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What to Look For in a Student Apartment

Although living off campus is almost always preferable to staying in student residence, not all student apartments are equal. There are certain things you should look for in an apartment to ensure you’ll be comfortable, safe, and happy. Here are a few starting points to guide you.

1. All-Inclusive Rent

Beyond finding an apartment within your budget, it’s best if the rent is all inclusive. This means you won’t need to worry about budgeting for multiple utilities or services, including electricity, heating, and internet bills.

2. Great Amenities

Some amenities are essential, whereas others will enhance your experience. Consider which amenities matter the most to you and only visit apartments that offer these features. For instance, you may want a furnished apartment, onsite laundry facilities, somewhere you can park, or air conditioning.

3. Condition of the Property

It’s crucial to check that the property is in good working order before you commit to a lease. You can check many things during your tour, including the faucets, toilets, water pressure in the shower, outlets, heating, and locks. Also think about how much natural light you’ll gain and whether the windows are leaky. Look at the appliances: are they modern or old and potentially worn out? Finally, consider your impression of the landlord and the other residents in the building to determine if you’d be comfortable living in the apartment.

4. Safe and Convenient Neighbourhood

Since there may be times when you come home late at night, it’s critical that the neighbourhood is safe. You can do some research online, but you should also go with your gut feeling. It’s best of all if you can find an apartment near campus that’s also close to places like a grocery store, a coffee shop, and public transport (if you don’t have a car).

5. Minimal Leasing Fees

Bear in mind that some landlords charge extra fees related to the lease, including approval and administrative processing fees. You may also incur a fee if you want to sublease your apartment or delay signing the lease until later. Since these fees can add up, look for a landlord that will charge you a minimal amount.

6. Conditions of the Lease

Make sure you read the lease carefully and never allow a landlord to pressure you into signing. Ask for clarification for anything you’re unsure about. In particular, check if there is an option to renew your lease for another year — this will prevent you from needing to look for new accommodation.

7. Maintenance Requests

No matter if the building is old or new, you may need to request maintenance at some point. Ask your landlord about how service requests work.
For Brock off-campus living where you’ll receive all the above and much more, there’s Foundry Lofts. Our student apartments are just a 10-minute walk from campus. We have both furnished and unfurnished units available for an all-inclusive price. As well as amenities like WiFi, an in-suite washer and dryer, and self-controlled air conditioning, you’ll have access to our fitness centre, lounges, and movie theatre. Apply now while our lowest rates are still available.

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4 Ways to Build a Strong Resume in College

College is all about preparing for the world of work. In addition to gaining a qualification, you’ll have the chance to participate in activities that will enhance your resume. This is particularly important when you have limited work experience. Of course, not all activities are equal and there are certain things that are extra worthwhile for building a strong resume. Here are a few strategies to consider.

1. Find a Job

One of the best things to have on your resume is an employment history. Start looking for a job by searching for opportunities on campus. These positions are often ideal because you’re able to fit your work around your college schedule. Plus, there tend to be numerous positions available, meaning you should be able to find something that matches your interests and gives you the chance to acquire relevant skills.

Having said that, there’s no need to limit your search to campus jobs. You may be able to find something that appeals to you more through an external employer. Alternatively, you could even start your own venture or think of a service you could offer on a freelance basis, such as childcare, IT support, or dog walking.

2. Search for an Internship Related to Your Career Goals

Another way to gain work experience is through an internship. However, it’s important not to simply apply for anything that comes your way. Instead, think about how an opportunity could benefit you in the future and choose something that will look impressive on your resume. Besides, you have a much higher chance of landing a position if you have a good reason for applying.

3. Use Your College Career Services

Whenever you feel unsure about anything related to employment, use your college’s career services. In addition to improving your resume, you may be able to receive one-on-one support for finding a job, searching for suitable internships, and mastering interview techniques. An advisor can also help you with your career goals, including by telling you what skills you need to acquire and what action you should take now to start preparing.

4. Attend Networking Events

Besides a strong resume, you’ll need connections in your field. Put in the effort to meet people who could help to open doors for you later. Talk to employers at career fairs, get to know your professors on a personal level, and strive to keep expanding your social circle, especially with students taking the same major as you.

Another place to meet people is conferences and other industry specific events. You can even mention your attendance on your resume. While it’s not typical for someone with experience to include this information, it can be helpful for showing your passion and filling up your resume when you have little to include.

After spending a long day in classes and at your job or internship, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to come home to. An alternative to Niagara College residence is Foundry Lofts. Our off-campus student community has spacious suites and a management team to keep the buildings in great condition. Apply now to secure our lowest rates.

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9 Career Options for Music Lovers

The music industry has undergone some extreme changes over the last couple of decades. Consumers no longer purchase music at nearly the same levels as they once did, but that doesn’t mean demand for music has in any way decreased. In fact, changes in the industry have created a range of new careers. Studying a music-related major like audio engineering, music production, or music business could open up these opportunities for you.

1. Sound Engineer

Some of the best-paying jobs in the music industry go to sound engineers. Various jobs fall into this category, including for mapping sound effects for video games, composing scores for movies, and recording sound for TV productions.

2. Music Agent

A career that often comes to mind when talking about the music business is a music agent. You’ll need a good understanding of marketing, project management, and public relations, such as for managing social media, organizing interviews and events, and writing press releases for your clients.

You can represent musicians and bands by finding a job at a music marketing firm or by setting up your own agency.

3. Conductor

Becoming a musician is not the only way to work in performance: you could also conduct an orchestra or choir. You’ll be responsible for choosing the music and creating arrangements suitable for your musicians or singers. You’ll then need to rehearse with your group and attend performances. You may like to start out leading a school band, youth orchestra, or choir. With experience, options may open up in TV and radio or with a performance company.

4. DJ

Successful DJs are outgoing entertainers who know how to create a beat. This path tends to lead to a career as a freelancer, but it’s not difficult to receive referrals if people love your music. You may even be able to land regular work at the same bars or clubs.

5. Recording Engineer

If you’d prefer to work behind the scenes, a career as a recording engineer could be for you. This involves recording songs and then mixing and mastering the tracks. As well as jobs with composers, arrangers, and producers, you may work with a film sound editor or concert production company.

6. Music Journalist

A great way to attend a performance without being in the spotlight yourself is to become a music journalist. You may need to start out as a freelancer until you are able to land a position with a music magazine or another publication. As well as attending and covering concerts, you’ll likely write about new releases, artist profiles, and news items related to the music industry.

7. Songwriter

Behind every great song is a songwriter. If you pursue this career, you’ll be responsible for writing some musical elements as well as lyrics. This is one of the more difficult areas of the music industry to get into. It helps to have some interesting stories to tell along with a knack for writing lyrics that resonate with your audience.

8. Musical Therapist

Music can be healing, especially for patients with mental health conditions but also for those with physical pain. After learning how to use music for therapy, you’ll be able to provide support for people at hospitals, clinics, rehab centres, and assisted living facilities.

9. Music Teacher

As a music teacher, you can be self-employed or work at a school or academy. You can teach one or several instruments or musical skills in general. Whatever you choose, this is sure to be a rewarding career.
Since jobs in the music industry can be competitive, you’ll need to study hard to gain an edge over other graduates. This means searching for suitable student rentals. St. Catharines music students can find a home at Foundry Lofts. As well as being able to study at your desk in a fully-furnished suite, you can head to our onsite quiet study zone whenever you like. Plus, you’ll be able to meet students attending other colleges in places like the fire-side lounge, fitness centre, and game room. Apply now to secure your spot.