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Must-Have Items for University

Using packing lists you find online is a great start, but even those lists tend to miss a few things that many students find invaluable. To make your stay at university as comfortable as possible, be sure to bring all these must-have items to your new apartment. 1. Extra Sheets While you could manage with just one set of sheets, it’s much more convenient to have two sets. This will mean you won’t need to carefully plan when you do your laundry to ensure your sheets are clean and dry before bedtime (remember that you’ll be sharing the laundry room with other people in your building). Having a second set of sheets can also be a lifesaver if you need to wash your sheets unexpectedly, such as if you spill food on your bed. 2. A Couple of Fans Find out if your apartment has AC (and whether you’re able to control the temperature). If the answer is no, you’ll need a couple fans for the summer: one for your bedroom, the other for the living room. 3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones You may not always be able to study somewhere quiet. Noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for helping you maintain your focus in a range of places, such as coffee shops, the library, and various places around campus. Other benefits of high-quality headphones include being able to enjoy music to the fullest, an improved experience when playing video games, and the chance to block out everything that’s making you stressed while you meditate. 4. A Toolkit There are always going to be times when you need some basic tools — and it will become annoying to search for a friend who came to university better prepared than you. Purchase a small toolkit to have just the few things you’re likely to need. 5. Trash Bags Arrive at your new apartment with a package of trash bags you can use immediately . Plus, remember to include trash bags on your shopping list to ensure you never go through the inconvenience of running out. 6. A Backpack You’ll be carrying a large number of books, a laptop, chargers, stationery, and many other items around with you all day. This calls for a decent backpack. One with plenty of pockets is useful for keeping everything organized. 7. An Umbrella Being caught in a downpour is more than just uncomfortable: unless your backpack is completely waterproof, you could ruin your books and damage your laptop. Buy a small umbrella to keep with you at all times. 8. A Laundry Hamper Neglect to bring a laundry hamper and you’ll need to pile your dirty clothes somewhere in your room. Avoid the laundry mountain — since a hamper is inexpensive and takes up minimal space, there’s no excuse not to bring one. 9. Storage Bins Small apartments that lack storage space quickly become messy, even when you put in the effort to tidy up regularly. A solution is to bring your own storage, such as cloth or canvas storage bins. These are also great for toting your belongings to the apartment in the first place. 10. A Scientific Calculator If you’re taking even a basic math or science class, you’ll need a calculator. A scientific calculator is even more important if your major involves any statistical analysis work. 11. A Wall Calendar In addition to having a detailed planner, it’s useful to hang a calendar above your desk. You can use this to quickly check dates and to remind yourself of your most important due dates and events. 12. Extra Pillows and Blankets By packing more pillows and blankets than you need for yourself, you’ll have something to offer guests who want to crash at your place. Plus, this can make the space more comfortable, such as if you host a movie night with friends. Avoid a never-ending packing list by finding fully-furnished student housing. Edmonton has 1TEN on Whyte. The apartments come with all the furniture, appliances, and decor you need, including privacy roller blinds on the windows. Book a tour to visit us before you sign a lease.

How Procrastinators Can Succeed at University

Many people confuse procrastinating with being lazy. In reality, the two are completely different. Laziness means wasting your time. When you procrastinate, you justify the fact you’re not working on whatever you should be doing (such as completing an assignment) by doing something you prefer that does have value (such as chores, exercising, or less-urgent coursework). The bad news is that procrastination makes it difficult to succeed at university. The good news is procrastinators can take steps to become just as studious as the top students in their classes. 1. Divide Big Assignments into Smaller Tasks Large assignments can feel so overwhelming that you never want to start. The solution is to divide them into more manageable chunks. For example, a first step could be to compile the information you’ll need. You can then create an outline for your paper, and finally, write each section. This tactic also works for long readings — simply divide the reading into a certain number of chapters, pages, or paragraphs for each study session. To ensure you stay on track, set deadlines for each of these subtasks. This should mean you’re well-prepared to finish by the due date. 2. Reward Yourself Give yourself a small treat every time you complete one of your subtasks. This can be anything that will motivate you — from a frappé to an episode of a TV show. Reserve bigger rewards for when you submit an entire assignment or take a test. For instance, you could go for drinks with friends or order a meal from your favourite restaurant. 3. Remove Distractions To stay fully focused, take steps to prevent distractions. Tell your roommates not to disturb you, turn off notifications on your phone, and find a quiet place to study (listening to music may help if you need to block out other noise). Your own mind is also a common source of distractions. If you think of something else you need to do and you’re worried you’ll forget about it later, jot yourself a note. Switching tasks will only lead you back to procrastination! 4. Change Location Mix things up by studying in a different location. This is particularly useful when you have something important to do, such as when a major assignment is coming up. Possible options include a coffee shop you’ve never been to before, a new spot on campus, or even a park. 5. Use Sensory Cues When you’re in your regular study space, use sensory cues to signal that it’s time to focus on coursework. You could put a university mascot on your desk (and perhaps give it a little squeeze before you start studying) or light a candle (scented is best). Put the object away when you’re not studying, including when you take a break. Your mind will start associating the cue with schoolwork, which will make it easier to stay focused and avoid temptations to do something else. 6. Be Kind to Yourself If you’re a long-term procrastinator, you can’t expect to change overnight. There will be days when you slip back to your old bad habits and need to work extra hard to submit assignments on time. When this happens, keep a positive mindset and promise yourself that you’ll do better next time. Becoming frustrated will only make it harder for you to tackle procrastination in the long term. You’re at much higher risk of procrastination if you’re unable to focus, such as when you’re constantly bombarded by distractions. This tends to be the case when you live on campus — which is why off-campus student housing is a much better option for procrastinators. For rooms for rent near University of Alberta, there’s 1TEN on Whyte. No matter if you choose to share with roommates or you want your own suite, your fully-furnished apartment will come with a desk, chair, and high-speed internet. You’ll also have access to onsite study rooms for whenever you need a change of scenery. Book an in-person or video tour today.

How to Become an Entrepreneur Between Classes

As early as now, you should learn about entrepreneurship if you see starting a business as the more rewarding career path and don’t want to get stuck in a 9-to-5 desk job. Don't allow your youth or lack of knowledge to deter you from coming up with an idea for your entrepreneurial venture. Just take a look at Mark Zuckerberg, who came up with the idea for what is now known as Facebook while studying at Harvard. Or look up to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, founders of Google, who started working on the search engine during their time in Stanford. Balancing your coursework and entrepreneurial dream can be challenging, but these two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. By following these tips, you can be a successful student entrepreneur and be ready to grow your business once you graduate from university. Bridge the gap between school and business. Choose a major and pick out classes that are closely related to your business idea. This way, you’ll meet professors who are knowledgeable about the business you want to get into, and also have more time to practice on your business endeavours . Feel free to experiment. Use this time to come up with ideas for your business regardless of how outrageous they are. With friends and classmates nearby, you’ll have a ready pool of potential users and access to unlimited feedback - which may not be readily available once you graduate. Write your business plan. Got time to spare in between your classes? Instead of bingeing on Netflix, use this time to come up with a business plan. This is a document that provides a description of your product or service, and an overview of your business. This document should also include a marketing strategy, competitor analysis, funding request, financial information, and many more. Network like there’s no tomorrow. Attend networking events and meetups, and join business organisations near your University of Alberta off-campus housing. These activities give you a chance to meet, connect, and collaborate with fellow students who share the same passions as you. Browse the UA alumni directory and search for entrepreneurs in your field. You’ll be surprised at how many of them will be willing to help. Now would also be a good time to find a mentor willing to take you on and give you a leg up. Take on a part-time job. Better if the job is related to the industry you want to get into. By working in the trenches, you’ll learn how to solve real-life problems, improve communication, and grow your professional network. Take a calculated risk. This is the time to take small risks on small business projects. Even if things don’t work out, learn from your mistakes so you don’t fail at the same thing twice. It’s not about succeeding immediately – it’s about moving on and succeeding the next time. Take advantage of campus resources. Check out the eHUB , which is the University of Alberta's entrepreneurship centre, for resources, networking opportunities, and funding. Use these tips to get your business off the ground. Your university years will provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore, develop, and grow your business. Jumping into entrepreneurship before you graduate is a rewarding experience, and can make your business turn into reality sooner than you think.

6 Tips for International Students in Canada

Heading off to university in Canada as an international student is exciting but also daunting. To ensure you feel at home and make the most of your experience, here are a few things you should do. 1. Research What Your University Has to Offer Spend some time on your university’s website, exploring what resources your school provides. There may even be some services just for international students, such as advice for things like study permits, health insurance, and renting an apartment. In addition, your university may be able to offer you support if you’re struggling with homesickness or adapting to the new culture. 2. Strive to Be on Time One thing you’ll notice when living in Canada is that it’s normal to be punctual. Whether you have a formal meeting or you’re just meeting friends, make sure you’re always on time. If you’re running late, you should send the person a message — but even then, it’s important to arrive no more than 10 minutes late. 3. Learn About Other Aspects of Canadian Culture You’ll find it useful to learn as much as possible about other aspects of the culture in Canada. This will help you feel relaxed and mean that you’ll never need to worry about offending someone. It will also help you build good relationships with professors, faculty members, and friends. Although Canadian culture is diverse in many ways, you’ll find that people are polite but casual. For instance, you should address your professors by their preferred titles but friends by their first names. 4. Take Out Insurance You should have health insurance to cover you in case of illness or injury. Take out travel insurance that includes a medical plan with sufficient coverage. You can ask your university if you’re unsure about what policy to choose. 5. Set Up a Bank Account You’ll also need to have a bank account with a debit card to make purchases and deposits. There are student accounts available that are inexpensive for international students. You’ll usually need to show your passport and proof of address in Canada to open an account. 6. Expand Your Social Circle Take full advantage of your time in Canada by meeting as many people as possible. It may be tempting to spend your time with other international students who speak your native language, perhaps even people from your home country. However, there’s no point coming all the way to Canada to do this! Strike up a conversation with other students in your classes and residents at your student housing. It doesn’t matter if you make some mistakes when you’re speaking English — in fact, you’ll find that you quickly im prove if you have a big group of friends. One more thing you need to do is find somewhere to live. 1TEN on Whyte is a top choice for University of Alberta off-campus housing, especially if you’re an international student. You’ll receive a fully-furnished suite with water and gas included in the price. You can choose to have a bachelor suite to yourself or share an apartment with other students. Book a tour over video call to check out the housing before you sign a lease.

5 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas for Busy Students

You know that you should eat a filling breakfast before you head to class in the morning, but as a busy college student, you may often have little time to prepare something. The solution is to make breakfast ahead of time. The following ideas are varied enough to suit all tastes, dietary restrictions, and budgets. 1. Overnight Oats There’s a good reason why overnight oats are a big trend: they’re easy to prepare and they’re delicious. Just mix the ingredients together and keep them in the fridge overnight. All overnight oat recipes use rolled oats, yogurt, and milk, but the rest of the ingredients are up to you. Plus, you can use dairy milk and plain yogurt or plant-based options like almond milk. Some great combinations to try include : Cherry and almond Peanut butter and chocolate chips Strawberry and chia Toasted almond and honey Consider making a batch at the beginning of the week, trying a different recipe each time. 2. Smoothies If you prefer something light for breakfast, a smoothie could be ideal. Whip up enough for the whole week and store it in freezer-safe mason jars — just make sure you leave enough space at the top of the glass, as the smoothie will expand when it freezes. Experiment with various ideas, trying different types of milk and combinations of fruit. You can also add spinach, protein powder, and chia for more nutritional benefits. 3. Oatmeal Bites For another light breakfast, prepare some tasty oatmeal bites. Combine two part rolled oats, two parts shredded coconut, one part peanut butter, one part flaxseed, and one part chocolate chips. Add some sweetness with honey and flavour with vanilla extract. Keep the mixture in the fridge for half an hour, then remove it and roll the oats into balls. When you store the oatmeal bites in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll last up to one week. 4. Breakfast Burritos Alternatively, you may prefer a hearty meal in the morning. In this case, a breakfast burrito could be just what you need. Sauté the ingredients you want, such as onion, sweet peppers, egg, breakfast sausage, and ham, and then place them in the middle of a large tortilla. You may also like to sprinkle some cheese on top before you fold up the burritos. Bake the burritos in the oven for around 20 minutes. Once they’ve cooled down, wrap them in foil and seal them in freezer bags. To eat, you just need to remo ve the foil and microwave them for around one minute. 5. Hash Brown Egg Nests Eggs are a classic choice for breakfast, but most recipes require you to prepare the eggs in the moment. An exception is hash brown egg nests. All you need to do to create this breakfast is apply some non-stick spray to a muffin pan and then make a nest of shredded hash browns in each mold. Bake the nests for around 15 minutes, then remove them from the oven and add an egg to each. You can crack the egg directly into the nest or scramble the egg first — whichever you prefer. Finally, add your choice of topping: bacon, cheddar cheese, and parsley are all great options. Put the nests back in the oven and bake your hash browns until the egg has set ( about 15 minutes). Let the nests cool before you remove them from the muffin pan and store them in the fridge. They taste best eaten chilled with avocado on the side. Living on campus makes it even harder to eat a decent breakfast because you lack a kitchen to prepare meals in advance. The solution is to find a room for rent. Edmonton students who live at 1TEN on Whyte receive a suite with a kitchen equipped with a fridge, cooktop, and microwave. Apply now for your affordable, all-inclusive student rental.

6 Ways to Use Student Discounts and Save Money

Student discounts can lead to big savings — and they’re often available for the things you need (or want) the most. Take full advantage of these discounts to make your time at university a little less expensive. 1. Carry Your Student ID Everywhere You Go You never know when you’re going to have a chance to use your student discount. Stick your university ID in your wallet and carry it with you everywhere. 2. Ask About Discounts When you’re about to make a purchase, always check if the business offers student discounts — they’re more common than you may think. Don’t assume stores will always advertise the fact that student discounts are available. 3. Pay for SPC Membership You’ll gain even more discounts than you’d receive with your student ID alone if you sign up for the Student Price Card (SPC). Although it does cost $10 per year, the amount you save should mean it pays for itself. You’ll receive discounts on everything from clothing and tech to food, flights, and hotels. It’s especially useful for gaining student discounts when shopping online. 4. Shop Around For big purchases, it’s worth comparing prices at several places before you come to a decision. A more expensive option could work out cheaper due to a student discount. However, this won’t always be the case. Don’t become so focused on finding student discounts that you miss out on an even better offer from a store you don’t usually patronize. 5. Learn About Seasonal Promotions Some companies only offer student discounts at certain times of year. Others increase their regular discount on a seasonal basis. It’s important to be on the lookout for such offers, since they often last for only a short amount of time. Following businesses on social media and subscribing to the SPC newsletter are good ways to stay in the loop. Plus, don’t forget to spread the word when something does turn up to help your friends benefit, too. 6. Sign Up for Amazon Prime Student Take advantage of the fact that you can have six months of Amazon Prime for free followed by a 50-percent discount while you remain a student. This will give you free streaming, early access to deals, and free delivery on orders. While you have the free account, you won’t have access to the Kindle library, but this does become available once your six months are up and you pay the discounted rate. In other words, you’ll have access to a couple thousand books that could be useful to your studies or help you r elax while keeping your brain active. Another way to save money is to live in University of Alberta off-campus housing. 1TEN on Whyte offers fully-furnished rentals designed with the student budget in mind. Our student housing is located within a 10-minute walk from campus and has all the amenities you need, including a laundry room, gym, and study area. Book a tour to pay us an in-person visit or to check out the facilities over video.