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How to Get Off on the Right Foot with Your Roommate

To feel comfortable in your new home, it’s crucial to get on well with your roommate. If you’ll be sharing with someone you’ve never met before, making a good first impression and having reasonable expectations for your relationship is key.

1. Reach Out to Your Roommate

Ask for the contact details of your roommate — meeting each other the day you move in will be less awkward if you’ve already had the chance to chat. You can also use the chance to check out what kinds of things your roommate posts on social media, which can tell you a lot about your roommate’s interests, personality, and lifestyle.

If you’ll be sharing with a few roommates, set up a group chat. As conversation starters, you could ask your roommates what they’ll be studying, how they feel about the school, and what they’ve been doing over the summer.

2. Explore the Area Together

During your first few days at college, you may feel lonely — but striking up conversations with strangers can be intimidating. Ask your roommate to attend events with you to avoid being alone. You could also walk around campus together to figure out how to get to your classes and to locate the most important places. If you want to go farther afield to check out the local area, use the opportunity to go on a shopping trip to purchase things to decorate your apartment.

3. Make Other Friends

There’s a chance that your roommate will end up being one of your closest friends, but it doesn’t always work out that way. It’s more likely that you’ll remain just regular friends or even acquaintances. Even if your roommate does end up becoming your best friend, though, it’s still important to branch out and have your own life. Talk to other people at the events you attend, sign up for extracurriculars you know you’ll enjoy, and establish your own group of friends.

4. Talk About Rules

Have a conversation with your roommate soon after you move in about boundaries. You may want to avoid such a conversation because you don’t want to come across as bossy, but it’s important to establish rules to ensure everyone is on the same page. For example, you’ll need to discuss whether you’ll share any food items, how you’ll divide up the cleaning, and the etiquette for having guests over.

5. Address Problems as They Arise

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid conflict entirely. Instead of expecting your roommate to be a mindreader, talk about any issues that are bothering you before they turn into resentment. Having said that, you do need to realize that your roommate may have some habits you dislike but that are not a big enough problem to bring up. Part of living with others is acknowledging that people from different backgrounds have different ways of behaving in their own homes and what you may consider unusual could be completely normal for someone else.

It’s easier to have a good relationship with your roommate if you at least have your own room in your student housing. Barrie students can receive a private bedroom and bathroom in a suite or townhouse at Arcadian Students. All our floor plans are spacious and located less than a 10-minute walk from campus. Apply for a lease now to move in before next semester.

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What Should You Ask When Touring Colleges?

Once you’ve made a shortlist of the colleges you may like to attend, the next step is to take some campus tours. To make the most of your tours, it helps to ask plenty of questions — not only of the tour guide and the people you meet, but also of yourself! Here are several key questions you definitely need to ask.

1. Why Did You Choose This College?

You may gain useful insights into what makes the college a great choice if you hear other students’ reasons for choosing it. If these reasons resonate with you, this could be an indication that it’s the right college for you.

2. What Are the Classes Like?

Things like class sizes and opportunities for student participation in the classroom can make a big difference to your educational experience. You can also ask students (especially those studying your major) about the opportunities to hear talks with guest lecturers, take field trips, and put the skills you learn into practice.

3. Do You Interact Much with Your Professors?

Professors can simply deliver lectures and mark assignments — or they can be a great source of support during your time at college. Find out from students if the professors tend to be approachable and if they offer students any chances to get involved in research projects.

4. Have You Worked an Internship?

Another way to gain valuable experience and develop contacts in your field is to work an internship. Talk to students about whether the college has helped them find suitable internships and how the experience was.

5. What’s the Social Life Like?

Find out how students spend their weekends — are there events taking place on campus or extracurriculars to join? If you’re interested in a particular club or organization, try to find a student who’s a member and can give you more information.

6. What Do You Think of the School?

In addition to asking students this question directly, observe them to see if they appear happy or exhausted, stressed or motivated. Also consider their tone of voice when they talk to you about their experiences to judge their enthusiasm.

7. How Do I Feel About the Campus?

Your immediate feelings about the campus can be a great indication about whether you’ll be happy attending the college. You may not be able to put into words exactly what you like or dislike, but this is just as important as whether the college offers your major and interesting extracurriculars.

You’ll most likely receive a tour of the on-campus student residence when viewing colleges, but you should bear in mind that a better option for housing is to search for rooms for rent. Barrie students can find a home at Arcadian Students. Our student housing provides you with much more than just a room: amenities include a washer and dryer within your apartment, high-speed internet, a fitness centre, and an outdoor area with a grill, fire pit, and basketball half court. Book a tour to check out our housing on the same day you visit Georgian College.

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How to Enjoy Summer Even with a Busy Schedule

For many students, summer is a time to relax, take a break from studying, and perhaps travel with friends. However, if you need to work, you’re taking summer classes, or you find an internship, your schedule could be as busy as ever. Still, it’s important to enjoy some of the summer — and you should find that you do have the opportunity, no matter how busy your schedule is.

1. Maximize Your Free Time

You may find you have more free time than you realized if you’re simply better organized. When you’re working on homework, don’t allow yourself to become distracted, as the task will end up taking longer than necessary. Unless you have a compelling reason to stay late, leave work or your internship on time — you’ll find that usually whatever else you need to do can wait until tomorrow. Finally, carry a change of clothes with you to avoid needing to go home and you’ll be able to head out straightaway in the evenings. Increasing efficiency in these ways can free up hours of your time.

2. Embrace Downtime

When you do have free time, don’t feel like you need to pack it with activities. What you need most could be just to relax. Check the list you have of everything you want to achieve this summer and decide if some items are not actually necessary. Anything that doesn’t lead to self-improvement, prepare you for the fall semester, or help you reach your career goals should go.

It’s important to have plenty of downtime for both your mental and physical health. Allowing yourself to relax releases tension in your body and gives you time to think. If you even become a bit bored, you may find that your creativity improves, which could lead you to solve a nagging problem or come up with an idea for an exciting project.

3. Switch Off Your Devices

You’re likely wasting some of your free time if you’re always glancing at your phone. While checking social media can be relaxing for a while, spending too much time online can distract you from more enjoyable activities. Besides, messages can almost always wait — especially if they’re from work on your day off. At least occasionally, turn off your devices and leave them inside while you go out to enjoy the summer weather. You’ll notice a big difference to how you feel when you give nature your full attention.

4. Take a Short Trip

Even if you only have a few days free during the summer, it’s enough to take a short trip. Camping with friends is a top choice, as you won’t spend much and you’ll be able to sleep under the stars. Alternatively, you could go back to your hometown or visit a friend who’s also staying at university over the summer but in a different city.

Since dorms on campus are likely to be closed for the summer, you’ll need to search for an apartment. You’ll have a much more enjoyable summer if you look for great housing. You can find fully-furnished rooms for rent in Barrie, Ontario, at Arcadian Students. Best of all, you’ll be able to meet other students who are also living here over the summer at the clubhouse, outdoor lounge, and basketball hoop. Apply now to secure a lease.

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6 Tips for Easing the Transition to College Life

Going from living at home with your parents to college life is a major life change. Many college students find their first year difficult, especially at the beginning when everything is completely new. There are a few things you can do to have a positive college experience from the start.

1. Take Things Slow

Don’t expect to figure everything out immediately. Some things take time, including making friends and even settling on a major. For instance, the first people you meet could end up becoming your best friends, but it’s unlikely. You’ll probably need to attend events, talk to various students in your classes, and search for other opportunities to socialize before you find a group of close friends.

As for choosing your major, give yourself time to explore your interests. You may discover that you like a particular class much more than you expected or a professor could inspire you to pursue a different direction than you originally intended.

2. Allow Yourself to Feel Homesick

No matter how excited you are to start college, it’s normal to feel homesick. After all, you’ll be leaving everyone you know behind and creating completely new routines. This can make for a difficult adjustment. Staying in touch with people back home but also embracing your new life by becoming active on campus can help you overcome homesickness sooner.

3. Learn About the Resources on Campus

Your college likely has a range of services available to help you with the transition. This includes academic advisors who can help you choose the right classes to meet the requirements for your major, a careers centre where you can receive advice about your options after you graduate, and a writing centre where you can improve your papers to gain better grades. There will also be services to help disabled students succeed (such as through accommodations like note-taking assistance in lectures) and mental health services for counselling.

4. Join Clubs

The college experience is about much more than just your studies. By participating in a range of extracurriculars and belonging to campus organizations, you’ll feel more a part of your school. It can be intimidating to go to that first meeting, but you’ll find that a large number of new students will also be attending.

5. Talk to Your Roommates

You’ll be sharing some living spaces with roommates: it’s important to keep channels of communication open to avoid conflict. For example, it can be helpful to have a cleaning schedule and ground rules for things like noise, visitors, and sharing food.

6. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

When you feel better physically, you’ll feel better mentally. Set a bedtime to ensure you get enough sleep every night and never attend your classes sleep deprived. Otherwise, you’ll find that your decision-making and creative capacities are reduced. In addition, try to eat a balanced diet. Avoid sugary snacks and meals high in salt and fat by purchasing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when grocery shopping. It helps to prepare most of your meals, and even snacks, at home.

You’ll find it easier to settle into college life when you have housing that you love. A room in a suite or townhouse at Arcadian Students is a great alternative to living in a Georgian College residence. Not only will you have a private bedroom with an en-suite washroom, you’ll be part of a community of students. You’ll be able to socialize in places like the clubhouse or outdoor lounge, get in a workout at the basketball hoop or fitness centre, and escape to prepare your next paper in the study rooms. Secure a spot now at our lowest rates.

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6 Tips for Preparing to Move Off Campus

It’s common to start out living on campus, only to realize later that this is not the best option for you. Whether you want more privacy and more freedom, the chance to choose where you live and who you live with, or lower rent and no meal plans, moving off campus is the logical decision. Whereas this is nowhere near as big of a transition as moving out of your parents’ home, it still does require some preparation.

1. Choose an Affordable Apartment

Figure out your budget before you even start searching for housing. This will prevent you from visiting places that are too expensive, which can only lead to heartache.

2. Think About Who to Have as Roommates

Pick roommates according to who would be best to live with, rather than who are your closest friends. It’s important that your roommates are able to pay their share of the rent on time, want to keep the apartment clean to the same standard as you, and are good communicators. In addition, your roommates should have a similar lifestyle to you to avoid conflict. For instance, living with people who party constantly when you want peace and quiet to study is a recipe for disaster.

3. Learn About Meal Preparation

You’ll save a significant amount of money if you prepare most of your meals. However, you need to learn how to purchase the right amount of food on your regular grocery run and how to prepare nutritious meals. This will involve searching for recipes, working out your meals for the week, and writing a shopping list before you leave home. You may find that all this requires some practise to get right!

4. Check the Lease

It’s true that the most desirable housing tends to be snapped up quickly, but that’s no excuse for rushing into signing a lease. Read the terms carefully and ask for clarification if there’s anything you don’t understand. The last thing you want is to face hidden fees, struggle to receive timely attention for your maintenance requests, or lose your security deposit.

5. Perform a Move-In Inspection

Before you start moving in any of your belongings, inspect the apartment for damage. Keep a record of what you find to ensure the landlord won’t charge you for damage when your lease ends.

6. Take Out Renters Insurance

It’s worth taking out renters insurance to cover yourself in the case of natural disasters, theft, damage to your personal property, or liabilities. Insurance is a small expense for the protection you’ll receive.

It’s crucial that you choose accommodation where you’ll be comfortable and happy. You can find the perfect room for rent in Barrie near Georgian College at Arcadian Students. You’ll have a private bedroom in a fully-furnished suite or townhouse. You can request to share with friends or let us match you with roommates — in either case, you’ll only ever be responsible for your own share of the rent. Take advantage of our lowest rates of the year by applying for your spot.

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How to Turn Your Hobby into a Revenue Stream in College

The college experience is much more enjoyable if you have a little extra spending money. Working at a part-time job that you don’t particularly care about is fine if you just want to earn an income, but if you want to have fun while making money, your best option is to turn your hobby into a revenue stream. This is possible with a wide variety of hobbies — you just need to be skilled enough to provide products or services that other people are willing to pay for. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Conduct Some Market Research

Find out how other people are already making money from your hobby. Conduct some research, paying particular attention to online marketplaces and freelance platforms. Think about whether you’d be able to provide something to the same standard and how you can make your offering unique. Finally, make a note of the typical price range.

2. Create a Business Plan

You need a clear plan before you jump in. Start by considering how you’ll market yourself or your products. It may be enough just to list your offerings on an established marketplace, but you may like to also set up social media profiles for your business or even create a website — either to sell directly to customers or to showcase a portfolio of your work.

Next, you’ll need to figure out the financial side of your business. This includes how much you expect to earn and how much you’ll need to spend. Bear in mind that you may need to start out offering lower prices than what your competitors are charging. Once you’ve built a customer base and developed a name for yourself, you can increase your prices. When calculating expenses, consider things like raw materials, marketing, and postage.

Finally, decide how much time you’re willing to devote to your side hustle. It’s important not to let it take up so much time that you struggle to keep up with your studies or you need to sacrifice your personal life.

3. Develop a Brand

You’ll receive more sales if people are familiar with your name. Luckily, you’re in the ideal position to develop a brand image because you’re in contact with so many people every day. Begin by promoting yourself among friends and family, perhaps by providing them with samples or free trials. You could then move on to selling to other college students. Provide great customer service and ask everyone you work with to refer you to others or leave you a review online.

4. Look to the Future

If you’re successful with your side hustle, think about how you could develop it into a full-time venture. Use your time at college to iron out any kinks in your idea and learn the skills you need to take your business to the next level.

To run a successful side hustle, you need to have a comfortable space where you can focus. The best solution is to move out of your dorm room and into student rentals. Barrie students can find a new home at Arcadian Students. You’ll have a private room in a spacious suite or townhouse, fully furnished with a double bed, desk, and chair. Sign a 16-month lease today to receive your first month free.

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Where to Travel as a Student This Summer

After a hard year of studying, the long summer break can come as a big relief. To take full advantage of your summer, it makes sense to go travelling — but when you have limited funds, you’re restricted about where you can go. The good news is you have no shortage of great options around the world.

1. Ecuador

The obvious reason to visit Ecuador is to go to the Galapagos Islands, but the country has so much more to offer, including beaches and beautiful nature. Although the national currency is the US dollar, most things in Ecuador are inexpensive, including delicious local dishes. In particular, Ecuador should be at the top of your list if you’re taking Spanish classes in college and want to put your skills to practice.

2. Bolivia

If you’re able to find a cheap plane ticket, you’ll find you spend little once you’re in Bolivia. With the right planning, you can keep to a tight budget and still travel around the country, eat well, and stay in comfortable accommodation.

3. Florida

To bring a spring break feel to summer, there’s no better option than Florida. In fact, going in the summer could be more enjoyable than waiting until spring, as there will be fewer crowds but otherwise the same experience. There’s very little risk of wet or cold weather and you’ll have access to expansive beaches, but you may be able to benefit from off-season pricing at some hotels.

4. Puerto Rico

A favourite destination for college students is Puerto Rico. Downtown San Juan is particularly vibrant — ideal if you’re looking for a party scene with plenty of rum-based cocktails. You’ll have plenty of options for affordable hostels as well as things to do during the day, whether you want to sunbathe on the beach, practise some water sports, or soak in the culture.

5. Costa Rica

One of the safest countries in Central America is Costa Rica. It’s a great destination for adventure sports, hiking, and beaches. To make the most of your trip, do some research in advance to avoid the most popular spots, where you could end up spending more than necessary. There is no shortage of possibilities for places to go, especially outside the big cities.

6. Albania

If you’re able to afford a plane ticket to Europe, a particularly inexpensive country to visit is Albania. This is another excellent place for beaches, but you’ll also be able to enjoy traditional Mediterranean food. Albania could be an ideal option if you want to combine sun and relaxation with trips to castles, archaeological sites, and museums.

7. Thailand

Alternatively, you may like to use your savings to go to Asia. Thailand sees plenty of college students due to the variety of adventure sports available and the low cost of living, which means you’ll spend a minimum on food and accommodation.

8. Niagara Falls

If you’re unable to afford a trip abroad, Niagara Falls can be a great choice. As well as seeing the impressive waterfalls during the day, there’s an active nightlife on the Canadian side. If you want to extend your trip, you could also continue on to New York and spend a couple days there.

Before the summer is up, remember to start searching for room for rent. Barrie students can find a home for the fall semester at Arcadian Students. It’s just a 10-minute walk from campus and has everything you need on site, including high-speed WiFi, a washer and dryer in your suite, and communal areas where you can meet other students. Apply now to secure a fall lease.

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The Pros & Cons of Summer Classes

You have various options for how you could spend your summer. If it’s near the end of your time at university, you could find an internship, whereas if you want to increase your savings for next semester, searching for a job could be ideal. One more option is to take summer classes. There are several advantages to doing this — although there are also some significant downsides. Knowing the pros and cons can help you come to an informed decision.

Pro: Graduate Earlier

The main advantage of taking summer classes is to push your graduation date forward. Depending on how many credits you take, you could finish an entire semester earlier or reduce the workload for your remaining semesters to finish on time without burning out.

Con: Lack of Financial Aid

Many financial aid packages only cover classes that take place during regular semesters. If you’re relying on a scholarship or another type of aid to pay for your education, summer classes could lead to an extra expense that may create financial strain.

Pro: Retake Failed or Dropped Classes

You may be behind schedule if you failed or dropped a class in the past. Summer is a great time to pick a class back up. Since you will have already covered some of the material, it should be slightly easier than starting the class from the beginning.

Con: Options Are Limited

It’s likely that only some classes will be available over the summer. The classes you want to take may not be an option.

Pro: Benefit from Smaller Class Sizes

Many students find they do better in small class sizes, as they feel more comfortable participating. You’ll also get to know more of your classmates and develop a stronger rapport with your professors, which is useful for gaining personalized support and (in the future) letters of recommendation.

Con: A Large Amount of Material in a Short Space of Time

Some students find that cramming a full semester’s worth of material into a few weeks over the summer can be overwhelming. This means summer may be best for classes you know you’re unlikely to struggle with.

Pro: More Intensive

Summer classes tend to take place over a shorter amount of time than classes during the regular semester. This can be great for rushing through material you find less interesting. Plus, there may not be as much additional information in the syllabus, which can be helpful if the class is a general education one rather than one required for your major.

Con: Less Free Time

When you’re working out how much time you need to allocate to your summer classes, you’ll need to account for homework and studying. This could mean you have almost no free time.

Pro: Adjust to a New Setting

International students often find it less intimidating to start with summer classes, as it gives them the chance to settle into new surroundings and meet just a few people before the rest of the students return in the fall. You’ll also be able to explore campus and figure out where everything is while the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Con: More Tests

Condensed classes often mean you’re constantly facing assessments. If you find quizzes stressful and would prefer to have more time to prepare for each, it may be better to avoid summer classes.

If you do decide to take summer classes, you’ll need to find student housing. Barrie students can live at Arcadian Students. You’ll have a private room in a fully-furnished suite or townhouse with great amenities to use over the summer and beyond, such as a clubhouse, fitness centre, and outdoor basketball hoop. Apply now for a lease.

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6 Ways to Gain Work Experience as a Student

Completing college will make a big difference to the job opportunities available to you. Unfortunately, though, most employers still prefer candidates with at least some experience. There are several ways you can gain work experience while you’re still a student to give yourself an edge over other graduates.

1. Use Your College Career Services

Beyond providing you with an education, your college can help you in ways. One service you should check out is career support. An advisor will be able to give you ideas for possible jobs to pursue that match your goals, prepare you for interviews, and check your resume.

2. Search for a Job on Campus

There are usually many opportunities to work on campus. Often, these positions are only open to students, which reduces the competition. Other advantages to working on campus are that it will be easy to get to your job and you’ll have an employer who understands that you need to fit your schedule around academic commitments (like classes and preparing for exams).

3. Volunteer at a Club

A great way to pair your passions with work experience is to join a club at college and volunteer for a leadership position. You may need to win an election to gain the post you want, which could mean you face some competition. If you’re unsuccessful in your first year, consider settling for a different volunteer position and running for the next election after you’ve learned more about the club. This will look extra impressive on your resume.

4. Apply for a Summer Internship

To gain experience for the career you want to pursue, find an internship for the summer. Check your college publications to see if they’re advertising anything you may be interested in and do your own research. Bear in mind that it’s sometimes necessary to apply several months in advance and that the application process can take several steps. Keep a note of upcoming deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.

5. Network with Your Contacts

Utilize all your connections to open up more possibilities than you’d find on your own. Talk to professors, alumni, and family members who have contacts in the field you want to enter. You’ll find that people want you to succeed and will be happy to help.

6. Consider Diverse Opportunities

Avoid limiting yourself too much when looking for a job or internship. Dismissing opportunities because you’re only interested in something specific could mean you end up with nothing. Remember that a wide variety of positions could give you valuable experience, including learning how to collaborate in a team, developing your organizational skills, and working with customers.

After a long day of classes and work, it’s important you have a comfortable home to return to, such as in student rentals. Barrie students can live in a spacious townhouse or suite at Arcadian Students. As well as spending time alone in your private bedroom, you can relax in the clubhouse, work out at the fitness centre or outdoor basketball hoop, or escape to one of the study rooms to work on an assignment. Apply now to secure our lowest rates.

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How to Make the Most of Online Classes

Online classes have now become permanent for many students, for better or for worse. Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to stay focused when you’re staring at a screen than when you’re in the same room as your professor. The good news is that there are ways to stay engaged and take full advantage of your classes, even when they are online.

1. Decide Where You’ll Take Classes

Put yourself in the right frame of mind by designating a spot for all your classes. For most students, this will likely be a desk, but you may prefer the couch in the living room, the kitchen table, or somewhere else in your student housing. Just make sure you won’t face too many interruptions and will be able to remain there comfortably until your class is over.

2. Exercise During Your Breaks

Between classes, step away from the screen to give your eyes a rest and move your body to prevent strain. Depending on how much time you have, you may even be able to fit in a short workout, a stroll, or some quick stretches. It’s best of all if you can head outdoors for some fresh air and sun.

3. Sit Near a Window

If possible, take classes near a window. This will give you some sun all day long, increasing your vitamin D intake. Plus, glancing outside to the trees and blue skies is relaxing, which can keep you motivated during classes.

4. Keep Your Phone Out of Reach

When a class is moving a bit slowly, it can be tempting to reach for your phone to check if you have any messages or to start scrolling through social media. Soon, though, you’ll find that you’re not paying any attention to the class. To take full advantage of your college education, you need to at least try to stay focused. The best way to do this is to keep your phone out of reach during class time.

5. Let Others Know That You’re in Class

Another way you may become distracted is if the people you live with want to talk to you during class. This is particularly a risk if you like to take classes in a shared space, such as in the living room. However, roommates could also knock on your door if you’re in your bedroom. Let everyone around know when you’re in class and need to be left alone. You could even use a system like a sign hanging on your door.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

It’s difficult to stay focused if you’re dehydrated or hungry. Keep water nearby, and perhaps some healthy snacks as well. Plus, figure out when you’ll have meals — if you’re limited for time, you could prepare food in advance.

7. Split Your Screen or Handwrite Your Notes

To avoid missing parts of the presentation, split your screen to watch the class and type at the same time. Alternatively, you may prefer to handwrite your notes. Many students find that this helps them retain information better, and you can always type your notes up later when you’re organizing them after class. Of course, it may be difficult to write quickly enough, depending on how fast your professor talks.

To succeed with online classes, it’s crucial that you’re able to attend in a quiet environment. This means having either a private bedroom or access to a study space. At Arcadian Students, you’ll have both. Our alternative to Georgian College residence provides you with your own room in a townhouse or suite as well as community amenities like a clubhouse and study rooms — and everywhere has fast internet. Apply for a lease now to start getting more out of your time at college.