Blog Posts

How to Avoid Burnout Next Semester

The lull between semesters is a great time to set new goals based on your successes and challenges. For next semester, make one of your goals to avoid burnout. Not only will this mean you perform better academically, you’ll also enjoy your time at university and be less likely to suffer from physical health problems. Here are some tips to guide you. 1. Keep Your Thoughts Positive It’s easy to always want to do better and to beat yourself up when you fail to meet your own expectations. However, this is unhelpful and won’t motivate you to do better next time. Instead, cut yourself some slack — focus on what you did do well and how you can improve going forward. Similarly, you may feel guilty if you spend your time unproductively. It’s important to remember you need — and deserve — a break, especially at weekends. Although you may have a large amount of homework and need to earn an income, it’s still important to socialize and take time for yourself. 2. Focus on One Thing at Once Students are often told to multitask to fit everything they need to do into their schedule — but this is bad advice. By splitting your attention across more than one task, you give yourself unnecessary stress and actually become less productive. Pick one task at a time and stick with it. This may mean you need to prioritize or even cut some activities out of your schedule. 3. Stick to Scheduled Work and Study Times Block out time to study outside of your classes and try to only study during these blocks. Make sure you designate enough time — that way, the rest of your week can be for other activities. Take a similar approach to work if you have a part-time job or internship. Ideally, you should never bring work home with you and only respond to messages from your manager and coworkers during work hours (unless it’s something urgent, such as about changing shifts). 4. Have a Routine In addition to blocking out time for studies and work, create routines for the rest of your week. For instance, you may like to exercise at the same time each day, go out with friends every Friday night, and create morning and bedtime routines. It’s also worth finding time for daily meditation. These sessions only need to be a few minutes long — they’re great for reminding yourself of what matters and calming down your mind when your thoughts are racing. 5. Set an Intention You could use a meditation session at the start of the day to set an intention. It should be something that will improve your life and move you closer to your goals. In addition to an intention for the day, you may like to set a larger intention for the whole week. Another way to avoid burnout is to live near campus to avoid a long commute. Foundry First is offering student accommodation located just steps from Fanshawe College. Plus, we have some great onsite amenities to improve your student experience, including a fitness center, movie theater, and ping pong table. Contact us to secure a room.

Beauty Must-Haves for University

There will be times at university when you feel groggy but still want to look your best before you face other students. You’ll also have many opportunities to go out with friends — or even stay in for a spa evening. All these occasions call for beauty supplies. When creating a packing checklist for university, don’t neglect the following beauty must-haves. 1. Makeup Brushes Look through your current makeup brushes to check if they’re still in good condition. Moving into your student apartment could be the perfect excuse to purchase a new set. 2. Primer Before you apply anything else, it’s always worth using some primer. This will allow the rest of your makeup to last longer and improve the results. 3. Foundation If you’re ever limited on time, using just foundation may be enough to help you look refreshed and ready for the day. The best foundation will also have sun protection to keep your skin safe from sunburn and aging caused by UV rays. 4. Concealer If you notice any imperfections on your skin when you wake up — such as dark circles under your eyes due to a long night of studying — you’ll be glad to have a concealer to hand. Choose a product that has hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and reduce swelling. 5. Contour After you’ve applied foundation and concealer, you may like a little contour. Whether you need this will depend on the shape of your face. However, even if you don’t normally use it, contour may be useful to have around for costume parties. 6. Blush Give your cheeks just a hint of colour with some blush. This can be extra important during the fall and winter for giving your face a warm glow. 7. Highlighter You can use highlighter as contour or to enhance your skin tone. It’s great to have when you need a confidence booster. 8. Eyeliner One of the most versatile — and essential — beauty products is eyeliner. In addition to classic black, you may like to have a couple liquid liners in bold colours for special occasions. 9. Mascara Find a mascara that will lift and curl your eyelashes as well as darken, lengthen, and thicken them. Make sure the one you choose is also long lasting and waterproof. 10. Lip Gloss Nothing is more glamorous than lip gloss. Consider having an everyday gloss to give your lips a shimmer and some slight colour as well as another that has a frosty or glittery finish for nights out. 11. Eyeshadow If you don’t already have one, invest in an eyeshadow palette with a range of tones. Neutral tones are ideal for everyday use, but you may also like a vibrant tone or two for when you want to make an impression. 12. Setting Spray Some days at university will be long and you may have no opportunity to refresh your makeup. Help it last all day with setting spray. 13. Lip Balm When the air is dry or cold, your lips may start to chap. Have a lip balm you can carry around in your bag and apply throughout the day whenever you need it. It can be difficult to stick to a beauty routine when you live on campus because you’ll be sharing the bathroom with other students, meaning you’ll lack both time and privacy. The solution is to move into off-campus housing. Foundry First is offering student accommodation at just 49 steps from Fanshawe College. Depending on the floor plan you choose, you’ll have an en suite bathroom or will share your bathroom with just one other student. Apply now to secure your spot.

How to Prioritize Your Mental Health in College

College students often suffer from anxiety and other mental health disorders because of the pressures to do well, fit in, and adapt to a new environment . To succeed with your academics and enjoy your time at college, you need to prioritize your mental health, which you can do in the following ways. 1. Compile Resources It’s worth compiling a variety of resources to help you with your mental health before you even need them. Start by finding out what wellness services your college offers and make a note of how to access them. If your school can pair you with a peer mentor or wellness coach, make sure to save the person’s contact information. Other resources you may like to use include apps for relaxation and videos of breathing exercises. 2. See a Counsellor Find out if your college offers counselling as part of its mental health services. These may be available for free or at a discount. Alternatively, you could look for an online therapist at an affordable price, including for group support. 3. Make More Time for Socializing Mental health disorders can make you want to spend more time alone, but isolating yourself from friends can end up making you feel worse. Open up to a close friend about how you’re feeling or search for a support group on campus to find people you can talk to. Sharing what is making you stressed can make your problems feel more manageable. 4. Keep Your Body Healthy Your body and mind are intricately linked: one cannot be healthy without the other. There are several ways to keep your body healthy, including eating a balanced diet, sleeping enough (between seven and nine hours a night is ideal), and exercising regularly. Team sports and fitness classes are particularly ideal because you’re also spending time with other people, which can be more motivating. 5. Schedule Time for Activities That Make You Happy It can feel like your schedule is already packed with classes, homework, and other essentials. However, it’s important for your mental health to make time for activities you enjoy. It can help to schedule these activities to ensure you spend time every day doing something you love. Some ideas for relaxing activities include reading for pleasure, listening to music, making art, and writing down what you’re grateful for. All these are much better for your mind than scrolling through social media. In fact, anything off screen has a stronger link to happiness than activities on screen. 6. Think Positive If you’ve labelled yourself a pessimist, positive thinking may sound impossible. In fact, it’s something you can learn to do. Instead of focusing on the negative, learn to reframe situations as opportunities and learning experiences. 7. Learn to Meditate One way to improve your positive thinking is through meditation. This will teach you about being present, improve your focus, and increase your happiness. You can reap the benefits with just 10 minutes a day. Sharing your personal space with someone else can be particularly trying for your mental health. To live independently but still share time with other people, move into a student housing community. Foundry First is offering student accommodation within walking distance of Fanshawe College. Schedule a tour to check out the floor plans and amenities.

10 of the Best Gifts for Fellow Students

Although it may not be practical to purchase gifts for all your college friends, there’s most likely a few people on your list. Buy them something special without breaking the bank with these ideas. 1. Throw Throw Burrito If your friends enjoy having regular game nights, you may like to give someone a new game for you all to play. A top choice this year is Throw Throw Burrito, which is a combination of card game and dodgeball. 2. Mini Blender You can prepare so many things with a blender, including smoothies, soups, and salsas . A mini blender is convenient even for friends who have limited space. Plus, many models come with a lid for the cup, allowing your friend to take a smoothie on the go. 3. Potted Plant No home is complete without at least a few plants. Choose one that’s easy to care for, such as a succulent that only needs watering every two weeks or so. 4. Slippers Every college student needs a pair of warm slippers to keep their toes toasty. Plus, slippers are much more comfortable than wearing shoes indoors — and changing into indoor footwear keeps your home cleaner. 5. Coffee Maker If you have a friend who spends money on coffee every day, there can be no better gift than a coffee maker. Whereas some machines are likely out of your budget, some simple options make great coffee, such as a classic moka pot. 6. Electric Massager Whether your friend is a college athlete or spends too much time hunched over a desk, an electric massager could provide some well-needed relief. These devices vibrate to massage the muscles and relieve tension. 7. Reusable Notebook A reusable notebook is cost effective and convenient. Your friend will never need to buy paper notebooks again and can save notes directly to the cloud. 8. Mini Projector Anyone who likes shooting videos or taking photos will definitely appreciate a projector. This is a great solution for students who don’t have a TV in their apartment but would like to show off pictures or short films they’ve made. Plus, it also works for movie nights. 9. Bluetooth Speaker A bluetooth speaker is the ideal gift for any music lover. You can find high-quality models that reach high enough volumes to play tunes for parties at budget prices. 10. Diffuser Gift your friend the benefits of aromatherapy with an essential oil diffuser. Even friends who live in dorms or apartments that don’t allow candles will be able to use one of these to infuse their bedrooms with their favourite scent. This time of year, you should also think about a gift for yourself. The best way to improve your college experience is to move into better housing. Students looking for housing near Fanshawe College can find a new home at Foundry First. All our suites are designed with your comfort in mind: they’re equipped with stainless steel appliances, feature modern furnishings, and have an open-concept space to seamlessly connect the common areas . Apply now to secure your spot while there are still rooms available.

How to Have Strong Family Relationships in College

Heading off to college is a major life change. You’ve probably thought about some of the adjustments you’ll need to navigate, such as living in a new place, managing your time, and making new friends. However, you may not have considered how leaving for college will impact your relationship with family members. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining strong bonds and developing a sense of independence. To achieve this, there are a few things you need to do. 1. Discuss Boundaries Before You Leave It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your family about how you’ll stay in touch while you’re at college. If you’re the first child to leave home, your parents may even expect to check in with you every day, but this is unreasonable. You may like to program a chat at the same time each week and agree to call at another point during the week — if your schedule allows for it. 2. Share Only as Much as You Want Never feel pressured to tell your family every detail of your college life. College is a time for finding out who you are. You shouldn’t feel that you’re required to share every experience with everyone. 3. Be Honest About Finances One thing you likely will want to be completely open about is finances. This is particularly true if your family is supporting you by paying for part or all of your education. Discuss how you’re managing your budget — and if you’re unable to work right now, consider asking for more financial support. 4. Understand Expectations When You Return to the Family Home Students often find it difficult to return to their family home when they’re on a break from college because they’ve become used to a greater sense of independence. Talk to your family about their expectations to ensure you’ll feel at ease when you’re back together. For instance, your old bedroom may no longer be a private space just for you, and your parents may expect you to follow the same rules you had during high school or you may be allowed more freedom. It may be helpful for everyone to have a conversation in advance. 5. Talk About Campus Visits Your family may also want to visit you on campus occasionally. Make it clear that they should always let you know in advance and decide how often it’s reasonable for your family to visit. If you’re quite close to home, your family may want to see you regularly at weekends, but they need to understand that you have other responsibilities and want to maintain an active social life. If you’re going farther afield, don’t forget to discuss sleeping arrangements for visits — you may expect your family to find a h otel whereas they may want to stay in your apartment with you. You’ll find it easier to make the adjustment from your family home to college if you move into a comfortable apartment. Students looking for housing near Fanshawe College can find a welcoming student community at Foundry First. You’ll have a private bedroom when you want to spend time alone (such as when calling your family) and community amenities like a lounge, gym, and ping pong table when you want to socialize. Apply now while there are still limited spots available.

How to Dress to Impress for Your Interview

During your time at college, there may be several occasions when you have interviews, such as for part-time jobs, internships, research opportunities, and grad school. First impressions matter just as much as what you say during the interview. By dressing to impress, you send a message about who you are and show that you care about the opportunity. Clothing Tips for Women Women have a variety of options for outfits. You could wear a suit or dress or you could pair pants or a pencil skirt with a cardigan or blazer. If you wear a skirt, it should reach to a little above your knees. Top colours for outfits include black, navy, white, beige, and brown, although some pale shades are also ideal for interviews, including yellow and pink. Clothing Tips for Men Typically, a suit in a solid colour is the best interview outfit for men. However, fitted slacks with a blazer may be a more suitable look for casual workplaces. In either case, opt for black, grey, navy, brown, or white. How Professional Should You Dress? Figure out how professional to make your outfit by considering what other people typically wear at the company. You can find this out by looking at employees’ LinkedIn profiles, checking the company website, or asking people. In some workplaces, it’s more common to wear business casual than formal clothing. In this case, you may like to wear tailored jeans or khakis and a button-down shirt, with or without a blazer. In addition, consider what position you’re applying for. If you’ll be interacting with customers, it’s extra important to ensure you’re presentable. If you’re interviewing for a creative role, you may like to show some personal flair with accessories or a slightly less conventional outfit. Whatever you wear, though, should be a reflection of your personality. Choose Breathable Fabrics Wearing uncomfortable clothing may distract you during the interview. In particular, make sure your outfit is breathable and soft to prevent feeling sweaty or itchy. Cotton and linen are top choices. Outfits for Video Interviews There are some extra considerations when you interview over video call. Neutral tones can help you look the most professional, especially black, gray, white, and blue. You should definitely avoid bright colours , such as neon hues. In addition to solids, patterned shirts are suitable, provided the design is subtle. Test your outfit with your background before the call — you could even choose a background filter according to the outfit you want to wear. Finally, minimize jewellery , especially anything shiny t hat could reflect too much light. Once you start working at your new job or internship, you’ll want to have a home to come back to in the evening where you can relax. Students looking for housing in London, Ontario, can find a home at Foundry First. When you want to be alone, you can chill in your spacious bedroom. If you’re looking for company, you can spend time with your roommates or meet other students in the lounge, at the ping pong table, or in the state-of-the-art theater. Secure your spot today.