A COMPLETE CHECKLIST FOR FINDING THE BEST STUDENT HOUSING

Whether your university days are just beginning or you’ve been attending classes for several semesters, finding the right off-campus housing is important to ensuring a rewarding student experience. But what exactly does this entail? Which features should you be one the lookout for? With so many options available, it can be a little overwhelming to seek out student housing. Ottawa, in particular, is home to several options, including the fully furnished units from 1Eleven. No matter what you have in mind, the following checklist will help make your search a little easier. Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to finding the best student housing.

Do Your Research

Before you even begin looking at places, it is important to do your research. Take a look at where your university is located and check out the surrounding areas. Here are some things to consider when it comes to choosing an area to rent in:

·         Is it close to your university? Make sure your commute is short and it’s easy to get to classes.

·         Is rent cheap? Some areas are much more expensive than others, so do your research and make sure you aren’t overpaying.

·         Is it safe? Look into the neighborhood and check out the crime statistics. It’s important to put your safety first and to feel secure in your home.

·         Is it convenient? Are there shops close by for groceries? Outdoor spaces? Parks? Public Transport? Think about what you might be doing in your downtime and how the location will support your favorite activities.

Check Out The Amenities

Now that you have a good idea of where you want to be living, it’s time to start the hunt. One of the most important things to factor in is the included amenities, as these can make all the difference between a comfortable stay and just getting by.

·         Is there a front desk? If so, you may feel safer when coming home after dark.

·         Is there somewhere to study? Some residences offer study lounges, so you can get out of your room to work in a comfortable, designated space.

·         Is there a gym? This is an added bonus that could actually end up saving you lots in gym membership fees!

·         Are their social areas? Of course, socializing is an important aspect of cultivating a rewarding university experience. Finding a place that offers communal areas is the perfect chance to meet new people.

·         Is there parking

·         Is there bike storage?

·         What is the internet like?

·         Are there laundry facilities on site?

Take A Tour

Now that you know the area you want to live and have narrowed down a few places based on the amenities they offer, it’s time to schedule a tour! While pictures can give you an idea of what to expect, a walk-through tour allows you to see everything for yourself. Here are some features to look for on your tour:

·         Lighting: Is there enough natural light? Light not only enhances your mood, but it also lowers your electricity bill.

·         Locks: Are they working properly?

·         Cupboards: Is there enough cupboard space to hold basic necessities?

·         Floors: Are the floors in common areas kept clean?

·         Outlets: Are there enough of them in the right locations?

Consider Rent

A final but important consideration is monthly rent. After doing your research, you should have some idea of what to expect in terms of monthly payments. With that being said, there are a few more considerations to bear in mind:

·         Are utilities included in rent?

·         What are the typical costs of water, heat, electricity and gas?

·         Does the rent scale depending on bedroom size?

·         Are there any added costs to know about?

Choosing a place to live is a big decision. It can often help to bring someone close to you along on the search to be a sounding board and offer an extra pair of eyes. This should be an exciting time for you, and the most important thing is to trust your instincts. You will know when you have found the perfect place to call home.

 

Network Through Volunteering

 Many high school and college students volunteer because it’s a great way to give back to the community while impressing prospective colleges and employers. While some students may opt out of volunteering because they already have enough responsibilities to juggle, they could be missing out on a much-needed networking opportunity. Networking allows students to meet like-minded individuals who are working or will work in their field. Of course, while some residents of Ottawa student housing take on unpaid positions during college, volunteering can be difficult for those who require the money to attend college in the first place. Yet, volunteering can ultimately help students land their dream job, as it presents invaluable opportunities to meet professionals in their field and exercises their ability to complete tasks related to their prospective career. Discover why it’s worth making time for volunteering in your busy schedule below.

Volunteer for Causes You Care About

To get the most from your volunteering experience, you can seek out an organization that aligns with your career interests. If you’re studying social work, for instance, landing a volunteer position at a local shelter can help you gain valuable insight into the field. By working side-by-side with people already in the field, you’ll learn more about your industry and exercise your knowledge in real-world situations.

Job Opportunities

By choosing to volunteer with an organization whose goals align with those of your chosen career path, you may encounter potential job opportunities. While your future career may seem like it’s in the distant future, it’s really not so far away at all. Meeting professionals in managerial and other decision-making roles could help you land a job after college. You’ll be able to showcase your skills and talents, and they’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know about the job.

Even if you choose a volunteer opportunity that doesn’t exactly align with your career goals, networking with individuals can still help you land your dream job. While volunteering does look good on a resume, so does having references in high-level positions at any organization.

Growing your Network

Volunteering also provides the unique opportunity to grow your professional network. You will likely meet other college students who share your major and with whom you can discuss your target field. While these connections may not be beneficial immediately, by building and nurturing your relationships now, you’ll establish a network for possible job opportunities and even advice in the future. Of course, be sure to repay any favors, as career development can present challenges for everyone at one point or another.

Network Support Systems

The people you meet at your volunteer position will also serve as your support system when it comes to searching for and finding jobs after college. The initial search can be difficult, but your fellow volunteers may come across job opportunities that don’t fit their needs. They can then pass this information along to you. Whether you find success in your job hunt immediately or someone else from your network does, you can exchange ideas and share advice. For instance, take a look at each other’s resumes and offer interview tips to one another. This way, everyone in the network can benefit from shared knowledge and experience, and will know what to expect when applying for similar jobs.

4 Valuable Lessons You’ll Learn From Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting educational opportunity offered to many college and university students. In study abroad programs, students can live and attend university in a different country to explore new cultures and different ways of learning. Yet, most students learn more outside of the classroom than they do through the study abroad curriculum itself. Oftentimes, it’s the lessons students learn about living independently and exploring a new culture that provide lifelong value. Discover the true learnings you can expect to gain from living abroad below.

The Importance of Independence

When you travel to live and study in a country where you don’t have friends or family, you are truly on your own. Many students are at least a little intimidated by this prospect at first. Yet, living abroad on your own offers the greatest opportunity to be independent and forge your own path. The experience will help you grow, adapt well, take better care of yourself, make smart decisions, and independently find solutions to problems. Moreover, it provides the freedom to be yourself, set your own pace, and explore your interests. Independence also boosts confidence, inspiring you to take calculated risks and potentially become more adventurous — which brings us to our next point.

How to Embrace Adventure

Living abroad will provide countless opportunities for sightseeing and adventurous explorations. Remember, studying in a foreign land isn’t just about studying. In fact, you can learn a great deal about a new place and its people by exploring famous sights and landmarks. Of course, during your time abroad, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both the famous sights as well as those off the beaten path.

Taking tours and engaging in various adventures might also help broaden your horizons. Pushing your limits could help you conquer fears, learn something new about yourself or others, or create memorable experiences. These are lessons you can bring back home with you, and could even be applied to an experience as simple as embracing Ottawa student housing opportunities with new roommates.

 The Beauty of Being Flexible

Flexibility, or ‘going with the flow,’ is tremendously advantageous throughout life’s many unexpected twists and turns. For example, it can:

• Help reduce or prevent anxiety or stress
• Improve your ability to find solutions to complex problems
• Make you more socially adept
• Increase confidence

When you’re in an unfamiliar environment, you’re forced to become more flexible, since your typical routine is disrupted. Ultimately, this helps you cope and adapt better, allowing you to learn more in your new environment. Being flexible can also help you implement a new language faster while studying abroad. Back home, it can help you navigate challenging or unforeseen circumstances as they arise without losing sight of your goals.

How to Make New Friends

No matter where you go or how long you’ll stay, making friends is always a valuable way to spend your time. Developing new friendships will enhance your social and cultural experiences. Friends who are native to the country can also make your stay easier and more interesting by educating you on the local culture and language. They can also help you become comfortable with your new surroundings, introducing you to various:

• Historical sights and cultural landmarks
• Local restaurants and retail shops
• Nightclubs and bars
• Parks and other recreational areas
• Local transportation
• Movie theatres and other entertainment venues
• Banks

If you become friends with other students, they could give you the low down on your new university and share some useful tips. Of course, becoming friends with other students who are also studying abroad can provide a support system, too. Either way, making new friends may seem intimidating at first, but after your first experience, you’ll soon find how easy it is to bond with like-minded students. This lesson can be carried with you through the rest of your educational experiences, career, and beyond.