Blog Posts

Should You Take Summer Courses?

Whereas the summer means a break from academics for many students, others decide to continue studying. Although this decision will mean you miss out on other possibilities for the summer, there are various reasons why it’s worth taking summer courses. 1. Complete Your Gen Ed Requirements Most schools only offer a small selection of their courses over the summer. In particular, they tend to focus on gen ed courses that students from all sorts of majors can take. Whereas this may seem limiting, the advantage here is you can complete some (if not all) of your gen ed requirements over the summer. Then, you’ll be able to dedicate the regular semester to the courses you’re most excited to take, such as advanced courses, seminars, and capstone graduation courses. 2. Take Courses at an Accelerated Pace Many summer courses take place over a shorter time frame , while still covering all the material. Although this means they’re more intensive, it also makes them a great option for finishing a gen ed class you don’t find particularly engaging. You may decide to take just one accelerated course for a few weeks and have the rest of your summer free for other activities. 3. Save Money At some schools, summer courses cost less than classes during the regular semester. It’s worth finding out if this is the case at your university. Alternatively, you may be able to save money by studying at another institution nearby. It’s often possible to take gen ed courses at another school where tuition is cheaper and transfer your credits. If you’re considering this option , make sure your university does accept credit from elsewhere. It’s also important to find out if your financial aid will cover your summer classes. In some cases, it’s only possible to use your financial aid during the regular semester, although you may be able to take out another loan for summer tuition. There are also scholarships and grants specifically for summer courses. For more information, pay the financial aid office on campus a visit. 4. Choose from Flexible Study Options You may think you’ll be unable to study over the summer if you want to complete an internship or you need to earn money to cover your expenses for when you return to school in the fall. In fact, it’s often possible to study at the same time as your other commitments. In addition to full-time courses, your school may offer evening, weekend, and hybrid options that fit around your job or internship. If you do decide to take summer courses, you’ll need to consider where you’ll live. Since you won’t be able to stay on campus, you’ll need to look for rooms for rent. Oshawa students can find a new home at 17Hundred. As well as being within walking distance of campus, you’ll be around other students who have also decided to spend the summer in Oshawa. You’ll be able to meet these students in places like our TV and games room and fitness centre . Book a tour to visit the housing before you move in.

7 Ideas for Volunteering Between Semesters

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience to put on your resume, learn new skills, and support a cause that matters to you. For these reasons, it’s one of the best ways to spend breaks between semesters. If you’re stuck for ideas about how to volunteer, consider the following. 1. Community Projects Volunteering is often the most rewarding when you can see the difference you’re making within your community. Check social media groups for your area to find out if there are any community projects happening over the break. You may find opportunities to collect donations for a food drive, clean up a park, or tutor children. 2. Local Nonprofits If you want to volunteer for a specific type of cause, find out what nonprofits operate in your area. Many will be happy for you to volunteer whenever you can — and they’re extra likely to need a pair of helping hands over the school break because some of their regular volunteers may be on vacation. Consider reaching out to organizations like animal shelters, food banks, and community arts centres . 3. Camps If you’d like to dedicate your entire break to volunteering, sign up to be a camp counsellor. Although camps are most common over the summer break, there are often drop-in and day camps for kids during other times of the year as well. This option is ideal if you like working with children, especially if you’re able to find a camp where you can share your biggest passion with kids, whether that’s sports, technology, or the outdoors. 4. Sports Teams Another way to become involved in a sport you love is to volunteer with a local team. You may be able to provide coaching, organize events, or manage equipment for the team. Try to find a role that will teach you relevant skills for your future career. 5. Care Homes and Hospitals Places like care homes and hospitals are almost always looking for volunteers. This will provide you with valuable experience if you want to enter a career in health or social work after you graduate. As well as making a difference, you’ll have the chance to connect with people from different walks of life , which will give you the chance to expand your worldview. 6. Libraries Local libraries often have limited funds, meaning they rely on volunteers for tasks like shelving books and helping patrons locate information or use technology. Plus, over the school breaks, libraries often have programs for kids and need volunteers to provide assistance . 7. Your Own Project If there’s no organization in your area doing the kind of work that matters most to you, set up your own project. Although this will require more work, it will be great for learning entrepreneurial, organizational, and people skills. Depending on what you want to do, you may be able to carry out everything on your own or you may decide to recruit other people to help you, such as other students, kids, or professionals. In addition, you may be able to fund the project yourself or you may decide to seek suppo rt from local businesses. If you want to volunteer in your university town (such as if you want to continue volunteering during the semester), you’ll need to find somewhere to live over the break, since you won’t be able to continue living on campus. An alternative to Ontario Tech University residence is 17Hundred. After a long day of volunteering, you’ll be able to relax in our games room or recover with some stretches in the 24-hour yoga studio. Book a tour to see our student community for yourself.

7 Unexpected Items You Might Want in Your Student Apartment

When making a packing list for your student apartment, many items you need to include are obvious, such as clothing, personal care items, and study supplies. However, there are other things you likely won’t realize you need until you arrive at your housing — which will mean hitting the stores to purchase whatever you’re missing. To prevent this happening to you, we’ve put together a list of items students often don’t think of when they’re packing. 1. White Board You’ll find having a white board above your desk invaluable. You can use it to note down important dates (like upcoming deadlines for assignments), reminders to yourself, to-dos, and more. It may be worth finding one with a calendar where you can easily write your schedule for the month. Attach it to the wall with an adhesive strip to avoid damaging the paint. 2. Floor Pillow If you’ll be inviting friends over for a movie night or to study together, you need enough seating for everyone. A great solution is a floor pillow because this is comfortable, welcoming, and easy to move out of the way when you don’t need it. Plus, floor pillows come in all sorts of designs, meaning you should be able to find one that matches the rest of your decor. 3. Steamer Whereas you’ll be wearing casual clothes most of the time at university, there will be occasions when you need to dress up, such as for job fairs, interviews, and internships. Ironing is a lot of effort and requires dragging out an ironing board — that you then need to find a place to store. A better option is to purchase a steamer. A travel-size steamer is ideal, as it won’t take up much space to bring with you or store and you can bring it along on trips if you’ll need to wear formal clothes. 4. Coffee Maker If you’re a regular coffee drinker, you’ll quickly find that purchasing your caffeine fix from the campus coffee shop becomes too expensive. Whereas a coffee maker may have a high upfront cost, it will soon pay for itself. Choose a model that makes the type of coffee you drink, whether that’s espresso, cappuccino, or iced coffee. 5. Folding Shelf If you know you’ll have a lot of books and other large items that you’d like to keep on display, you may need an extra shelf or two. Choose a folding shelf that’s easy to bring to your student housing and pack away when you move out. 6. Storage Containers Another way to store your belongings is with storage containers. These are ideal for putting under your bed, in your closet, and around your bedroom, especially if you choose some in an attractive design. In fact, you should use storage containers to bring your belongings rather than boxes (which you’ll need to dispose of) or suitcases (which require storing themselves). 7. Backrest Pillow Although you should study at your desk, you may often find you want to sit on your bed, such as to read, watch series, or otherwise relax. To stay comfortable and avoid developing neck or back pain, invest in a backrest pillow. You’ll be able to bring less with you to university if you move into fully-furnished student housing. Oshawa students can find a new home at 17Hundred. All our apartments come with upgraded furniture as well as fast Wi-Fi and all-inclusive utilities. You’ll find everything else you need in our renovated amenities, which include a lobby, games room, and study spaces. Book a tour to see where you could be living.

A Foolproof Formula for Writing Cover Letters

One of the most difficult things about finding a job is you need to write a cover letter. The problem with cover letters is they need to be unique for every job you apply for. They express how your skills, experience, and everything that has brought you to this point is relevant to the particular position. When you’re applying for many jobs, this slows you down and limits how many job applications you send out every week. Using a formula will help you speed up. Understand the Purpose of a Cover Letter Before you write anything, you need to understand the goal of the cover letter. It introduces your application by giving some background to who you are and explaining your experience in greater depth than what is possible on a resume. It should directly relate to what the employer is looking for, based on information in the job posting. It’s also important to know what employers don’t want to see in a cover letter. It is distinct from a letter of intent, which is about demonstrating your knowledge. In addition, it should not contain personal information about you, such as about your life and family history. This is because it is illegal to hire someone based on certain personal details. Use the Right Structure Cover letters have a basic structure. They begin with a short introduction , are followed by information about your skills, and end with a summary paragraph as a conclusion. Each skill needs to be its own paragraph. Introduction The introduction states the purpose of the letter (specifying which job you’re applying for), gives a brief explanation of who you are, and explains why you’re interested in the position. For instance, you may be interested in working for the organization, feel that the position would be a great next step in your career growth, or be interested in the challenges the job will bring you. Middle For the middle, choose whatever skills, experience, and qualifications you feel are most relevant to the job. Add detail that was not possible to include on your resume. There’s no need to write a lot — just make it clear that you do possess the qualities your employer is looking for in a candidate. Conclusion Tie everything together in a concluding paragraph. Just like you do in the summary for a term paper, remind the reader of the main points you’ve made. Add a sentence after this thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to read your cover letter. Cover letters don’t need to be long — in fact, hiring managers prefer not to read a large number of pages. Be as concise as possible while making sure you include all the key information. If you schedule time for cover letter writing (just like you do studying ), you’ll find it’s much easier to fit into your week, which will avoid the task from becoming overwhelming. The key is having somewhere to focus on writing cover letters, such as a quiet spot in your student apartment. For Ontario Tech University off-campus housing, there’s no better place than 17Hundred. We offer upgraded furniture in every apartment and onsite study rooms with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Book a tour now.

How to Incorporate the Unexpected Red Theory into Your Student Apartment

Interior design is challenging for students because they have a limited budget but still want great results that express their personalities. A simple yet effective trend to take advantage of is Unexpected Red Theory. This involves placing something red where you wouldn’t expect it. The burst of red transforms the entire room, especially one that feels dull or is missing that special something — anywhere that has a muted colour palette. There are all sorts of red items you can use as statement pieces, inclu ding some you may already have or can pick up without spending much. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Taper Candles Ideal for the kitchen table are red taper candles in basic candlestick holders. They’re particularly popular during the holiday season, but they actually look great year round . You don’t even need to burn them — not lighting them often (or even at all) means you won’t need to keep replacing them. 2. Table Lamp It’s useful to have some lamps in your student apartment for softening the light when you want something less intense than overhead lights. Whereas your desk lamp needs to be functional, the other lamps in your apartment can be aesthetic. Place one on your bedside or on the coffee table in the living room. 3. Flowers Introduce flowers to your apartment as a fresh bouquet, houseplants, or faux flowers. As long as they’re red, you’ll gain the effect. They work in any room where you have a table or windowsill. 4. Frames Choose a red frame for something you want to hang on the wall: a picture, a photo, or even a mirror. If you like to make your own artwork, you could even purchase a regular frame and paint it red. 5. Seating If you want extra seating for the living room or bedroom when guests come over, look for something red. A red chair, bean bag, or ottoman will look inviting and create an interesting visual effect. This also eliminates the problem of trying to find something that matches the rest of your furniture. 6. Throw Blanket If you already have a large enough couch in the living room and plenty of chairs in the kitchen, you may decide it’s not worth investing in more seating. However, you can still introduce some red, such as with a throw blanket. An added advantage is you’ll have something to snuggle under during movie night. 7. Area Rug Many homes use Unexpected Red Theory in their floors, such as for tiles in the kitchen. The next best thing to use is a red area rug. Choose an extra-soft one to have another place for your friends to relax, such as if you’re inviting over a larger group than normal. To see the results you want from the Unexpected Red Theory, it’s important to have an apartment that’s attractive to begin with, which doesn’t tend to be true for college dorms. A great alternative for Durham College residence is 17Hundred. Our spacious apartments are fully furnished with updated furniture and stylish furnishings. Book a tour to see where you could be living.

The Pros and Cons of Living with a Roommate in Student Housing

Are you a student grappling with the decision of whether to live with a roommate or go solo? It's a common dilemma that many students face as they embark on their academic journey. The choice between shared and independent living can significantly impact your college experience, both academically and socially. With rising housing costs and the desire for companionship, many students are considering the roommate option . But is it the perfect option for you? In this blog, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of living with a roommate in student housing, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. The Pros of Living with a Roommate Cost Savings One of the most significant advantages of having a roommate is the financial benefit. Sharing living expenses can substantially reduce your housing costs, allowing you to: Share the cost of groceries and household items Potentially afford a larger or better-located apartment These savings can make a huge difference in your overall student budget, potentially reducing the need for student loans or part-time work. Social Opportunities Living with a roommate can enrich your social life in numerous ways: Get companionship, especially if you're new to the area Opportunities to meet your roommate's friends and expand your social circle Someone to share experiences and create memories with For many students, these social connections become an integral part of their college experience and can lead to lifelong friendships. Shared Responsibilities Cohabiting means sharing the load when it comes to household duties: Dividing chores can make maintaining your living space more manageable Sharing cooking responsibilities can lead to more varied and potentially healthier meals Having someone to help with tasks like moving furniture or setting up technology This division of labor can free up more time for studying and socializing, creating a better work-life balance. The Cons of Living with a Roommate Privacy Concerns Living with a roommate inevitably means giving up some level of privacy. Difficult to find moments of quiet or alone time, especially in smaller student apartments. Possible interruptions when studying or relaxing Challenges in hosting personal guests For some students, this lack of personal space can be stressful and may impact their ability to focus on academics or unwind after a long day. Potential for Conflict Sharing a living space with someone else can sometimes lead to disagreements: Differences in cleanliness standards Conflicts over noise levels or sleep schedules Disagreements about guests or social activities While many of these issues can be resolved through open communication, they can still create tension and discomfort in your living situation. Compromise on Lifestyle Choices Sharing a living space often requires compromises: Adjusting your daily routine to accommodate your roommate Negotiating the use of shared spaces and amenities Potentially dealing with habits or preferences that differ from your own These compromises can sometimes feel restrictive, especially if you're used to living on your own terms. Making Your Decision When deciding whether to live with a roommate, consider your personal preferences, financial situation, and academic goals. Ask yourself: How important is privacy and personal space in your life? Are you comfortable sharing your living space and belongings? Do you thrive in social environments or prefer solitude? Can you afford to live alone, or would the cost savings of a shared living arrangement be beneficial? Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one may not work for another student. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don't be afraid to talk to current students or housing advisors for additional insights. Discover Your Ideal Student Accommodation with 17 Hundred Simcoe in Oshawa Are you searching for a quality rental property in Oshawa, Ontario , that caters to your living preferences? 17 Hundred Simcoe, a premier choice for comfortable and affordable Durham College off-campus housing. Whether you're looking for a shared apartment to enjoy the benefits of roommate living or a private studio for independent living, we have you covered. Visit our website to explore our modern, well-equipped accommodations and find the perfect home for your student journey.