Blog Posts

Budgeting in a Student Rental: Oshawa Student Tips

10 Budgeting Tips for Students Even if you had a job before college and needed to manage your money to some extent, it’s unlikely that anything has prepared you for budgeting as a student. It’s crucial that you do have a budget because without one, you may overspend and struggle to make ends meet or graduate with a much larger debt than necessary. Besides, learning how to budget now will help you throughout your life. Here are a few tips to consider. 1. Download a Budgeting App Long gone are the days when you needed to use a spreadsheet to budget. There are now a number of apps to choose from, many of which are free. An app will take all the hard work out of budgeting and give you extra support to manage your money wisely. 2. Have Emergency Funds It’s essential to include in your budget a certain amount you will only touch in the case of an emergency. This should be around 10 percent of your monthly budget. You never know when you may face an emergency — and the last thing you want is to be scrambling to find cash. 3. Never Use a Credit Card for Fun An easy way to ensure that you stay within your budget for fun activities is to withdraw the amount you’ve allocated in your budget and only use that cash. Running out of cash before the end of the month will help you realize that you need to be more selective with your spending in the future. 4. Find Free Events Limit how much you spend by finding free ways to have fun. Universities hold free events on campus all the time. These are also great for meeting new people and exploring new interests. 5. Eliminate Your Credit Card Balance As credit cards have some of the highest interest rates, it should be a priority to get your balance to zero and keep it there. If you already have some debt, pay as much as you possibly can each month, perhaps adjusting your budget to pay two or three times what you’re currently paying. Going forward, only charge to your credit card what you can afford to pay off in full when the bill comes. 6. Pay Off Student Loans as Soon as Possible It’s best to start paying off your student loans while you’re still in college. Even small monthly payments can make a big difference to how much you’ll owe when you graduate. 7. Invest the Rest If you have any money left at the end of the month, instead of giving yourself extra to spend next month, invest it. Use a savings account or consider buying stocks and bonds. Investing apps are great for this. For instance, a robo-advisor app can build and manage your portfolio, meaning there’s no need for you to make potentially risky decisions. 8. Take Advantage of Student Discounts Always ask stores if they offer student discounts and patronize those that do. You may be surprised just how many businesses (both online and offline) have special prices for students. 9. Search for Coupons Before making any non-urgent purchases, see if you can find a coupon. Regularly gaining discounts in this way will add up to significant savings. 10. Create a Weekly Menu Before you head to the grocery store, decide what meals you’ll eat in the upcoming week. This will help you purchase just the ingredients you need and prevent picking up products that you end up throwing out. It will also prevent you from giving in to temptations and buying things that look appealing but that weren’t on your shopping list. You’ll have more to spare in your budget if you don’t live in an expensive dorm room with a meal plan but instead find a student rental. Oshawa students can turn to Foundry 1805. You’ll receive a room in a fully-furnished suite, all utilities included. Apply now while units are still available.

Desirable Resume Features for OTU Residence Students

The Best University Activities That Look Good on a Resume While it’s definitely a good idea to choose the university activities you participate in according to your interests, it’s also worth thinking about what will look good on your resume. Certain extracurriculars will prepare you for the world of work and teach you valuable life skills. These are exactly what you want to have on your resume if your work experience is lacking (or nonexistent), as it can help you to compete even with candidates who have been working in the field for some time. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind. 1. Volunteer Roles As a volunteer, you may have many of the same responsibilities you would with a paid position. The only difference, in fact, is that you don’t receive payment for your work. This is actually a selling point, since it shows that you’re willing to dedicate time to a cause that matters to you without requiring compensation. Depending on what the role involves, you may be able to gather a wide range of skills that you can put on your resume. 2. Fundraising for a Cause A particular type of volunteering you may like to try is fundraising, although you can also fundraise to help a for-profit business get started. In any case, fundraising is much more difficult than it looks — and employers know this. You need excellent business, marketing, writing, and project management skills, all of which are transferable to virtually any graduate job. 3. Languages Proficiency in another language is often a requirement for jobs, particularly at international companies. Plus, positions that ask for knowledge of foreign languages tend to pay higher. Just the fact that you’ve learned another language can be beneficial, as this indicates you have great communication skills, an understanding of other cultures, and a good work ethic. 4. Study Abroad Programs Even better than just learning a language is putting it into use. By studying abroad, you’ll show employers that you’re able to adapt to unfamiliar situations and that you have a deeper understanding of another culture than what you can acquire from academics alone. Participation in a study abroad program also suggests that you’re able to work well independently, you’re resilient, and you have good interpersonal skills. 5. College Sports Participation in sports shows more than just physical fitness: it’s also a sign of dedication and commitment to self-improvement. Plus, if being a college athlete takes up a large amount of your time but you’re still able to gain good grades, it will be clear that you have great time management skills. Team sports are a particularly strong option to consider, since they mean you must possess teamwork skills. 6. Tutoring Anyone who wants to enter a career in teaching, training, or leadership should seek tutoring opportunities at university. You’ll need to be patient, find creative ways to explain concepts, and have an in-depth knowledge of your subject matter. 7. Clubs and Societies A large number of activities available at university are clubs and societies. You can include any of these on your resume — what matters is you show their relevance. Make sure you explain what kinds of skills you learned, whether those are softer skills (such as interpersonal skills) or specific hard skills. 8. Student Union A student organization that will look particularly impressive on your resume is your university’s student union. You could be an active member (such as by holding an elected position, sitting on a committee, or starting your own club) or you may prefer to volunteer just occasionally. Whatever you choose, this will show great leadership qualities, the ability to make (often tough) decisions, active listening skills, and much more. There’s no need to live on campus to participate in university activities, but it helps to live nearby. An OTU residence alternative is Foundry 1805. Our student housing is just minutes from Ontario Tech and has free WiFi throughout the building, which will allow you to continue contributing to activities when you’re back at home. Apply for a lease now before all the units are filled up.

Life in Rooms for Rent: Oshawa Student Clubs to Start

8 Creative Organizations to Consider Starting at Your School Most universities have some great choices for organizations to join. However, there may be no organization for a hobby or interest you’re passionate about. The solution is simple: create your own organization. If you’re not sure what kind to start, consider these creative ideas. 1. Dance Club for Everyone Some schools have a dance club already, but the members tend to be students who learned to dance at a young age and are able to show off some impressive moves. This makes people who just want to bop to a beat feel excluded. By setting up a dance club that’s open to everyone, you put the emphasis on having a good time and not on dancing abilities. Students with physical disabilities will also feel welcome. This is a great choice for an organization if you want to stay fit, destress, and be around others in a relaxed environment. 2. Frustrated Students Club A common theme in student chats is that people are worried, stressed, and frustrated. Set up a club that allows people to release these feelings in a healthy way, such as venting to others, learning to relax, and asking for advice. You could also use the club to share mental health tips and reassure other students who are experiencing a difficult patch that the hard times will pass. 3. Thrift Club Most students are looking to spend less. With a thrift club, you can all visit thrift stores together to search for the best deals. You can also share or sell items you no longer need, like clothing, textbooks, or décor when you’re moving out of your current apartment. 4. Quiz Night Club Students spend a large portion of the day learning new things — their heads are exploding with facts. Put these facts to good use by setting up a quiz club. You could hold a trivia night every month or so, each time on a different topic. If you charge a small fee, you’ll even be able to give the winner a prize. 5. Parents Club Depending on your school, it may be difficult to connect with many other parents. Having a club where you all meet can help you feel less isolated and give you the chance to share experiences, struggles, and stories that you worry your other friends may tire of hearing. 6. Film Club Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie? Or even a bad one, for that matter? A film club will attract all kinds of students, making it easy for you to meet people from different backgrounds. You can either take turns to nominate a film or all vote on your next choice to watch together. At the end of the session, have a discussion — this can be as serious or lighthearted as you want it to be. 7. Foodies Club Explore new flavours with people who love food just as much as you do with a foodies club. You can visit different restaurants near campus or take turns to prepare a meal. If you end up forming a large group, you could even hold a potluck. Whatever you do, you’re sure to discover new delicious dishes and make new friends. 8. Hikers Club If your university is surrounded by nature, you’re missing out if you lack a hikers club. It’s often more enjoyable — and motivating — to hike with others. Plus, longer hikes are a great opportunity to have conversations with likeminded people and get to know friends on a deeper level. It will be easier to run your organization if you live near campus. There’s no need to actually live on campus, though — in fact, it’s more comfortable and less expensive to search for rooms for rent. Oshawa students have Foundry 1805, which is just steps away from both Ontario Tech University and Durham College. Your suite will give you plenty of space to entertain the friends you meet through your organization. Apply now to secure the floor plan of your choice.

University-Hunting Tips for Students Seeking Rooms for Rent Near OTU

What to Consider When Looking into Universities It’s important to choose the right university for you to ensure you enjoy the experience of being a student and succeed academically. However, all the choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what factors matter most. To help you come to a decision, there are a few things to consider when evaluating schools. 1. Requirements for Your Major There’s no need to decide for sure what major you want to take at this point, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you may be interested in. You can then check the admission requirements for programs at the universities you’re considering to ensure you’ll be able to meet any prerequisites. You should also be aware that application dates can differ between schools. Make a note of due dates to ensure you have all the documentation you’ll need to apply on time. 2. How You Feel About the University If possible, you should try to pay a visit to the universities you might like to attend. An open house is the perfect time to go, as the university is set up to show students everything it has to offer. More recently, universities have been providing virtual tours of campus, which are sometimes accompanied by talks and Q&A sessions with faculty. Whether you visit virtually or in person, use the opportunity to see if you can imagine yourself studying at the school. Does the atmosphere feel welcoming? What do you think of the faculty for your program? 3. Campus Amenities Find out what amenities campuses have to offer either during a tour or by exploring the university’s website. There may be facilities that are particularly useful for your major. For instance, the library may give you free access to equipment like printers, and there could even be a gym on site. 4. Clubs and Organizations Attending university is about more than just academics — it’s also about socializing. You’ll find it much easier to make friends when there are plenty of clubs to join and events taking place. Find out if the university has any organizations you’d particularly like to belong to, perhaps related to interests you already have or hobbies you’d like to explore. 5. Things to Do Nearby It’s even better if there’s plenty to do beyond campus in the surrounding city. If you lack your own mode of transport, you’ll find it more convenient to choose a city with good public transportation. 6. Financial Aid Available Whereas some financial aid is available no matter what university you choose, schools often offer their own programs to help students pay for tuition and other expenses. If you qualify for any of these, one university could be more affordable than another. Choosing a university is just the start — you’ll also need to decide where to live. If you want to attend Ontario Tech University, you’ll probably want to search for a room for rent in Oshawa near OTU. For premier student housing, there’s Foundry 1805. It meets all students’ requirements: it’s just a short walk to campus, there’s free WiFi throughout the building, and there are restaurants and stores just across the street. Check out the floor plans to find the right suite for you.

DIY Gifts for Students in Durham College Residences

DIY Gifts for Everyone on Your List If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to give all your friends and family members gifts they’ll appreciate, it may be best to go down the DIY route. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll also make gifts that recipients are sure to treasure more than anything you could buy in the store. 1. Decorated Coffee Mug It’s much easier to make a DIY coffee mug than you may think: you just need a plain mug, some sharpies, and perhaps some glitter glue. Decorate your mugs in any way you please — draw a picture or write a message that will have meaning to the recipient — and then bake the mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. 2. Succulent Garden Plant a succulent or two in a bowl and cover the top with sand. Draw patterns in the sand with a stick to complete the garden (you can always add some extra objects or pebbles if you wish). Although succulents are a low maintenance plant, you can always use artificial ones — this may be a good idea if the recipient is known for having a poor track record with plants. 3. Bath Bombs The basic ingredients to make bath bombs are cream of tartar, citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch, and your choice of essential oils for colour and scent. There are various recipes you can follow from simple to quite complex. Make several bath bombs at the same time to check a number of people off your list at once. 4. Jewelry Organizer There are multiple ways to create a jewelry organizer using items you can find in any thrift store. For instance, you can use an old picture frame with hooks or pieces of fabric, hang chunky bracelets around a glass bottle, or create a jewelry tree from a wide range of objects. This is a great gift for anyone who owns even a small amount of jewelry — especially if that jewelry tends to end up in a tangled heap in a box or on a dresser. 5. Rice Heat Packs An ingenious way to stay warm in the winter is with rice heat packs. Simply sew two squares of fabric together leaving one side open and then divide the bag you’ve created into six equal segments. Fill each segment with rice and sew up the bag. Heat the pack in the microwave for just one to two minutes and it will stay warm for around 20 minutes. This is much safer than an electrical heating pad that you must make sure you turn off before you fall asleep. 6. Small Gifts in a Mason Jar Gifting someone stationery, cookie cutters, cosmetics, or another set of small items may be uninteresting. However, you can transform these simple gifts with the right presentation. Mason jars are excellent for this purpose. Choose some attractive ones at the dollar store, tie a ribbon around them, and you’ll have the perfect packaging for any small gift. 7. Reindeer Bottles Instead of simply giving friends a six pack of their favorite soda or beer, turn the bottles into reindeers. All you need is pipe cleaner for the antlers, googly eyes, pom-poms for the nose, glue, and the beverages of your choice. Another way to save money is to move into off-campus housing. An alternative to Durham College residence is Foundry 1805. We have better amenities at more affordable rates than you’ll find elsewhere. Apply now while places are still available and you’ll be able to move in immediately.

7 Online Jobs You Can Do From Your Durham College Student Housing

How to Land an Online Job as a Student Many student jobs have traditionally meant working on site and fitting shifts around your classes, personal study, and other commitments. Today, though, there are numerous online jobs you can do from home. These tend to have flexible hours and there are many options even if you have limited experience — although the pay is higher once you do have experience. To land one of these jobs, there are a few ways to prepare. 1. Set Up a Blog If you enjoy writing, a good option for you could be to work as a freelance writer. The first step is to create your own blog. Since there’s no need to request approval to publish posts, this is an easy way to develop a portfolio of work. Whereas it is possible to monetize your blog, you’ll likely find it easier to use your blog as a stepping stone to write for others — either by searching on freelance sites or by reaching out to website owners. 2. Volunteer as an Editor for Your College Magazine If you prefer editing over writing, find out if your college magazine or newspaper is looking for an editor. This is a great way to develop skills and show you have experience editing. It’s also helpful to have contacts in the editing world, as it can be more difficult to break into editing than writing. 3. Learn Basic Graphic Design Skills Graphic designers are in high demand for everything from logos and images to accompany blog posts to brochures. If you’re majoring in graphic design, you already have the skills you need to start working. Otherwise, invest in some software and follow tutorials until you’re able to produce work that’s good enough to sell. Again, you can find opportunities on freelance sites as well as on job boards. 4. Take Courses There are many courses you can take for free or a small fee that will prepare you for all sorts of online jobs. They’ll both teach you the key skills you need and show others that you’re capable. Some types of courses to consider include: Web development Video editing Photography Social media marketing PPC marketing 5. Sign Up on a Survey Site Survey sites are a great way of making small amounts of cash that can add up to large amounts and accumulating gift cards for stores you’d buy from anyway. Sign up on one or more survey sites and fill out your profile. Then you can search surveys you’re eligible to take and complete them whenever you have free time throughout the day. 6. Practice Typing Typing skills can come in useful for many online jobs and may even be a necessity for some. For instance, you need to be able to type reasonably fast and accurately for audio transcription, video captioning, and data entry. You’ll find that there are many jobs available through freelance platforms and agencies. Better-paying opportunities may open up once you have experience. However, if you’re slow at typing, even these may pay too low to be worthwhile. 7. Improve Your Note-Taking Skills Many students are terrible at taking notes and are willing to pay for notes they can use to prepare for exams or write a paper. There’s no need to find these students directly: you can sell your notes to online platforms. As you may need to submit your notes on a weekly basis, make sure you maintain perfect attendance. Furthermore, your notes will need to be particularly high quality, which may mean you need to brush up on your note-taking skills before you’re able to start earning anything. To work an online job, you need high-speed internet and a quality desk. Students who live at Foundry 1805 receive both — and much more. Our Durham College student housing provides you with everything you need to live the college experience in luxury, including a range of great amenities for an all-inclusive price. Apply now before we’re filled up.