Category: Uncategorized

Since housing will be one of your biggest expenses while at college, it’s important to be selective about where you live. The huge number of choices can be overwhelming, but you can narrow down your options by looking for a few key features.

1. Great Location

The first thing you should think about when searching for student housing is where you want to live. As well as being near campus, look for amenities in the community, such as coffee shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. You may also prefer a quiet neighbourhood where you’ll be able to study in peace.

2. Safety Features

Both the neighbourhood and the building itself need to be safe. Consider how comfortable you feel when walking around the neighbourhood as well as security features on the apartment building, such as locks and video surveillance.

3. Reasonable Price

Set a budget before you start your search to immediately rule out any housing that’s too expensive. When you’re figuring out your budget, take into account other expenses you’ll incur, such as books, utilities (unless these are included in the rent), food, and other essentials.

4. Public Transportation or Parking

You may be able to find apartments available for a lower rent if you live slightly farther from campus. However, this could be more problematic than it’s worth if you’ll struggle to make it to your classes. If you rely on public transportation, find out if there’s a bus stop near the apartment and a direct route to campus. If you have your own car, you’ll need parking near the apartment. Alternatively, you may find an apartment that’s close enough for you to cycle to campus, in which case you’ll need bike storage.

5. Furnishings

It’s ideal if you can find a fully-furnished apartment equipped with modern appliances. Not needing to purchase furniture yourself will lead to significant cost savings and avoid complicated logistics when you move out. Having laundry facilities and a full kitchen will make your life more comfortable.

6. Internet Connectivity

You’ll find it difficult to study at home unless you have a fast internet connection. Whether you’re taking online classes or doing research for a paper, you need reliable internet. Ideally, you’ll be able to access the internet in your apartment and other places in the building, such as dedicated study areas.

7. Sufficient Space

Avoid apartments that are especially small, as you’ll likely find you lack enough space for all your belongings. If you’re attending college a long way from home, you may have a large amount of clothing to suit all seasons — and you need to be able to pack away whatever you’re not using. You may also have equipment for sports and hobbies.

Whereas you won’t find most of these features with on-campus housing, you will gain all the above at Parkway Lofts. Our Niagara College student housing is designed with what students want in mind. We offer convenience, affordability, privacy, and comfort all in one place to bring you the college experience you deserve. Apply now!

The start of a new semester is the ideal time to think about the things you could do to have the best semester yet. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure a successful spring semester. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Map Out Your Calendar

As soon as you have your class schedule, write the key dates on your calendar. Then, use this information to create a study schedule. If your classes involve any large projects, break them down into manageable chunks, setting targets to finish each part ahead of the due date.

2. Take Failures in Your Stride

It’s common to occasionally find a class is more difficult than you had expected or to receive a lower grade than you wanted. Instead of feeling down, take steps to improve. Visit your professor during office hours to ask how you can succeed in class. Remember, you can also reach out to your professors via email if you have an urgent query.

3. Use the Academic Resources Available to You

Your university has more ways to support you than just through your professors. For instance, academic advisors can ensure you’re on track for meeting the requirements of your major, librarians can help you find the resources you need for a project, and your campus writing centre can help you fine-tune a paper. Finally, if you’re finding a particular class especially difficult, you may benefit from a tutor.

4. Meet Someone New in Each Class

A big part of university is making social connections. Meeting people in your classes is particularly advantageous because it can improve your motivation. Aim to meet at least one person in each class to have someone you can study, discuss doubts, and share notes with (such as if one of you needs to miss a class).

5. Participate in Plenty of Extracurriculars

Another way to meet new people and enrich your experience at university is to join clubs, organizations, and intramural sport leagues. These are great for developing skills outside of classes (such as leadership skills), discovering new interests, and staying fit.

6. Improve Your Study Practices

You may need to experiment with a variety of study habits to find what works best for you. For instance, whereas some people work best in a quiet environment, others are able to concentrate better if they listen to music or when they’re around other people. You may also discover you’re more productive at particular times of day. Lastly, it’s worth figuring out how long you can stay focused before you need a break.

You’ll be more successful at university if you feel comfortable where you live. Use your free time over the spring semester to search for better housing. Now’s the ideal time to start your search, as the best places are more likely to have availability. For Brock University off-campus housing, there’s no need to look far: you can move into Parkway Lofts. You’ll be just a short distance from campus and have access to a range of great amenities. Apply for a spot now!