Tips for Adjusting to College Life

Starting college is a life-changing experience. You’ll have to learn how to live without the constant support of your parents, get along with roommates, and how to manage your time efficiently. Everyone has a different approach to adjusting to college life., but these basic tips can help you get through the first few weeks at school hassle-free.

Go to Class

Skipping class can be tempting, especially during the first few weeks when your absence is likely to go unnoticed. However, missing classes will only put you behind, making it more difficult to catch up. You’ll have to learn to get used to your schedule, and the best way to do this is to get into the habit of going to class regularly. Remember, you’re paying to be there, so you might as well learn something.

Learn How to Study

While you may have had a preferred studying method in grade school, in college, it may be helpful to learn some new techniques. You’ll have plenty of distractions at college that you didn’t have at home, but developing a regular study habit will help you ace tests and continue to learn. Instead of simply opening a textbook and taking notes, think about what you are learning and reading and try to apply it to real-life scenarios so that you can remember everything you learn.

Schedule Skype Meetings

College is the first time many students are away from home for long periods of time. It’s normal for you to miss your family and home environment. If you think you’re going to miss your family and friends, set up weekly Skype sessions so that you can see and talk to one another.

Get Involved

Getting involved in student organizations is a great way to meet new people and stay busy. These clubs can also give you some valuable experience that can be helpful for finding a job once you graduate.

Become Friends with Your Roommate

Many students discover a new best friend in their college roommate. You’ll most likely be sharing a space with someone, whether you are in a dorm or renting student housing Peterborough. The best way to make an awkward situation much more comfortable is to find activities that you both enjoy and spend time together.

Follow a Budget

Now that you’re on your own, you’ll have to manage your own finances much more closely than before. The beginning of college is often the first time many students are able to spend money without supervision. However, it’s important to keep your spending from getting out of hand. Consider creating a spreadsheet and track what you spend so you’ll have a visual of how much money you’re putting towards going out, food, and other activities. This way, you’ll know where to cut back when needed.

Set Goals

Starting college or a new semester is the perfect time to reassess your goals. Whether you want to go to the gym more often or complete all of your assignments on time, write down these resolutions for the new school year, and check back in on them regularly to stay on track. Your goals should be practical and achievable.

These goals don’t have to be far off in the future, either. You can set daily goals as well, such as finishing a long essay. Once you check something off of your list, you’ll feel proud of yourself and motivated to keep going.

Still looking for student housing? Secure your place at Severn Court today!

Tips for Moving Back Home During the Summer

 

When you move away to college, coming back home rarely crosses your mind. After all, there’s so much excitement around finding your own apartment and living independently that your mind shifts to the future. Then summer rolls around, your rent is up, and with a couple of months to yourself with no on-campus classes, it makes sense to head back home and check in with the family.

Of course, since you have moved out and had a taste of freedom, you can expect the dynamics with your parents to have changed in this time. It’s important to recognize this beforehand, as it can make all the difference in maintaining a positive relationship going forward.

Here are some tips for moving back home during Summer:

Talk About Expectations

Before you even make the move, it’s important to set some ground rules. Your parents have missed you, and are excited to have you back home, but they might not have considered how things have changed for you since moving out. From their perspective, they are just expecting you to move back in with the same rules that were in place before you left.

Have the conversation beforehand and let your parents know of any rules you are hoping might shift upon your return and why. Give them an indication of how long you are planning to move back in for, and why you are moving back. Addressing all these factors is a healthy way to restart the relationship and enforces clarity on exactly what both parties expect.

Set Boundaries

You’ve experienced the freedom of having your own room, staying up as late as you want, and enjoying privacy whenever you need it. Talk to your parents about your need for privacy back in the home, too. Of course, it’s important to remember this is a two-way street and they may have demands of their own. Let them set rules about who is allowed into your room. Once these rules are established, you can ask for privacy and earn their trust by following their rules as well.

Be Prepared To Help

You’re an adult now, and if you are going to move back and ask to be treated like one, then it’s only fair that you also help out around the home. You could discuss an amount for rent each month, or chores you can do to help out instead. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you should expect your parents to do chores for you. Instead, be proactive and show your parents just how independent you now are.

Respect Each Other

A satisfying home life comes down to respecting the rules and also respecting your parents. Sure, things have changed since you first moved out, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still work – just differently. Fighting, yelling, name calling and disobeying the rules will only lead to a tumultuous relationship. Remember, they are your parents for life, and if you want them to start seeing you as an adult, it’s important to act like one.

Even if your summer break doesn’t go as planned, you can take advantage of your return to school with apartments for rent. Peterborough, Ontario students are fortunate to have Severn Court Residence as an excellent option for off-campus housing, with fully furnished units perfect for Fleming College students.

Living On Campus vs. Off Campus

Living on campus vs. off campus: it’s the everlasting debate among incoming freshmen and returning sophomores. A case can be made for both sides. It all depends on your own personal preference.

To help you in your decision making, we’ve come up with a pros and cons list for both options.

Pros of Living On-Campus

Above all, the main draw to living on-campus is getting to be part of a vibrant student community. Living in dorms exposes you to other students and special events.The bonds and memories you form in your dorm will stick with you for a lifetime, even if it seems chaotic at times.

Another perk is the amenities provided in dorms and other on-campus housing. You usually have on-site laundry, Wi-Fi, vending machines, fountains, and even game rooms in some cases. These are included in the premium that you pay for the whole package.

On-campus housing options also tend to have security guards or residential advisors to help filter out delinquents in the building. Many buildings come equipped with safety features and phones to help keep crime at bay.

Cons of Living On-Campus

The number one drawback to living on-campus? The cost. Expect to pay almost double what you’d pay for a traditional apartment. The inflated cost is a result of all the amenities and benefits, even if you don’t take advantage of them. Cost is also the primary reason that most students don’t dorm again for their second year.

With all the students running around, partying, and doing the usual chaotic things that students do, on-campus housing can also have a lot of distractions. It can be a real challenge to get some sleep or even study for a final.

In fact, expect to sacrifice a lot of your privacy and space as you live with other students. Oftentimes you’ll hear people through walls, share bathrooms with other students, and have unexpected guests over.

Pros of Living Off-Campus

Off-campus houses are far more affordable and have a greater value. Since meal plans are not mandatory, and you don’t have to pay for other benefits like an RA or a vending machine that’s never in use; you only have to pay for your own rent and your own utilities. Seven Court Student Rez’s Sir Sandford Fleming College residence, for instance, does not require meal plans but does offer all-inclusive pricing and flexible lease options.

You’ll also enjoy far more independence. Off-campus housing may also be home to tenants that are not students. You won’t have an RA to rely on. You’ll need to figure out everything yourself, but the upside is that no one can tell you when to go to bed or to open your room for inspection. With that being said, there are some Fleming College off-campus housing options that have RAs in case you need them.

Getting an off-campus place is the best way to start truly living on your own. Dorming is like summer camp — a fun distraction for a while, but it doesn’t prepare you for true independence in the same way an off-campus location does.

Cons of Living Off-Campus

Living off-campus can occasionally be an isolating experience, as you won’t have events or students around all the time. For people that crave social attention, this can be a major hurdle. For people that relish in peace and tranquility, this would actually be a pro.

Without an RA, you can expect to have a lot more responsibility. If you lose your key, that’s on you to get a new one. Nothing says “welcome to the real world” more than having to look after yourself.

Ultimately, this decision will demand careful consideration, but no matter which option you choose, it must be appropriate for your current budget and lifestyle.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Housing

When it’s your first time renting, you are unaware of common traps and more likely to make mistakes. Worse still, landlords know this and may try to take advantage of you. By becoming informed before setting foot inside any student rentals in Peterborough, students can ensure they choose great housing.

1.     Only Looking Online

It is true that you can now find everything you need online — and that includes apartments for rent. However, if you only consider online listings, you may miss out on some excellent options. Ask your school for recommendations or check with a broker to discover rentals that other students may be missing.

2.     Searching Too Late (or Too Early)

You may end up spending more if you start your search too late. As the start of the semester nears, landlords know that your options are becoming limited and they can drive up prices. To make matters worse, more affordable units will have already been snapped up by savvier students.

On the flip side, starting to search too early is also problematic. Landlords will likely be unwilling to hold the apartment for you for more than a month. Usually, you should expect to start the lease on the first day of the following month. For this reason, the ideal time to search is between 24 and 30 days before you want the apartment.

3.     Moving In Right Before School

The higher demand for apartments right before school starts can also drive up prices. If you are able to move in slightly sooner, you may end up saving money. Plus, moving in a month or so early will allow you to settle into your home and start looking for a part-time job in the area.

4.     Being Inflexible

By all means only rent an apartment you find comfortable. If the place is dirty, damaged, or feels unsafe, you should look elsewhere. However, some students have expectations that are too high, especially considering how much they can afford. Think about what you actually need — and what you could live without.

Take the effort out of your search by choosing to live in off-campus student housing in Peterborough. Students have the option of Severn Court. Prices are affordable and you can pick a suite size according to your budget. Plus, there is no need to worry about sacrificing any amenities you want — everything you need is onsite, including high-speed Internet, laundry facilities, and security staff.

Practical Tips for Students Who Want to Save Money

Although it may be difficult, it is far from impossible to save money as a student. Saving money while you study is well worthwhile. For instance, this will give you more freedom to look for a job you’re going to enjoy after you graduate — you’ll have no need to take the first thing that comes along just to pay the bills. To ensure that you do save money, you need to have a plan.

1. Stick to a Budget

Figure out how much you have available each month and set a budget where you’ll spend less than that amount. Be reasonable with your budget, making sure that you have plenty for basics, other essentials, and emergency expenses.

2. Eat at Home

It may be tempting to buy your meals (especially if your cooking skills are lacking). However, with just a little practice, you can prepare close to the same quality as you find in restaurants. Decide what to eat according to the ingredients you can buy without overspending at the grocery store.

3. Borrow, or Buy Secondhand

If you have a friend who already took a class you are now going to take, ask if you can borrow the textbook. If this is not possible, look for secondhand materials — and then resell them once you’ve finished the class.

4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Student discounts abound in Ontario. Always ask local businesses if they have special deals for students. Plus, research online to find out which places offer the best discounts.

5. Cancel Subscriptions

Decide if you really need your subscriptions to streaming services. You may be able to borrow digital and physical copies of music, movies, and TV shows from your college or from other students.

6. Get a Job

Working part time can make a big differences to your savings. If you have no time to work a traditional job, side gigs can bring in some income. Babysitting, dog walking, and providing a moving service are all good options.

The most effective way of all to save money is to live in Fleming College off-campus housing. At a Fleming College residence like Severn Court, you’ll not only save money on rent, you’ll also reduce your cost of living. For instance, you’ll have no need to buy furniture, you’ll have your own kitchen (no meal plan), and you can lease a suite for just 8 months, if you wish.

Tips for First-Time Renters

As if you didn’t already have enough to worry about, starting college also means searching for rooms to rent in Peterborough. Students are often first-time renters, which makes the process that much more difficult. Luckily, if you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to find the perfect place.

Calculate Your Budget

Before you start your search, you need to decide how much you can afford. Take account of how much you will be receiving from student loans and from your part-time job and decide how much you are willing to spend on housing. Remember to also include utilities and other essentials in your budget — and set aside an amount for having fun.

Note Down Your Criteria

The more flexible you can be, the better. However, you likely have some requirements. For instance, you may want to live alone, you may need parking (if you have a car), or you may want to be walking distance from campus.

Choose the Right Roommates

If you are happy to share, make sure to choose your roommates well. Your best friends may be incompatible as roommates, especially if you have different living styles. Think about factors such as how organized you are, your study habits, and whether you prefer to socialize or spend more time alone.

Visit Potential Apartments

Pictures can never tell you everything. Always visit a place before you decide to rent it. Only by being physically in the apartment will you be able to tell how much natural light the rooms have, whether there is any damage, and how clean the apartment is.

Don’t Get Scammed

Scam artists prey on inexperienced college students. As well as a landlord refusing to show you the place before you sign a contract or pay a security deposit, there are a couple of other scams to be aware of. For instance, if the price is much lower than other places in the area, there is probably something wrong with the apartment. Another red flag is a landlord asking for too much personal information, such as your bank account or credit card details.

Take the struggle out of looking for apartments for rent — Peterborough, Ontario students can live in off-campus housing at Severn Court. There are affordable options whatever your budget. Plus, you’ll be able to share your fully-furnished suite with a friend or take advantage of the roommate matching service.

How to Decorate Your Off-Campus Housing on a Budget

The chance to make your living space truly your own is one of the great things about living in off-campus student housing in Peterborough. Students moving into new apartments have little money to spend on luxuries, but (at the very least) you need to decorate the place to make it feel like home. However limited your budget, there are things you can do.

1. Focus on the Floor

Rugs are a great way to add comfort to your home. Plus, you can find them in any design and colour imaginable, which makes them an excellent choice for expressing who you are. Best of all, though, is that when you purchase cheap rugs, they’ll provide protection for your floor. This can help you avoid stains and other damage to the flooring, lowering the risk that you lose your security deposit.

Some places to have a rug include under your desk to keep your feet warm while you study, next to the kitchen and bathroom sinks, and in any areas that experience heavy foot traffic.

2. Invest in Multipurpose Furniture

It is difficult to find furnished apartments for rent in Peterborough. Students who aren’t lucky enough to snag a place with furniture should consider buying multipurpose items. For instance, a futon is ideal if you want both a bed and a couch in your room. An ottoman is useful for storing small items and also having a seat.

3. Hang Homemade Art

Avoid wasting your money on expensive artwork. Instead, make your own or ask one of your artistic friends to create something for you. There’s no need for homemade art to be anything spectacular. A collage of photos or a simple painting is ideal. Alternatively, you could hang something on the wall that you already have, such as a silk scarf or a flag.

4. Decorate Your Bookshelf

As a college student, you’re going to need a bookshelf. Just remember, bookshelves are not just for books — they are also ideal for holding personal belongings that say something about you. Use your bookshelf as a place to display trinkets or make it more functional by storing attractive items like hats, purses, or perfumes.

You can save money on decorating by finding a place that already feels like home. Severn Court offers students fully-furnished suites, equipped with everything you need. All that’s left is to add a few finishing touches to infuse the place with your personal style.