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The Most Popular Spring Break Destinations for 2022

With winter break coming to an end, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you’ll spend your time off in the spring. There are many places you could go, but your friends will probably be most excited about joining you to one of the following destinations. 1. Cancun If you’ve never been to Cancun, you’re missing out. It’s one of the top tourist spots in the world, thanks to its great beaches, weather, and activities. You can practise a variety of water sports during the day and hit the clubs at night. The ideal time to visit is while you’re still a college student. 2. Cabo San Lucas At almost the other end of Mexico is Cabo San Lucas. You’ll have quite a different experience if you choose this city for your spring break destination. Although it’s less of a party town and more of a place to relax, it still has an active nightlife. 3. Miami The major spring break destination in the U.S. has to be Miami. Every year, events take place to suit all tastes, including music at nightclubs and live concerts on the beach. 4. Fort Lauderdale A second option in Florida is Fort Lauderdale, best known for its beaches and for being a cultural hub for art. Things to do include taking a gondola down the canals, shopping, and checking out the mansions and yachts of the millionaires who live in the city. 5. Punta Cana If you decide to visit Punta Cana for spring break, you may like to stay in a resort. Some of the all-inclusive options are huge, catering to thousands of guests at any time (many of them college students during spring break). As well as relaxing by the pool and heading to the beach, you can take excursions to see more of the Dominican Republic during the day. 6. South Padre Island A resort town in Texas, South Padre Island is among the best of the barrier islands. It’s the place to go if you love music, as you’ll be able to attend concerts and see DJs perform every day during spring break. Plus, with perfect weather and calm waters, there’s nothing more you could ask for from a spring break destination. 7. Freeport A centre for tourism in the Bahamas is Freeport. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for anything from adventure to a relaxing vacation next to the beach. 8. Puerto Vallarta An up-and-coming tourist destination in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. More university students are discovering that this is a great choice due to the delicious food, high-quality hotels, and the famous boardwalk called El Malecón . 9. Playa Del Carmen You can find the same white sands and great weather as in Cancun for a lower price by choosing Playa Del Carmen. It’s popular with backpackers and vacationers looking for an adventure as well as university students. The atmosphere is more laidback, and some of the beaches are more pristine. Another thing to think about is where to live in 2022, especially if you want to move into new student housing. Kingston, Ontario, students continue to have fun year round when they live at Foundry Princess. The luxury off-campus residence has a rooftop patio with a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness centre , and much more. Apply now for a lease.

6 of the Most Unconventional Majors to Consider

Choosing an unconventional major is a great option if none of the more traditional majors grab you. Plus, this can open up career possibilities you never even imagined. Many universities are expanding their offerings and now have at least a few unconventional choices to prepare students for a more diverse mix of employment options in the modern world of work. Here are a few to options to consider. 1. Astrobiology You could be at the forefront of discovering life elsewhere in the universe if you choose to major in astrobiology. Learn about how life arose and evolved on Earth and how it could occur elsewhere. You’ll also consider how life can survive in other environments, often by using examples of organisms that have adapted to difficult conditions. This major is a top choice if you’re struggling to choose between astronomy and biology, as it will give you a balance of both. 2. Cultural Studies If several liberal arts majors appeal to you, something interdisciplinary could be ideal. One great option is cultural studies, which will allow you to explore areas like race, ethnicity, gender, and class. There tends to be a focus on marginalized communities and groups, although it’s up to you where exactly you take this major — you can easily tailor it to your own interests and goals. 3. Adventure Education Turn your passion for adventure sports into a college education by majoring in adventure education. You’ll be prepared to work with children and adults in a variety of settings as a leader and educator. The program itself will require you to go out into the wilderness and practise some of your favourite sports and activities. There will also be some classroom learning where you cover survival and technical skills and learn how to instruct participants while keeping everything fun. 4. Fermentation Sciences Instead of majoring in chemistry, consider a degree in fermentation sciences. You’ll gain critical skills that allow you to find work in any fermentation-related industries, including breweries, distilleries, and the dairy sector. As well as the science behind fermentation, you’ll learn about sustainability, business practices, and biotechnology. This is also a great major to choose if you’re interested in continuing your education to a master’s or PhD program. 5. Comic Art An unconventional way to study an artistic major is with comic art. You’ll improve your drawing skills and learn how to tell an effective story in a comic medium. Programs usually require you to take classes in publishing and electronic media as well, which will ensure you’ll be prepared to work as a comic book artist or cartoonist after you graduate. 6. Entertainment Engineering There are many types of engineering majors to choose from, but one you may not have considered is entertainment engineering. You’ll start by taking regular engineering courses and then specialize in creating designs and building machines, structures, and systems for entertainment purposes. You may be able to specialize in an area like robotics, acoustics, or live entertainment. Just because your major is unconventional doesn’t mean you won’t need to study hard. In fact, some of these majors are more challenging than more traditional options. For the ideal student accommodation, Kingston, Ontario, has Foundry Princess. Our student housing has furnished suites, a fitness centre , study rooms, and high-speed internet. Apply now for the floor plan you want.

How to Handle a Prolonged Absence at University

It may be necessary to take a prolonged absence from university if you suffer from illness, the stresses of your personal or family life mean it makes sense to take a break, or you need to spend some time working to pay for your education. University is more flexible than grade school, allowing you to take off even several semesters and return later. However, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure your absence has no negative consequences on your academics. 1. Keep Your University Informed As soon as you know you’ll be absent for several weeks or more, inform your university. You may need to complete paperwork to stay enrolled on your program and keep the credit you’ve already earned. It’s also worth talking to an academic advisor about how your absence will impact you in the long term. 2. Find Out if You Can Take Online Classes If you’re unable physically to attend university but you still have the capacity to study, you may be able to continue your education by taking online classes. Many universities are now taking a hybrid approach to learning, meaning that some of the classes required for your program could be available to take online. This could prevent you from failing further behind than necessary. If studying online is not a possibility at your university, you may be able to take classes at another institution and transfer the credit. Just make sure you contact your university to check before you sign up for anything. 3. Stay in Touch with Classmates Maintaining social relationships can help you feel connected to your university and make it easier to return after your absence. As well as staying in touch with the friends you already have, you could find out if there are any virtual study groups for the online classes you’re taking. 4. Reach Out for Support It can be difficult to come to terms with being away from university for a long time, especially when your absence is due to circumstances out of your control. To cope through this period, it’s important to receive the support you need, such as counselling. Some students find it useful to join group programs with other people who are on a leave of absence. You should also focus on your self-care: make sure you sleep enough, eat a healthy diet, and continue with your hobbies. 5. Know When You’re Ready to Return To make sure your return to university is permanent, it’s crucial that you only return when you’re ready. If you’re unsure, it may be worth writing a list of pros and cons. As you do, assess any emotional, financial, physical, and other factors in your decision. You could also come up with some indicators tailored to your situation that will tell you when you’re prepared to return. When you do decide to return to university, you’ll need to find somewhere to live. Foundry Princess offers Queen’s University off-campus housing in a welcoming student community. With great features like private bedrooms, study rooms, and high-speed internet, you’ll find it much easier to catch up. Plus, when you need a break, you can head to our onsite fitness centre , BBQ courtyard, or outdoor swimming pool. Secure your spot while there are still units available.

A Guide to Reselling Old Textbooks

Textbooks take up a big chunk of your budget — and you tend to only need them for a single semester. Reselling textbooks once you’ve finished a class is a great way to regain some of your investment. Plus, since you’re surrounded by students, you have no shortage of potential customers. To maximize the amount you receive from old textbooks, there are a few things you need to do. 1. Avoid Your Campus Bookstore The most obvious place to sell old textbooks is actually one of your worst options: your campus bookstore. Since the bookstore wants to make a profit, the amount you’ll receive will be much lower than what the next student will pay. Plus, bookstores don’t want to incentivize students to return their books because it’s in their best interests to sell new (rather than used) textbooks. 2. Advertise to Students A much better option than your campus bookstore is to sell textbooks directly to students. Find ways to reach students who are taking the class next semester — either by advertising in the appropriate building on campus or through social media. Your university may have a social media group dedicated to buying and selling textbooks. Alternatively, search for groups for the class or subject. 3. Research Pricing Make sure you’re asking the right price for your books. If the price is too high, you may end up needing to wait another semester before you’re able to offload your books. The best way to find out how much to ask for a book is to research online. Check ecommerce sites for the same textbooks in a similar condition to your own. 4. Use Buybacks Another option is to use a textbook buyback program. Find out what retailer websites are offering and decide if this is better than what you could receive selling to students. To take advantage of these programs, you’ll need to send off your textbooks as soon as the semester ends — if not before. Also bear in mind that some retailers want to receive books around the last week of finals. You’ll need to determine if this is feasible for you. 5. Keep Your Books in Good Condition Wherever you decide to sell your books, you’ll gain the most money if they’re in great condition . Don’t feel like you need to be so careful that your textbooks are like new when you’re finished with them — using your books to study and do well in your classes needs to be your top priority — but you should avoid unnecessary damage. This means you shouldn’t write in the margins, highlight text, or fold corners to bookmark pages. All of these will be off putting to the next student, as they make your textbooks less effective study aids. Another way to save money is to move into less-expensive student housing. For Queens off-campus housing that won’t break the bank, there’s Foundry Princess. Apply now for your spot in our engaging student community.

How to Get Good Grades Without Studying 24/7

Whereas it is important to study hard to gain good grades, no one has time to study all the time. It’s crucial for your health (mental and physical) to take a break from your books now and then. College is about meeting new people, trying new activities, and enjoying life at the same time as earning a degree. You can make time to socialize and do all the other things you enjoy, but still have enough time to study, by following these tips. 1. Find a Source of Motivation Search for a reason why you want to do well at each of your classes. Just the thought of receiving good grades could be enough, but you may also be intrigued by the topics you’re covering and want to learn more. Alternatively, your long-term goals could be your driving force: a class could be a requirement for your major, in which case you could think about why you want to graduate. Whenever you’re struggling to find the willpower to study, remind yourself of what you want to get out of the class and why it ’s worth studying now. 2. Set Goals It’s also useful to have some specific, short-term goals. These could be to do slightly better on your next assignment than the last, improve your grade average each semester, or increase the amount you study each week by a few minutes. Make sure your goals are realistic — and think about how you’ll reward yourself when you reach them. 3. Stick to a Study Schedule A study schedule will both prevent you from going overboard and ensure you do enough to gain the grades you want. Beyond blocking out time on your calendar, make a note of what you want to do in every session to ensure you use your time productively. You could use sessions to prepare for an exam, work on a section of a big project, read a particular chapter of a textbook, or review an aspect of the material you found particularly difficult. 4. Take Full Advantage of Your Classes In addition to attending all your classes, pay attention. Sit at the front of the room where your professor can see you — this will mean you won’t be able to chat and it will be obvious if you’re distracted by something on your phone or laptop. Take detailed notes you can use later. To ensure your notes are clear, review them soon after class is over. This is a good chance to highlight key points and organize your notes in a way that makes more sense. Plus, this practise will help the information stick in your head. 5. Ask Questions If you have any doubts, always ask for clarification. This could mean asking questions during class, dropping your professor an email, or utilizing office hours. You’ll be unable to gain top grades if you’re still struggling to understand something. 6. Stay Healthy You have much higher chances of succeeding academically if you’re healthy. It’s better to sleep than to stay up late studying, as you’ll be unable to take in information and perform well the next day. You’ll also feel prepared to tackle your studies if you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and spend time relaxing without screens, especially before bedtime. It’s important to spend your study time productively. This is easier when you don’t face countless distractions every time you sit down to study. The solution is to move off campus and into student rentals — Kingston, Ontario, students have Foundry Princess. You’ll have your own room in a suite, but you can also study quietly in the community study rooms. Either option is equipped with pure fibre internet. Schedule a tour to check out our luxury student housing for yourself.

Should You Take Summer Classes?

Although most students take time off during the summer, there’s often an option to continue taking classes. This can be a great opportunity to gain the additional credit you need to graduate, but it does mean you will need to sacrifice some (or all) of your summer break. To decide if this is the right option for you, consider the following pros and cons. Pro: Summer Classes Tend to Be Short You’re often able to achieve credit for a summer class in a shorter amount of time than it would take you to complete the class during a normal semester. At most universities, summer classes run from four to six weeks, although they can be as short as two weeks and as long as 10 weeks . Con: You’ll Lose Some of Your Summer The main disadvantage of taking summer classes is that you’ll lose out on at least some of your summer break. If the class is only two weeks, this is less of a big deal. However, if it lasts for most of the summer, you’ll miss out on the chance to rest and recuperate, which you may need to prevent burnout. Taking summer classes can also mean you’re unable to pursue other opportunities, like internships, seasonal work, and travel. Pro: Graduate Earlier If you’ve fallen behind, such as because you needed to drop a class or you were unable to study full time, summer classes can help you catch up. This will mean you’ll graduate sooner without needing to take more classes than you feel you can handle next semester. It’s always useful to graduate as early as possible and start searching for a full-time job in your field, as you’ll start earning an income to improve your living situation and start paying off student loans that much sooner. Con: Your Scholarship May Not Cover the Costs It’s common to need to pay for summer classes yourself, even if you’re using a scholarship to cover the costs of your education, which can be expensive. One possibility is to look for a cheaper option to earn credit, such as at a nearby college. Just be sure to confirm with your university that the credit is transferable. Pro: Finish Less Interesting Classes Summer is a particularly good time to take general education classes that don’t relate to your major. You’ll be able to complete the classes in a shorter amount of time to avoid spending an entire semester on material you don’t find interesting. Con: The Intensity Can Be Too High You need to be prepared to focus on a single class for several hours a day. If you struggle to learn this way, you may find it overwhelming, especially if you find it hard to connect with the material. If you decide that taking summer classes is the right choice for you, the next step is to find off-campus housing, since dorms are unlikely to be available. For Queens University student housing, you have Foundry Princess. With a rooftop patio and outdoor swimming pool, it’s the perfect place to spend the summer. Book a tour to see the suites and facilities.