial development programs. Many of these programs have extra perks, such as ongoing support in a particular area or discounts on services to support your startup. However, if you’re struggling to find the time to take courses in addition to your university classes, choose electives that will teach you the skills you need for your business idea. 6. Meet Other Student Entrepreneurs Make the effort to meet other students who are also striving to become entrepreneurs — there are likely many at your university. You find you’re able to meet them through networking at campus events and by joining student clubs and organizations that attract entrepreneurial types. Being a student entrepreneur does mean you’ll be working harder than friends who are fully focused on their academics. You’ll need to have a quiet space where you can focus on making plans for your business. You’ll find this at Foundry Lofts. Our apartments near Brock University form a student community where you’ll have everything you need to thrive. In addition to having your own room in a four- or five-bedroom apartment, you’ll be able to meet others in the fireside lounge, keep up with your laundry using your own washer and dryer, and collaborate on projects in the group study spaces. Contact us for a lease.

6 Things to Try During Your First Week at University

Preparing to go away to university, packing up your stuff, and moving into student accommodation is a lot of work. Once it’s all over, you may be at a loss of what to do next. Your classes won’t have started yet, but there’s still plenty to keep you occupied during your first week of university. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Explore Campus Become familiar with where everything is on campus by taking some time to explore. This will help you avoid getting lost when classes start. In particular, search for where your classes and labs will be taking place along with the location of other key buildings, such as the library, career centre , and financial aid office. 2. Decorate Your Apartment Make your apartment feel like home by unpacking and infusing your space with your personal flair. Set up your desk to inspire you when you sit down to study, hang photos on the wall, and use fairy lights to illuminate your bedroom in the evening. Don’t feel like you need to finish decorating during your first week at university — your apartment decor should always be a work in progress. 3. Set Ground Rules with Your Roommates Before going too far with decorating, you’ll need to talk to your roommates about ground rules. Whereas you can do whatever you want with your bedroom, you’ll need to come to an agreement about shared spaces like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Use this conversation as an opportunity to discuss other rules, such as how you’ll divide up chores, how often you’ll be having guests over, and if there will be quiet times for studying. 4. Attend Campus Events Universities tend to hold a variety of events on campus during the first week. This is a great way to meet new people and start making friends. If you don’t want to go on your own, ask your roommates to come with you — this will be great for developing a relationship with the people you’ll be living with at the same time as expanding your social circle. 5. Learn About the Resources Available to You Universities provide students with a variety of resources to help them succeed. Make sure you’re aware of what’s available to you and how to access them. In particular, you should know what services are on offer at places like the writing centre , how to receive tutoring, and how to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. 6. Find the Textbooks You Need If there are any textbooks you know you’ll need for the required readings for your classes, start looking into how you’ll acquire them. If you act early, you should be able to purchase used copies from other students or take advantage of rental services. However, it’s sometimes worth waiting until you’ve had your first class with the professor to confirm that you’ll need all the materials listed in the syllabus. There’s still time to make your time at university even better: by choosing great student housing. St Catharines students can move into Foundry Lofts, located within walking distance of both Brock University and Niagara College. Our apartments are designed with modern, sustainable living in mind. Sign a lease for September while we still have some rooms available.

6 Ways University Life Changes You

Your years at university will be some of the most important in your life. University is about much more than continuing your education and gaining a credential — it changes you in multiple ways. Here are just a few to consider. 1. Form Lifelong Memories You’ll have some great experiences at university that you’ll always remember. Depending on how you use your time, these may include big parties, sports games, talks from famous guest speakers, free concerts, and countless other activities. 2. Overcome Challenges Of course, not all your experiences at university will be positive. However, some of your most challenging times will be the greatest learning experiences. Whether it’s navigating relationships with new friends, struggling to finish a paper on time, or coping with a broken down car, you’ll be forced to find creative solutions to your problems. This will teach you resilience you can use throughout your life. 3. Make Connections The large number of other students attending your school should mean it’s easy for you to make friends, including with people who share the same interests and passions. Plus, you’ll likely meet people from completely different backgrounds and cultures, which will expand your worldview. Many students make friends at university whom they stay in touch with for the rest of their lives. However, it’s not just other students that you’ll connect with at university — you’ll also meet people who may influence the path your life takes, such as professors, faculty members, the employer at your internship, and the people you work with on volunteer projects. 4. Learn to Be Independent A major part of university is being responsible — it’s up to you to attend your classes, complete your assignments by the due dates, and pay your bills. You’ll also learn to live away from your parents, eat a balanced diet, and keep your apartment in order. Luckily, you’ll never be completely alone. University eases you into adult life by teaching you to become independent while still providing you with a support system. If you run into problems, you’ll be able to turn to your professors, faculty members, academic advisor, and even other students who are facing the same challenges as you. 5. Give Your Life a Purpose The freedom you have at university will teach you more about yourself: who you are, what your values are, and what you may like to do with your life. This is great for giving you a sense of purpose. Whether you figure out what career you want to pursue, decide to dedicate more of your time to volunteering, or change your lifestyle, university will have changed you. 6. Gain Confidence University will often push you out of your comfort zone. Talking to strangers, attending events where you don’t know anyone, and taking classes where you feel out of your depth will show you that you’re much more capable than you realized. This will give you confidence when you face similar situations in the future. Make the most of your time at university by living life to the full. One thing you should do right away is find better student housing. An alternative to Niagara College residence is Foundry Lofts. In addition to your private bedroom in an apartment just steps from campus, you’ll have access to some outstanding community amenities, including a fitness centre , games room, fireside lounge, and movie theatre. Apply for a lease.

Breaking Down Different Learning Styles: Finding What Works for You

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to how they like to learn new information and prepare for tests. When you start university, it’s important to know more about what works for you because this will mean you’re able to choose classes you’ll enjoy and find effective study tactics. Most people fall into one of the three following styles of learning. Auditory Learners You’re an auditory learner if you prefer material you can listen to rather than text. You’ll likely enjoy classes where you have the opportunity to discuss ideas with others and without too much reading. If possible, you should record lectures to listen back to them later, rather than relying solely on the notes you take in class. You may also find it useful to read your notes or textbooks aloud. If you join a study group, pick one that has a focus on talking about concepts and asking each other questions. To remember information, use mnemonic devices. When you have tests that require long answers, you may find it easier to imagine telling someone the answer before you write it down. Visual Learners If you’re a visual learner, you’ll prefer to learn using visual information, including images, graphs, and flow charts. Many visual learners use colour -coding to group information into categories. To succeed in class, you should actively take notes. You may like to write bullet lists or draw information into diagrams, such as to show how the different aspects are related. You may also find it helpful to sit near the front of the room where you’re able to see your professors’ facial expressions and gestures more easily. When studying at home, avoid passively reading. Highlight key areas ( perhaps using different colours ), find new ways to represent information visually, and use pictures to help you recall information. Kinesthetic Learners You’re a kinesthetic learner if you absorb information best by actively engaging with it, such as through hands-on practice. The classes you’ll find the most interesting are likely to be those that use real-life examples to explain concepts and teach practical skills. To study effectively, you’ll need a space that’s free from distractions. This means keeping the items on your desk to a minimum and choosing a space in the classroom where you won’t be distracted. Use active study techniques, such as taking notes, drawing diagrams, and using colour . When preparing for tests, try to emulate the exam setting and practice with similar questions to those you’ll encounter on the test. The rest of the time when you’re studying, take plenty of short breaks to move — this will help you maintain your focus. Lastly, it may help to use movement to act out the material you’re studying. Another way to ensure you succeed academically is to have a quiet place to study without distractions. For Brock off-campus living that will definitely meet your needs, there’s Foundry Lofts. In addition to the desk in your bedroom, we have both private and group study spaces. Plus, we’re just steps from campus, meaning it’s extra easy to make it to your classes on time. Sign a lease now to take advantage of our limited-time offers.

The Benefits of Volunteering in College

As a college student, you already have a packed schedule — with classes, extracurriculars, social activities, and perhaps a part-time job. You may feel like it would be unreasonable to fit anything else into your week. Nonetheless, it’s worth looking into volunteering. Whether you volunteer just occasionally, during your breaks, or on a regular basis throughout the semester, you’ll gain some important benefits. Here are just a few to consider. 1. Make a Difference Most things in life, you do for yourself. Volunteering allows you to think of others and do something good for the world. This will give you a great sense of satisfaction and purpose. 2. Improve Your Mental Health Knowing that you’re making a difference is great for your mental health. This is extra important for college students, who are at a higher risk of stress due to academic demands and the challenges of adjusting to a new life away from home. People who volunteer often see improvements to their mental health, including a decrease in depression and anxiety. This even has a knock-on effect on your physical health. 3. Work Experience If you don’t need to earn money while you’re at college, volunteering may be a great alternative to a part-time job. You may even learn more useful skills than you would by working, especially if you’re able to find a volunteering opportunity in the field you want to enter after you graduate. Plus, volunteering roles tend to involve a variety of duties that will teach you skills like leadership, problem solving, time management, and more. 4. Build Connections To succeed in the world of work, it’s also crucial to have the right contacts. Volunteering will introduce you to people who share a passion for the same cause and likely have similar interests to you. There’s a good chance that some of them will be able to connect you with potential employers. 5. Find Your Direction Many college students are unsure about what exactly they want to do after they graduate. Volunteering will show you possibilities you may never have considered. Plus, you’ll discover what kinds of tasks you enjoy doing and which you may like to avoid. 6. Become a More Appealing Job Candidate Whatever career you end up pursuing, employers will see you as a top choice if you have volunteering experience on your resume. Employers prefer candidates who have volunteered because it’s likely they have gained transferable skills. In addition, volunteering may be a good indicator that you’re the right fit for the company culture if you volunteered for a cause that matches the organization’s values. Adding something more into your schedule means it’s extra important to find opportunities for relaxation. This is easier when you have your own bedroom in student rentals. St. Catharines has the ideal housing for students who need to focus on their self-care: Foundry Lofts. After a busy day, spend some time with friends in the games room, fireside lounge, or movie theatre or take some time for yourself in your private bedroom or with a workout at the fitness centre . Contact us for information about leases.