Budget-Friendly Summer Travel Destinations for Students

School can be fun, but it can also be stressful, which leads many students to want to get away in the summer months. While vacations can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options, including budget-friendly flights, restaurants, entertainment, hotels and more. Keep a few considerations in mind and plan a budget-friendly yet memorable summer vacation. 

Most Affordable Destinations in South and Central America

South and Central America offer many fun destinations and beautiful beaches, but the most popular places aren't usually very affordable for students. There are, however, some inexpensive places for students to enjoy, including Arenal Area (Costa Rica), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Bolivia.

·         Arenal Area, Costa Rica: Costa Rica offers plenty of adventure opportunities and beautiful natural surroundings. Travel to Arenal Area is inexpensive and there are plenty of hostels and hotels where students can stay. Restaurants also offer great deals on authentic Costa Rican cuisine.  

·         San Juan, Puerto Rico: Travelling to San Juan is cheap and the destination has plenty of budget-friendly places to stay, such as hostels. Hostels in San Juan are usually aimed at students, so you will likely meet, party and find adventure with many other students. For the best food, drink and entertainment, just take a walk to the neighborhood, La Plaza del Mercado in Santurce.

·         Bolivia: Bolivia is becoming more and more popular and yet it’s still affordable for students. The flights can be pricey, so start shopping around early and you're sure to score a great deal.

 Most Affordable Destinations in Europe and Asia

Asia and Europe have a great deal to offer when it comes to culture and history. Some of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in Europe and Asia include Albania, Vietnam and Thailand.

·         Albania: Albania is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe. Because it’s located in the Mediterranean, Albania has beautiful beaches and mild weather conditions.

·         Vietnam: Vietnam is experiencing an influx in tourism, yet it remains inexpensive. Its growing popularity can be attributed to its magnificent foliage and wildlife. For example, the Con Dao Island and National Park is home to infamous wildlife, including unique sea turtles. 

·         Thailand: Thailand is a popular destination for students, mostly because it’s affordable and offers many beautiful sights. The destination also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, which can beef up any resume.

Most Affordable Destinations in North America

North America has plenty of 'hidden gems' that offer great food, great entertainment, great sights and great relaxation, all at a great price. Some of the most notable hidden gems in North America include: New Orleans (Louisiana), Panama City (Florida) and Niagara Falls (New York/Canada).

·         New Orleans, Louisiana: New Orleans is often considered a party town that’s brimming with culture and history. The city is known for lively music and entertainment, buzzing nightlife and world-renowned food. However, the party scene is typically what makes it so attractive to students. New Orleans has famous Halloween, New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras celebrations. Hostels make it affordable to stay in the city, while its walkability makes it affordable to travel around while you're there.

·         Panama City, Florida: Florida is a top destination for vacationing students, especially Panama City. It’s famous for its spring break celebrations but is more affordable during the off season.

·         Niagara Falls, New York/Canada: Niagara Falls, between New York state and the province of Ontario, is known for its natural beauty. Students can find affordable accommodations in New York and fun nightlife in Canada.

 When you live in North America, it’s easy to overlook all of the great travel destinations, but there are many to choose from. Not only are these destinations close to home, they also tend to be more affordable.

Before you set off on vacation, don't forget to secure your spot in some of the best Ottawa student housing the city has to offer. Book a tour of 1Eleven today!

Figuring Out What You Want from an Internship

Internships are synonymous with college students. And many students are constantly on the lookout for quality internships. Finding a quality internship means finding one that fits your interests, major and/or the job industry you plan to enter. It can be difficult to find the right one, especially when you’re inexperienced. However, there are some ways to narrow the search and ensure you find the best internship for your field of study. Below are a few of these ways.

Decide What You Want from Your Career

If you know what you want from your career, it’ll be easier for you to decide what you want from your internship. But this means figuring out what you do and don’t want from a future job and employer. Knowing what you want will help ensure you intern in a field and at an organization that you like. Besides, internships are trials that can be used to help you gain experience and the ability to make informed career choices.

This time should be used to help you define who you are and what you want. Remember that even the most tedious activities can test your abilities, improve your professionalism and help you build character. Although you might perform many trivial tasks, you will also have opportunities to learn many valuable skills and inside information about your future career.

Define Your Internship

An internship is not the same thing as a ‘job.’ Most college students use jobs to supplement their income, but they use internships to gain experience in their field of study, build skills in a professional environment and help them figure out their future career path. In fact, an internship can be the first step in a career. Internships provide useful information and professional experience, as well as help you learn marketable skills. For example, if you plan to work in the business sector, an internship can teach you about the best marketing practices, how to negotiate contracts, how to manage accounts and so much more. Everything you learn at this level will prepare you for working at higher levels. But it all begins with defining what you want your internship to be.

Choose a Feasible Schedule

An internship is like every other job, it requires a time commitment – a commitment that fits your schedule and lifestyle. This means scheduling your work days and committing to a part-time or full-time position. A full-time internship can be highly demanding, so most students opt for part-time positions. The partial time commitment offers flexibility and the ability to pair your internship with a summer job or courses. On the other hand, a full-time commitment can help prepare you for a real work schedule and expectations.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Corporations vs. Small Companies

Most students dream of landing an internship at a major corporation. But small companies or startups can offer as much opportunity and experience as large organizations. It all depends on your experience, what you want from your future career and what you want and need to learn. If you’re inexperienced and looking for your first internship, a startup or small company is best for you. Because small companies have a small amount of staff members, you will likely receive more meaningful tasks and projects, leading to more experience.

Comparatively, large companies are generally interested in experienced interns with unique skill sets. Plus, if you intern at a major corporation, you will likely receive more trivial tasks and less experience in leadership roles. However, where you intern could depend on where you live. If you live in one of the best student rentals Ottawa has to offer, like 1Eleven, there's a good chance that there will be opportunities at many organizations.

Tips for Finding a Summer Job

For college students, the summer can mean freedom and relaxation and, most commonly, the responsibility of a summer job. Finding summer employment isn’t always easy, however. Start your search as soon as possible and know how and where to look with some proven tips.
 

Look for Seasonal Jobs

During the summer months, temporary employment typically includes construction work, roofing, landscaping, theme park and/or carnival work and work in the food service industry (e.g. restaurants, ice cream shops, concession stands, and food trucks). Seasonal workers are usually contracted well before the season begins, so you should submit your application as early as possible.

Tweak Your Online Image

Today, many employers turn to the web to learn more about their current and prospective employees. It doesn’t matter what position you hold or will hold. Most employers go the extra mile to ensure all their employees represent their company and brand well. Since your online image receives the greatest exposure and says the most about you, it should be squeaky clean.

This means you should remove all embarrassing or controversial photos, posts, tags, etc. Additionally, during your employment, keep your posts as tasteful, positive and respectful as possible – never post anything negative about your job or employer. Additionally, create an online job profile and/or resume on a social media site like LinkedIn. Job recruiters are known to search for new talent on these types of websites.

Create Attention-Grabbing Cover Letters

Generally, human resource (HR) managers have a lot of applications to sift through. This means that many can be tossed to the side for the smallest of reasons, just for the sake of narrowing down the list of candidates. Cover letters that are concise, creative and unique can help ensure your application doesn’t end up in the ‘throw away’ pile. Make sure your cover letter and application stand out by putting time and effort into the process. Plan to spend at least a few hours on each application and tweak your cover letter to match each job accordingly. Ensure your cover letter is also addressed to the right person, which can show initiative, attention to detail, seriousness and respect.

Check Out as Many Places as Possible

Oftentimes, the key to finding employment is to never give up. This also includes searching for a job in as many places as possible. Today, most people use the web to find employment. So, search as many websites as possible. Fortunately, online job listings and websites are aplenty, so there are many places to look. Just be sure to mix it up and search via a variety of different sites.

Most sites receive new job postings every day, meaning there will also be plenty of jobs to apply to and ways to apply. Even though most job applications are found online, you can still look for a job the old-fashioned way. Don’t be afraid to look for employment in and around your neighbourhood. For example, if you live in our awesome Ottawa student housing, you will be in close proximity to a wide variety of potential employers.

Happy job hunting!

1Eleven Student Housing: What Does It Mean To Be The First?

September 1st of 2015 marked an important moment for this property, as we opened our doors as the first purpose-built Off-Campus All-inclusive Student Living community in Ottawa. The advantage of “being the first” continues to be the driving force behind the main objective for this property: Offering and delivering the best student living experience in Canada. We continue striving to achieve this goal by delivering what we promised through three main guiding principles. Assuring convenience, flexibility, and a commitment to providing a premium student living experience. 

Convenience

At the conception of this property, it was imperative that this establishment was placed at the heart of downtown Ottawa. This property is tailored to the needs of both students and professionals alike. We are an all-inclusive property placed in the perfect location, with breathtaking views of downtown, Ottawa. Not only are we a short walk from the University of Ottawa or a quick bus ride from Carleton University.  This property is surrounded by establishments that could meet every need a student or young professional could want. This is the case whether it be creating memories with friends at nearby restaurants and pubs, gathering ingredients for that special supper at the grocery store, visiting the infamous Byward Market, or enjoying the many events hosted by the city of Ottawa at City Hall. 

Flexibility

When thinking of finding a new home, one asks themselves many questions. Should I live alone, or with someone else? Would I like to bring along more than one roommate? Do I want a large space or a small one? At 1Eleven, we offer the ultimate in comfort, a community of support and the right mix of privacy and socialization. Our residents have the freedom to socialize when they like or the ability to retreat to a quiet space for studying.  

Premium Living Experience

Customer service and resident experience is an important part of our community. We emphasize the word community because here at 1Eleven we pride ourselves on providing an environment for residents to build new relationships, mature on socially and professionally and essentially Live for More. Whether that be studying for the next big midterm in our study lounge, training and mastering the art of yoga in our gym and yoga studio, or testing new culinary boundaries in our communal kitchen. In terms of our tenants’ needs, we provide 24/hr staff support and attentive cleaning staff to maintain the common spaces within the building. We even offer cleaning packages tailored to each unit type for residents who require it.

In 2017, 1Eleven won the Faces Magazine Award for Ottawa’s Favorite Student Living Facility. This was an incredibly humbling and motivating experience to win this award by the votes of the Ottawa community and by those who are a part of our community. One of our current tenants went as far as to say that “1Eleven is a great place to live as it allows you to grow both on a personal and professional level, all while creating a sense of community that is hard to come by.” 1Eleven does not simply offer housing. We offer an experience where you will walk through the front door and be greeted by name and with a smile because though you come here to Live, we offer More. 

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How Off Campus Housing is Beneficial for College Students?

Living off campus is a luxury many college students dream of, but also a dream that some believe they can’t afford. However, off-campus housing is affordable and comes with a multitude of benefits. In fact, it’s more affordable and more beneficial than on-campus housing. If you’re unsure whether off-campus living is right for you, below is a list of benefits that could help you make up your mind.

You’re Free to Do What You Want

Dorms are notorious for their rules and restrictions. For example, there are strict restrictions for overnight guests, curfews and citations for rule violations. Besides that, with the commonareas overrun with students, it could be impossible to find the privacy and peace to do basic domestic tasks, such as cooking. On the other hand, if you live in your own off-campus apartment, you’ll be free to do what you want as well as have the space and privacy to cook, study, have overnight guests and more.

Off-Campus Housing is a Money Saver

Contrary to popular belief, on-campus living is more expensive than off-campus living. Besides that, the housing offers less for more. First, you’ll have a smaller living space that’s shared with your roommate as well as common areas (e.g. lounge areas and bathrooms) that are shared with others. In the dining hall, you’ll also have to pay for expensive and often unhealthy meals. You’ll also be required to pay for parking, which is notoriously expensive.

Off-campus housing is more affordable. For example, preparing meals at home is healthier, more convenient and more affordable than eating out or in the dining hall. Most college dorms don’t have kitchen areas, making meal preparation difficult or impossible. Additionally, off-campus apartments are often inclusive, which makes them even more affordable. Plus, apartment communities offer an array of amenities that can’t be found in dormitories. You can save even more money by renting any student bachelor apartment Ottawa has to offer.

They Offer Many Amenities

Beyond common areas and student lounges, college dormitories don’t have a lot of amenities to offer. On the other hand, community and apartment amenities are an integral part of off-campus living. For instance, if you live in the 1Eleven community, you’ll have access to a gym, yoga studio, laundry facilities, study and social lounges, game room and even a restaurant. The community also offers secure access and security. Your apartment will be close to Carleton University as well as Byward Market and other shops and supermarkets. So, if you’ve figured out that off-campus living is right for you, make 1Eleven your first point of contact.

Benefits of Living Off Campus

For college students, there’s little more exciting than living off campus. Off-campus apartment living means more freedom, fun, amenities and affordability. However, there are many more benefits than that. And, the key to finding all these benefits is searching for the best communities and the best student housing.

Space and Privacy

Dorms are notoriously cramped, which means most students live in spaces where their roommate is always only a few feet away. However, in any bachelor apartment Ottawa offers, you can have your own private space. Even if you live with a roommate, you’ll still have more room and privacy than living in a dorm room. This is ideal for upperclassmen who need of more adult-like living arrangements. Plus, you won’t have a Resident Assistant (RA) making sure you follow the rules. Also, if you have visitors, you can invite them to stay over.

Peace and Quiet

There’s always something going on in dorms and on campus, and the housing isn’t always quiet. All the social happenings can be disruptive and tempting, which in turn can negatively affect your grades and academic performance. On the other hand, off-campus living can be more peaceful, and provide an environment that’s more conducive for good sleep, rest and relaxation, studying and doing other school work. However, look out for rowdy roommates and neighbors.

Eat When You Want

This may seem silly, but one of the most unpleasant components of living on-campus is the lack of and quality of food. Most dorms only have mini-fridges with no cooking facilities, and most university dining halls have limited hours. This means you’ll either have to ignore those midnight munchies, snack on the small items you have, rummage up some food wherever you can or spend money (you probably don’t have) on takeout. Besides that, food in dining halls and around campuses isn’t usually that tasty or healthy. However, if you live in your own apartment, you can eat what you want, when you want. Plus, the food can be prepared by you and be as healthy and tasty as you like.

Cool Communities and Amenities

On-campus living can be cool, but it doesn’t offer many amenities, and certainly not any that come close to community and apartment amenities. For example, some off-campus apartments come with access to hot tubs, gyms, tanning beds, game rooms, and even on-site movie theaters. Besides, living in an apartment gives you the opportunity to truly experience the community and city around you without a curfew. It might even help you get key information on job and internship openings. 

Figuring Out Where to Live While Attending University

University life is more important, diverse and inclusive than ever. Many young students are looking for unique and interesting experiences in their classrooms, around their campuses, in their social lives and especially in their housing arrangements. The proposition of a great education can be exciting, but so can a booming social climate and cool living space. Therefore, students should weigh their options when choosing a place to live while attending university. Below are various student housing options that can make choosing a place to live a little easier.

Staying at Home

Living at home while attending university is certainly not the most desirable option for most students, but it is one that comes with a lot of perks. For example, affordability for the student and the parents, access to all the comforts of home, no adjustment period for the student or parents and so much more. However, on the downside, it can be less exciting, won’t provide the social atmosphere of university, can be more restrictive, cause longer travel times to and from classes, hinder independence and won’t invoke the excitement of attending university. But, staying at home could be a viable option for those who can’t afford an Ottawa University Residence.

Living on the Campus

Living on-campus puts students as close to the action, their classes and other university buildings as possible. It’s truly the most convenient way to live during university. Additionally, on-campus rooms or dorms are literally a hub of social activity.

Students might live with one of more roommates, but this is all a part of the social experience. However, if privacy is what you like, there are plenty of schools that offer single, private rooms. Just keep in mind that these rooms are more expensive. But, there might still be less privacy, as most dorms have public lounge areas, communal bathrooms and kitchens. Plus, many universities require freshmen to share dorm rooms.

Often, dorms are co-ed, but bathrooms are never shared between female and male students. This doesn’t mean the shower lines will be shorter though, but if you’re smart, you’ll shower during the very early morning hours. No matter what, remember that on-campus living can be a fun experience that could increase your academic and social abilities.

Living Near the School

If you don’t want to live on-campus, but still near campus, then you could live near the campus in a housing complex designed for students. These apartments aren’t associated with universities and are offered by companies like 1Eleven. Their off-campus residences can give you the best of both worlds by combining the social and academic climate of university with a cool, adult environment. You’ll be living alongside your peers in a nicer, more grown-up living space without the limitations of dorm life.