Blog Posts

Ways to Set Yourself Up for Career Success at University

Starting university is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your education. It's a time of change, excitement, and new opportunities. You'll meet new people, discover your passions, and explore a whole new world. But do you know that university life is also a great time to set yourself up for career success? Aside from a quality education, university can also equip you with the skills and attributes you need to transition into the real world—but it may take a little thought and preparation on your part. Here're some tips for setting yourself up for professional success while at university. Scrub Your Social Media Presence Employers are increasingly using social media to check out potential employees. A recent survey found that 91% of employers use social media to screen potential hires. So, if you want to land a job, it's essential to clean up your social media profiles. Remember that you must make your digital footprint look more professional and mature to increase your odds of landing a good job . As such, you must remove your questionable and unprofessional social media posts, tweets, and pictures. Also, be sure to populate any accounts that are visible to the public (especially LinkedIn) with professional content. Start a Blog or Website A personal blog or website is more than just product reviews and "what I eat in a day" posts. You can use your blog or website to share your personal and professional achievements to show potential employers that you’re a serious candidate. Moreover, you can use it to reflect your interests and show how you work around different challenges. It’s also a good idea to create a portfolio section on your website to present your best work. For example, if you're skilled or interested in graphic designing, you could upload your samples to your website and attract potential employers. The best part is that starting a blog or website is much easier and cheaper today than some years ago. For example, you can now create and run your website from your on-campus residence or off-campus rooms for rent in Kingston Ontario. All you need is a computer and internet service. Keep in mind that your blog or website represents you and your best work, so make it look professional and interesting. Engage in Extracurricular Activities While your coursework is important, extracurricular activities are just as essential. Student resumes with a good number of extracurricular activities reflect good balance and signal a well-rounded personality. Getting involved in such activities indicates that you excel in communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also suggests that you're confident. Employers may give priority to candidates who have engaged in more extracurricular activities than even the high achievers with no involvement in such activities, so it’s always a good idea to explore options at your university. Network Networking in university can make a world of difference in your professional life because contacts are invaluable in the competitive job market. From professors and alumni to family, friends, and peers, be sure to establish good connections with everyone and grow your network. It may also be helpful to attend industry events and talk to the participants about career guidance, job openings, industry trends, and more. Doing so will leave a good impression on your contacts and help nurture a relationship that may land you your dream job. Get Help From a Mentor A good mentor can change your life for the better. If there is one thing you can truly take away from university, it’s good mentorship from a professor. Not only will your professor guide you in professional decision-making and problem-solving, but they may also help you find a suitable job and could even put in a good word for you. Do an Internship Internships are crucial, especially for fresh graduates, because they can make your resume stand out against that of your peers. In addition, it shows employers that you have basic experience with general workplace protocols and a good work ethic. Besides leaving a good impression on employers, an internship allows you to test the waters in your intended area of work. If you enjoy it, you know it's the right call for you. If not, perhaps it’s time to try out something new.

7 Considerations for Choosing Off-Campus Housing

Living on campus may be the easy option , but it’s rarely the best option . Although it takes less effort to ask your university to find a room for you, there are several downsides. It will end up costing you more, you’ll need to follow dorm rules, and your personal space will be limited. With off-campus housing, in contrast, you can find a place that suits you, share with whomever you want, and learn how to live independently — a skill you’ll need for the rest of your life. To make sure you find the best pos sible housing, take into account the following considerations. 1. Your Budget Student housing varies widely in terms of cost. To figure out how much you can afford to spend on housing, calculate your monthly income and subtract all your other expenses. Try to spend no more than about 30 percent of your total income on housing and remember you’ll need enough left over for the security deposit and utilities. 2. The Right Roommates Your closest friends may not necessarily make the best roommates — it’s more important to choose people with similar lifestyles to you. For instance, your roommates should have similar budgets, expectations for entertaining guests, and ideas about how clean your home should be. If you don’t know anyone who you feel would be a great fit (or you’re just starting at university), you can always connect with potential roommates over social media or inquire about roommate matching services. 3. How You’ll Get to Class Determine where exactly to search for apartments by deciding how you’ll commute to campus. If you want to walk, your home should be a few blocks away at the most. However, if you have a bike or car, you can look farther afield — although you will need bike storage or parking. If you want to use public transit, consider how late the bus or train runs, especially if you plan on taking night classes. 4. The Earlier You Start Looking, the More Options You’ll Have All the students attending your university who want to live off campus will be searching for housing in the same area as you. To avoid being left with places no one wants and apartments far away from campus, start your search as early as possible. 5. Extra Perks If you start looking when there are still plenty of options on the market, you can search for amenities that will make your stay in student housing that much better. For instance, you may be able to find an apartment with high-speed internet, an onsite gym, and modern appliances, such as a washer and dryer. 6. Types of Housing Be aware of the options for student housing in your city. As well as independent apartment buildings, many university towns have dedicated off-campus housing for students. These tend to be near schools and you may have the option of only leasing a bedroom, rather than needing to pay for the entire unit and utilities. 7. Your Gut Feeling Only commit to an apartment when it feels right. If you’re unsure about the neighbourhood , if the building is rundown, or if anything feels off, search for somewhere else. At most places, you’ll need to sign a lease for a year — the last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere you dislike or need to break your lease and lose your security deposit. Want to take the stress out of finding a room for rent? Kingston students can find a home at Foundry Princess. You’ll have access to a range of luxury amenities that you won’t find elsewhere, including a rooftop patio, a swimming pool, and free coffee. Apply now to secure your place while units last.

Ways to Beat Stress at University

Although many people say their time at university is one of the most enjoyable experiences of their life, it’s no secret that college can also be quite stressful. You’re suddenly away from your family, you’re adapting to a different lifestyle, and you need to be responsible if you’re to succeed with your classes. All this can be quite stressful. While there’s not always an easy fix for stress, there are some effective tactics you can use to relax. 1. Work Out Dedicate at least a short time each day to exercise. Experiment with the different activities on offer at your university — the likelihood is there are a variety of clubs and groups you can join, including for sports you’ve never practiced before. Alternatively, you may like to join a gym to use the machines or swim. The important thing is you find something you enjoy; otherwise, you’ll struggle to stay motivated. 2. Sleep Enough When you’re physically active, it’s easier to sleep well — which is another way to beat stress. Set a bedtime and put in the effort to stick to it as often as possible (at least weeknights). Staying up late to study or socialize and then trying to catch up later with naps in the afternoon is no good: your body needs a regular schedule and functions much better when you sleep during the night. 3. Eat a Balanced Diet Sugar can give you a boost in the moment, but when the effects wear off, you’ll feel worse than ever. A balanced diet of healthy carbs (like whole grains) and plenty of fruits and vegetables will ultimately make you feel better, even if that’s not what you’re craving. Plus, eating a balanced diet means you’ll find it easier to maintain your optimal weight — one less thing to be stressed about. 4. Keep Up with Your Hobbies You may feel like you have no spare time for anything but schoolwork, but if you create a weekly schedule, you should find that you can make time for hobbies. Continue with something you’ve always enjoyed or search for opportunities at your college to try something new. 5. Vent to Someone It’s always useful to have someone you can talk to about whatever is making you stressed. Call a family member or an old friend on a regular basis, or find a professional counsellor — your university may be able to put you in touch with someone affordable. 6. Learn to Say No You will have a huge number of opportunities while at university — for extracurricular activities and volunteering as well as classes. It’s crucial to know your limits. If your schedule is too overloaded, drop something. If you’re exhausted and someone invites you to yet another event, allow yourself to say no. 7. Find Healthy Ways to Relax You may feel relaxed after a few drinks, but the stress will remain under that temporary sense of euphoria. Plus, if you regularly drink to relax, there’s the risk you’ll become dependent on alcohol every time you feel stressed. Healthy tactics to use instead include breathing exercises, stretches, or a massage. For instance, if you find that your muscles are often becoming tense, book a massage with a professional or purchase a massager for your neck and shoulders. You’ll find it much easier to avoid stress entirely if you have a comfortable home to return to at the end of the day. At Foundry Princess, we give you more than just comfort: our Queen’s off-campus housing allows you to live in luxury. We have everything you need to destress on site, including a clubhouse equipped with games and a large-screen TV, a fitness centre , and a swimming pool. Plus, we’re right by Queen’s University — you can be at campus in minutes. Apply now to secure the floor plan you want.

Tips for Setting Goals for a New Semester

A new semester is a great time to start fresh and make improvements in your life. To succeed, though, you need to set goals. Since one of the most important aspects of being a student is gaining good grades, it makes sense to set several goals related to studying. When deciding on your goals, take into consideration a few things that are likely contributing to your bad study habits. 1. Class Attendance Whereas many classes at university are technically optional, you’ll be missing out on a full education if you choose to skip them. If you try to teach yourself from your books, there’s a risk you could misunderstand something. Attending class, however, gives you the opportunity to get detailed explanations from your professors to help you fully understand the material. Stop seeing classes as optional and attend all of them, unless you have an excellent excuse. 2. Reviewing Your Notes You take valuable notes when you attend class — or at least they could be valuable. It helps to check your notes soon after you write them, as some parts may be unclear and won’t make sense later. In addition, you should review your notes on a regular basis to remind yourself of the key points. That way, you won’t be relearning information when you study for an exam, but just reminding yourself of the fine details . 3. Required Readings University is different from high school in several ways, including the emphasis on studying in your own time. You cannot expect to succeed if you just attend classes without first properly reading (rather than just skimming) the assigned readings. In addition, you should be familiar with what the readings cover long before the exam. Spend the period right before an exam reviewing your notes and revisiting any points you need to clarify, but not reading in depth. 4. Procrastination Procrastination is an easy habit to fall into, but it’s one that should be avoided. Deadlines for assignments are often long, which can make it tempting to forget about them until a few days before the due date. However, you’ll never do your best work if you leave papers to the last minute. The same goes for studying for an exam: it’s much more difficult to retain information if you stay up all night rather than spreading out your studying over a longer period. 5. Enough Sleep Even if you don’t procrastinate, you’ll retain less if you lack sleep. On weeknights, you need to have a bedtime to ensure you sleep between six and eight hours. 6. Your Study Spot If you’re struggling to stay focused when you study, it could be because your study area is uncomfortable or full of distractions. It’s important to experiment with what works for you — some people focus better when they’re alone, while others perform better when they’re in a room with other people. Commit to finding a few places ( perhaps the desk in your bedroom, the couch in your living room, the campus library, and a favourite coffee shop), since switching things up can help you retain more. A goal for next semester unrelated to your studies should be to find better housing, such as by moving out of your dorm and into student rentals. Kingston students can live in luxury by moving to Foundry Princess. We have a broad range of amenities for students, such as group study rooms, a swimming pool, outdoor BBQ kitchens, and a fitness centre . Join our waitlist to be first in line for a suite when a spot opens up .

A Guide to Shopping for University on a Budget

University is expensive. In addition to paying for tuition, you need to buy all the things that will make your student apartment comfortable. The good news is it’s possible to find everything you need, even if you’re on a tight budget. 1. Stick to the Essentials Create a list of everything you’ll need for college — and purchase only those things. It’s easy to make impulse buys when you’re excited about the prospect of leaving for university, but this could push you over your budget. If you’re unsure about what counts as essential, search for packing lists online and assess what you’ll need. It’s also worth talking to students who are already at university about what they ended up needing and what they could have done without. Finally, talk to your roommates to find out what they’re bringing to avoid multiples of items you can share. 2. Shop in Stores Offering Student Discounts Many stores offer discounts of at least 10 percent if you can show a student ID. You can use this for all sorts of purchases to see some big savings . Find out if a store provides a student discount before you even start looking at what it has to offer. 3. Avoid Products Marketed at Students Some stores (particularly those that offer student discounts) may target some of their items as being for students. These items tend to be more expensive than products marketed toward the general public and have no real benefits. Bear this in mind and make sure you comparison shop to secure the best deals. 4. Consider Quality Purchasing the cheapest items you find can backfire later when these products wear out and need replacing. If you’re unsure about what kind of quality to expect, read reviews. In addition, secondhand items that are still in good condition are often cheaper and more durable. 5. Choose Multipurpose Furniture You can save money and prevent wasted space by purchasing furniture that serves more than one purpose. For instance, it makes sense to choose a coffee table and bedside table that comes with storage. 6. Borrow Items Many items may become useless after you graduate, so it may be worthwhile to rent these things instead of purchasing them. The possibilities range from appliances like microwaves to textbooks. 7. Make Your Own Décor Depending on your artistic abilities, there may be several types of décor you can make yourself. For instance, you can create artwork for your walls (this could be as simple as a photo collage, which is not difficult to do at all), sew some pillow cases , or decorate a box to keep your jewelry organized. You can also repurpose old furniture — often, a fresh coat of paint is all it needs. 8. Buy from Stores in Your College Town Purchase as much as possible (especially big items) from stores near your student housing to avoid costly moving fees. If you buy from a big-name brand, you may be able to place an order to pick up the item from the store of your choice. You can save even more money by searching for affordable student rentals. Kingston, Ontario, students can find a home at Foundry Princess. Choose between furnished and unfurnished suites with one to five bedrooms, according to your budget and preferences. Join our waitlist to be the first to hear when units become available.

A Guide to Applying for Graduate Assistant Roles

Applying to be a graduate assistant is one of the best ways to gain funding for a master’s degree. A typical position will cover your tuition and pay you a stipend. Unfortunately, it’s by no means easy to land a position — a huge number of other students who need to find a way to pay for graduate school are trying to do the exact same thing. The good news is there are things you can do to improve your chances. 1. Don’t Wait Until the Deadline Show universities how much you want the graduate assistant role by applying as early as you can. The likelihood is someone will read your application right after you submit it, which will mean the faculty will be thinking about you that much sooner. 2. Apply for Multiple Roles There’s no reason why you should feel limited only to assistant roles in your department. There are often assistantships available unrelated to any major, such as in campus activities. If you’re able to put forth a strong argument as to why you’re suitable for a role, it could be yours. Plus, just thinking about how to frame your applications will give you practice at selling yourself — a skill you’ll need throughout your career. 3. Connect with Faculty Members If you’re applying for a master’s program at the same university as you currently attend, you have the opportunity to be on close terms with everyone in the faculty. Start networking immediately : introduce yourself to faculty members and let them know your long-term study goals — these are the people who have a say in who receives the assistantship. It’s a little more difficult to form relationships with faculty if you’re applying for a graduate program at a different university, but it’s still far from impossible. Reach out to professors and others involved in your program to discuss your interests and ask about their research. 4. Include a Cover Letter If a cover letter is optional, always include one anyway. It’s difficult to explain the full extent of your experience with a resume alone and impossible to express how excited you are for the chance of landing a role. Ask someone with strong writing skills to check your cover letter — preferably someone who knows what departments are looking for in an assistantship candidate. If your university has a writing centre , this is a top choice. 5. Practise for the Interview A shortlist of candidates will receive an invitation to an interview. Make sure your interview goes well by practicing your technique beforehand. Consider what kinds of questions the interview is likely to ask and come up with some answers. For instance, you’ll likely need to explain why you find the work interesting, what you’re passionate about, and (if the role involves assisting in research) what methodologies you’ll use. Once you’ve been accepted for a graduate program (hopefully with an assistantship!), you’ll need somewhere to live. Being a graduate student and holding an assistant position will be much more challenging than working toward a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll find it easy to focus, work hard, and relax at Foundry Princess. Our Queen’s University off-campus housing provides you with a private bedroom in a suite and onsite amenities like a rooftop patio, swimming pool, and fitness centre . Join the waitlist to he ar about available spaces before anyone else.