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Category: Campus Life

  • Take an Arts Course Along With Your Science Major

    Take an Arts Course Along With Your Science Major

    As a student beginning a scientific degree, you may be tempted to focus only on your required courses. You might be trying to get all your mandatory credits completed as soon as possible, or you may find so many appealing courses in your program that it is hard to narrow down your choices. However, instead of devoting yourself to your course requirements alone, there are many great reasons why taking an Arts and Humanities course is a great idea for students in the sciences, engineering, and math.

    In science and math-heavy majors, the sheer amount of facts, numbers, data and lab work, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Including an Arts course with your electives will give your mind a break, and an opportunity to focus on something different – and chances are you will return to your main coursework clear and refreshed.
    Arts and Humanities courses are more than “books and essays”– they teach valuable and transferable skills such as clear, concise, and informative writing; how to structure, present, and defend an argument or theory; and how to think in critical and creative ways.

    Most colleges and universities offer a wide variety of courses that will enable you to find something that interests you. Some choices may relate more closely to your original major, such as a course on the history of a specific scientific discipline, or the history of scientific progress in a nation or time period. Courses in philosophy and ethics can help you think and argue critically about topics such as how the use or abuse of science and technology can influence our society and culture.

    If you aim for a future scientific career working in a field with international opportunities, language courses are extremely valuable. As the scientific community becomes more international, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other scientists from countries that may not use English as their primary language. Being able to communicate with other scientists and researchers in their own language holds high value, and gives you the ability to learn directly from their original research, rather than requiring translation into English.

    There are also the more creative options, including literature and the fine arts. Courses teaching artistic skills such as drawing, painting, photography, or graphic design will not only offer you the chance to exercise and explore your creativity, but the skills of artistic analysis and design can be useful for creating lab drawings and illustrations for technical documents. Literature courses teach students different perspectives on human nature, and introduce ideas and thoughts that may originate outside the scientific field, but can influence you to explore different theories and methods of creative thinking. Literature studies also give students the skills to learn independently, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously with a community of people expressing different views and opinions.

    These are only a few of the many options available. Check out your college or university’s Arts and Humanities course list, and find something new and different that will engage and inspire you!

  • Alcoholism on Campus

    Alcoholism on Campus

    When we enter college, there are a plethora of unanswered questions we ask ourselves. What is it going to be like; what will my professors be like; how will the environment be different than high school and how will I cope with the common anxieties of tests, quizzes and possibly a final thesis? Many of us have our coping mechanisms. Mine, for example, was coffee and cigarettes. Not only did they keep me up 14 hours a night through college, they also put me in a bad place health-wise.

    Students in college and university often turn to alcohol to “take the edge off”. With high stress and expectations, socially and academically, alcohol can seem like a good idea. However, it can lead to further dependence that becomes more than just substance abuse; it becomes a physical dependence that we call alcoholism.[1][2] Students that are also below the age of 19 (18 in some provinces) are at risk legally, too.

    Where the drinking begins can be a tough question. Individuals could have begun drinking before college which would leave them more susceptible to alcoholism in college and later in life. Regardless, many students tend to drink because of their environment; many colleges have gatherings for faculties and if their colleagues drink they might too, as means of alleviating any type of social stigma.

    Although most students drink socially, it can still have adverse effects on physical and mental health and be attributed to poor academic performance.[3] As the need for alcohol increases, it becomes more of a behavioral issue and can result in expulsion from school. Many college students who binge drink in college learn to drink in moderation after college. However there are a few students who, after finishing college continue to drink to the point of alcoholism, where it becomes a treatable disease.[4]

    In essence, once of legal age, moderate alcohol consumption on campus is fine. A beer here and there will do you no trouble. You don’t need to drink an entire keg to fit in. You don’t want to risk the safety of yourself and others. Just remember to stay safe and drink responsibly!

    References:

    [1] http://www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/projects/alcohol/whydrink.asp

    [2] http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/14/dsm-5-could-mean-40-of-college-students-are-alcoholics/

    [3] http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2014/03/11/update-on-binge-drinking-among-college-students-from-bad-to-worse/

    [4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200906/why-some-phase-out-college-binge-drinking-and-others-are

  • Mental Health Stigma and Prejudice

    Mental Health Stigma and Prejudice

    Stereotyping and typecasting remains prevalent in our society today. Stating that doesn’t mean that it makes it alright to use them against others. In today’s society Mental Illness is accepted, though sometimes, there is still a prejudice about it. Some people do not accept it, and use these stereotypes on people with a mental illness. For example, a woman can be targeted due to her mental illness, possibly creating an atmosphere where sexism can run wild. The media is a constant variable in this role; when someone with a mental illness acts out, the media makes it a headline and top story, mocking them at every turn.

    As the media highlights the bad aspects of mental illness, the world can’t seem to listen and take it as a serious problem that needs to be understood. Instead of investigating deeply about mental health, people take the more ignorant approach for it is easy to do so. What is often illustrated on the news is false or extremely exaggerated. The individuals that do try to understand mental illness often know someone suffering from it, therefore they become more involved and educated on the subject in order to help. Depending on the circumstances, a friend or loved one can be the cause of the negative inflictions that cause mental illness.

    Not only does having a mental illness have its own effects on the brain, people can start to perceive a person that effected person as negative. The person suffering can feel anxiety raising, courage falling, hopelessness settling in as they walk and feel eyes on them. They may feel fearful when going for a walk, going to an event, or even when raising their hand in class. It is never right to put someone in that position of self-loathing or self-doubt, only to make yourself feel higher and more powerful.

    We have all been in both of these places; making yourself feel better by putting another down; feeling put down from someone. Both of these directions will not serve you, or the other person. Of course there is someone who is bigger, smarter, or can do more things than you. There is never a reason to hurt someone, especially someone that cannot help who they are. It is not okay to hurt someone because you do not understand what they are going through. We all go through something at one point or another, so it is better to respect a person then put them down. Let’s erase mental health stigma and create better ways of communicating and helping others- you may need some help in your future, too.

  • Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    It’s finally summer, and weather permitting, you probably can’t wait to get out and have some fun. Toronto in particular has a ton to offer this month, including festivals, sporting events, and other exciting activities.

    If you’re in Toronto this July, be sure to take advantage of some of the following opportunities. What are you waiting for?

    Pan Am Games
    July 10-26
    You’ve probably seen the advertisements on the TTC—Toronto is very proud to host the 2015 Pan Am Games. Featuring nearly 7000 athletes from across North America, South America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, races, courses, and matches are being held all over the GTA. In Toronto, you can watch sports including basketball, swimming, and gymnastics (the full schedule can be found here: http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the opening ceremonies on July 10, as well as the Parapan Am games, happening August 7-15.

    Shakespeare in High Park
    July 2 – September 6
    If you’re a theatre buff, what better way to celebrate history’s greatest playwright? Every year, two Shakespeare plays are performed by a talented theatre troupe in High Park. This July, you can attend the Roman tragedy Julius Caesar (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) or the entertaining Comedy of Errors (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). After enjoying the talent on stage, take a stroll through the park grounds on your way out! Plays are “pay what you can”, with a recommended donation of $20.

    Summerlicious
    July 3-26
    Toronto restaurants—especially those of high calibre—aren’t always the most affordable. Luckily, the Summerlicious food festival in July ensures that some of the city’s best cuisine is accessible and affordable for eager diners. Almost 200 restaurants are offering lunches and dinners and reduced rates, prix fixe. You can find a list of participating establishments and their mouthwatering menus on Summerlicious’s Facebook or Twitter accounts. Hungry yet?

    Beaches International Jazz Festival
    July 10-26
    This music festival is a free event for jazz enthusiasts and experts alike. The Beaches International Jazz Festival offers performances by artists, combos, and bands from around the world, in a lovely lakeshore setting. By popular demand, StreetFest is also returning from July 23-25, when performers will be found making music on street corners and rooftops on Queen East between Woodbine and Beech Avenues. Performances include exciting acts by Chris Thomas King, Kirby Sewell Band, and Bustamento. Come for the music, stay for the food—a variety of gourmet trucks will be parked nearby.

    Sources:</
    http://www.toronto.com/events/pan-am-games/
    http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule
    http://www.toronto.com/events/shakespeare-in-high-park/
    http://www.toronto.com/events/summerlicious/
    http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=4cc95f5923be1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&WT.rd_id=summerilcious
    http://www.seetorontonow.com/annual-events/beaches-international-jazz-festival/

  • Embracing Nature Around Your Campus

    Embracing Nature Around Your Campus

    Being in school can be hard when the sun is shining and the weather is warm. It can also be hard to enjoy nature, but that can be a very important part of the learning process. Wherever you go to school, you can try to embrace the natural world around you and to appreciate the many benefits that people receive from it.

    Many people enjoy being outside, hearing the birds and looking at the trees and flowers around them. Natural settings can be very calming. It can help people relax and relieve stress that they might otherwise be feeling. Outside in the fresh air, people can interact with each other in ways that are harder inside with artificial lighting and stale air. Out in nature, people can see themselves and each other in new ways.

    Nature is not just about feeling good emotionally, however. It is also essential to people’s health. You probably hear a lot about the pollution in the air, which causes diseases and can seriously harm people. Trees help produce oxygen that people need to breathe, but they can also help reduce pollution by filtering out the chemicals in the air. On hot days, they help to keep the temperature down, and they provide shade from the sun. Other plants, including grass, are important, not only to make places look nice, but also to help keep the soil from washing away and otherwise keeping the environment clean and healthy.

    Embracing nature on campus is also about what people can do to help keep the environment healthy. One way to do that is through cleaning up the garbage that collects on the ground. Some schools and universities have clean-up days once or twice a year when people pick up garbage, recycle what they can, and put the rest in bags to take away. That helps to make the area look nice but also removes sharp objects that can injure people and other garbage that can clog drains or cause other problems.

    Your school campus might be small or very large, but you can help it to become an important natural area, whatever its size. Even after school is over for the year, you can start to make plans for how you will embrace nature wherever you go to school next. Many schools and universities have environmental policies, and it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about that. If you see a problem, you can talk to others and see what you can do to help.

    Suppose your school’s administration plans to cut down some trees to build an addition to the school. You could learn as much as you can about the plans and try to think of alternatives to avoid getting rid of any trees. Or suppose your science class wants to go on a nature walk; you could suggest looking at nature right where you are.

    You might find more than you expect once you start to look.

     

    Bibliography:

    Durham College. “DC Embraces Nature During the 2015 Campus Clean-up.” http://www.durhamcollege.ca/new-notable/college-news/dc-embraces-nature-during-the-2015-campus-clean-up

    Project Evergreen.org. “Environmental Benefits of Green Space.” http://projectevergreen.org/resources/environmental-benefits-of-green-space/.

    Roden, Isabella. “Everyday Environmentalist: Go Green on Campus.” http://www.nature.org/greenliving/gogreen/everydayenvironmentalist/go-green-on-campus.xml.

    University of Western Ontario. “Sustainability: Campus Master Plan.” http://sustainability.uwo.ca/initiatives/buildings_green_space/campus_master_plan.html.

     

  • Staying Healthy on a Student Budget

    Staying Healthy on a Student Budget

    As a student, you’re probably spending so much energy (and money!) on your education that you hardly have time to think about your health. However, unhealthy habits add up—whether it’s eating ramen for dinner for the fifth night in a row or the energy drinks you chug to keep you up after an all-nighter, your body will start to feel the effects soon enough. But what do you do when you’re strapped for cash from your latest textbook purchases? If you can’t afford a gym membership or buying your groceries at a health food store, the prospects of a healthy lifestyle may seem dismal to a student at first.

    Your health should be one of your top priorities, even when your schedule or your wallet may not suggest that. Besides the obvious physical benefits of a healthy routine, sticking to healthy habits will actually help you concentrate, remember information, and have the energy to keep going through those long days. Start small: there are inexpensive but effective ways you can watch out for your health as a student.

    Here are a few ways to stay healthy on a student budget:

    Pack smart. There’s room enough in your backpack for stuff besides your books. Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, and pack some healthy snacks for study sessions (fruit or granola are great choices). You should also consider packing a healthy lunch if you’re spending all day on campus—that will deter you from spending your hard-earned money on those greasy food trucks parked in front of the library. (I know it is tempting…)

    Do your research. Even if you’re really strapped for cash, chances are there are opportunities for you to engage in healthy activities that you aren’t even aware you can afford. For example, are there coupons you could be using to get discounts at health food stores? Do yoga studios or gyms offer student discounts on certain days of the week? Know your options before you give up on your health just because your wallet leaves more to be desired.

    Take advantage of on-campus services. Many colleges and universities charge hefty student fees along with their tuition at the beginning of the year (which most students are less than ecstatic about). Instead of doling out your money without a second thought, take a look at the services that are offered to members of your post-secondary institution. Services like gym facilities, counseling, and clinics may be covered under your student fees.

    Compromise. Maybe you can’t afford all-organic goods or a luxury gym, but there are certainly ways to construct your own, alternate healthy patterns. Can’t find a treadmill or a personal trainer? Try running in the park instead (and download one of many exercise mobile apps available online). When it comes down to it, your health is your choice—if you really want to stay healthy, you’re going to find a way to do it that doesn’t involve breaking the bank.

  • Researching a University Campus

    Researching a University Campus

    Going to university is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, so it goes without saying that you want to make the right choice. It’s very important to research different university campuses and weigh all relevant factors before signing off your tuition. Of course, a school’s academic reputation should be one of your top priorities when thinking about post-secondary—you are looking for an education, after all! However, there are other factors that can be just as crucial when you’re searching for your dream school.

    Speaking from personal experience, what’s on the surface of a university can be misleading. I am an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, and before choosing my school, I spoke to current students and did research on forums online. If I had assumed the stereotypes about U of T to be true—that it has a stellar academic reputation, but its students are isolated, mistreated, and overall miserable—I probably wouldn’t have been too keen to attend. However, my actual university experience has turned out to be much more positive. Though the institution lacks in other areas, the factors that were important to me were the vast selection of courses and extra-curriculars and the diversity and cultural community, within the university and Toronto in general. These were all things I considered in my research. You are not just going to school every day, you are living a life there.

    Overall, when researching a campus, it’s important to consult a wide variety of sources. Talk to current and former students (especially those in the program you are applying for), read forums, email departments and offices at the school, or simply go and check out the campus yourself. You should feel confident in your decision to go to university, and that will only happen if you find the school that best fits your needs.

    Aside from academic quality, here are some other things to look out for:

    Location. Do you want to be closer or further away from home? Do you want to be in a big city or a small “college town”? Consider where you will be living (in residence, renting, or commuting from home), as well as the activities and services that are available to you beyond the campus. Also, don’t be afraid to bend yourself a bit and try something new- you may surprise yourself in good way.

    Size. Some people thrive in large and busy environments, while others prefer more tightly knit communities. (Note as well that in general, the larger the campus, the more diverse the offerings of courses and clubs.)

    Social scene. Consider not only what clubs, teams, or other extra-curriculars might interest you, but also what the demographics of the school are (because clubs are often formed out of the interests of the student body). Does the campus suit your interests? If not, is the location of the campus going to make other social opportunities available?

    Cost. University is definitely an investment, especially if you’ll be living away from home. Factor in tuition as well as textbook costs, student fees, food, rent/residence fees if necessary, etc. Also look into scholarships or bursaries available at the school if you are in need of a financial boost.

  • All Work and No Play? How to Balance Work with Fun

    All Work and No Play? How to Balance Work with Fun

    Student life can be super stressful, and don’t worry, we hear you. What, with the constant tests, study group sessions, and seemingly endless stream of readings and homework, it can be understandably difficult to find time for yourself.

    It’s important to do well in school, but it’s also important to take a little time off every once in a while. Doing something that you enjoy is a good way for your brain to relax in-between all the hard work it’s doing. If you go easier on yourself every once in a while, you can reduce your heightened stress levels (a clear consequence of working at maximum capacity all the time). Plus, a break from school is a nice reward for a job well done.

    Of course, just as school shouldn’t eliminate the possibility of fun from your life, constant fun shouldn’t replace the time you’re putting into your academics. Achieving a balance between work and play is a key part of being a good student.

    Here are some suggestions for how you can balance your academics with the time you should be taking for yourself.

    Book it. In the same way that you plan out your school assignments and due dates (at least, if you’re conscientious enough to do so), you can plan fun things for yourself, too. On your calendar, make a note of the things you’re going to do in-between your study sessions. You can take relatively short breaks to watch a movie, go out for a coffee, or read a few more chapters of that book you were working on. Stay true to your schedule and you won’t be wondering where your “me” time went.

    Make it work. If you’re cooped up with your books all day, figure out a way to at least make your studying more enjoyable. (Yes, it’s possible!) Working on an assignment you like will probably make you happier than studying something you couldn’t care less about—which is a good point to note for the future as well. If all else fails, make small changes to your work environment, like putting on a playlist of your favourite songs or studying (productively) in a group instead of on your own.

    Treat yourself. Of course it can be difficult to think about taking time for yourself when you’re cramming for a big test. A good strategy is to focus on your schoolwork first—get it all done and out of the way—but have something to look forward to after it’s done. Make sure to do something for yourself right after the test date, as a reward for all the hard work you did. That way, you can relax with the completed work off your shoulders.

  • Career Profile: Apartment Manager

    Career Profile: Apartment Manager

    Everyone needs a place to live and, if they don’t own a home, they might live in an apartment. When so many different people live in the same building, they need someone to manage things like rent, maintenance and other tasks that keep the building working well. Resident managers are people who do all kinds of jobs like these that help keep apartment buildings looking nice and working well.

    Working as a resident manager can involve many different tasks, depending on the situation. Most resident managers do at least some of the cleaning of public areas like the hallways and lobby. In small places with limited staff, they might also do repairs and general maintenance of people’s showers, sinks, cupboards and anything else that needs work.

    Much of the work of resident managers involves dealing with the people who live in the apartments. They collect rent every month, make arrangements for people moving in or out, answer questions and respond to emergencies such as frozen water pipes or keys that don’t work.

    Resident managers live in the buildings where they work, which might mean that tenants come to them with problems at any time of the day. Because their work is often unpredictable, resident managers might work evenings or weekends, and possibly even at night. However, they can usually take extra time off at a later point if necessary.

    Resident manager jobs usually have no special educational requirements beyond a high school diploma. However, managers should know how to use basic computer programs and be able to communicate well with people. They might need to hold meetings when tenants need extra information, and they need to walk around the property regularly to look for any problems that need to be fixed.

    Looking after the grounds of the building is an important part of the resident manager’s job. This might involve shovelling snow in winter, raking leaves in fall, and mowing the lawn in winter. The building’s caretaker is often in charge of doing these jobs, but the resident manager should be prepared to do them as well, if necessary.

    Salaries for resident managers can vary a lot, from about $25,000 to about $75,000 per year. Most of them, however, earn about $45,000, depending on their education and experience. One way to earn higher salaries is to get official qualifications from real estate management institutes or from other places that train people in that kind of work.

    Another benefit to being a resident manager is receiving a free apartment. They might still have to pay for their telephones, television connections, and other things, but normally the cost of the apartment is included in their salaries and benefits.

    All kinds of people, young, middle aged or elderly, can work as resident managers. If you enjoy organizing things and working with people, it might be the right job for you.

  • Campus Politics: Getting Involved with Student Government

    Campus Politics: Getting Involved with Student Government

    If you’re an avid politics fan, like to connect and communicate with others, and appreciate the work that goes into a good campaign, student government is the thing for you. Here’s some information about my personal experience as a student representative, and why I think you should consider running, too.

    First of all, I want to clarify that I am speaking from my own experience. I was in student council in high school, and I will be a director on student government in my second year of university (which begins in the fall). I don’t know what schools you all go to or the way they handle student representation, so the advice I give you may not necessarily apply in your case.

    That being said, in my opinion, student government (council, advisory, etc.) is a valuable experience. You get to collaborate with like-minded peers, as well as represent the interests of your fellow students. You will likely take on a lot of responsibility, whether it is to plan events, fill out paperwork, or communicate with upper-years, teachers, or administration representatives. It can be stressful and it’s certainly a lot of work. But overall, I found it to be a greatly rewarding experience.

    The eligibility for a student government seat varies depending on the institution, and your respective guidance office or registrar can provide you with more information. However, seats are almost always elected, which means you have to be voted in by your fellow peers. There is typically a campaigning period, during which you can put up posters, distribute campaign materials, make speeches, and so on, in order to convince your constituents that you are the right person for the job.

    If you are thinking of running for a position, you have to be prepared to commit. Not only does campaigning take a lot of effort (you’ve never known true exhaustion if you haven’t stayed up all night cutting out flyers), but the job itself is also very demanding. Of course, your responsibilities depend on your position, but it goes without saying that you’ll have to work hard in order to do your job properly.

    The thing is, though, in my personal experience, it was all worth it. Regardless of how hard I had to work, the effect my efforts had on the student body was evident. As a representative, you are responsible for ensuring that the needs of your peers are met. Even if the scope of your powers seems limited, you actually have the opportunity to make student life better in some way. For me, that was the most rewarding part of the experience, and I am sure that I will get to do the same kind of work next year as well.

    If you’re looking to make a change, no matter how small it may seem, this is one of the ways you can do it. Consider running this year and put your hard work to good use.