Blog Posts

Life in Rooms for Rent: Oshawa Students’ Volunteering Guide

6 Benefits of Volunteering at University You may be wondering if it would be a good idea to add another activity to your already-busy schedule through volunteering. Although volunteering will mean you have less free time, the large number of benefits you’ll experience means it’s definitely worthwhile. Here are some of the most noteworthy perks to consider. 1. Give Back to Your Community The reason most people choose to volunteer is they want to help others. Choosing a volunteer project that’s in line with your values will give you a sense of purpose. Even if your contributions are small, you’ll be making the world a better place. 2. Gain Experience for Your Resume A major reason to volunteer while you’re a student is it will give you experience to put on your resume. Since employers prefer candidates with experience, this will improve your chances of landing the job you want after graduation. It doesn’t even matter if the volunteering position is unrelated to the career you want — employers are likely to be impressed that you were willing to dedicate your time to a cause without receiving pay. 3. Develop Your Skills One more reason employers like to see volunteering experience on resumes is it means the candidates will have developed crucial skills. You’ll learn all sorts of skills during your time volunteering, most of which are transferable to any career, including time management, leadership, problem solving, teamwork, and communication. 4. Meet New People Another way volunteering improves your career prospects is by expanding your network. You’ll meet a wide variety of people while volunteering, all of whom will share your passion for the same cause. The people you meet may be able to let you know about job opportunities, introduce you to contacts who work in the industry you want to enter, or become your mentors. Plus, working closely with people from different backgrounds will improve your collaborative skills and help you become more empathetic to different viewpoints. 5. Discover New Career Paths Your volunteering experience may even lead you to change your career goals. If you enjoy the work and feel strongly about the cause, you may decide to look for a job in a nonprofit in the same field after you graduate. 6. Improve Your Mental Health University may take a toll on your mental health at times. Volunteering gives you a break from your classes, your assignments, and the stresses of everyday life, which is great for overall well-being. Plus, knowing you’re having a positive impact and seeing the bigger picture than your own life is great for giving you some perspective. Although there are a huge number of benefits to volunteering at university, it is another commitment. It’s important to give yourself time and space to relax — which is easier when you’re living in rooms for rent. Oshawa students looking to move off campus can find a new home at Foundry 1805. We offer private and semi-private bedrooms in a range of floor plans as well as great community amenities, like a wellness center, large parking lot, and onsite laundry facilities. Apply now to secure the type of room you want.

Sports in Student Apartments: Oshawa Student Athlete Tips

University Athletics: How to Balance Sports and Studies Since exercise is crucial for both your physical and mental health, it’s definitely a good idea to be involved in university athletics. The downside is this will take time away from your studies, especially if you’re in a team that needs to go away to tournaments. To ensure you’re able to give your all to your sport without your academics suffering, there are a few things you need to do. 1. Communicate with Your Professors and Coach Your professors and coach want you to succeed, but they’ll be unable to help you unless you communicate with them. Let your professors know when you’ll be unable to make it to class due to a game and tell your coach when you have an important school project coming up. Discuss any scheduling conflicts to find a solution as soon as possible. For instance, your coach may give you permission to miss practice and your professors may be able to give you an extension for an assignment or reschedule a lab. 2. Work on Your Time Management All students need to be organized, but good time management is extra important for student athletes, who need to keep track of two major commitments. Use either a physical or a digital planner to create a weekly schedule that includes your classes, practice times, and other commitments (such as a part-time job and clubs). Divide up the rest of your time for studying as well as for socializing and resting — these are important, too. 3. Use Short Periods of Downtime to Study Take advantage of all the time you have available to you, even when it’s just 20 minutes or less. In addition to writing this time into your schedule, be prepared to use unexpected downtime for studying. For instance, you could keep flash cards in your backpack, read over your notes from your classes that day, or brainstorm ideas for a paper you need to write. 4. Study with Your Teammates No one understands your situation better than your teammates. Consider forming a study group with them to keep all of you motivated and hold each other accountable. 5. Choose Classes You’ll Enjoy It’s important you pick classes that won’t clash with your training schedule. However, this doesn’t mean you should choose just anything that meets your academic requirements — you should always look for classes you’ll find interesting. When you enjoy your classes, you’re more likely to give your academics the attention they deserve and do well. Critical to your success, both in sports and in your studies, is sufficient rest. Since living on campus exposes you to all sorts of interruptions and noise, it’s better to move into student apartments. Oshawa has Foundry 1805 — a student community with everything you need under one roof. You’ll be able to work out in the wellness center, prepare nutritious meals in your bright white kitchen, and use the 24-hour study rooms to fit in study sessions whenever you have the time. Best of all, you’re just steps from campus. Apply now to secure the type of floor plan you want.

Life in Rooms for Rent: Oshawa Student Job Search Tips

How to Find a Job at University Most university students are just starting out in their financial journeys, so it makes sense that making ends meet can feel a bit challenging. The pressure of meeting their living and study expenses often pushes many students to look for jobs. But finding a job at university might not seem easy. Many in-demand positions are taken quickly, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find the right fit. With perseverance and a little creative thinking, here’s how you can find work during your time at university. Job Search Tips for University Students Perhaps the most challenging part of searching for a job at university is finding an opportunity that caters to your skillset. Students generally don’t have much work experience, so they cannot expect a high-paying job. Moreover, university students cannot work extended hours as it goes against the law. Most well-paying jobs require significant work experience and flexible timing, which can be challenging to meet for students. However, you can use the following tips to find a job that can help you meet your expenses while being a student: 1. Check Your University's Website Perhaps the best way to stay up to date with job vacancies at university is by checking your university's website. These websites have immense resources to help students find employment. Make sure to visit the Career Services or Career Section of the university website to see on-campus vacancies and short-term opportunities. In most cases, these sections list the job openings and summarize the job description and requirements. 2. Use Your Connections and Networks Networking is one of the most underrated ways to land a job. But, it is a great way to find a job either on or off campus. And, it can even lead to opportunities you might not have even considered. Remember that building your network is also a great way to get your name out there so that you're not just a faceless resume. Of course, it’s more than walking up to people you don't know and telling them about yourself. It’s a mindset, or a way to approach your professional relationships and leverage your connections. As such, it’s a good idea to meet new people and nurture relationships during and after university life. Who knows, one of your connections may help you to land your dream job. Besides face-to-face networking, you could also use LinkedIn to meet people you associate with and explore opportunities. 3. Look Out for Seasonal Opportunities Many companies do seasonal hirings based on business flow because some seasons draw more customers and are more profitable than others, such as the holidays and summertime. Seasonal jobs are great for university students because they allow you to earn money and get some experience on your resume, typically when you don’t have to worry about classes. Also, you can choose to work long hours to make more money and add credibility to your experience. It is a good idea to drop your resume off at nearby stores and offices. We recommend talking to a manager or an authoritative figure face-to-face to build rapport, so you’re on their radar when an opportunity comes up. 4. Get an Internship Most employers look for work experience and specialized skills. If you lack work experience and the required skills, consider an internship to get your foot in the door. Although not very well-paying, internships give you the chance to have professional experience, learn new skills, and prove your worth to your employer. And based on your performance, the company could eventually offer you a well-paying job. 5. Search for Opportunities Online There are hundreds of job search websites out there that you can use to find employment opportunities. For example, you could use Robert Half, CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkedIn, and others to apply for jobs. The good news is that most student residences and rooms for rent in Oshawa have fast and free internet for students. So you can use this opportunity to look up jobs online. Make sure to filter your job search, turn your notifications on for daily updates and openings. If possible, upload a well-crafted resume to the job search websites as it helps simplify the job application process.

How to Network in Shared Accommodation in Oshawa

4 Tips For Networking in University Completing a university degree is an admirable goal to achieve. Yet, the work doesn’t end there. You’ll have to put in the effort to find a job and go on interviews. And, because competition for desirable positions can be fierce, getting a call back for a job you really want may not come easily. You need strong networking skills to get ahead of the pack, regardless of your desired industry. Fresh graduates miss out on several opportunities because, sadly, they aren't aware of industry dynamics and therefore fail to network in university. By network, we don't mean your social media friends and social followers. Instead, we're talking about industry experts, professors, and seniors who can help you grow in your career. Networking allows you to build a system of supportive relationships to get ahead in your professional life. But since nurturing relationships takes time, it’s always a good idea to start networking while in university - before you even start looking for a job. But how and where do you start building your professional network? Here are some networking tips to start your journey: 1. Reach Out to the Industry Leaders No, we don't mean calling corporate leaders or visiting their offices when you're still in university; you can save that for later. But, for now, it’s a good idea to try to find the most influential and resourceful people in your desired industry and connect with them online on platforms like LinkedIn and in person at different events. Whether you need industry insights or information about an upcoming event, find where the experts hang out. You can meet these leaders in online communities, public speaking events, and workshops. You can also connect with these leaders and benefit from their experience and knowledge. 2. Consult Your Professors and University Alumni Your professors have probably taught hundreds or even thousands of students by now. And most of them might be in key corporate positions to help you in your career. As such, it’s a good idea to stay connected with your professors and ask them for career tips. Don’t shy away from asking questions. For example, you could ask your professor what should be your next step at networking and how you can grow your network. Most professors have connections with industry leaders and university alumni in the corporate world. You can meet these people through your professor's reference. 3. Leverage Social Media Social media is a powerful tool for virtually everything, from professional networking to growing your business. Whether you want to do a job or start a business after university, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help you reach out to people looking for what you have to offer, and vice versa. You can also use it to keep in touch with old friends and business contacts. It’s a good idea to join your industry-related groups, follow insightful people, engage with public posts, and see what others are talking about on social networking platforms. Also, you can create engagement and get noticed by posting thoughtful content, appreciating positive criticism, and brushing up on your knowledge of industry happenings, news, and trends. 4. Attend Professional Events Professional and career-focused events offer a great networking opportunity for university students. You get the chance to meet industry leaders and career experts at such events and learn from their experience and knowledge. Also, be sure to attend on-campus and off-campus job fairs and other career events. Attending these gatherings will help you improve your resume and interview skills. And who knows, you might land your dream job at one of these events. If you live in shared accommodation in Oshawa, look around to find public networking events nearby. These events will allow you to make new connections and nurture professional relationships. Don’t forget to talk to other people in your building, as they might know people in your field, too. Be headstrong in your efforts to become an active member of these circles. But as always, follow professional etiquettes and don't go overboard in trying to enter the professional communities.

How to Make Your Ontario Tech Residence Feel Like Home

How to Make Your Student Apartment Feel Like Home Decorating your student apartment to match your personality will transform it from a place you live into a home. Although the prospect of decorating a new apartment can feel daunting, all it actually takes is a few simple additions. 1. Cover the Walls There’s nothing more impersonal than bare walls. The good news is walls are one of the easiest things to decorate. As well as art, you can hang posters, framed photos, or even a tapestry. If you want to save money, create your own pictures for your walls. There’s no need to be an art student — printing out photos and pasting them together in a collage is a great way to bring memories to your new space. 2. Add Warmth to the Floor Once you’ve finished decorating the walls, turn your attention to the floor. Use rugs to add colour and style — and to keep your feet warm! Make sure you choose a material that will be easy to maintain and won’t show stains. 3. Make a Luxurious Bed To do well at university, you need a comfortable bed. As well as choosing bedding that’s soft and warm, pick a design you like to make your bed more welcoming. Since pillows are particularly personal, you may like to bring your regular pillow from home. 4. Bring Some Lamps to Adjust the Lighting An overhead light is useful for illuminating the entire room, but a dimmer light is cozier. Floor lamps that produce yellow light are perfect for adjusting the light levels in your bedroom and living room. Also check if your bedroom comes with a desk lamp (it may if you’re renting a fully-furnished apartment). In addition to being a necessity for studying, this is ideal for creating ambient lighting. 5. Give Your Apartment Some Life with Plants The right plants can improve air quality and add character to your living space. If you know you’ll struggle to keep plants alive, choose something that requires minimal care, like a cactus. 6. Create an Inspiring Study Space Turn the area around your desk into a space that makes you feel inspired. For instance, you could add objects or pictures that keep your goals for after graduation fresh in your mind or hang a certificate above your desk to remind you of what you’re capable of achieving. 7. Infuse Your Apartment with Scent Add scented candles to spots around your bedroom and living room. Take time picking out the candles to find a scent you love — perhaps something that smells like your family home, that makes you think of someone you care about, or has the natural scent of your favourite outdoor place, like the beach or a pine forest. It’s difficult to make a space feel comfortable if you’re sharing a small dorm room on campus. Find a place you can call home by renting a student apartment at Foundry 1805. Our off-campus Ontario Tech residence has both fully-furnished and unfurnished units with one to five bedrooms. Check out our floor plans to find your perfect fit.

Staying Healthy in Student Housing: Oshawa Tips

Ways to Stay Healthy at University Starting university is a great time to learn healthy habits for life. If you’re like most students, this will be your first taste of independence. Since no one will be checking up on you, it’s down to you to practice some self-discipline. You’ll thank yourself if you do, as you’ll feel more energized, lose fewer days to illness, and be more focused. 1. Eat a Healthy Diet You’ll have much more choice about what to eat as a college student than you’re likely used to. Whereas there’s nothing wrong with occasionally choosing something unhealthy, it’s important this is the exception rather than the rule. Think about whether you’re receiving all the nutrients you need and eat filling meals to avoid the temptation of fatty or sugary snacks throughout the day. 2. Get Enough Sleep Most people need around eight hours of sleep a night. It’s no good sleeping just a few hours some nights and catching up at the weekend — your body needs consistent rest. Using a sleep app can help you stick to a routine. Some remind you it’s time for bed or offer soothing sounds to help you fall asleep. Other ways to ensure you sleep enough involve allowing your mind to relax before bed. Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime and stop drinking caffeinated drinks by the late afternoon. If you find that you’re struggling to fall asleep, try meditating, drawing, or listening to music. 3. Exercise Daily Regular exercise can also improve your sleep and provide other health benefits, including better immunity, higher energy levels, and reduced strain on your body even when you sit for long periods of time. College is the ideal time to improve your fitness because it’s easy to find new activities you enjoy. For instance, if you’re no fan of team sports, you could take up weight training, Zumba, or yoga. Exercising also encourages you to drink more water, and you may find that you start eating a more balanced diet as a natural result. 4. Keep Your Living Space Clean A clean and tidy space is beneficial both for your physical and mental health. You’re most likely used to doing chores at home, but you’ve probably never been responsible for keeping the entire place clean. You’ll need to develop some discipline to tidy your living space on a regular basis, as well as whenever you notice something is dirty. If you’ll be living with other people, divide the chores amongst yourselves and make sure you do your fair share. 5. Create a Balanced Schedule Socializing is important — in fact, it’s a key part of the university experience. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between your social life, studies, and rest. Depending on the friends you make, you may be tempted to go to parties every weekend, if not every weekday. Set limits as to how often you’ll go out and be sensible about how late you stay up. You’ll be glad you did the next morning. 6. Figure Out What Your Body Needs Always stay alert to what your body is telling you. For example, if you start a new exercise regime, don’t push yourself too hard. If your muscles ache, stick to gentle stretches for a day. If you start feeling emotionally exhausted, take some time for yourself. Spending time alone to relax is critical for your wellbeing — don’t fall into the trap of thinking you always need to be doing something. Finally, if you’re physically exhausted, stop relying on coffee and allow yourself to rest. It’s difficult to stay healthy if you’re living on campus. You face constant distractions and noise, your life is influenced by your roommate’s habits, and you’re stuck on a meal plan. If you’re committed to being healthy, a better option is to live in off-campus student housing. Oshawa students have Foundry 1805. You’ll receive a suite with a large bedroom and a fully-equipped kitchen — plus, there are restaurants and shopping just across the street. Pay us a visit to check out the amenities for yourself.