Blog Posts

Why Cramming for Tests Can Backfire

It can be tempting to put off studying for a test until later, especially if you’re receiving invitations for parties, your clubs keep holding events, or you just want to relax after a long day of classes. As the date of your test nears, you may realize that you’ve done no studying at all and now need to cram to make sure you can remember as much of the material as possible. Although cramming is a common practice , it’s definitely one to avoid, as it can often backfire. Here are some downsides of waiting unt il the last minute to study. 1. You Won’t Remember the Information Classes that form part of your major often build upon one another — you’ll need to remember the material from a current class to do well in a future one. However, if you cram, you won’t retain the information in the long term; rather, you’ll forget everything soon after the test. 2. It’s Exhausting Spending several hours trying to absorb all the information you’ve covered in class so far is exhausting, especially if it’s a large amount of material. When you break studying into small chunks, it’s much less effort. For instance, you could create a deck of digital flashcards to keep on your phone and test yourself whenever you have a short break between classes or other activities. 3. It’s Ineffective for Some Kinds of Tests Cramming is particularly ineffective when you’re preparing for a test that checks your understanding of concepts rather than your knowledge of facts. For these kinds of tests, the best way to prepare is to think about how you would explain the ideas to someone who is unfamiliar with the topic — you could even actually explain to someone. This is less feasible when you’re cramming, as you have limited time and are unlikely to feel creative after hours of reading. 4. You Won’t Have Time to Clarify Any Doubts If you encounter something you don’t understand when cramming, there’s no opportunity to ask your professor for clarification. In contrast, if you start studying in advance, you can make a note of your questions and pay your professor a visit during office hours. 5. You May Not Know What You Don’t Understand It’s also possible you think you understand something when you’ve in fact misunderstood. The only ways to discover this is by doing homework or discussing the material in a study group. 6. It’s Not Strategic Cramming typically means reading as much as possible before a test to ensure you’ve covered all your bases. However, this is an inefficient use of your time, since there are likely parts of the material you know well and other areas where your understanding is weaker. By studying strategically in advance, you can focus just on your weakest areas. 7. You’ll Lack Sleep Sleep helps turn information into long-term memories. It also ensures you feel rested and alert for your test. If you stay up all night cramming, it will be more difficult to focus. Instead of cramming, get into the habit of studying on a regular basis over the weeks leading up to a test. This is much easier to do when you have a quiet place at home where you can focus. Since it’s rare to find peace when you’re living on campus, the best option is to find a room for rent — Ottawa, Ontario, students can choose from a variety of accommodation options at THEO. We have one-bedroom apartments, private rooms, and shared rooms, all of which are fully-furnished . Contact us now to secure your s pot.

How to Use the Class Syllabus to Your Advantage

A class syllabus is one of the most useful tools students often overlook: this document has all the information you need to know about what to expect over the coming semester. Here are several ways to use your syllabus to your advantage. 1. Find Out What the Class Covers Check the syllabus to find out what topics you’ll be covering in class. Depending on whether the class is one you’ve been looking forward to taking or it’s a required class that doesn’t interest you in the slightest, reading the summary could be exciting or it may fill you with dread. In either case, it’s worth reading this information in detail (rather than skimming) to think about if there’s any extra preparation you’d like to do, such as additional reading or looking over your notes from a prerequisite c lass. 2. Acquire the Books and Equipment You Need Carefully check the reading list for the class, as some books may be required and others only recommended. Decide which to purchase according to how important the class is to you and whether you think you may struggle without the additional books. The syllabus will also mention if you need any other equipment for your class, such as software or a scientific calculator. 3. Create Your Schedule Your syllabus will tell you when you need to attend classes, the deadlines for your assignments, and the dates for tests. Use all this information to create a schedule. Write down in your planner when you’ll be attending class and labs, when you’ll do homework, and how you’ll make sure you complete projects on time. 4. Research Your Professor Find out more about the professor who is giving your class through a quick internet search. You’ll also receive your instructor’s contact information on the syllabus — write down the email address to ensure you’ll be able to send your professor a message if you run into any problems. 5. Make a Note of the Weightings for Grades It’s important to know how much a particular assignment or quiz counts toward your final grade. If you have a heavy schedule, you may need to put much more effort into aspects that are weighted higher. For instance, homework may be worth very little in some classes, meaning you could choose to skip an assignment occasionally. However, you should definitely try to complete homework as often as possible, since the feedback you receive will be valuable for projects that do contribute to your grade. 6. Check for Class-Specific Policies As well as grade weightings, your class may have specific policies. For instance, you may be required to attend a certain percentage of your classes to avoid losing credit. 7. Add Office Hours to Your Planner Too many students neglect office hours. You’re paying for an education that includes one-on-one support with your professors when you need it. If you ever have a question that you can’t ask in class or you want guidance before submitting an assessment, attend office hours. Make sure you know when these are by writing in your planner the times listed on your syllabus. Utilizing your syllabus is just the start of making sure this semester is successful. Once you’ve created a study schedule, you’ll need to make sure you stick to it. This is often easier said than done, especially if you’re finding it hard to focus due to facing constant interruptions. Students are able to better concentrate on their studies when they live in off-campus housing. Ottawa students can find a new home at THEO. As well as the student apartments, the building has two conference rooms and 12 study rooms. Book an onsite visit to check out all our great amenities.

3 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Sleep Routine for Better Rest

When you’re a university student, sleep can feel like a waste of time. If you’re not in class, doing homework, or preparing for exams, you want to be enjoying yourself with extracurriculars and social events. All this leaves little time for sleep. You may not even be sacrificing that much sleep — just an hour or two occasionally to stay up a little longer, whether that’s because you want to hang out with friends or you need extra time to finish an assignment. On other occasions, you may decide to pull an all-nighter for an exam the next day, despite the fact that countless studies show this leads to poorer results than pacing yourself. The worst thing about lacking sufficient sleep is you’ll have hardly any energy. You’ll find it more difficult to focus in class, you’ll suffer more from stress, and you often won’t even enjoy fun activities as much. For these reasons, it’s important to make sure you sleep enough. Your best option is to stick to a sleep routine, as sleeping enough only some nights and trying to catch up later tends to backfire. The good news is there are simple ways you can immediately enhance your sleep routine. 1. Start a Nighttime Ritual Create a ritual for before bed that will help you relax and put you in the mood for sleep. This could involve journaling, drinking a mug of herbal tea, or reading a couple chapters of a book for pleasure. By carrying out the same ritual every night, you’ll train your mind to switch off and find that you’re able to fall asleep at the right time. 2. Put Away All Screens It’s difficult to fall asleep straight after using an electronic device. Put away your phone, your laptop, and anything else with a screen at least 30 minutes before bedtime. By ceasing your exposure to blue light, your melatonin levels will rise: your brain produces this hormone when it’s dark to help you sleep. On days when you absolutely have to keep studying right up until the moment you go to sleep, wear glasses to block blue light. 3. Make Your Bed Extra Comfortable You’ll find you look forward to sleeping if your bed is welcoming. Invest in a comforter you love and add plenty of pillows. You may like to include a throw blanket you can use during your bedtime routine. Also pay attention to the rest of the room. First dim the lights — perhaps just have your desk lamp on during the hours leading up to bedtime — and then make your room as dark as possible when you go to sleep. The only way you’ll be able to stick to a sleep routine is if you have a quiet apartment where you’re not constantly disturbed by your roommates. You can find UOttawa student housing that meets your needs at THEO. Choose between a one-bedroom apartment, a private bedroom in a shared apartment, or a shared bedroom. Contact us now to secure the type of room you want.

A Packing List for Going Home for the Holidays

Returning home for the holidays is exciting. You’ll finally be reunited with your family, old friends, and pets. However, since winter break is short, there’s no need to pack too many things — and keeping your packing list light will make transporting everything much easier. At the same time, though, you do want to be comfortable while at home. Bearing both these things in mind, there are a few essentials to add to your list. 1. Plenty of Clothing Unless you left some clothes back home, you’ll need to pack plenty to avoid needing to wear the same outfits continuously. Bring clothes you can use to lounge around the house, items to wear when out with friends, and workout clothes — to ensure you can stick to your favorite exercise routine while you’re away. You may also like to bring a hoodie featuring your university’s name to show off while in your hometown. Finally, make sure you have plenty of warm clothing and accessories, such as gloves, scarves, waterproof footwear, and thick socks. 2. Personal Care Items Run through your morning and evening routines in your head to make sure you have all the personal care items you need. You may be able to manage with some products your family members have (such as shampoo and body wash), but make sure you’ll have everything you need to feel comfortable. 3. Electronics Bring all your devices, even if you intend to take a break from studying. You may decide you do want to do some schoolwork after all, especially if you become bored. Besides, you can use your laptop or tablet for many other things as well. Don’t forget to match each of your devices with a charger — otherwise, you’ll need to borrow them or spend money buying new ones. 4. Presents for Friends and Family Although gifts will take up space in your suitcase, it’s best to purchase at least some before you leave for the holidays. The last thing you want is to be rushing around crowded stores or stressing about deliveries making it to you on time. 5. Books Take full advantage of your time off by catching up on some reading. Bring along a few books that have been on your reading list for a while or find some that will help you prepare for your classes next semester (if you’re feeling keen). If you’ll be traveling home by plane or public transport, you can even start reading on the journey. 6. A Travel Mug With a travel mug, you can always have a hot drink with you during your journey home. Plus, you’ll have something to carry your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while you’re out and about in your hometown. If dorms close over the winter break, you’ll have to go home by a certain date — whether you like it or not. You can gain more flexibility by moving into your own apartment. THEO provides UOttawa off-campus housing where you can live year round . As well as having a comfortable apartment, you’ll gain access to some great onsite amenities, such as chill zones, study areas, a gym, and a basketball court. See it all for yourself by paying us an onsite visit.

9 Ways to Stay Busy This Winter

After winter break is over, it’s easy to become bored after a while if you’re stuck inside with nothing to do. However, even if some of your normal activities are still on pause, there’s plenty you can do to stay busy and make the most of the winter. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Have a Movie Marathon Pick a couple of favourite winter-themed movies or look for new releases on streaming services and settle down in front of the TV for a few hours. This is a great activity to enjoy with your friends or alone, especially if you have plenty of snacks and some hot chocolate. 2. Go Ice Skating with Friends Make sure you stay active over the winter by finding activities that involve exercise. A great choice is ice skating, as it’s only available outdoors during the coldest months. Find out if any events are taking place at your local rink — for instance, you may be able to skate for free on some nights if you show your student ID. 3. Host a Party Host a party in your apartment. You may prefer a small gathering just to catch up after winter break or a big party with karaoke and dancing. 4. Go for a Drive A fun way to spend time out of the house without getting too cold is to go for a drive just to explore what’s around. You may discover new places nearby that you never knew existed, such as hiking spots, restaurants, or interesting towns around the outskirts of the city. Make a note of anywhere you’d like to return to. 5. Give Back to Your Community Winter can be a time of year when people struggle the most financially. Search for opportunities to volunteer through campus organizations or in your wider community. You may be able to join a fundraiser, or you could start your own effort to collect items for a good cause . 6. Take a Ski Trip Find out if a day or weekend ski trip would be in your budget, making sure to account for any equipment you need to rent. Head to your nearest ski resort and hit the slopes. Even if you’re a beginner and need to stick to the easiest routes, you should find skiing gives you quite an adrenaline rush. 7. Go Sledding If skiing is too expensive, a fun alternative is sledding. You can make your own sled out of materials you find lying around. Then, go to the nearest park that has a snow-covered hill — the steeper, the better. 8. Bake Cookies It’s a long-standing tradition to bake cookies during the winter. If a family member always bakes delicious cookies, ask for the recipe. Otherwise, find out how to make some of your favourites , perhaps giving them your own personal twist. Bake a large batch and you’ll be able to give several to each of your friends or share them at events like club meetings. 9. Learn to Cook a New Dish Try cooking a dish that takes you a little out of your comfort zone. To show off your skills, invite a couple friends over for dinner or even host a potluck. Another ideal activity for winter is to think about how you could improve your housing situation in the new year. Use your free time to search for a room for rent — Ottawa, Ontario, has plenty at THEO. You can choose between a private room, shared room, or entire apartment to yourself. Apply now to secure the floor plan you want.

Simple Strategies for Earning Extra Cash

Although there are many free things to do at university, you’ll have more opportunities if you do have some spending money. To avoid taking too much time away from your studies (and fun), it makes sense to find some simple ways to earn a little extra when you need it. The good news is you’re spoiled for choice in terms of possible options . 1. Monetize Your Hobby If your hobby involves making things, you may be able to sell the results online. There’s a large market for greeting cards, jewelry, and handmade clothing. 2. Take Surveys A popular way for students to make money is through taking surveys. After you sign up for a platform and input your basic details, you’ll receive the surveys you’re eligible to take in return for cash and gift cards (typically from businesses you’re purchasing from anyway). You can do the surveys whenever you have a few free minutes and from wherever you are. 3. Handle Social Media for a Local Business Businesses of all sizes need to have an online presence, which typically means being active on social media. However, the smallest companies lack time to even post regularly and answer customer messages. If you’re knowledgeable about what makes for a great social media strategy, you could sell your services to local businesses and organizations. Being able to mention you’ve achieved measurable results will look great on your resume after you graduate. 4. Become a Freelance Translator or Interpreter If you speak another language at a high level (such as if your native language is something other than English or you’re majoring in a foreign language), you may be able to work as a translator. Many organizations, schools, and perhaps even your own university need to translate materials into other languages or need interpreters for international guests attending events. 5. Do Odd Jobs Look out for opportunities to help people in your community, such as those advertised in social media groups. If you have your own car, it will be particularly easy to provide pickups and deliveries. If you have some specific skills to offer, it may be worth making your own post to advertise these. 6. Pet Sitting and Babysitting Make sure your professors and the other staff on campus know that you’re available if they ever need someone to watch their kids or pets. Babysitting tends to involve evenings, whereas pet sitting is more likely to be over a weekend, and you may need to stay in the person’s home. 7. Sell Your Textbooks Research options for reselling your textbooks after you’ve finished your classes. Often, the campus bookstore will give you the lowest rates, whereas you can receive a good amount if you sell to an online retailer or directly to students. As well as earning money, you’ll have more to spend if you save on accommodation by moving into off-campus housing. Ottawa students can find affordable apartments at THEO. We have options to suit a variety of budgets, all of which are fully furnished and have an in-suite washer and dryer. Apply now to secure an apartment that meets your preferences.