IS IT EVER OKAY TO SKIP CLASS?

Generally, skipping class in university is frowned upon. Frequently missing classes negatively impacts academic performance and should therefore be avoided. After all, being absent from just one lecture can put you behind on assignments and cause you to miss vital information or materials.

Of course, there are some instances in which missing a class is simply unavoidable. If you’re torn between staying in your cozy Ottawa student housing or powering through to get to university, here’s a helpful guide to help you make the best decision for your needs.

When Is It Inappropriate to Skip Class?

There are plenty of tempting reasons to skip a lecture, including:

·        Not being in the mood

·        Feeling too tired

·        Partying too hard the night before

·        Going to bed extremely late

·        Planning to attend an event (i.e. a concert or sporting event) that’s happening during class hours

·        Running personal errands

·        Hanging out with friends

Yet, although they might seem important to you, these reasons don’t hold up as grounds for skipping class. In many cases, they can be easily addressed or planned around. For instance, if you’re feeling tired, grab a coffee or find some other way to wake up. With a demanding course load and other responsibilities to juggle, these days might come often. Fortunately, you can combat them with a mantra, hype music, or another motivational tactic. Or, simply remind yourself that attending class is essential to your success.

Now that the poorer excuses for skipping have been addressed, here are some legitimate reasons you might need to miss a class.

When You Need to Meet Academic Obligations

Sometimes, sacrifices must be made in the name of academic success. Major exams, important presentations, and large projects require significant time and work. Unfortunately, they may require more time and work than a student has to dedicate. Large assignments or academic obligations have the greatest impact on your final grade, making them the most important assignments to complete. Thus, forgoing less important academic obligations (i.e. attending class) could be appropriate in this situation.

Pushing aside less important classes or assignments for more important ones isn’t encouraged, but it may be necessary in certain cases. Just remember to inquire about the lecture you’ll be missing and any major concepts that will be covered by asking a fellow student for a copy of their notes from that day’s class.

When There’s an Emergency

Emergencies are rarely foreseen, and a student might need to juggle or push aside certain priorities to address an emergency. Some emergencies even require going home or travelling, such as a death in the family. In these cases, it would be impossible to attend class. Some other common examples of emergencies that should keep you away from class, include:

·        Serious personal injury or illness

·        A serious car accident

·        Inclement weather that makes travel risky

·        An extreme on-campus threat

While you may not be able to contact your professor right away, informing them of the reason for your absence at the earliest opportunity is always a good idea. In most cases, you’ll find that professors are understanding of true emergencies. Just be sure to get notes from a classmate and offer to make up any missed coursework when possible.

When You have a Job Interview

Because university seniors are on the cusp of graduating and beginning a new career, many spend time distributing resumes and putting in job applications. If you’re fortunate enough to score an interview, you won’t want to miss out on this important opportunity. Since the main goal is to get a job in your career path after graduation, interview invitations should always be taken seriously. If your interview is scheduled during a class and can’t be rescheduled, skip the class and take the interview. Most professors are understanding of such situations if they’re informed first. 

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.

Tips For Move-In Day

Move-in day can be stressful, especially if you’re coming from out of town. Yet, with some strategic planning, many of your worries can be alleviated. This list of helpful tips will guide you through moving into your new temporary home without any hassle.

Move-In Before Moving Day

If the option is available, try to move into your Ottawa student housing prior to move-in day. Some student rentals offer alternative move-in days for those coming from out of town, or for students who would simply prefer to move in sooner to avoid the rush. By moving in a day or so early, you can avoid long lines and crowded parking lots. Plus, while everyone else is moving in, you’ll already be at home relaxing with your feet up.

Arrive Early

If you can't move in on an alternate date, arrive at your student housing rental as early as you can. This way, you’ll avoid most of the traffic and parking around the building. Of course, be sure to follow instructions as provided by the staff and never leave your car or personal items unattended.

Bring Tools

For the utmost convenience, prepare a box with the essential items that you'll need while unpacking, such as scissors, duct tape, markers, and basic tools. Be sure to bring paper towels and spray to wipe down the room before unpacking. Basic tools such as screwdrivers will also come in handy if you plan on putting any furniture together upon moving in.

Dress for Move-In Day

Wear casual clothing that's comfortable and allows you to move around. Make sure you're also wearing comfortable shoes because you may have to go up and down lots of stairs. You'll be lugging boxes, bags, and other items up and down and back and forth, so make sure you've worn the appropriate clothing.

Prop Your Door Open

Depending on the building’s security rules, you may not be allowed to prop open any of the building’s main entry doors. Yet, you can prop open your apartment door with a doorstop or heavy item. For the protection of your valuables, you won’t want to do this for too long. Yet, for a brief period of time, it will be a huge help when you're bringing items inside.

With an open door, you may also make some friends on your first day in your new home, as neighbours might want to stop in and introduce themselves.

Meet Your Roommates

If you will have roommates, it's important to introduce yourself as soon as possible so that they know you're friendly. This will make the living situation much more comfortable, as you’ll be able to break the ice quickly with your new roommate and get any initial awkwardness out of the way.

Plan to Go Shopping

After you unpack, you may need to go shopping for a few last-minute items. You might also want to make a stop at the grocery store to fill your refrigerator with lots of treats and wholesome snacks so that you don't have to worry about feeding yourself through the first week of classes.

RELAXING WAYS TO DE-STRESS IN UNIVERSITY

Stress is an unfortunate but common part of university life. In fact, every university student experiences stress at some point, in some form. This stress could be related to academics, social struggles, relationships, homesickness, a housing dilemma, or a new environment. Whatever the source, stress can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. It can also cause physical and mental health problems. Unfortunately, stress and its related health problems can be worse for some students than others, and in some cases, it can be overwhelming. Relaxation is one of the most effective ways to de-stress – check out a few relaxation techniques below.

Practice Meditation and Deep Breathing

Meditation is designed to be relaxing. It also improves focus, mental agility, critical thinking, and mental clarity – all things you will need as a university student – and it’s beneficial to mental and physical health. Improved mental health and performance can help improve your academic performance, and you can practice on your own, seek guidance, or use guided meditations. Guided meditations are the best options, as they’re readily available and can easily be downloaded to or accessed on your computer or mobile device. They’re also the best introduction to meditative practices. There are even some guided meditations designed for deep relaxation and stress relief. Deep breathing exercises offer similar benefits to meditation and can also be found in guided forms online or on mobile apps, as well.

Use Essential Oils

Pure essential oils like lavender, bergamot, chamomile, ylang ylang, vetiver, and rose are perfect for relaxation and stress relief. There are also essential oil mixes specifically designed for reducing stress. For stress relief, these oils can be applied topically, inhaled, added to a bath, or diffused. Within minutes, the smell of one or a combination of oils can provide a calming effect. For the greatest effects, add your selected oil(s) to a diffuser or a bath or apply it topically. If you're applying an oil topically, be sure to combine it with a carrier oil, like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond to prevent skin irritation. On the other hand, a nice relaxing bath with calming essential oils is a great way to unwind after a busy day.

Listen to Music

Music can be inspirational and relaxing. It allows your mind to wonder, removing stressful thoughts, worries, and other unpleasantries. There’s even music and musical sounds specifically designed for stress relief, such as certain binaural beats. Of course, some music genres are inherently relaxing, like jazz and classical, which can be even more de-stressing, and some other genres can also help improve mental clarity and focus. No matter the type of music you prefer, listening to any music for at least five minutes can help to reduce stress, simply because of the general pleasurable effects that listening to music can offer.

There are many ways to relax and each person will have their own version of what it is that they find relaxing, but don't forget that a comfortable, safe environment is also key to relaxation and de-stressing. Our Ottawa student housing provides comfortable suites with private bedrooms, as well as a yoga studio that's perfectly equipped to help you unwind. To book a tour or for more information, please contact us: (613) 912-9800.

Affordable Date Ideas For University Students

Dating in university can be fun, exciting, and full of firsts. For many university students, however, it can also seem expensive. Don't let the fear of hefty restaurant bills and show tickets stop you from dating. There are plenty of ways to date affordably, and affordable or cheap dates can be just as, if not more, romantic than expensive dates.

Small romantic gestures can go a long way, especially if they’re creative. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Share a Romantic Dinner in Your Dorm or Apartment

Daily meal preparation might not always seem fun or easy, but a cool date can make the effort totally worthwhile. Make it more romantic by adding a theme, such as something that represents how you met, where you met, or something special that the two of you share. A dinner of chili, gingerbread cookies, and warm drinks could represent warmth and meeting in the winter or a shared love of the winter. Maybe your date loves to travel and a meal that includes foods from their favourite place will win you major brownie points. If you really want to make an impression, decorate your suite or university residence to go with the theme.

Binge Watch Their Favourite Movies or TV Shows

For a student on a budget, even going to the movies can be expensive. Luckily, streaming services, like Netflix, have plenty of films and TV shows to binge on. Find out which ones are your date’s favourite and invite them over for a binge-a-thon. Make your space cozy and don’t forget the snacks!

Plan a Romantic Picnic

It’s winter in Canada, so a picnic in the park is out of the question, but it doesn’t mean that picnics in general are out of the question. No matter the time of year or general setting, a picnic date is always a romantic idea. Since it’s cold outside, you could set your picnic up inside. In fact, you could have a picnic in either of your apartments, suites or dorm, where the weather is nice and you don’t mind the cold, you and your date could have a 'freeze out' picnic outdoors. Remember to dress for the weather with warm clothing and make sure your picnic basket includes warm, comforting food and drink. There’s nothing sweeter than sharing a warm thermos of hot chocolate and a blanket!

Attend a School Event

Most universities have school events happening year round. Plays, sporting events, school-sponsored concerts, etc. are great settings for dates. An exciting event with a fun atmosphere is also a great place to break the ice and ward off date-related nervousness. There’s also the added benefit of super cheap or free event tickets.

Use Your Student Discounts

If you’re determined to show your date a good time outside of campus, make sure to use your student discounts. These discounts will allow you to take your date to a movie, dinner, or out for a drink at cheaper prices. If you live at 1Eleven, take advantage of your resident discount card and save at several local businesses, as well. To make the date even more interesting and fun, visit multiple places, taking advantage of many discounts, and turning your date into several cool mini dates.

ESSAY WRITING TIPS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Essay writing is a major component of the university academic curriculum for many programs. It can also be pretty daunting for anyone who has never written an essay for university. Get off to the best possible start or improve upon your existing writing skills with these tips.

Plan Your Paper

If you’re going to write a successful essay, you need to understand the topic and create a good plan. Good planning includes effective time-management, essay mapping, and goal completion. First, create a schedule and stick to it. Next, map out the steps for completing your paper. For example, the first step should be to choose a topic. Additional, important steps should be:

·        Do some research

·        Take notes from the research on your essay topic

·        Create an outline

·        Write your first draft

·        Submit the first draft to a writing centre, professor, or your peers for feedback

·        Use feedback to complete your final draft

·        Proofread before turning in the paper

While mapping your essay is important, you should also take note of and meet any milestones/deadlines set by your professor. These milestones will also help with essay planning and time management. However, setting your own milestones and/or goals could boost your confidence and performance. Mark these goals off as you complete them. The final step in a successful essay-writing plan is simply to turn in the paper on time.

Show Your Critical Thinking Skills

Unbeknownst to most university students, the true purpose of essay writing is to test and enhance critical thinking skills. Of course, essays can also be an expression of students’ general knowledge, understanding in certain areas, and learned skills. However, blatant critical thought and analysis may be the greatest testament to what a student knows and has learned. Critical thinking can also be the difference between an average essay and an excellent one. If you want yours to stand out, engage with the theories and arguments you present, provide an academic and intelligent analysis – don’t just repeat other authors’ points and thoughts or information from your research.

Understand the Topic

Not understanding the essay topic is actually the top reason why students receive failing grades on essay assignments. Before starting your paper, make sure you understand the topic or research questions, as well as your professor’s expectations for the paper. If you’re unsure, then ask questions – even the simple ones. It can be extremely helpful to simply ask what you should do on the paper. This will help you decide what and how much to research. Remember that some essay assignments require more in-depth research and analysis than others. However, make sure you perform targeted, concise research that thoroughly covers your essay topic or questions. Think of the process as similar to what you'd do when looking for the best student housing Ottawa has to offer. Your search should be as narrow as possible and be based on your needs and pre-determined criteria. And the more you know about what you're looking for, the better the results. This applies to writing a great essay and finding great housing!

Build a Solid Structure

An essay that flows well is easier to read and follow. It also aids in conveying your messages throughout the paper. So, make sure your essays always have a logical structure. The most basic structure, includes:

·        An introduction, stating your hypothesis or the main ideas of your essay

·        A body, presenting your main points or arguments

·        A conclusion, summarizing the main points covered in the essay and presenting any reflection on them

To ensure your paper follows this basic structure, just create an outline to use as a guide. This will also help you create a focused argument or story arc. Furthermore, a strong structure can ensure your paper stays on track and only covers points relevant to the essay topic. Additionally, the order of your paragraphs should make the paper cohesive and comprehensive. Just remember to use logical transitions between the main points and paragraphs and reorder them as needed. Good luck!

The Dangers of Procrastination When You’re A University Student

Procrastination can affect anyone, but it's common among university students. There are a lot of distractions when you're a student and many things that may seem more fun than completing assignments and studying. The truth is, procrastination can be dangerous and even disastrous when you're a student. Check out a few of the dangers of procrastination below and take steps to avoid them.

The Quality of Your Work Can Suffer

When you start an assignment too close to its due date (e.g. a day before the deadline), it may be impossible to deliver your best work. A small timeframe or tight deadline could impede creativity and suppress your best ideas. Rushed work may also not be reflective of your talents or abilities and can lead to low quality work and failing grades. Plus, most major assignments and/or projects require weeks of research and planning. Neglecting this research and planning process could make your assignment or project less detailed and polished.

Procrastination Can Cause Stress and/or Anxiety

University can be full of stressors and anxiety-inducing conditions, including heavy workloads, a new social environment or pressure, homesickness, etc. However, unknown to many, procrastination is a common culprit of stress and anxiety for university students. The longer you procrastinate, the more you worry, the closer the deadlines become, and the more work piles up. Short deadlines and more work can cause pressure, compounding stress and anxiety. Most university assignments or projects are typically broken down into and meant to be completed in steps. Leaving all the work to the last minute can make an assignment larger and more complicated than it should be. Large, complicated projects are inherently stress and anxiety-inducing.

It Can Compromise Your Academic Record

How you work affects the quality of your work and how much you get done. With (self-imposed) tighter deadlines, it’s likely you’ll finish less and pay less attention to detail, offering lower quality work. Eventually, this could lead to falling grades. Chronic procrastination could also lead to complete academic failure, especially if it causes you to miss deadlines, and this can sidetrack your academic goals. If these types of issues persist or worsen, they could eventually lead to academic probation or worse.

It Can Negatively Affect Your Social Life

For many people, an active social life is one of the best parts of being a university student. During university, you meet new people, experience new things, and pass into a new phase of life. Procrastination can actually  put all of this in jeopardy, because if you're always finishing your work at the last minute or cramming for tests, there's a greater chance you will be forced to miss social events and time spent with friends.

Procrastination Can Lower Confidence and Self-Esteem

For many, it’s difficult to feel self-confident when you constantly put things off to the last minute. Not only can procrastination cause low self-esteem, it can result from low self-esteem, and the more you procrastinate, the worse you feel about yourself. Low self-esteem can compromise your academic performance and social life, and it can lead to social isolation, anxiety, stress and even depression.

If you find yourself pushing more and more of your work off to the last minute, make a commitment to change the way you tackle assignments and studying. Get started now, before exam season starts!

Looking for comfortable, fun and stylish student apartments in Ottawa? Simplify your search and book a tour of 1Eleven today.

Tips For Transitioning From Living At Home To Living With Roommates

For college and university students, living away from home can be fun, exciting and filled with possibilities. It can be even more fun and interesting when you’re living with roommates, although, there can sometimes be a transition period when you first start living together and adjust to each other's lifestyles and routines. Fortunately, most difficulties can be overcome when you have established household rules and every roommate takes care of their responsibilities. Good roommates can make moving from home to student housing fun, but there are some things you can do to make the transition and living with others easier. Check it out:

Set Some Ground Rules

Rules are the key to surviving on your own and with roommates. They play a major role in living in a peaceful environment and establishing a healthy relationship with your roommate(s). Have a meeting with your roommate(s) and set some ground rules immediately after moving into your new space. These rules should include:

•          Respecting each other’s privacy, e.g. setting rules for entering each other’s rooms, borrowing things or eating others' food, and being quiet during study times, etc.
•          Dividing the chores (including cooking) and any bills equally and fairly
•          Establishing rules for guests (especially overnight guests) and parties
•          Guidelines for using communal spaces, i.e. the living area, kitchen and bathroom(s)
•          Setting rules for how grievances should be aired and addressed

Learn Proper Communication

If you don’t know how to communicate well, it doesn’t matter what ground rules you set. Proper communication is essential to fostering good relationships and resolving issues. This is especially true when you’re living with others. However, communication is much more than simply talking. It also includes the method of communication, the approach used, the tone of voice employed, the undertone (or the way words are said), body language and more. When combined, all of these things can help tell others how you’re feeling, as well as how they should behave or react. For example, respectfully airing your grievances and listening to others is the most effective way to resolve issues. In fact, it’s much more effective than leaving notes, taking passive-aggressive actions without explanations, ignoring others or simply allowing the issues to continue.

If you have an issue with a roommate, set aside a time to talk, calmly explain your grievances, and most importantly, tell them how this issue makes you feel. Allowing discomfort to build and aggressively confronting a roommate or taking passive aggressive action could cause undue tension. It could also have severe consequences, making your home environment unbearable for you and others. Remember to:

•          Listen as much as you speak
•          Learn and seek to understand any cultural, social and personal differences between you and your roommate(s) and how they affect your living situation
•          Don’t yell at or belittle others and try to walk away if others do these things to you
•          Respect others, their words and their points of view
•          Be open and honest
•          Don’t talk nastily or disrespectfully about any of your roommates with the others
•          Ask and present points for making certain situations better for all parties involved
•          Be flexible and compromise where necessary and possible

Get to Know Your Roommates

It’s easier to get along with others when you have a basic understanding of their personality, habits, likes and dislike, etc. However, you can’t gain a basic understanding of your roommates if you don’t get to know them. And getting to know them involves spending some time together. Although college can keep you busy, you shouldn’t neglect spending quality time with others. Fortunately, living with roommates makes quality time more convenient. It also makes it easier to create bonds. And roommate bonds are often special and unique.

So, plan some ‘roomie time.’ You could schedule a movie or game night, plan to go clubbing together, host a party, create a roomie-only study group, attend concerts or school-sponsored events together and so much more. No matter what you do, show the people that you live with that you appreciate them, as well as that you care about connecting with them and learning about who they are.

Of course, not everyone is well suited for living with roommates – and that's okay, too. If you live alone in any furnished bachelor apartment Ottawa has to offer, for instance, you won’t have to worry about roommates or setting ground rules, but the best possible living situation depends on your personality and lifestyle preferences or habits.

Getting the School Year Off to the Best Possible Start

As it always does, the summer seems to have come to an end all too quickly. If you're one of the many students feeling a little reluctant about being back at school, it's time to change your outlook and to take some simple steps to ensure you get the school year off to a great start.

Create a Schedule and Daily To-Do List

If you want to survive college or university, you should have a comprehensive weekly schedule and daily to-do list. It’s the most effective way to stay organized, keep your priorities straight and ensure you complete all your important tasks and assignments. For optimal organization, consider using a cellphone app or a school planner. Create a daily to-do list with specific activities and assignments, then scratch the tasks off your list as you complete them. Alternatively, your weekly schedule can be vaguer and more open ended. Leave room for schedule changes and other surprises. Most importantly, remember that the more organized you are, the easier it will be to meet deadlines, schedule study times and perform well academically.

Use Student Software Programs and Apps

Plenty of software programs and apps are designed for students. They organize coursework and daily schedules, provide a system for balancing your work, school and personal life, provide reminders and help increase productivity and academic performance. There’s also software, apps and websites designed to help with assignments, projects or specific subjects. Apps and websites dedicated to math are particularly popular and useful. Some software and apps can even help you perform research, take notes and write essays. However, if an app isn’t enough, you can seek assistance at your campus learning centre.

Prepare to Live Independently

Independence is one of the most appealing aspects of attending college or university. Whether you’re living on campus or off campus in Ottawa student housing, living on your own can be incredibly fun, but also a little stressful at times. Get prepared and minimize stress!

·         Pack only the essentials

·         Choose your roommate(s) well (if applicable)

·         Learn as much as possible about your roommate(s)

·         Set ground rules

·         Choose affordable housing in a safe, student-friendly neighbourhood and building

·         Learn effective time-management and how to balance your work, school and personal life

·         Keep in touch with your friends and family

·         Ask for help when needed

·         Learn how to pay bills, shop for food and household products, clean, do laundry and cook simple meals

·         Ask for help reading and understanding your lease

Tackle Your Distractions

Distractions are one of the top reasons postsecondary students drop out. Although parties, video games, social media, hanging out with friends, etc. may be fun, they may also be so distracting that they negatively affect your academic performance. Staying up late all the time can also exacerbate stress and anxiety while limiting sleep. A lack of sleep can cause fatigue (obviously), confusion, irritability, health problems and so much more. It can also worsen stress and/or anxiety. All of these issues will negatively impact your ability to retain and recall information, concentrate in class and understand certain concepts. Keep the distractions to a minimum:

·         Only study in a quiet environment

·         Avoid going to parties during exam time

·         Set ground rules with yourself and your friends about partying, hanging out, etc. – stick to them!

·         Don’t overstuff your schedule by engaging in more activities than your time allows

·         Schedule leisure time, including spending time with loved ones

·         Monitor your leisure time, especially time spent on social media or doing online activities

·         Take care of your priorities before doing the fun stuff

·         Follow a schedule

Practice Taking Notes

Unbeknownst to many, notetaking is tantamount to the learning process. The better your notes, the easier it is to recall and retain information. Writing notes can also help with understanding. Often, it’s easier to understand concepts when you explain them to yourself. However, not all notes are comprehensive. For comprehensive notes, make sure they’re organized, use appropriate abbreviations and short phrases and only take notes on the most important points, for instance, don’t take too many or too few. Additionally, use multiple mediums; use note cards for vocabulary or if you’re taking notes from an online textbook, use the software provided to take notes or highlight pertinent information.