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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.

8 Goals to Set for Yourself This Summer

During college, summer can be whatever you make of it. You could just use it as a chance to relax — passing the days watching movies and catching up with friends. However, even though you’re likely to need some time for relaxation, dedicating your whole summer to chilling is a waste. A better idea is to use the weeks you have off productively. To do this, you should set goals. Some types of goals are particularly relevant for college students. 1. Keep Learning Ensure your mind stays active over the summer break to make returning in the fall easier. There are a variety of ways you can keep learning, including by signing up for a summer class, taking online courses, or watching tutorials. Choose a topic that will complement what you’re studying at college, a skill you’ll need for work, or just something you want to learn for fun. 2. Take the First Steps Toward Pursuing Your Dream Career Gain experience in your field with an internship. This will give you the skills you need to apply to better jobs once you graduate. If you’re lucky, you may even receive an offer from the company where you intern. In some industries, there are even remote internships with flexible hours, meaning you’ll have enough time to meet your other goals, too. You could even pick up more than one internship if you want to explore two potential career paths. 3. Give Back to the Community Use your time for good this summer by volunteering. This will look great on your resume, especially if you choose something relevant to your career goals. As well as searching for projects near you, consider volunteering abroad for a few weeks to combine doing good with traveling. 4. Finish Some Books Set a target to read a certain number of books over the summer. Add books that will give you insights into some of the topics you’ll be covering in your upcoming classes as well as books you just want to read for fun. 5. Find a New Hobby It’s important to have hobbies you can turn to when you need to destress or take a break from your studies. Choose something you’ll be able to continue when you’re back at college, such as a craft or sport. You may like to consider if your college offers a related extracurricular when picking a hobby. 6. Make Some Money Earn money to start paying off your student loans or to have extra to spend when you return to college. You could look for a temporary job over the summer, pick up gig work, freelance, or even start your own business. 7. Discover a New Podcast Listen to an episode or two of some podcasts covering topics you find interesting until you discover one you’d like to listen to regularly. It’s great to have a few podcasts in your feed that you can play whenever you need to complete a boring task (such as cleaning your apartment) or for your commute. 8. Declutter Your Physical and Digital Life Go through your belongings to see what you could get rid of — clothes you’ll never wear again, old handouts from classes, and other items that are taking up space. Next, move on to decluttering your digital presence. Delete old social posts, stop following people who are now unimportant to you, and update your personal information to reflect who you are today. A final goal for the summer should be to find better housing for when you return to college in the fall. Foundry Lofts offers Niagara College student housing that comes with all the extras you need for the ultimate student experience. Our suites are fully furnished with leather couches, flatscreen TVs, and full-size appliances and you’ll have access to common areas including a games room, indoor atrium, and coffee shop. Apply today to secure your spot.

Try These Products to Help with College Exams

For college students, exams are a dreaded aspect of classes. So much hangs on your performance in the exams and papers you need to complete. Studying for big tests is often challenging, but you can make it easier by purchasing the following useful products. 1. Pens in a Range of Colours When you’re rewriting your notes to remind yourself of the material you covered in class, it can help to organize your ideas by colour . Plus, having pens in a range of colours will enable you to colour -code your agenda quickly to see what you should be working on. 2. Meditation App Take care of your mental health before exams by downloading a meditation app to use on a daily basis. Whereas paid subscriptions typically offer a wider range of guided meditations, you can find plenty of free options if you’re looking to save money. 3. Water Bottle Although you should include regular breaks in your study schedule, it’s easy to cheat and head to the kitchen for some water before you’re supposed to take a break — and who knows what distractions you may encounter along the way. Make sure you stay hydrated without needing to disrupt your concentration by keeping a large water bottle on your desk at all times. 4. Heated Eye Masks If you struggle to fall asleep before a big exam due to anxiety, try using heated eye masks. These are great at helping you feel sleepy. 5. Scented Candle Creating a habit for every time you sit down to study can help put you in the right frame of mind. A scented candle is ideal because the flickering flame is somehow relaxing and motivating at the same time. Plus, you’ll start to associate the scent with studying, which is useful for maintaining your focus. 6. Wall Calendar Check when your assignments are due and the dates for your exams at a glance by keeping a wall calendar hanging above your desk. This will also be a huge help if you’re worried you may forget something important. 7. Plenty of Food Stock up on plenty of food to prepare filling meals. The last thing you want is to need to order a meal when you have little in your budget left for the month or run to the grocery store in the middle of a study session. Choose meals you can prepare quickly and have healthy ingredients to fuel your brain and give you energy. Equipping yourself with the above products is a good start, but you also need somewhere you can go to study for your exams in peace. A desk in your own bedroom is ideal, but you won’t have this if you’re still living on campus. A great alternative to Niagara College residence is Foundry Lofts. As well as having your own room, you’ll only need to share the kitchen and living room with up to three roommates. Plus, you can use our onsite study area — there’s free WiFi throughout the building. Apply today to se cure the type of floor plan you want.