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Living September 6, 2017

Things I wish I knew in my first year of university

Every September I get a little nostalgic. I loved my university days — wearing sweatpants to class, toonie Tuesdays at the campus pub, and of course, my days on the student newspaper. But more than that, I loved the university experience. Every day I learned something new and was able to experience something completely different. That first year was incredibly special. I met some of my best friends, found out I hated philosophy, and learned that I was able to be an independent human being, capable of making my own decisions (whether they were the right ones is still debatable).

But first year can also be a little overwhelming. However, if you listen to those with a little more experience (ahem me), you’ll be fine! Here is what I wish I knew when I started university:

Make sure to participate in Frosh Week: I knew a few people who did not participate in any Frosh (or 101-week) celebrations, and honestly, that was a big shame. Frosh week is the perfect time to get to know your campus and the other people in your program. I met some of my best friends during that crazy week and they helped me get through the next four years. It’s also a great distraction before you have to delve into the textbooks.

Have fun, but not too much fun: It’s every students prerogative to have fun during their first year of university. Whether that means hitting the bars or a residence party — make sure you go and mingle with new people. It’s also important to de-stress and take your mind off of school. But remember to make your studies a priority. Most universities and colleges offer grants to first year students that can be renewed if your grade point average is high enough. It’s also plausible that you will have the same professor in your second and third year, so it’s important to make those good first impressions. Don’t goof off too much. Instead of going out with your roommates every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, just go for one of those days. That way you can go all out and have a blast without regretting the decision later.

*Note: It took me a while to learn that Thursday is like a Friday in university speak.

Look for older versions of textbooks: University is expensive. There is tuition, housing, supplies, food, and then textbooks on top of it all. While most first year students want their textbooks new and shiny, make sure to ask the professor what has changed from the older version. If it’s just a few pictures or citations, purchased the older version. Also, don’t rule out used textbook. Most people don’t highlight in their books and the used books usually just have a few bent pages —nothing that can hinder your academic success.

Make your room (or your half) personal: For most, your room has always been an escape. It’s the place where you went when you were mad at your parents, upset about a relationship, or even when you just wanted some peace and quiet. However, residence can be a bit different. First of all, you may be sharing a room with another person, something most of us haven’t done since we were five years old. Make sure that your space really is your own. Find posters, pictures of family and friends, decorate with pillows or add your own blankets. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but make sure the room represents your personality and is able to act as a safe haven from the craziness of university life.

Do your readings: This seems like a lame piece of advice — but honestly, if I had done all my readings during the semester in first year it would have saved me a lot of cramming come exam days. Try using Sundays to catch up on readings. Get off campus, go to a restaurant, café, or even sit outdoors and power them.

Go to a sports game: Sports may not be your thing, but the sense of community and spirit that can be found at a university sports game is incredible. Not only is it a chance to dress up in your school colours and grab a few drinks with friends, the high you get from cheering a winning (or even a loosing) team is really unique. You may even gain a small appreciation of the sport of your choice. My only other piece of advice would be to dress appropriately. Football begins in the fall and it can get pretty cool in those stadiums so make sure to wear layers.

Don’t be afraid to get help: University can be overwhelming. You may only have five or six classes, but each one has an extensive reading list and many assignments. Not to mention there is the pressure of living on your own, working a part-time job, and any other life commitments. It’s okay to be stressed and anxious. Make sure to keep in contact with family and friends who can support you throughout your first year, and remember that nothing is the end of the world. If you need help, ask for it! There are lots of services available on campus and your professors will welcome you during their office hours if there is something you don’t understand. Feel free to take advantage of the on-campus health care, especially counsellors. Remember that it will be tough, but university is a fun experience. Take advantage of these moments while you can!

What advice would you give to those starting their first year of university or college this week?

Living September 6, 2017

How to survive your final year of university

This is not your classic back to school article. Over the next week, most media outlets will post a guide for froshers or first- year students, but not Women’s Post. Today, I am writing for the seasoned student. Going to university is a big transition in any student’s or parent’s life. It is essential to be prepared when dealing with a completely new environment, but what happens when you’re almost at the end of the four years? Students often need that extra motivation and a slight push to survive the daunting final year of university. By my third year the stress and assignments were overwhelming, and I was already worrying about if I would survive the final semester. With looming dissertations and logging co-op hours, there are certain things you should be aware of if you want to successfully survive your final year of university.

Plan It Out

Remember those useful school agendas they give you at the beginning of the school year? It’s time to use it and schedule your life properly. If you are trying to manage an internship along wth your final projects or thesis, it is wise to manage your time. You should essentially have a to-do list planned for every day, so you know how to properly divide your time.

Get Help

You know the ropes of the school and you should be familiar with all your professors and deadlines. Don’t become stressed; seek help or advice if you need it. If you need an assignment extension, most professors can be understanding once you put in the work. Their only goal is to mentor you to success.

Get Sleep

It might sound difficult to do, but by fourth year you should be over the ‘all nighters.’ The better your sleep quality, the more mental clarity you will have to execute tasks. If you plan out your schedule you can hopefully avoid having to stay up too late doing work.

Work Hard

This is your final lap. It is your chance to close off the four years the way you want to. If you’re not used to working hard, it’s time to do so now. You should make sure all your credits are in order and maybe even have a chat with your advisor to ensure you are on the right path to be cleared for graduation. There is a fun game my friends and I used to play in university called ‘’what’s the minimum percentage I need in order to pass this class.’’ It’s not a fun game. However, there are moments that you may feel this way. Just push harder and spend those extra hours at the library if you need to. You should also balance this out with friends, have study groups or enjoy your study breaks reflecting on how you made it this far. These are the little moment you will miss.

Play Hard

In addition to working hard, many believe you should play hard as well. Don’t feel guilty about taking a night or two off. Have fun — you are in your prime and you won’t get these university moments back. So if your school is hosting the usual mid-semester gala or pub night, give yourself a break and have a fun night off. If you don’t want to party, indulge in other fun activities of your choosing. Yoga is always a fun break and a way to distress.

The Future

So this is the miserable and daunting part that you want to avoid. Talking about an uncertain future. I know i’m not the only one to bring it up. By fourth year, almost every stranger you meet is going to ask you what you have planned for the future. Is it grad school ? Do you have a job lined up ? The questions are relentless and frustrating. The obvious choice is to block it out, but you have to face this reality. If you’re thinking about graduate school, you should already be working on your application by the beginning of the final semester. If you need letters of recommendation from your professors, get on it because professors have deadlines too. As for the job hunting,the same applies. Get started as soon as you can but don’t give yourself unrealistic expectations. Many graduates don’t find a job they are happy with almost one year or more after graduation. Nothing can prepare you for the world outside of school.

Get Experience

It is vital to get as much experience you can through internships and volunteer work while you still have the “student” label. These connections can help you build bridges for future positions and connections. Many companies hire from a pool of school-based interns, so this can be a good way in. The experience will also go toward building your resume.

Don’t Worry

Worry is a waste of time and as the quote goes, “You can’t change yesterday, but you can ruin today by worrying about tomorrow.” These words are more powerful than you know and it would be a shame to spend your final year of university so worried and stressed out that you miss it entirely. In my final year of undergrad there were many sleepless nights filled with worry and tears, but I always tried to envision myself in my graduation gown , going up on stage to collect my degree. Guess what, it happened. The thing is by fourth year you’re burnt out and over it and you just want to be finished already. Just be patient, it’s going to take some time and it wont be easy. Don’t fill your final year with regret and stress. Instead have fun and enjoy the final moments. Laugh with your friends, explore your campus, network with your professors for future contact. It won’t hit you right away but when next September comes around and there is no back to school, you may be surprised how much you miss it.

Some of the best memories, moments, and friends can be made during your university years so enjoy it and cherish them.

Home & Garden September 2, 2016

How to make your dorm your own

Moving away from home for the first time is an exciting and scary adventure. On one hand, you finally have independence from your parents, but then you have to make sure you can actually take care of yourself. Creating a fun and organized dorm room is the way to make that happen.

The first step when moving into a dorm room is to assess the size of the room and figure out what fits in the small space. I had my own room in residence and it came with a twin bed, dresser, and desk. It was literally the size of a closet (honestly, I was just glad I had my own room). Here are a few tips from a university veteran.

Good vibes

By creating a room with colourful and dynamic art, it makes an open and enjoyable space that classmates and friends can also enjoy. When I moved into residence, I was a poor student and had to be creative with my decorating skills. I purchased an art magazine called Juxtapose and hung all of the art on my door and walls, creating a collage. I still use some of these art pieces today. Most campuses in Ontario have poster sales if you are looking for something specific. If you do have to share a room, try using a nice fabric or sheet to separate the space and make it more private. You can also buy a funky bedspread and pillows to make the space even more dynamic.

Ways to leave a note

Another decorating trick is to create a message board. I used a roll of blank white paper on a wall to create a writing area for people to sign and leave messages after they stop by. I also used it to write poems and do drawings when I had a sudden burst of inspiration. These papers are now a memento of my first few years at university. You can also hang a whiteboard or chalkboard if you prefer. Having a message area is also a fun way for your friends to leave notes at your dorm if you aren’t there, and also so floor mates can inform you of parties and get-togethers.

Closet organizers

A closet organizer is a must in a tiny room. These hanging units take up virtually no space and help to keep clothes and personal items organized and off the ground. Be sure to keep the area organized though as the compartments can get quite messy if you pile on extra items or random knick knacks. I personally used my closet organizer for undergarments because these items are small and get easily lost if not in a contained area. These organizers come in a variety of styles and sizes, and can be quite stylish.

A wall calendar

University can be chaotic and busy, and having a place in front of your desk with your tests and activities written down is a good way to remember your schedule. I had a large calendar and could record everything from a friend’s kegger to the midterm the next day (hopefully not). Having deadlines visible on a daily basis helped me remember what needed to be done and alleviated stress.

Under the bed storage

Dorm rooms have limited space, so make sure to utilize the space under your bed. Get some short and wide boxes for seasonal clothing or use it to store smaller things like extra toothpaste, Tylenol, and socks. This is also a great spot to store secret snacks when you get the munchies.

Decorating gives character to a room, making it friendly and inviting. It will also make it feel more personal if you feel homesick. Being organized will help you succeed at the “school” part of living in residence (smaller priority sometimes), while the more personal touches will make the tiny room seem like home.

How would you decorate and organize your dorm room? Let Women’s Post know in the comments below.

Fashion August 29, 2016

Your guide to back-to-school fashion

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, it’s time to go back to school!

In just under a week, kids of all ages will be pilling on to busses to be shuttled all over the city. Some may be excited, other’s terrified, but the one thing everyone will have in common is a desire to look good on the first day of school. But, what’s in? What should your kids be wearing this fall? Women’s Post has a few ideas:

For younger children, the freedom of being able to dress themselves may lead to some interesting combinations. If your child really wants to wear polka-dot leggings and a stripped shirt, who are you to argue? But, if they do ask for your input, it’s good to have a few outfits on hand.

Layers are perfect for class and recess. Try jean jackets — they go with everything and you can find them in all sorts of colours and styles. Don’t be afraid to be colourful and fun!

Smocked Boho Swing Top for Girls - Orange Floral — Smocked Boho Swing Top for Girls – Orange Floral

There is a new type of pressure for high school kids. No one wants to look like a dork wandering the halls on their first day of classes. For high schoolers, Women’s Post suggests keeping it simple — Printed tees, for example, with sayings that express your personality. Pair it with some funky jewelry or a funky jacket, jeans, and some rockin’ shoes. Trade in those runners for heels for a night out. An oversized sweater, with leggings or a skirt is a comfortable option for those long study sessions.

Heading to university this September? Remember to dress to impress — but it’s also okay to remain casual. Your best bet is to get clothing that can be worn with dress pants on presentation days, and with ripped jeans for those early morning classes. There are a lot of really comfortable leggings and pants that can be thrown on with a nice shirt for ultimate

Backpacks are critical. You may be spending an entire day on campus, running from one end to another with a computer in toe. Make sure you get a bag that is both stylish and practical. Over the arm bags can hurt your back if you aren’t careful, so try the traditional backpack route. Luckily, there are a lot of really great ones out there that are perfect for both the classroom and the interview room.

Note: no matter what other people say, do NOT wear pyjamas to class. Sweatpants or oversized hoodies are fine, but PJs are just tacky.

What are you wearing come September? Let us know in the comments below!

Toronto September 12, 2013

York University gets ‘verbed’ — and it isn’t a good thing

For any of York U’s 55,000 students it might come as no shock that getting “Yorked” has no less than six entries on user generated slang website Urban Dictionary — and the top two are not too happy reviews of the school.

Whether it is accusations of the administration stifling academic freedom, or the near riot that broke out over imported conflict between Jewish and Muslim students over Israeli Apartheid Week, the string of record breaking, academic career ruining strikes that have plagued the campus, or the never ending stream of sexual assaults that take place on campus, York always seems to get a bad rap.

And the students who wrote these definitions don’t disagree, either.

university

Read on to see the web definitions of ‘Yorked’