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Small vs. Large Universities: What to Consider

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There are many factors to consider when choosing your university, one of which is whether you’d prefer to go to a small or large school. This will help you narrow down your options considerably. However, it’s important to first understand the differences between small and large universities, as well as why someone may prefer one over the other. Advantages of Small Universities Small universities have a maximum of 5,000 students, which creates a community feel. Whereas there are usually too many people for you to know everyone, you will find that many faces quickly become familiar. Students often develop personal relationships with their professors and gain personalized advice from faculty members. There is an emphasis on teaching and students receive individual attention in small classes. Many students choose small universities for the chance to create their own majors (as opposed to following a program the school has designed). Some also like the opportunity to stand out and gai

A Guide to Cleaning Your Student Living Space

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  University life is challenging because you have to juggle your academics, social life, and other responsibilities all at the same time. Unfortunately, once your McMaster student housing accommodations have been neglected, your academics and relationship with flatmates could suffer too. One way to achieve order in this busy time is to spot clean your living space regularly. Below are some steps you can take to clean up your student accommodations, all of which can be done in an hour or two. Before you start, be sure to have a basic stash of cleaning products on hand, such as bleach, disinfectant, baking soda, wet wipes, paper towels, and garbage bags. Make the bed. Your bed is the focal point of your room. Aside from being a place to sleep, it also serves as your lounge and study area. Making your bed first thing in the morning will help you stay on track through the rest of the day. It’s also a simple and easy chore to do that makes the whole space look tidier. If beddings

Energy-Boosting Tips for University Students

University can be exhausting. Most students have full schedules that include attending classes, studying, completing assignments, working, and socializing. Juggling these many responsibilities can really zap your energy over time. Many students seek quick boosts of energy through caffeine, regularly downing coffee or energy drinks. Yet, caffeine can actually do more harm than good. To boost your energy and stay on top of your responsibilities, here are some healthier habits to try. Develop a Sleep Schedule Maintaining a steady sleep schedule plays a major role in staving off daytime fatigue. A regular sleep schedule consists of going to bed and waking up at similar times each day. It’s therefore a good idea to avoid all-night study sessions, partying too late, and late-night gaming. Keeping a steady sleep schedule and sleeping seven to nine hours per night will help you feel energized. Getting enough sleep also enhances mental clarity and elasticity, improving focus, concent

Tips for Living with Roommates

While attending college, there’s a great chance that the person you’ll end up seeing the most is your roommate. They’ll be the first and last people you see during the day, and the people you spend time with in between classes. They’ll also be the people you inevitably argue with the most, whether it’s over dishes or loud music. Living with roommates can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you share your space harmoniously. Set expectations early on Before the semester properly begins, lay down the house rules that you intend to live by. For instance, you may want to have total privacy whenever your door is closed, or refuse to share your toiletries. You may expect the place to stay clean, or to turn the lights off when not in use. Whatever rules you live by, make sure you properly communicate them to your roommate early on. Be honest and communicative You’d be surprised how many problems you can avoid just by being straightforward with one another. Don’t play sil

Tips for Finding Off-Campus Housing

Most students start off excited about the prospect of searching for an apartment — but they quickly realize that it’s no easy process. Adding to the pressure, you have to be sure that you are making the right choice before you lock yourself into a year-long lease. This can be difficult, especially if you have never looked for housing before. However, approaching your search with a plan will increase your chances of success. 1. Start Your Search Early All the other students at your university who also want to live off campus will be interested in the same properties as you. Housing at the best prices and in good locations is always snapped up first. Instead of beginning your search right before school starts up, look early in the summer — before you become too busy with exams. 2. Pick Your Roommates Renting an entire apartment for yourself will likely be prohibitively expensive. The more people you share with, the lower the costs — bear in mind, you’ll be able to split ut

Apartment Renting Tips

Moving away from home and into your own apartment is an exciting experience. However, it can also be a challenging one, especially if you are unsure about what to look for. You can avoid being stuck with subpar housing or needing to live in McMaster residences by following just a few basic tips. 1. Start as Soon as Possible Many other students will also be searching for apartments around McMaster University, and all of them will have similar criteria to you. If you wait too long, the best housing will be gone. You need to begin your search at least one semester before school starts — or even earlier if you want to begin a part-time job or internship. 2. Know What You’re Looking For Make a list of the features your apartment must have, as well as things you would like to have. For instance, you may need to be close to campus or well connected to public transport. You may also want a grocery store or laundry facilities nearby. There’s also the apartment itself: you may pr

Renting an Apartment Versus Renting a Room in an Apartment

When it comes to off-campus student housing, you have two main options: you can rent an entire apartment or you can find a room to rent. There are advantages — and downsides — to either choice. To make the right choice, you’ll need to think about what matters most to you. You Value Your Privacy If you like spending time alone or you value peace and quiet, you’ll be more comfortable in your own apartment. If you rent a room, you’ll need to share common areas with other people who may have very different ways of living. You Need to Save Money Apartments for rent inHamilton are always much more expensive than a single room. If saving money is a priority, a room is the way to go. You’re Difficult to Live With It is important to be tidy when living with other people. Being forgetful or messy may be a cause of conflict with roommates. Think hard about your habits and whether you’d be willing (and able) to change. Simple things like washing the dishes straight after yo