Tips for Saving Money in College

Even students who are working a part-time job find college life expensive. If you have no source of income, it can be extra difficult. Whatever your situation, you need to find as many ways to save money as possible without cutting out all the pleasures in life.

1. Buy Used Textbooks

New textbooks have a high sticker price. The good news is it’s often unnecessary to purchase them new. Students who are graduating or finishing a class no longer have any need for their textbooks and are often looking to sell. In fact, you may be able to save all your money by borrowing books from another student or from the college library.

2. Pay in Cash

Paying in cash makes it easier spend less. If you do need a credit card, never spend more than what you have in the moment and make sure you always pay off the balance in full each month.

3. Find Cheaper Housing

One of your biggest expenses is student housing in Peterborough. Students looking to save money should move off campus into rented rooms and apartments. This is almost always cheaper, even when the rental is right by campus.

4. Work Hard to Graduate on Time

Spending an extra semester in college will add to your expenses. You will not only need to continue paying for tuition, you will be missing out on the opportunity to work full time and start paying off your student debt. Do whatever it takes to pass classes now, even if it means more expenses in the short term, like tutoring.

5. Make Full Use of Campus

There are plenty of free resources and activities on campus. Check these out before seeking paid options. For instance, your college may hold free movie nights, social events, and fitness classes.

6. Buy a Coffee Maker

If you can’t manage without your morning coffee, purchase a coffee maker for your room or apartment. You could share with friends to split the cost and make it even cheaper. Even if you need to pay for the whole machine yourself, this is much cheaper than buying coffee on a daily basis.

The place to save the most money is likely accommodation. This means seeking out better student rentals in Peterborough and students can find off-campus residence in Severn Court. The housing is just for students, includes everything you need, and offers flexible lease options to help you save even more money.

How to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate

For most college students, living with a roommate is an inevitability. Unfortunately, some students may also find themselves eventually living with a difficult roommate. Oftentimes, you aren’t allowed to choose your own roommate in college or university. And while roommate preference sheets can be used to help place you with a compatible roommate, sometimes you can run into issues. Thus, you may find yourself living with someone you don’t like (or who doesn’t like you), don’t get along with and don’t share the same living standards. However, there are always ways to deal with difficult people, especially roommates. Below are a few of these ‘ways.’ 

Ask the Resident Advisor (RA) for Help

Difficult roommates are usually called such because they’re disrespectful, inconsiderate, irresponsible and unwilling to make or follow any rules. Report the situation and ask for advice on what actions to take or how to best remedy the situation. Most likely, the advisor will refer you to the housing department or a counselor. Just keep in mind that it’s okay to seek help and take advice in difficult situations. It could prevent major problems, extreme stress or a dangerous situation. 

If you’re looking for rooms to rent, Peterborough offers Severn Court Student Residence, where you can live with chosen roommates or be matched according to your lifestyle preferences and more.

Set Ground Rules

Ground rules can help make sharing a space as easy and pleasant as possible. They’re also the perfect way to express your personal values, living standards and expectations for sharing a space. Sit down with your roommate and set rules at the beginning of your residency. Make sure these rules include:

• ·         Expectations for cleaning and cooking (if applicable)
• ·         A chore chart, cleaning schedule and/or expectations for keeping your room neat and tidy
• ·         Guidelines for having guests
• ·         A schedule for studying, as well as guidelines for noise levels, visitors, etc. during these times
• ·         Preferences for curfews and sleeping hours
• ·         Statements on pet peeves, dealing with annoying habits, etc.
• Setting ground rules could be essential for getting along with an incompatible roommate, as long as they’re willing to respect and follow them. It can also be useful in all roommate situations, including living off campus and sharing one of the student apartments for rent Peterborough offers.

Be Upfront with Issues and Confront Them Head On

Passive aggressiveness can be counterproductive, frustrating, disrespectful and unnerving. So, if your roommate creates an issue, has bad habits or does something you don’t like, confront them head on. State your feelings about the issue and suggest working together to find a solution. Moreover, be patient and sure to present your feelings and approach him or her in a calm, respectful manner – learn your cultural and/or personal difference and practice understanding. Try to avoid leaving passive aggressive notes or messages and addressing him/her when you’re not in person. Most importantly, if you notice an issue, bring it up and talk about it right away. Allowing things to build up or fester can breed anger and contempt, possibly leading to explosive confrontations and/or more problems.

Tips for Success in College

Almost everyone finds a certain aspect of college tough. For some people, it’s the academics; for others, the social side. Whatever challenges you face, there are ways you can ensure your success.

Attend All Your Classes

Poor attendance makes it difficult to pass classes. Not only will you have missed out on lessons but teachers often grade according to commitment. On the flip side, if you always attend and are active in class, you’ll build a rapport with your teachers, which will help you build contacts that could be critical after graduation.

Take Advantage of Everything

Classes are just the start of what college has to offer. You also have a library for study material, academic advisors, tutoring services, and other support — and this is just the academic side. If you’re finding it difficult to meet people and make friends, check out the activities, clubs, and sports teams on offer.

Set a Study Schedule

You’re expected to be independent at college. Schedule some of your free time to study what you covered in classes and to review your notes. Experiment with different study techniques to discover the best methods for you.

Find a Comfortable Place to Live

Being happy where you live will impact all facets of your life. Remember, living on campus is only one option — many students prefer to search for rooms to rent in Peterborough. Those students who do choose to live off campus need to make sure that they live close enough to Fleming College to make it to class on time.

Create Goals and Rewards

Set realistic, measurable goals. Keep pushing yourself to work a little harder and to achieve a little more every semester. When you do meet your goal, reward yourself to maintain your motivation.

Manage Your Finances

You’re on a tight budget that needs to cover your living expenses, food, books, and entertainment. Keep a close eye on your expenditures to ensure that you always have enough money for emergencies — as well as for opportunities that arise to have fun with friends.

Finding a comfortable living arrangement is one of the most important tips on this list. When you’re happy at home, it’s easier to study, relax, and socialize. For most people, this means finding off-campus student housing in Peterborough. Students have the option of Severn Court, where they can live in an affordable suite, surrounded by other people with similar interests. Best of all, the housing is walking distance from Fleming College.

How to Deal with a Difficult Roommate

One of the things many students fear about living in an on or off-campus  Fleming College residence is that they may be assigned a roommate who, given the choice, they would never associate with. In fact, even if you get along, you may run into problems due to different personalities or just the need to live in such close quarters (especially if you aren't used to sharing a room). To make your living situation bearable, you need to have a strategy in place.

Talk About What Bothers You

It may seem like the best solution is to ignore all the small things that bother you. However, the danger of this approach is that everything upsetting you could gradually build up until it causes a major fight. Plus, you’ll have to grin and bear it every time your roommate does something you dislike.

A far better option is to talk about things before they become a big deal. You may need to agree to a compromise, but at least you’ll have cleared the air.

Have Real Conversations

It’s always better to talk to your roommate in person than sending a text. As you live together, you should have plenty of opportunities. By talking, you can have a proper conversation and both of you will have a chance to speak. Plus, there is a lower risk of misunderstandings if you can hear each other’s tone of voice.

Involve No One Else in Discussion

Even if the problem is about someone else — such as if your roommate’s friend is the one bothering you — involve no one else in your talk, at least initially. Adding extra participants increases the likelihood of an argument. Similarly, don’t bring your own friends to the discussion. Your roommate could feel attacked and will be less willing to change.

Seek a Mediator

If you are unable to resolve the problem alone, you can bring in someone to help, but it must be a neutral third party. The best choice is your resident assistant, as RAs are trained and experienced in dealing with these cases. Plus, if the situation can't be resolved, having made your RA aware of the problem early on will improve your chances of being able to switch roommates.

You can eliminate the risk of a difficult roommate entirely: instead of living in residence, consider student rentals in Peterborough. Peterborough students can have the same on-campus experience by choosing Severn Court. This housing is just for students and it’s directly across from campus. The difference is you’ll have your own bedroom in a fully-furnished suite.

Things You Should Do in Your First Year of College

Your first year of college should be an exciting time, reasonably free from the stresses that tend to become more frequent as you near your graduation date. This should be true whether you live off campus or in student housing in Peterborough. Students in all types of living situation should expect to enjoy (at a minimum) all of the following.

“Me Time” in Your Room

Your bedroom or apartment should be a sanctuary — a place you can come back to after a long day of classes and a spot where you can chill at the weekends. You should never feel uncomfortable where you live. Heading off to the library every time you want to study or seeking out other places when you want to relax is a warning sign that something’s wrong.

Socializing at Home

It’s fun to head over to your friends’ dorms or apartments to hang out, but your friends should feel equally welcome at your place. It’s normal for one friend’s room to become the main hangout spot at college, but you should still expect to entertain at your place at least sometimes. Similarly, you should be able to bring your dates back to your room as often as you go to theirs.

Enjoying the Occasional Culinary Treat

When school starts feeling overwhelming, an easy way to take the edge off your stress is with your favourite food. Unfortunately, this is only possible if you know that your groceries are safe from stealing hands. There should also be space in the kitchen for you to cook whenever you want, with no need to clean up someone else’s mess, first.

Studying in Peace

If you live on campus, it’s unreasonable to expect quiet all the time. You’re going to hear noise coming from others’ rooms — people are going to want to play music and talk on the phone, for instance. The problem is when it’s in your own room and the noise is too loud for you to focus. College should be about having fun, but it’s also essential to study hard if you’re going to graduate. This means finding peace whenever you need it throughout your first year.

If you’re missing out on any of the above, you may have a roommate problem. It’s time to start looking for apartments to rent in Peterborough, Ontario. Those students should check out Severn Court Student Residence. You’ll have your own space, but you’ll also be able to continue the college experience by living around other students.

Narrowing Your List of Options for Student Housing

If you're going to be going to college in Peterborough or anywhere else this year, you will need to find housing, and if you haven't already, now's the time to secure your place - apartments and suites are booking up quickly!

When it comes to apartments for rent in Peterborough, Ontario, there are lots of options. Sometimes, you can feel overwhelmed by your choices and not feel certain about which place will be the best fit. Let's take a look at your options:

Living On Campus

For some, the convenience of being literally minutes from class is a major plus and so an on campus residence may be a good choice. These residences are usually designed to suit students' budgets and may include access to amenities like a gym, study lounge, etc. In many cases, this type of student housing will also come equipped with some furniture, such as a bed and a desk, which will reduce the amount of furniture you'll need to move. One thing that some students don't like about living on campus is that you can be more limited by rules and regulations. Late night partying, for example, likely won't be tolerated in an on-campus residence.

Living Off Campus

Other students can't wait to find an apartment that's off campus and that will give them a real taste of independence. When it comes to off-campus student housing in Peterborough, there are lots of options, but you will want to make sure you visit the houses or apartments you're considering beforehand. Taking a tour will give you the opportunity to meet the landlord and to confirm the condition of the space. While some students enjoy the new freedom and responsibilities that come with living off campus, some initially find it difficult to adjust to being largely on their own. If you're considering an unfurnished apartment, you will also need to find or buy everything you will need and move it to your new space.

A great compromise for many students is to live in a place like Severn Court Student Residence, where you're just minutes from campus, have more freedoms and don't have to move a tonne of furniture, but also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the property is run by a professional management company. There are also several amenities that make student living fun and convenient, not to mention the price suits most students' budgets.

If you haven't already found an apartment, contact them to book a tour.  

The Pros and Cons of Living Off Campus

One of the first decisions you need to make when planning for college is whether you want to live off campus or in Sir Sandford Fleming College residence. Living off campus is appealing to many students, due to its many benefits. However, it does have its share of disadvantages, all of which you need to consider before determining if off campus housing is the right choice for you.

The Pros

A Private Space

Living off campus provides you with your own room and a bathroom you’ll only share with a couple roommates. If your roommates want to invite friends over, you’ll still have your own space. Your home will be quiet, making it easier to study, sleep, or just relax. Furthermore, you can get up early or stay out late without the risk of disturbing anyone.

Greater Freedom

Although there are few rules for living in residence, there are some restrictions that limit your freedom. For instance, you need to plan when you shower to fit around a large number of other people, you must eat whatever your meal plan offers, and there is someone there checking up on you. None of this is true when you live off campus.

It’s Cheaper

Living off campus is almost always cheaper, even when you include bills and food. Provided you are careful with money, you should be able to stay within your budget.

The Cons

You May Be Far from Campus

Distancing yourself from campus does lead to some problems. You may need to use your car or public transportation to reach classes. This means getting up earlier than someone living in residence. You’ll also have less opportunity to run home between classes, whereas someone living on campus could even go and take a power nap.

You’ll Have More Responsibilities

Living off campus means furnishing an apartment, paying bills, cooking your own food, and cleaning. These are good life lessons to learn, but some students prefer to learn them at a later date.

You’ll Need to Take Care of Your Money

To avoid high utility bills, you may need to cut down on some luxuries. You’ll need to be careful with the heating, take shorter showers, and make sure that you unplug electronics when not in use. You’ll also need to choose your groceries carefully.

Not all off-campus places offer just the basics or are far from campus. For instance, Severn Court Residence offers Fleming College student housing within walking distance of campus. You’ll receive a fully-furnished suite and services like onsite security, housekeeping, and support.

First Time Looking for Off-Campus Housing? Check Out These Tips:

College is full of firsts, which can include moving away from home and finding your first rental. While moving on campus can be a big step, moving off campus can be an even bigger step. Plus, for many, it’s considered the first step towards adulthood. However, off-campus living can be rife with new information and experiences. Foresight of new information and experiences can help make your off-campus life successful. And there are a few tips that can help you gain this foresight, including: understanding lease contracts, looking for safety, and searching in the right area.

Understand Lease Contracts

For new renters (and some experienced ones), little is more confusing than the lease contract. However, little is more important than reading and understanding this contract. Leases can be confusing, but there are some basic elements they all contain. Identifying these basic elements is the key to understanding the entire lease. This can also make the lease easier to read. When going over the contract, just look for the lines that explain:

·         Maintenance rules, schedules, and guidelines

·         Duration of the lease

·         Penalties for breaking the lease, as well as possible violations

·         Additional fees you may incur

·         The rental rate, payment due date, fees for late payments, payment options, and where and how the rent should be paid

·         Contact information for the landlord and/or property manager, as well as communication guidelines

·         Guidelines for obtaining roommates, having overnight guests, and subletting

·         Regulations for parking, including fees associated with parking or violating these regulations

·         Guidelines for altering the rental’s appearance (i.e. painting, changing window coverings, etc.)

·         Information about what your deposit covers, how it can be recouped, and what violations could lead to revocation

·         Rules and fees associated with pets

·         The grounds for eviction and how the eviction process works

This may seem like a long list, but each of these elements are important and can prevent you from experiencing rental hardships. However, if you're searching for apartments for rent, Peterborough offers Severn Court Student Residence, where you will receive the quality housing and most comprehensive lease out there.

Look for Safety

Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly), apartment safety is major selling point for many property managers. It should also be a major concern for all renters, especially new renters. Before signing a lease, make sure your apartment or room is in a safe neighborhood and offers standard, high-quality safety features. Some safety features to look for, include: fire extinguishers and/or sprinklers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, designated fire routes or exits, basic security (e.g. security officers, cameras, alarms, security doors or gates, a secure lock or intercom system), functioning locks on all doors and windows, and basic safety procedures. Additionally, ask to have the door locks changed before moving in. And ensure your apartment is free of potential hazards, as well as safe inside and out. Finally, any rooms to rent Peterborough offers should also be rodent, insect, and mold-free.

Search in the Right Area

Location matters, especially when you’re searching for student housing. An off-campus apartment should be as close to the university as possible. It should also be close to public transit and amenities, like grocery stores, banks, restaurants, laundromats, etc. But student housing offered by places like Severn Court Student Residence offer plenty of ‘renter-exclusive’ amenities. However, it’s imperative to find the right housing in the right location. It could help keep you connected to university life, reduce commute time, provide reasonable rental rates, and foster independence.