Blog Posts

A Guide to Exploring Your University Town

When you go away to university, everything is different: the people, your surroundings, and what you do on a daily basis. It takes some time to start feeling at home. One way to settle in faster is to explore what your university town has to offer. This will give you ideas of how to spend your free time as well as revealing unique study spots and places to hang out with friends. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Check Out Main Street Gain a feel for where you’re living by heading to main street and seeing what kinds of stores you find. Use the chance to note where you’ll be able to go grocery shopping, pick up supplies, or grab ice cream. 2. Find Spots to Spend Time Outdoors It’s easy to spend too much time indoors as a student. Avoid this from happening by familiarizing yourself with places where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking trails, lakes for kayaking, and local parks to take a stroll when you need some fresh air and sunlight. 3. Try New Restaurants The dining hall on campus may be the most convenient place to eat, but you have countless other options. If you’re not saddled with a meal plan, there’s no need to eat at the same places every day. Expand your horizons by checking out all the restaurants in your area to find some favourites that you can frequent with friends. Don’t forget to try out coffee shops as well — these make for great study spots when you need a change of scenery. 4. Read the Bulletin Boards Stay in the loop about what student events are taking place by checking the bulletin boards around campus. Clubs often hold meetings in various places around university towns, which is a great way to get to know the area with other people. 5. Ask for Recommendations Attending campus events and signing up for extracurriculars will help you meet students who have already been at your university for some time. Ask them about the best places to visit nearby — if you become friends, they may even offer to take you to some of the top spots. 6. Find a Volunteer Opportunity If you want to feel part of the wider community, search for volunteer positions with organizations off campus. Opportunities may give you the chance to meet people outside your social circle (such as seniors or the homeless) or visit different neighbourhoods each weekend for projects (such as picking up litter or creating murals). 7. Attend Local Events Another way to feel like part of your community outside university is to attend town events. Find out when there are carnivals, parades, or holiday events happening as well as when local sports teams are playing. You’ll also feel more at home if you’re living in comfortable student rentals. Oshawa students can find off-campus housing at 17Hundred. You’ll be close to campus and around likeminded people in a building packed with great amenities. While exploring the neighbourhood , make sure to pay us a visit. Book your tour now.

5 Tips for Using Student Discounts to Save Money

You have many expenses as a student — both for essentials and for fun. This can make it difficult to stay within your budget, especially if you’re not working and you have limited spending money. A key way to save money is to take advantage of student discounts. Many businesses have discounts for students because they know it can be difficult to stretch your funds to the end of the month while you’re pursuing an education. Here are a few ways to take advantage of these savings. 1. Carry Student ID with You Everywhere You never know when you’ll go somewhere that has discounts for students. Keep your student ID in your wallet and never leave home without it. You’ll likely find it entitles you to discounts in all sorts of stores, restaurants, and other businesses. 2. Ask About Discounts Many businesses advertise that they have discounts for students, but others don’t . It’s important to ask to find out — and note that discounts can even apply when you’re taking advantage of another offer. In addition, never assume a business is too small: big-name brands and local businesses alike (especially those near campus) often have discounts for students. 3. Search for Online Retailers with Student Discounts It’s even easier to find discounts when you shop online. Research what stores and brands have student discounts and turn to these first when there’s something you need to buy. It may be worth subscribing to their email newsletters, as there are certain times of year when stores have big sales. Whenever you need to make a big purchase, though, make sure you shop around — including in stores that don’t have student discounts. The most important thing is to find the lowest prices. 4. Apply for an International Student Card If you’ll be traveling over your breaks or taking a semester abroad, you can continue receiving discounts by applying for an international student card. Although many countries will accept the student ID from your university, some will require you to have a standard identification. The top choice is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). You may be able to receive a free card through the students’ union at your university. 5. Find Free and Discounted Subscriptions Before you sign up for any subscription, check if there’s a plan for students. Many subscription services have student accounts at discounted prices and some even give you a few months for free. This includes several of the biggest movie and music streaming services. It can sometimes be a hassle to prove you’re a student, but your savings make it worthwhile in the end. Another way to save money is to find more affordable rooms for rent. Oshawa students can find a new home at 17Hundred. You’ll be living within walking distance of campus in a fully-furnished , all-inclusive apartment. Plus, our student housing gives you access to numerous common areas where you can work out, study, play, and socialize with other students. Apply now to stop wasting money on expensive housing.

How to Maintain a Social Life While Studying

University is as much about making friends and learning more about yourself through social activities as it is gaining a degree. However, when you’re studying hard — especially during exam season — it can feel impossible to maintain a social life. In fact, there are ways to balance all the key aspects of your life: studying, socializing, and self-care. Here are some tips to consider. 1. Practice Mindfulness Activities with Friends An activity that should be a regular part of your life as a student is mindfulness. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or anything else that brings attention to your thoughts and breathing. Find out if there are sessions you can join with your friends on campus. 2. Join Study Groups You can combine studying with socializing by joining some study groups for your classes. When choosing groups, make sure the other students have a style that resonates with you and they use the sessions productively. You may need to attend a few study groups to find ones that align with your needs and studying style. 3. Study in a Public Place Another way to study and socialize at the same time is to choose a spot where you’ll be around other people. This could be the campus library, a study room, a coffee shop, or even a local park. When you need a break, you can chat with the people around you. It may be worth asking a couple friends to study with you — provided you won’t distract each other when you’re not on a break. 4. Finish Schoolwork Ahead of Time It may be tempting to leave school work until close to the due date and socialize now. However, it’s much better to finish everything ahead of time. This way, socializing can be a reward for completing a project or preparing adequately for an exam. This will also mean that if a task takes you longer than you expected, you won’t be stressed trying to finish on time. When you know nothing is hanging over you, spending time with friends is much more fun. 5. Be Selective About Which Invitations You Accept While you’re a student, you’re likely to receive more invitations to events than you can feasibly attend. You’ll need to think carefully about which you accept. You may like to give preference to your closest friends or go out only after you’ve been studying hard all week. If you’re exhausted or you know you need to finish a paper, though, it’s important to say “no.” You’ll also be able to maintain a more active social life if you live with your friends. On campus, you’re typically assigned a roommate at random, but living in your own apartment means you can share with whoever you choose. A great alternative to Ontario Tech University residence is 17Hundred. We have floor plans ranging from two to five bedrooms — you can request to share with friends or ask us to assign you roommates who have similar lifestyles to you. As well as hanging out in your apartment, you can u se the onsite facilities like our yoga studio, games room, and study spaces. Book a video tour to check out the building for yourself.

10 Fun Activities to Plan This Summer

Whether you have nothing at all to do over the summer or you only have a limited amount of free time, it’s important to make time for fun. If you’re stuck for ideas, start with a few things every university student should do over the summer. 1. Plan a Road Trip Involve your friends in your summer plans by going for a road trip together. Pick an area of natural beauty or an interesting landmark as your destination. To save money while extending your trip, you could also camp for a few nights when you arrive. 2. Attend a Concert One ideal destination for a road trip is an outdoor concert or festival. There are always plenty taking place over the summer — all you need to do is pick one that matches your tastes, purchase the tickets, and figure out the details. 3. Go to the Beach If you’d prefer something more relaxing, head to a beach — either by the ocean or by a lake. Soak up some sun or go for a swim. 4. Visit an Old Friend The summer is a great time to catch up with old friends. However, some of your friends may not be returning to your hometown for the summer, such as if they need to stay near their university for summer classes, work, or an internship. You can still see these friends if you arrange a weekend visit. This will be a great chance to visit another city, especially since you’ll have someone to show you the highlights. 5. Have a Staycation If you lack the time or money to travel, have a staycation instead. Pretend you’re a tourist in your hometown and visit places you haven’t seen in years. 6. Read Some Books Free from required readings, you can finally read for pleasure. Work through a list of books you’ve wanted to read for ages, ask friends for recommendations, or pick out books that strike your fancy at your local library. 7. Work on an Art Project Something else you may have neglected while you’ve been busy with schoolwork is your creative side. For an inexpensive craft project, transform things you have lying around. You could even create a new piece of decor for your student apartment. 8. Learn Something New Keep your mind active for when you return to university in the fall by learning a new skill. You may like to pick something that’s likely to be useful after you graduate but that you won’t learn in class, such as coding, graphic design, or a new language. 9. Shadow a Professional If you’re unsure about what career you want to pursue, shadowing a professional can be invaluable. Contact professionals in your field to see if this could be a possibility. If everything goes well, the experience could even lead to an internship in the future. 10. Find Volunteer Work Gain useful experience while giving back to the community by volunteering. Choose a cause you’re passionate about, that will help you develop useful skills, and that you’ll enjoy being involved with. Make sure the fun continues when you’re back at university by moving into a student community. You can find Ontario Tech University off-campus housing within walking distance of campus at 17Hundred. We have fitness facilities, a games room, and dedicated study spaces on site, and your spacious suite is ideal for relaxing and entertaining guests. Sign a lease now to receive summer rent at a discounted price.

The Perfect Yoga Routine for Your Student Apartment

Yoga is a great way to stay fit, improve your flexibility, and release the tension that builds up in your muscles after many hours sitting behind a desk. You can do a full workout or just a few stretches whenever you want a break from studying. The following routine is ideal for doing in your student apartment — all you need is enough space for a yoga mat. 1. Standing Prayer Pose Standing prayer pose is great to start a yoga workout as well as for whenever you want to take a few moments to breathe while working on improving your standing posture. Simply stand with your feet at hips’ width distance apart and your hands in prayer position with your thumbs pointing toward your chest. Close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing. 2. Chair Pose A great standing pose to tone your muscles is chair pose. With your legs together, bend at the knees and reach your arms above you. While keeping your upper body straight, create the sensation that you are about to sit into a chair. 3. Tree Pose Next, take tree pose. Keep one foot planted on the ground and place the other against your standing leg. Once you’re settled, put your hands into prayer. Beginners who struggle to balance should put their foot against their ankle, perhaps even keeping their toes on the ground. As you progress, you should be able to move your foot higher up your inner thigh. Just make sure your foot is always against your leg and never against your knee. Repeat on the other side, holding the pose for the same amount of time. 4. Standing Forward Bend Another great pose in which you’ll keep seeing improvements if you practice regularly is standing forward bend. Keep your legs straight and reach down to try to touch your toes. As you gain flexibility, you’ll find it easier to reach the ground — you may even be able to place your hands down flat against the floor. The pose releases tightness in the hamstrings, hips, and lower back, all of which are common areas of tension for students. 5. Seated Forward Bend You’ll gain a similar stretch as in a standing forward bend with a seated forward bend. Stretch your legs out in front of you and lean forward. The aim is to be able to grab your feet with your hands and lower your whole torso down to your legs. However, it doesn’t matter how flexible you are — you’ll see benefits. 6. Upward-Facing Dog For a deeper stretch for your lower back as well as for your chest and abs , try upward -facing dog. Start by lying face down on your mat with your hands directly under your shoulders. Then, use your hands to push yourself up until your arms are straight. 7. Child’s Pose Use child’s pose near the end of every session to relax and have a final stretch. You can also come into child’s pose during a longer yoga or bodyweight workout for a quick breather. Sit back on your heels with your big toes together but your knees apart. Lower your body down to meet your thighs and stretch your arms in front of you. 8. Lotus Pose Take lotus pose both to conclude your yoga practice and whenever you want to meditate. The cross-legged position involves putting each foot on the opposite thigh to stretch out your thighs and ankles. If you’re not flexible enough to do this, try a half lotus pose: put just one foot on top of one thigh. You’ll have much more space to practice yoga if you live at 17Hundred. A great alternative to Ontario Tech University residence, we’ll provide you with your own bedroom in a spacious suite. Plus, you’ll have access to our yoga studio and other fitness facilities 24 hours a day. Book a tour to check out all the great amenities before you sign a lease.

Why Should You Join a Club or Organization Next Semester?

You may be weighing up whether it’s worth joining a club or organization next semester by considering factors such as how much time you have and if you’d rather do something else. In fact, there are many advantages to extracurricular activities you should consider before you dismiss them as not being for you. 1. You’ll Expand Your Circle of Friends You’ll likely make friends with people from your classes and possibly your roommates. Clubs allow you to expand your social circle beyond this by giving you the chance to meet people you may otherwise never have encountered . Belonging to the same clubs means you have something in common, which should make developing friendships easier. The people you meet may also be valuable contacts later when you’re searching for a job. 2. They Teach You Valuable Skills You’ll learn many skills at clubs that you won’t pick up in the classroom. These could be hard skills related to the club (such as if you’re playing a sport) or soft skills like teamwork, communication, and organizational skills. If you run for an elected position in an organization, you’ll gain even more skills. Plus, whatever experience you gain, you can add it to your resume to help you stand out from other candidates who have a similar educational background to you. 3. There’s Definitely a Group That Matches Your Interests Most schools have a wide range of clubs and organizations for students to choose from. If you’re a new student, you can find out what’s on offer during your first week. Most campuses give all their organizations a chance to set up a table somewhere and provide students with more information. You’ll undoubtedly find that some kind of club, team, or group matches your current interests and appeals to you. If you’d like to belong to a club for a specific interest and nothing exists yet, you can create your own. As well as being a great way to meet others who share your passion, this will introduce the hobby to more people. Plus, the fact you started the club yourself will look extra impressive on your resume. 4. Extracurriculars Are Part of the College Experience Most college students participate in extracurriculars, even if it was not something they were interested in doing before college. Students tend to consider clubs, teams, and organizations to be part of the college experience, as it helps them feel as if they belong to something bigger, gives them a break from their studies, and may even be an opportunity for them to represent their school in competitions. 5. You Can Join as Few or as Many as You Like You can join just one club or several — whatever fits into your schedule and suits your interests. Ideally, though, you’ll only join as many clubs as you can commit to. This may depend on things like how often the club holds meetings and how involved it expects its members to be. The good thing is it is possible to try out a number of extracurriculars at the start of the semester and then just stick to those you like best. You’ll be more motivated to join clubs if you can easily reach the meetings and return home afterward. A more comfortable alternative to living on campus is to search for nearby rooms for rent. Oshawa students can find a new home at 17Hundred. Close to both Durham College and Ontario Tech University, you can walk home from your clubs and classes. You’ll also meet many other students at the student community in places like the yoga studio, TV and games room, and study lounges. Book a tour to check it out for yourself.