Blog Posts

How to Find the Right Study Space in or Out of an OTU Residence

How to Create a Productive Study Space Unlike at high school, a large percentage of the time you dedicate to your classes at university involves studying on your own. To make the most of the time you have available for studying, you need to be productive. This means having a comfortable spot where you can focus. Here are several ways to create just such a study space. 1. Choose the Right Location Pick a location that will be your primary study spot. You may like to change things up occasionally — in fact, switching location can be a good idea if you hit a block and need inspiration, such as when writing a challenging paper. Nonetheless, it’s useful to have a principal location that you use most of the time and that puts you in the mood for studying. The right location will be somewhere quiet where you can work undisturbed. If it’s not in your apartment itself, it should at least be near where you live, such as a study room within your building. Choose the right place for you by thinking about whether you focus better when you’re on your own or when you have other people around. 2. Ensure There’s Sufficient Lighting Whether you’re creating your own study space or choosing between existing ones, you need to ensure you have enough light to avoid straining your eyes. Allowing plenty of natural light to illuminate your space during the day is useful, whereas you may need a desk lamp after dark. 3. Store Your Study Materials in One Place Keep everything you need for studying stored in one place. This will mean you can easily find what you need when you sit down to study and you can take everything with you when you’re studying elsewhere, such as if you want to fit in a quick session between classes. 4. Motivate Yourself Add something to your study area that inspires you. This could be as simple as a note to yourself or something more involved, like a full mood board that expresses your desires for the future. Whatever you choose, it should remind you of why you’re studying and push you to keep going when you face tough times. 5. Block Out Distracting Sounds Some people like to study in silence, whereas others find some background noise helpful. Depending on your preferences, you may like to block out sounds that could distract you with white noise, music, or noise-canceling headphones. 6. Create a Study Schedule Decide when to study according to when you know you can be most productive, you’ll have access to your study space, and you can expect the fewest distractions. You may find that certain times of the day are best for certain types of activities. Students often find it impossible to create a productive study space when they live on campus. An alternative to an OTU residence where you’ll always be able to study in peace is Foundry 1805. You’ll have a private or semi-private bedroom, fully furnished with a desk and chair. Plus, if you prefer, you can use one of our study rooms — they’re open 24 hours a day. Apply now while there are still some units available.

Settling into Shared Accommodation: Oshawa Students’ Guide

5 Tips for Settling In at University You’ve long been looking forward to heading off to university. Now the date of your departure is almost here, though, you may have some concerns. It’s normal to be worried about making this big life change, especially when you’re unsure what to expect — but there’s no need to fret. A few simple tactics will help you settle in quickly. 1. Prepare in Advance Although you may be busy over the summer (perhaps due to work, travel, or just having fun), it’s important to dedicate time to preparing for university. Make a list of everything you need to take with you and start packing or purchasing these items. Decide how you’ll acquire books, check you have all the necessary study supplies, and think about what you’ll need for your apartment. 2. Bring Your Favourite Belongings from Home In addition to the essentials, pack things that will help your new apartment feel like home. Such things may include a favourite pillow, posters, and decorations. You may also like to make artwork for your walls, such as with framed photos or a collage. Finally, it’s not uncommon for university students to bring a special stuffed toy they can’t live without. 3. Spend Time Exploring the Area Take time to explore both campus and the wider area. Your university will likely offer a tour of campus, but you should also make sure you know where all your classes are being held. In your university town, locate key places like stores, restaurants, parks, and cafés — especially businesses that offer student discounts. 4. Be Open to New Friendships You’ll make friends faster if you see everyone you meet as a potential new friend. Strike up a conversation with people you meet at events, spend time in places where students like to hang out, and introduce yourself to your roommates and other people in your student housing. If you find it difficult to be outgoing in person, you may like to meet people online first. Search for social media groups for students at your university — you should find there are some for your major as well as for interests and hobbies. 5. Download a Video Conferencing App There are various ways you can stay in touch with friends and family back home, including texting and phone calls. However, nothing is better than a video chat where you can see each other’s faces. Make sure you have a video conferencing app downloaded on your phone or laptop — depending on how you’re feeling, you may want to call a loved one after the first few days of your arrival. Going forward, schedule times to chat with friends and relatives to keep feeling connected to them. You’ll settle in at university faster if you live in comfortable housing. It’s possible to live off campus and still be in shared accommodation. Oshawa students, for instance, can live at Foundry 1805. Our suites have between four and six private or semi-private bedrooms — you can choose a floor plan to suit your preferences and budget. You’ll also share a kitchen and living room with your roommates, which allows for a fun communal living experience. Apply today before all the units are taken.