Blog Posts

Important qualities universities look for in future students

Getting into university requires more than just good grades and test scores. While academic performance is important, universities also seek well-rounded students who bring more than just numbers to the table. Whether you’re applying to a competitive program or just starting your journey, understanding what universities look for can help you stand out. From leadership to resilience, here are the key qualities that can strengthen your university application. Academic dedication and intellectual curiosity Universities want students who genuinely love learning, not just those who complete assignments for a grade. Demonstrating intellectual curiosity shows that you’re eager to expand your knowledge and engage with new ideas. You can highlight this trait by discussing your favourite subjects, research projects, or independent learning experiences in your application. If you’ve taken advanced courses or explored topics outside of school, be sure to mention those as well. Strong work ethic and discipline Success in university requires self-motivation, time management, and the ability to handle challenges. Counsellors look for students who show perseverance and commitment, whether through academics, sports, or part-time jobs. If you’ve balanced school with extracurricular activities, employment, or family responsibilities, emphasize how you stayed organized and met your goals. Personal stories of overcoming academic or personal obstacles can also demonstrate resilience and a strong work ethic. Leadership and teamwork skills Universities value students who take the initiative and contribute to their communities. Leadership doesn’t just mean holding a title—it can also include mentoring others, organizing projects, or making a positive impact in a group setting. If you’ve led a team, started a club, or taken on responsibilities in an organization, highlight how you motivated others and worked towards a shared goal. Even if you’re not in a leadership role, demonstrating strong teamwork and collaboration skills can help you stand out. Community involvement and social responsibility Many universities seek students who engage with their communities and care about making a difference. Volunteer work, activism, and participation in service projects show that you’re responsible and invested in social change. If you’ve been involved in charity work, local initiatives, or student-led movements, include these experiences in your application. Universities appreciate students who take action beyond the classroom and show a genuine commitment to helping others. Adaptability and problem-solving abilities University life comes with unexpected challenges, from adjusting to new environments to managing academic stress. Value students who can adapt to change and think critically when solving problems. You can showcase adaptability by sharing how you’ve handled difficult situations—whether it’s switching schools, overcoming a setback, or adjusting to a new learning style. Problem-solving skills can be demonstrated through academic projects, competitions, or real-life experiences. Creativity and innovation Innovation and creativity aren’t just for art or design students—they’re valuable across all disciplines. Universities appreciate students who think outside the box, develop new ideas, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. If you’ve worked on creative projects, designed solutions to problems, or participated in competitions that required innovative thinking, highlight these experiences. Demonstrating originality in your essays and application can also set you apart. Wrapping up While academics play a role in university admissions, institutions look for students who bring a variety of qualities to their campus. From leadership to problem-solving skills, being well-rounded and engaged can make a big difference in your application. At 17Hundred , we understand the importance of a supportive environment where students can grow and thrive. Our fully furnished student housing near Durham College provides the perfect space to study, connect with like-minded peers, and enjoy modern amenities. If you’re looking for a place that balances comfort and convenience, explore 17Hundred’s student housing today!

5 easy side hustles for university students

University life is an exciting time filled with learning, new friendships, and a unique experience of independence. However, managing finances while juggling studies and social life can be challenging. Side hustles offer a practical solution to ease financial pressures and help students gain valuable work experience that can strengthen future career opportunities. This blog explores five easy side hustles that can fit into a busy university schedule. Whether you’re looking for extra income or ways to develop new skills, these ideas can be tailored to your interests and available time. Let’s dive into some flexible options that complement your academic lifestyle. Freelance writing and editing Freelance writing and editing offer an ideal opportunity for students with a knack for clear communication. Many online platforms and blogs are constantly looking for engaging content. As a student, you can leverage your academic research and writing skills to contribute articles, blog posts, or even academic content for businesses. The best part? You can work from anywhere, including your student student rental in Oshawa . Taking on freelance assignments teaches you to meet deadlines and communicate professionally with clients. Over time, you can build a portfolio that may lead to future opportunities in journalism or digital marketing. By refining your writing and editing abilities, you not only boost your income but also develop skills that can benefit you in your future career. Online tutoring and academic assistance Online tutoring and mentoring allow you to share your academic knowledge with others while reinforcing your own understanding. Many platforms connect tutors with students needing help in subjects like math, science, and language studies. This side hustle is a rewarding way to turn your expertise into extra income and support fellow learners in achieving their academic goals. Working as an online tutor offers flexible hours and the convenience of teaching from your own space. It improves your communication and leadership skills while boosting your confidence in your subject area. This experience can be a valuable addition to your resume and might even spark a future career in education or coaching. Social media management for local businesses With the growing importance of digital presence, many local businesses are looking for help with their social media platforms. As a student, you can offer social media management services by creating engaging posts, scheduling content, and interacting with followers. This role often involves learning basic marketing strategies and analytics, skills that are valuable in today’s digital market. This side hustle allows you to work from your laptop and provides flexibility in scheduling tasks around your classes. It also gives you real-world experience in digital marketing—a field that continues to expand. Graphic design and digital art services If you have a flair for creativity and experience with design software, graphic design can be a lucrative side hustle. Many students and local businesses require design services for projects such as logos, social media posts, or marketing materials. This work allows you to transform your artistic skills into tangible earnings while building a portfolio. Starting as a freelance graphic designer can be as simple as creating a profile on platforms that connect creative professionals with clients. You can work on assignments that fit your schedule, making it easier to balance coursework and design projects. Additionally, graphic design skills are highly valued across various industries, making this a smart investment in your future. Delivery services and gig economy apps Delivery services and gig economy apps offer a flexible way to earn money on your own schedule. Many companies in the food and retail sectors are looking for drivers and couriers, and joining a gig platform allows you to choose when you work. This type of job requires minimal training and lets you start earning quickly, making it an accessible option for busy university students. Working in the gig economy teaches you valuable time management and customer service skills. It gives you the freedom to set your own hours and even explore different parts of your city. This side hustle can be a great solution for students who prefer hands-on work and want to supplement their income without committing to a fixed schedule. Bottom line Earning extra money as a university student doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right option, you can create a flexible income stream while still focusing on your studies. Whether you prefer writing, tutoring, or working online, there’s an option for everyone. At 17Hundred , we provide fully furnished student apartments designed to support your lifestyle. With high-speed internet, study lounges, and a prime location in your student rentals in Oshawa, our housing makes it easy to work, study, and enjoy university life. Explore our student apartments today and find the perfect place to balance school and side hustles!

How to Prevent Academic Burnout

Dread going to class everyday ? Feeling less inspired and more irritable all the time? Want to quit school and just be a bum for the rest of your life? It's perfectly normal to get overwhelmed at times — but if it is affecting your overall wellbeing, you may be experiencing academic burnout. Burnout is not to be confused with occasional feelings of frustration that comes with pulling an all-nighter or not meeting a deadline. This chronic condition is unlikely to be caused by a single event, but rather a combination of stressors for a prolonged period of time . You could be feeling a lot of pressure from your academic load, finances, family, and friendships. Aside from suffering grades, the effects of burnout carry over into every aspect of your life and could lead to anxiety, depression, fatigue, lack of focus, and loss of confidence. Bad habits can also manifest, like overeating, oversleeping, drinking, and staying up late at night. Here are some things you can do to reduce or prevent burnout — so you can enjoy university life once again . Recognize you have a problem. Acknowledging that you are experiencing burnout, followed by a serious commitment to change your current situation, is already half the battle won. Additionally, taking responsibility for your role in it will stop you from moping and prompt you to take action . Stop comparing yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy. If you keep on comparing your grades to other students, you’ll just be putting yourself under a lot of pressure. Not meeting a particular grade doesn't make you a failure . Make time for the things you enjoy doing. Do activities that detach yourself from the source of your stress, such as reading fiction, cooking a favourite dish, or going for a quick run. By making more room for the things that bring you joy, you get away from the very thing that’s causing you so much stress . Spend time outdoors. Being cooped up inside your Ontario Tech University housing 24/7 (or any other indoor environment, for that matter) isn’t the best for your mental health. Make sure to get lots of sunshine and exercise. The good news is that there are plenty of scenic trails right in your backyard. You can take a walk to the Durham Region Waterfront Trail and see Lake Ontario’s marshes, forests, and wildlife. You can bring along your pup in the Harmony Valley Dog Park, or bike your way through the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path . Make changes to your current situation. You may have taken on a lot of commitments this semester. If you're balancing a heavy course load, a part-time job, a volunteer program, and an internship, you may need to scale back on your activities to lighten your load. You’ll have to prioritise and learn to say “no” to less important extracurricular activities. Seek professional help. Reach out to your support system, and talk to a mental health professional. This distress flowchart from Ontario Tech University will help you determine the right course of action. The campus offers a range of support to help you overcome life’s challenges. You can browse self-help resources, book an intake session, join group workshops, or work with a mental health counsellor. Following these tips will help you overcome and avoid student burnout in the future. During these challenging times, you can count on 17Hundred to help you become healthy and happy again.

Need to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment? Try This

Maybe a project is taking much longer than you expected, you have due dates for several classes around the same time, or other aspects of your life have taken your attention away from your studies. Whatever the case, realizing that you’ll be unable to turn in a paper on time can be stressful. As with any other problem you face at university, the best thing to do is talk to the people who can help you. In this case, it means reaching out to your professor and asking for an extension. Although you may feel intimidated at the prospect, this is far better than the alternatives: handing in an unfinished assignment or submitting a paper later and potentially receiving a failing grade. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation. 1. Ask in Advance Requesting an extension the night before your paper is due will show you lack forward thinking. It may look like you forgot about the assignment until now — which is not a good reason for needing an extension. Whatever reasons you do give will appear disingenuous. Most professors refuse to grant extensions unless the student gives them at least a few days’ notice. 2. Send Your Professor an Email The best way to approach the topic of an extension is through an email. Keep the email short, polite, and reasonably formal . As well as explaining the situation, it’s a good idea to propose a new deadline that’s just a couple days after the current due date. You could also offer to meet with your professor during office hours to discuss the assignment further. 3. Say Why You Need the Extension Explain why you’re requesting an extension without providing too much extra detail. The reason could be that you’re struggling to understand the instructions and need extra guidance before you can finish, you’re having trouble acquiring certain resources, or you simply found that there was not enough time to complete the assignment — such as if you need to gather data or perform a great deal of research. If any of these are your reason for needing an extension, there’s a high chance other students are facin g the same issues, meaning your professor may end up extending the deadline for everyone. 4. Show That You Are Making Progress To support your claim that you just need a few extra days to finish your assignment, it’s a good idea to show your professor what you have done so far. This can demonstrate that, with a little extra time, you would produce a great piece of work and receive a much higher grade. 5. Keep Up with Other Homework for the Class Your professor is more likely to be lenient if you have a good record in class. Whereas you can’t change the past, you can make sure to do well on any tests and hand in any other homework (including when it’s optional) between now and the due date. One of the best ways to avoid the need for extensions is to improve your study habits. This is easier to achieve when you’re able to study at home without constant distractions. You can receive your own room in a fully-furnished suite at 17Hundred. Our Ontario Tech University off-campus housing is located just a short walk from OTU and has dedicated study spaces on site. Contact us to join the waitlist for a unit.

5 Podcasts for University Students

Podcasts are a great way for you to consume information. You can listen to them while doing your laundry, working out, or studying from your Ontario Tech University off-campus housing. Here are some podcasts that will help you navigate university life and assist you in making the big leap to the corporate world. Tiny Leaps, Big Changes This is a personal development podcast hosted by Gregg Clunis. If you are an overwhelmed student who wants to make your life better but don't want to read self-help books, this one’s for you. The podcast teaches listeners that change is something that doesn't happen overnight, and that achieving goals involves day-to-day work. Notable episode: Watch out for this podcast’s series on “How to Overcome Procrastination,” which is perfect for procrastinators who have the tendency to study for exams and write papers at the very last minute. TED Talks Daily This is an educational podcast known for its diverse content and thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable. Instead of watching a TED Talk live on stage, you get to listen to it from the comforts of your own home and learn something new from TED Talk experts, creators, and thinkers. Each episode is bite-sized and ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, perfect to listen to on your morning commute to class . Notable episode: In “Why It’s Worth Listening to People You Disagree with,” guest Zachary Wood says we need to seek out people we disagree with to build empathy and engage tactfully with opposing ideas and unfamiliar perspectives. This way, we gain “a deeper understanding of humanity.” Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Produced by Stanford eCorner , this entrepreneurial podcast is where business leaders share their secrets, setbacks, and successes on entrepreneurship. This is great for university students who are planning, developing, and launching their ideas for their startup. Notable episode: In an old episode, Mark Zuckerberg talked about how he managed to build a social utility tool while still in Harvard. Revolution Health Radio If you’re a fitness nut, you’ll love this health and wellness podcast by Chris Kresser. Revolution Health Radio debunks mainstream myths on nutrition and provides practical tips on how to prevent and reverse disease naturally . Notable episode: In “Reclaiming Your Self in the Modern World,” Deep Work author Cal Newport talks about how you can remove distractions and protect your attention to lead a more fulfilling life away from digital technology. This is a great episode to listen to if you keep getting distracted by social media or Netflix, and want to apply deep work to your studies. Life Kit This podcast on life hacks will help you get it together. NPR’s Life Kit covers a myriad of topics ranging from sleep, to saving money, to getting quality sleep. Notable episode: Late last year, the podcast touched on university transfers, where education experts talked about how you can make a successful transfer to a different university. Listening to podcasts is a great way to spend your free time. These podcasts will help you succeed not only at university, but later on in life.

How to Avoid Academic Burnout

It’s impossible to live up to your full potential at university if you’re burned out. There are also many other negative consequences of burnout, including exhaustion, negative feelings toward studying, and a lack of creativity. You may notice you’re beginning to feel burned out if your class attendance drops, you miss deadlines, you find it hard to focus, you lose confidence, or you feel tired all the time. The good news is there are several ways to avoid academic burnout. 1. Choose the Right Classes It’s common to have high hopes when you start the semester and believe you can take on a heavier schedule than is actually feasible. You may try to do this to graduate earlier or to make an application for an internship more appealing. However, this will backfire if you end up with a busier schedule than you can handle. One strategy is to sign up for several classes and then drop one or two if you realize you’ve taken on too much. You should also consider exactly which classes you’ll take. Try to choose a balance of classes that require different skills and avoid too many challenging classes at once. Your academic advisor can help you choose classes that go well together. Finally, look at class times. Most students find it less tiring to spread their classes across the week than to have a large number on one day and nothing on another. In addition, if you know that you focus better in the afternoon, avoid morning classes — or vice versa. 2. Stay in Contact with Your Professors If you start feeling overwhelmed, turn to your professors for advice. As well as sending them emails, take advantage of office hours to discuss any concerns you have about your studies, including factors that may be contributing to your academic performance. When your professors are aware of any difficulties you’re facing, they can give you advice about where you should focus your attention and how to structure your time to meet due dates for assignments. 3. Have a Recovery Plan If you’re already feeling burned out, take steps to recover. Don’t start worrying you’ll be unable to meet your goals — there are definitely things you can do to get back on track. Most importantly, you need to incorporate breaks into your day. Use your downtime for activities that make you feel better, such as spending time with other people or on your hobbies. Another thing you should do is focus on your overall health. For instance, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Plus, avoid relying on caffeine to keep your energy levels high — sleeping enough and exercising on a regular basis will help you feel better in the long term. Lastly, go easy on yourself. In addition to cutting down on the number of classes you take, find other ways to reduce your commitments. Plus, don’t stress if you occasionally achieve a grade that’s slightly lower than you had hoped — it’s not the end of the world. Having a comfortable place you can call home is key to avoiding academic burnout. An alternative to Ontario Tech University residence is 17Hundred. Our spacious suites are ideal for studying, relaxing on your own, and entertaining. Plus, when you need a change of scenery, you can head to the TV and games room, fitness facilities, or yoga studio. Book a video tour to see why you’ll love living here.