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How to Balance Classes & a Part-Time Job

Whereas your classes do need to be your priority while you’re at university, you may only be able to afford to be in school if you have a part-time job. It can be difficult to fit both into your schedule, especially when you add in all your other commitments like extracurriculars, a social life, and perhaps family responsibilities. However, many students do manage to gain good grades and hold down a job — and you can, too. Here are some tips to guide you. 1. Stick to a Schedule To stay on track, block out each hour of your day for a particular activity. Start by adding classes, shifts for work, appointments, and meetings to your schedule. You can then decide how you’ll use the rest of your time. Make a note of the due dates for your assignments and block out time to work toward them, giving yourself more time than you think you’ll need. You can use either a physical or a digital calendar to create your schedule. What matters is that you check it frequently throughout the day to know what you should be doing and what’s coming up. It’s best to have everything on your calendar to avoid double-booking yourself. 2. Be Disciplined You need to bear in mind that you may not have as much time for socializing as some of your friends, which may mean you often need to turn down invitations. Weekends when you’re not working may be crucial time for catching up on readings and homework. 3. Make Sure Those Around You Understand True friends will understand that you’re too busy to go to every party because you have work or you need to study. You should also make sure your employer knows you have other commitments and may need some flexibility, especially around midterms and finals. Working for an employer on campus, doing gig work, or becoming a freelancer can help you gain more flexibility. 4. Ask for Support Your university has resources to help you strike a balance between the different aspects of your life. Talk to your academic advisor about creating a manageable course load, reach out to your professors if you’re struggling to meet deadlines because you need to work, and vent to friends and family. 5. Look Beyond Morning and Afternoon Classes Whereas most of your friends may just be taking classes in the mornings and afternoons, there are often other options. For instance, you may be able to create a more balanced schedule if you can take at least some virtual classes. If your job has work available during the daytime, you could also opt for some night classes. Finally, to better spread out your responsibilities over the school year, consider taking summer classes. It’s important to reduce wasted time as much as possible when there are barely enough hours in the day to do everything. You can reduce your commute by finding better student living. Ottawa has 1Eleven, located just steps from campus and close to downtown, where there are plenty of opportunities for work. Book a tour to see your new home before you move in.

Top uOttawa Study Spots

If you’re new to campus, one of the first things you need to do is search for some good study spots. Finding time to study during different points of the day will help you keep up with your schoolwork and free up more time for fun at weekends. Since uOttawa is a large university, it has plenty of options — you just need to know where to look. 1. The Morisset Library The classic place to study at uOttawa is the Morisset Library. It’s popular for its range of facilities, which include computers, printers, group study rooms, and individual study areas. However, its popularity means you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance. You can choose between quiet areas and places where you’re allowed to talk, such as if you’re working on a group project. 2. The Learning Crossroads One of the newest areas at uOttawa is the Learning Crossroads (CRX). The first floor has a comfortable range of sofas and chairs, all with electrical outlets nearby. Upstairs are large study rooms, including a silent room with individual cubicles and tables. There are even more study rooms on the upper floors, most with whiteboards (you can rent markers and erasers) and big tables for large groups. You need to book most of these rooms in advance. 3. The Faculty of Social Sciences Social sciences students can head to the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) building. Consisting of a total of 14 floors, there are numerous tables and couches you can use as well as study rooms to reserve (only available for FSS students). Although none of the rooms are silent, they do tend to be quiet. 4. The Brian Dickson Law Library If you’re a law student, a great option for you is the Brian Dickson Library on the fourth floor of Fauteux Hall. It has plenty of natural light during the daylight hours due to the big windows along the back wall. The first floor has tables that only law students may use and a room called the red zone where you can study in silence. There is also a common room where you can study in groups. The whole of the second floor is open to everyone, not just law students. Like the Morisset Library, it has individua l cubicles and study rooms that are available to book. There is usually plenty of space, even during finals season. 5. Starbucks Another option is to study in a coffee shop. For instance, there are three Starbucks on and within walking distance of campus. One is in Desmarais Building, which tends to be quite lively. Since the tables are small, this is a good option if you’re studying on your own. Another is in the food court at the Rideau Centre. Outlets are limited and it may need to be for short study sessions only, but it’s still a good choice if you want to purchase a drink while you study. The last is a brand new venue. Located on Laurier Street, it’s a particularly large café with two floors, plus outdoor seating in the summer. 6. Drip House Café If you prefer a local coffee shop, head to Drip House on Parkdale Avenue. You can pick up a coffee and some falafel (prepared daily) and study to some pleasant background music. You can also study at home, especially if you live near enough to walk home whenever you have a long break between classes. For off-campus housing, Ottawa has 1Eleven. Not only is it just steps from uOttawa, there is a dedicated study space on site. Plus, you can always study in your fully-furnished apartment, at the desk and chair that comes with every bedroom. Book a video tour to explore the facilities before you move in.

9 Surprising Items You Might Need in Your Student Apartment

Deciding what you need before you move into your student apartment, you’ll undoubtedly add things like clothing, study supplies, and personal care items to your list. However, there are also things you may be surprised to find you need when you arrive at your new home. Avoid needing to purchase them later by adding them to your list now. 1. LED Lamp You’ll want to have a source of light that’s less intense than your overhead lights. LED neon lamps are ideal — they come in a variety of different shapes and colours , meaning you can easily find one that matches your style. 2. Dry Erase Calendar Make a note of your upcoming assignments and other important dates with a dry erase calendar you can hang above your desk. Attach it to the wall with Command strips to avoid any permanent damage. 3. Steamer A great alternative to an iron is a steamer. It’s much faster to use: simply pass the steamer over your clothing to remove the wrinkles. You’ll find this is a lifesaver when you’re rushing to get ready in the morning or if you need to put together an outfit for a formal event at the last minute. Consider purchasing a travel-sized steamer, as it will take up less space and you’ll be able to carry it with you when you’re traveling. 4. Coffee Maker Having your own coffee maker is a great investment. Depending on how much coffee you drink, it may have already paid for itself after about a week’s worth of coffee. Find a model that makes the type of coffee you enjoy the most, whether that’s hot, cold brew, or iced. 5. Folding Shelf Add extra storage for books and other items you want to display with a shelf. Choose a folding shelf to make it easier to pack when you’re bringing it to your apartment and moving out. 6. Storage Bins You’ll always have items in your apartment you don’t currently need to access, such as out-of-season clothing, old textbooks, and extra bedding. Keep all this out of sight in storage bins. You can put some in the bottom of your closet, under your bed, and even in the corners of your room if you choose an attractive design. 7. Floor Pillow Add more seating to your bedroom and living room with a floor pillow or two. These are comfortable, attractive, and easy to move around to where you need them. 8. Vanity Mirror You’ll likely need a vanity mirror for your morning routine. Find an illuminated mirror to add to the aesthetics of your room. 9. Back Pillow If you like to sit on your bed to read, save yourself from back and neck pain and other discomfort caused by poor posture with a back pillow. You can find one in a fun design to make your bed extra welcoming. You’ll need to pack fewer things when you move into fully-furnished student living. Ottawa students can find the ideal home at 1Eleven. Our suites come with everything you need, rent includes three utilities, and we have some great communal amenities on site, including a fitness center, games room, and study spaces. Book a tour to see why you’ll love living here.

8 Tips for Exploring Your University Town

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know campus over the first few weeks of university — but don’t forget to also explore your surroundings. This will help you feel at home faster and reveal more opportunities that will be open to you while you’re attending university. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Take a Walk in the Park A great way to gain a feel for your new town is to walk around. Most university towns feature several parks and some even have trails on the outskirts where you could go hiking or cycling on the weekends. Go for a wander or bike ride to explore. 2. Head to Main Street The other top place to visit in any town is its main street. It’s good to know where you can find stores, movie theaters, ice cream shops, and other places you’ll likely frequent . 3. Try Local Restaurants Although you may want to prepare most of your own meals to save money, there will be plenty of occasions when you want to eat out. Instead of sticking with the options on campus, explore what’s around. You may find cuisine you’ve never tried before or discover a favourite café you can visit when you want a change of scenery while you study. 4. Ask Other Students Use campus events and extracurriculars as an opportunity to meet students from the grades above you. Since they’ll already be familiar with the town, ask them for advice about where to go and what to do. If you’re lucky, someone may even offer to give you a tour. 5. Find Out About Off-Campus Events Clubs often hold meetings off campus, which can be a great way of finding out about other activities available to you in the area. Stay alert for notices of outings and other events through clubs you may be interested in joining. 6. Attend Community Events In addition to the events that campus clubs organize, many things will be happening throughout the year in the wider community. Follow relevant pages on social media to find out about festivals, concerts, parades, and sports games taking place in your town. 7. Apply for Jobs One way to spend time in your university town on a regular basis is to search for a job. If you’re unsure where to look, head to the careers center on campus to ask about job openings. Alternatively, wander around downtown and ask local businesses if they’re hiring. 8. Volunteer at a Local Project An alternative option to a part-time job is a volunteer position. This will require less of your time and may provide you with more relevant experience for your career after you graduate. It also allows you to be involved in a project that matters to you. You’ll also have the chance to explore your university town when you’re searching for off-campus housing. Ottawa students don’t need to look far for a new home: you’ll find fully-furnished suites at 1Eleven. You’ll be living just steps from campus near restaurants and grocery stores. Plus, it’s easy to reach downtown and Parliament. Contact us to book your tour.

How to Hit Refresh for a Successful New Semester

No matter how your journey at university has been so far, this new semester is a chance for a brand-new beginning. Hit refresh to change your mindset and set yourself up for success with these tips. 1. Start Journaling If you don’t already journal on a regular basis, turn it into a new habit for this semester. Journaling is great for processing your feelings, reflecting on what you’ve been finding difficult, and acknowledging your achievements. Plus, the more often you practice writing, the easier you’ll find it to write papers. 2. Set SMART Goals Decide on goals for the upcoming semester that are SMART. That means they’ll be: Specific — Be as clear as possible about what your goals involve. Measurable — To be able to say when you’ve met your goals, you need to be able to quantify your progress. Achievable — Make sure your goals are realistic to avoid feeling frustrated. Relevant — Your goals for the semester should relate to longer-term study, career, or life goals. Time-bound — Set a deadline for when you’ll meet your goals, perhaps the end of the semester, if not sooner. At certain points in the semester, you should make your goals SMARTER. The “E” stands for “evaluate”: assess your progress toward your goals to decide whether you need to change your approach or even rethink some of them. The “R” is for “reward”: once you’ve achieved a goal, you should celebrate. 3. Reflect on the Challenges You Faced Last Semester Consider what you found most difficult last semester. This may have been keeping up with the workload for your classes, studying a particular subject, or managing your time to prevent needing to work on papers until late into the night. Whatever your biggest challenges were, there are ways you can avoid the same problems this semester. Strategize what tactics to use to have as stress-free a semester as possible and to balance the different aspects of your life as a student. 4. Make a Vision Board Stay motivated by creating a vision board to hang above your desk. Find pictures that represent your wishes and dreams for the future — during university and beyond. If you have a particular career in mind you want to pursue after you graduate, find images to represent it. Alternatively, you could think about the kind of lifestyle you want and your other passions. 5. Practice Self-Care It may feel unproductive to take time for yourself, but it will actually benefit your health and help you stay productive. Make sure you have enough time every day for relaxing activities that enable you to push reset no matter how hectic your week has been. This could mean practicing meditation or mindfulness, listening to music, or even preparing a healthy snack to enjoy in peace. A great way to feel completely refreshed for a new semester is to move into off-campus student living. Ottawa students can find a new home at 1Eleven. You’ll be living just steps from campus in your own fully-furnished suite. Book a tour to check out your new space.

11 Journal Prompts to Help You Practice Self-Care

One of the best ways to practice self-care is through regular journalling. This is a chance to put your goals into words, bring your attention to the good things in life, and maintain a positive mindset. However, you may find that you sometimes sit down to journal and have no idea what to write about. The solution is to have a list of journal prompts you can use whenever you need inspiration. Some of the following are perfect for a specific situation, whereas others you can use whenever you like. 1. What Are My Best Qualities? Too often, we dwell on areas where we are falling short. If you need a self-confidence boost, try writing down all the things you’re good at, that you love about yourself, and that you know others appreciate about you. 2. How Will I Maintain a Sense of Inner Peace Today? If you journal in the mornings, a great way to use the practice is to consider your intentions for the coming day. On a day you know is likely to be stressful, it’s useful to consider how you’ll maintain your inner peace. 3. What Tactics Are Effective at Helping Me Destress? Another useful exercise on a stressful day is considering what activities help you relax. Keep this list for whenever you need it most. 4. Who Do I Need to Forgive? Feelings of resentment hurt you far more than they hurt the person who wronged you. Bear this in mind when considering who it may be time to forgive. 5. What Do I Need to Forgive Myself For? You may find it even more difficult to forgive yourself than to forgive someone else. If you’re holding onto guilt for something you know you shouldn’t blame yourself for, write everything down — this can be an effective first step toward letting go. 6. How Can I Do Good in the World? Write down some ideas for random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. Later, note down what you did as well as more ideas for the future. 7. What Am I Most Worried About? It’s common to have a nagging worry at the back of your mind. By writing it down, it may seem less scary. Plus, you can use the opportunity to consider ways to stop the worst from happening or to make a plan for what you’ll do if your fears do come true. Putting yourself back in control can be hugely effective. 8. What Am I Most Grateful For? If you don’t actively acknowledge them, you may start taking some of the best things in your life for granted. Once you start making a list, you’ll likely be surprised by how long it is. 9. What Do I No Longer Want in My Life? Similarly, you may have become accustomed to negative things in your life — and forgotten that you have the power to remove them. Whether the negative thing is something external or your own attitude, write it down and decide how you’ll move forward. 10. Who Should I Reach Out to Today? Is there a loved one or friend you haven’t heard from in a while? Send this person a message and then report back to your journal about how it goes. 11. Who Do I Most Admire? Think about whether there’s a particular friend, family member, or even professor you find inspirational. Think about what you could do to become more like that person. It’s best to practice journaling when you’re by yourself and no one is likely to interrupt you. You can be alone whenever you want if you move into off-campus housing. Ottawa students can find a new home at 1Eleven. In addition to your own room in a spacious suite, you’ll have access to some great onsite amenities that are ideal for practicing self-care, such as our fitness center and games room. Contact us about signing a lease now while we still have some spots available.