Blog Posts

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.

11 Gift Ideas for University Students to Put on Their Lists

When someone asks you what you want as a gift this year, don’t be stuck for what to say. Any of the following items you don’t already own should definitely be on your list. 1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Whether the place you live is noisy or you like to search for a change of scenery when you’re studying, noise-cancelling headphones are ideal. You’ll be able to block out external distractions even when you’re surrounded by other people. 2. Backpack A backpack that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and has enough space for all your textbooks, laptop, and extras is a must-have. One with plenty of compartments to keep all your items organized is better still. 3. Coffee Maker When you’re able to make coffee at home, you can cut out a big daily expense. The most cost-effective models are filter coffee makers, although K-Cup coffee makers can provide a fast and affordable method for brewing coffee when you use reusable pods . 4. Planner Whether you struggle to stay organized or you enjoy setting goals and monitoring your progress toward them, a planner should be a necessity for the coming year. You’ll be able to use your planner to make a note of when assignments are due, create a daily schedule, and keep track of your to-dos. 5. Water Bottle Make sure you stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you everywhere. An insulated flask is better still, as you can keep the coffee that you made in the morning with you. 6. Inflatable Chair The problem with inviting a big group of friends over to your apartment is you may lack enough seating for everyone. An inflatable chair is an ideal solution, as it takes up virtually no space when not in use. 7. Bluetooth Speaker A high-quality bluetooth speaker is much better for listening to music than your built-in laptop speakers. In fact, it’s practically essential for when you have friends over. 8. Mug Warmer If you’re in the habit of forgetting about a hot beverage while studying and letting it go cold, a mug warmer is for you. It sits on your desk and keeps your coffee or tea warm until you’ve finished the whole mug. 9. Phone Mount It’s common for your hand to start cramping after you’ve been holding your phone for a long period of time. Whether you’re watching videos or chatting with friends or family, a phone mount is the solution. There are models that come with a stand as well as those that clamp to your desk, table, or bed. Either also solves the problem of how to look at your phone while eating. 10. Fitness Tracker If you want to be fitter and healthier next year, a fitness tracker needs to be on your list. Most models track physical activity, calories burned, sleep, heart rate, and more. Some even give you ideas for improving your habits and allow you to continuously set more ambitious goals. 11. Desk Organizer It’s easy for a desk to become a mess when you have nowhere to put all your textbooks, notepads, cables, and stationery. A desk organizer will help you clean things up instantly and ensure your study space stays tidy. Give yourself the gift of a better apartment next year by moving into Foundry Princess. Our Queen’s University student housing has everything you need to complete the college experience, including a fitness centre , BBQ courtyard, and group study rooms. Join our waitlist to secure a spot as soon as a space becomes available.

A Guide to Choosing a Science Major

Virtually all science majors are great choices, since there’s a high demand for graduates and a wide variety of jobs available. If you’re inquisitive, patient, and enjoy collaborating with others, a science major could be for you. Plus, since science is a broad area, you can choose anything from astronomy or geology to environmental science or neuroscience. The question is how to choose the right major for you — here are some questions that may help. 1. What Intrigues You? When you study an area of science that you find interesting, you’ll have moments where you experience pure fascination. These moments will motivate you to continue studying even when the material is tough. Think about what you enjoyed most in your high school classes and when discovering science outside of academics. Perhaps you can spend hours examining objects under the microscope, maybe you’re amazed by the origins of life, or it could be that you love finding solutions to problems. 2. What Kind of Career Would You Like? Careers in science vary even more than college majors. Some jobs involve working behind a desk, such as when analyzing data or programming. Others mean you’ll spend most of your day in a lab, perhaps examining samples or conducting your own research. A career in ecology, however, could require a large amount of time working outdoors, and if you study animal behaviour , you’ll likely spend your day interacting directly with animals. You should also think about what kind of schedule you’d like. Desk and lab jobs tend to keep to regular business hours, whereas field research could mean odd hours or even spending time away from home for days or weeks at a time. Furthermore, some majors lead to long-term employment, but studying something like zoology could mean you’re working on projects on a contract basis. 3. How Much Can You Expect to Earn After You Graduate? It’s also helpful to think about what kind of income you’ll be able to make after you graduate. After all, you’re investing a large amount in your education. The best-paying careers tend to be in engineering (of all types) and computer science. Psychology and speech-language pathology are the lowest paying, but they can be the most rewarding for some people. 4. Where Do You Excel Academically? All science majors involve some amount of math and statistics skills, but the extent to which you’ll need these and other skills will depend on the major. For example, biology also requires strong writing skills for reports, whereas there’s a greater emphasis on carrying out equations in chemistry. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and then find out what each major involves by looking at its required courses. Be aware that choosing a science major won’t be an easy ride , even if you enjoy your subject and have always received good grades. A science major tends to require a large amount of studying, which means having somewhere you can focus. Instead of living on campus, it makes sense to search for rooms for rent. Kingston, Ontario, students have their own room in a suite, fast internet, access to group study rooms, and much more at Foundry Princess. Secure your spot now.

How to Get Your Student Apartment Storm Ready

Storms are an unfortunate reality of winter. If this is your first time living away from home, it’s likely that you never needed to worry about preparing for storms before, as this was something your parents took care of. Now that you’re living in a student apartment, though, it’s up to you to take steps to be ready for eventualities like a heavy snowfall and perhaps a power outage. Here are some ways to prepare. 1. Buy a Generator If there’s any risk of an extended blackout in your apartment building, it’s worth having a generator. A small one should give you enough power to keep your phone and laptop charged and a lamp on, which will mean you’re able to read or study during the power outage. 2. Learn to Play Board Games Another thing you can do when the power is out is play board games with your roommates. As well as buying a few games, make sure you read the instructions and even play a couple times beforehand. 3. Have Some Candles Ready Candles allow you to illuminate your entire apartment for hours and don’t require any energy. Plus, they create a pleasant atmosphere — and the scented ones smell great. 4. Make Sure You’ll Stay Warm Even an hour without power can mean you become quite cold. Stay warm with clothing you can layer up (including fuzzy socks) and some heavy blankets. 5. Salt Outdoor Areas It’s best to salt walkways and driveways the night before any snow or sleet falls. This will prevent a buildup of ice and mean you’re able to leave your home safely in the morning. 6. Purchase a Snow Shovel Salt isn’t enough to deal with a heavy snowfall. To prevent being snowed in, acquire a shovel as soon as possible — you never know when it could come in useful. 7. Store Extra Gas If you have a car, try to keep your gas tank full over the winter in case of a gas shortage. It’s also worth storing some extra gas for your generator and snow blower, if you have one. 8. Stock Up on Food You may be unable to leave your home and head to the grocery store during and after a storm. Make sure you have enough to eat by filling the cupboards with non-perishable food, including things that don’t require cooking. Bear in mind that there may be an increased demand for such food a couple days before a storm, as everyone else in your area will also be preparing. For this reason, it’s a good idea to add items to your grocery list even before any storm is approaching. There’s no need to worry about clearing snow and salting walkways when you live at Foundry Princess. We have an onsite concierge and you can always submit maintenance requests when you live in one of our student rentals. Kingston students can also take advantage of the 24/7 Avenue C Market at Foundry Princess to pick up food and drink any time. Secure your spot in our student community while spaces are still available.

6 Ways to Succeed in a New Semester

Each new semester is a chance to do better than the last. There are just a few things you need to do to ensure you succeed — here are a few tips to get you started. 1. Create a Schedule Ahead of Time Start by outlining a schedule for the entire semester as soon as you have the dates for your big assignments, tests, and finals. You’ll likely want to tweak your schedule as you go along, but it should be useful for seeing when you need to begin preparing for something important. This will help you avoid leaving a project until the last minute and will ensure you spread out your time evenly when you have a few exams to prepare for. 2. Learn How to Study There’s no single right way to study — what works for your friends may not work for you. It’s important to figure out what allows you to retain the most information and stay focused. This includes studying at the times of day when you’re most alert, choosing a location where you’re unlikely to become distracted, and figuring out how long you should study before you need a break. 3. Meet More Classmates You may find it easier to study if you can talk about the material with other people, perhaps even as a study group. For this to be possible, you need to know at least one person in each of your classes. Put in the effort to reach out to someone and start establishing more connections. 4. Use Feedback When you receive a disappointing grade, it’s normal to feel upset. However, you can actually use this experience as a valuable learning opportunity. Check exactly where you went wrong. Did you misunderstand the material? Fail to answer the question fully? If you’re unsure, ask your professor. Then, you’ll be able to use the feedback for future assignments and do much better. There’s no need to wait until you’ve received a grade to reach out to your professors, though. Whenever you’re finding something difficult or even if you just want to make sure you do extra well on a project, pay your professor a visit. After all, that’s what their office hours are for. 5. Use Other Resources Beyond classes and office hours, your university likely has many resources to offer you. Take full advantage of the materials in your campus library, try out the equipment in the labs, and sign up for workshops to develop study skills. If you’re struggling with any of your classes, consider receiving extra support from a tutor. 6. Participate in More Than Academics Being successful at university is about more than just academics. Make this a time of your life to remember and gain valuable experiences by participating in extracurriculars. Join a club, organization, or sports team to meet other students and discover new passions. To study hard, you need to be in control of your life. For many students, this means moving off campus into student rentals. Find apartments near Queen’s University at Foundry Princess. We provide you with everything you need to have a successful semester, including pure fibre internet, community study rooms, and an onsite Avenue C market. Apply for a room now while spaces are still available.