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When you start college, graduation feels so far away that it’s barely worth thinking about. Eventually, though, that last semester will roll around. It’s exciting to move on, but it can also be sad to think about leaving all your friends and your student life behind. Here’s how to make the most of your final semester before you run out of time.

1. Think About Your Future

You only have a few months left to figure out what you want to do after university. This doesn’t mean you need to make plans for your entire life, but you should have an idea of what kinds of jobs you’d like to apply for and whether you’ll need any training or qualifications in addition to your university degree.

2. Enjoy Your Free Time

Once you’re working full time, you’ll have much less free time. Your last semester of college may be hectic at times, but you should still have the occasional afternoon with no responsibilities. Designate a day to rest and enjoy your freedom, even if that means just binge-watching your favourite TV series or playing video games.

3. Prioritize Your Friends

You may never be with all your university friends in the same place at the same time again. Plus, some of your friends may be moving to the other end of the country, which could make it difficult to stay in touch. Take advantage of the time you have left and make memories you’ll treasure forever.

4. Try New Things

If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do or a place you’ve always wanted to visit in your college town, fit it into your schedule. This is an especially good idea if you’ve delayed something until now because it means stepping out of your comfort zone — your last semester is ideal for taking risks and pushing yourself to the limit.

5. Ask Someone Out

If you’re single, one new thing to do is to ask someone you barely know out on a date. No matter if it goes well or badly, you’ll gain something from the experience.

6. Dedicate More Time to Yourself

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by trying to fit too much into your last semester. By now, you should know your limits. Avoid becoming burned out by scheduling plenty of time for your hobbies and for self-care. This is extra important as you near the end of your time at university, as finals and other responsibilities can be stressful. If you’ve given yourself time to relax, though, you’re more likely to gain the grades you want.

7. Appreciate the Mundane

There will be many lasts in your final semester. Some of these you’ll be glad are your last — which is something to celebrate! Acknowledge them all, whether good, bad, or something in between: the last class you attend, your last time at an extracurricular, the last assignment you complete, and the last time you receive a grade.

Your final semester is also your last chance to share an apartment you love with other university students. There are far better options than on-campus housing for shared accommodation. Oshawa students can live at Foundry 1805. You’ll have a spacious bedroom, a bright white kitchen with granite countertops, and community amenities like onsite laundry. Apply now for an immediate move-in.

Winter can be extreme in Canada, and this can make finding the motivation to go to class tough. You’ll find it easier if you’ve prepared to face the weather with some winter essentials. These will help you brave the snow, ice, and cold temperatures.

1. Thermal Gloves

Just sticking your hands in your pockets will mean your fingers freeze every time you need to do something with your hands, like open a door. Some quality gloves are a much better solution. Never choose simple wool gloves, as your hands will be cold if your gloves become wet. You need waterproof, layered gloves to keep in the maximum warmth.

Gloves that allow you to use your smartphone screen are best of all, as they avoid the need to remove a glove whenever you want to send a quick message, answer a call, or scroll through your social media feed when outdoors. Touchscreen gloves are far preferable to fingerless gloves, as even exposing a tiny amount of skin can be painful when temperatures are low.

2. Waterproof Jacket

Another item of clothing that needs to be waterproof is a jacket. Choose one with a thick lining and in a size large enough to fit over your other clothes to allow you to layer up. If you find a jacket with plenty of large pockets, you may be able to forgo a backpack some days. Plus, this is extra convenient when running errands.

3. Scarf

Scarves are some of the best accessories to have in the winter, as they add to your outfit and serve a purpose. Make sure you bring a few with you to university to always have a scarf that complements what you’re wearing.

4. Beanie

Even if you’re all wrapped up, you’ll be cold if you neglect your head, particularly when it rains or snows — the last thing you want is to be sitting in class with damp hair. A beanie is ideal because it’s designed to keep the heat in and you can pull it over your ears. Choose a neutral colour to match all your outfits or stand out with something vibrant like red, orange, or pink.

5. Hand Warmers

When you need to stay out late, hand warmers can come to the rescue. They’re ideal for activities like attending an evening sports game. If your toes start to freeze, you can also put hand warmers in your shoes.

5. Fuzzy Socks

Back in your student apartment, slip into some fuzzy socks. These are excellent for warming up feet chilled from a long day outdoors. Since they come in all sorts of patterns and colours, it should be easy to find a pair you love.

6. Hot Cocoa

Have something to look forward to when you return home by keeping a pack of hot cocoa mix in your apartment. It’s much cheaper than buying hot chocolate from a coffee shop and simple to prepare. Add some marshmallows and whipped cream to give yourself a real treat.

As well as wearing the right clothing, it helps to live near campus. Foundry 1805 offers OTU residence just steps from campus. Plus, you’ll always be warm and comfortable in your suite — since utilities are included in the rent, you never need to worry about your heating bill. Apply to move in immediately while spaces are still available.

Many student jobs have traditionally meant working on site and fitting shifts around your classes, personal study, and other commitments. Today, though, there are numerous online jobs you can do from home. These tend to have flexible hours and there are many options even if you have limited experience — although the pay is higher once you do have experience.

To land one of these jobs, there are a few ways to prepare.

1. Set Up a Blog

If you enjoy writing, a good option for you could be to work as a freelance writer. The first step is to create your own blog. Since there’s no need to request approval to publish posts, this is an easy way to develop a portfolio of work. Whereas it is possible to monetize your blog, you’ll likely find it easier to use your blog as a stepping stone to write for others — either by searching on freelance sites or by reaching out to website owners.

2. Volunteer as an Editor for Your College Magazine

If you prefer editing over writing, find out if your college magazine or newspaper is looking for an editor. This is a great way to develop skills and show you have experience editing. It’s also helpful to have contacts in the editing world, as it can be more difficult to break into editing than writing.

3. Learn Basic Graphic Design Skills

Graphic designers are in high demand for everything from logos and images to accompany blog posts to brochures. If you’re majoring in graphic design, you already have the skills you need to start working. Otherwise, invest in some software and follow tutorials until you’re able to produce work that’s good enough to sell. Again, you can find opportunities on freelance sites as well as on job boards.

4. Take Courses

There are many courses you can take for free or a small fee that will prepare you for all sorts of online jobs. They’ll both teach you the key skills you need and show others that you’re capable.

Some types of courses to consider include:

• Web development
• Video editing
• Photography
• Social media marketing
• PPC marketing

5. Sign Up on a Survey Site

Survey sites are a great way of making small amounts of cash that can add up to large amounts and accumulating gift cards for stores you’d buy from anyway. Sign up on one or more survey sites and fill out your profile. Then you can search surveys you’re eligible to take and complete them whenever you have free time throughout the day.

6. Practice Typing

Typing skills can come in useful for many online jobs and may even be a necessity for some. For instance, you need to be able to type reasonably fast and accurately for audio transcription, video captioning, and data entry. You’ll find that there are many jobs available through freelance platforms and agencies. Better-paying opportunities may open up once you have experience. However, if you’re slow at typing, even these may pay too low to be worthwhile.

7. Improve Your Note-Taking Skills

Many students are terrible at taking notes and are willing to pay for notes they can use to prepare for exams or write a paper. There’s no need to find these students directly: you can sell your notes to online platforms. As you may need to submit your notes on a weekly basis, make sure you maintain perfect attendance. Furthermore, your notes will need to be particularly high quality, which may mean you need to brush up on your note-taking skills before you’re able to start earning anything.

To work an online job, you need high-speed internet and a quality desk. Students who live at Foundry 1805 receive both — and much more. Our Durham College student housing provides you with everything you need to live the college experience in luxury, including a range of great amenities for an all-inclusive price. Apply now before we’re filled up.

If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to give all your friends and family members gifts they’ll appreciate, it may be best to go down the DIY route. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll also make gifts that recipients are sure to treasure more than anything you could buy in the store.

1. Decorated Coffee Mug

It’s much easier to make a DIY coffee mug than you may think: you just need a plain mug, some sharpies, and perhaps some glitter glue. Decorate your mugs in any way you please — draw a picture or write a message that will have meaning to the recipient — and then bake the mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Succulent Garden

Plant a succulent or two in a bowl and cover the top with sand. Draw patterns in the sand with a stick to complete the garden (you can always add some extra objects or pebbles if you wish). Although succulents are a low maintenance plant, you can always use artificial ones — this may be a good idea if the recipient is known for having a poor track record with plants.

3. Bath Bombs

The basic ingredients to make bath bombs are cream of tartar, citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch, and your choice of essential oils for colour and scent. There are various recipes you can follow from simple to quite complex. Make several bath bombs at the same time to check a number of people off your list at once.

4. Jewelry Organizer

There are multiple ways to create a jewelry organizer using items you can find in any thrift store. For instance, you can use an old picture frame with hooks or pieces of fabric, hang chunky bracelets around a glass bottle, or create a jewelry tree from a wide range of objects.

This is a great gift for anyone who owns even a small amount of jewelry — especially if that jewelry tends to end up in a tangled heap in a box or on a dresser.

5. Rice Heat Packs

An ingenious way to stay warm in the winter is with rice heat packs. Simply sew two squares of fabric together leaving one side open and then divide the bag you’ve created into six equal segments. Fill each segment with rice and sew up the bag. Heat the pack in the microwave for just one to two minutes and it will stay warm for around 20 minutes. This is much safer than an electrical heating pad that you must make sure you turn off before you fall asleep.

6. Small Gifts in a Mason Jar

Gifting someone stationery, cookie cutters, cosmetics, or another set of small items may be uninteresting. However, you can transform these simple gifts with the right presentation. Mason jars are excellent for this purpose. Choose some attractive ones at the dollar store, tie a ribbon around them, and you’ll have the perfect packaging for any small gift.

7. Reindeer Bottles

Instead of simply giving friends a six pack of their favorite soda or beer, turn the bottles into reindeers. All you need is pipe cleaner for the antlers, googly eyes, pom-poms for the nose, glue, and the beverages of your choice.

Another way to save money is to move into off-campus housing. An alternative to Durham College residence is Foundry 1805. We have better amenities at more affordable rates than you’ll find elsewhere. Apply now while places are still available and you’ll be able to move in immediately.

It’s important to choose the right university for you to ensure you enjoy the experience of being a student and succeed academically. However, all the choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what factors matter most. To help you come to a decision, there are a few things to consider when evaluating schools.

1. Requirements for Your Major

There’s no need to decide for sure what major you want to take at this point, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you may be interested in. You can then check the admission requirements for programs at the universities you’re considering to ensure you’ll be able to meet any prerequisites.

You should also be aware that application dates can differ between schools. Make a note of due dates to ensure you have all the documentation you’ll need to apply on time.

2. How You Feel About the University

If possible, you should try to pay a visit to the universities you might like to attend. An open house is the perfect time to go, as the university is set up to show students everything it has to offer. More recently, universities have been providing virtual tours of campus, which are sometimes accompanied by talks and Q&A sessions with faculty.

Whether you visit virtually or in person, use the opportunity to see if you can imagine yourself studying at the school. Does the atmosphere feel welcoming? What do you think of the faculty for your program?

3. Campus Amenities

Find out what amenities campuses have to offer either during a tour or by exploring the university’s website. There may be facilities that are particularly useful for your major. For instance, the library may give you free access to equipment like printers, and there could even be a gym on site.

4. Clubs and Organizations

Attending university is about more than just academics — it’s also about socializing. You’ll find it much easier to make friends when there are plenty of clubs to join and events taking place. Find out if the university has any organizations you’d particularly like to belong to, perhaps related to interests you already have or hobbies you’d like to explore.

5. Things to Do Nearby

It’s even better if there’s plenty to do beyond campus in the surrounding city. If you lack your own mode of transport, you’ll find it more convenient to choose a city with good public transportation.

6. Financial Aid Available

Whereas some financial aid is available no matter what university you choose, schools often offer their own programs to help students pay for tuition and other expenses. If you qualify for any of these, one university could be more affordable than another.

Choosing a university is just the start — you’ll also need to decide where to live. If you want to attend Ontario Tech University, you’ll probably want to search for a room for rent in Oshawa near OTU. For premier student housing, there’s Foundry 1805. It meets all students’ requirements: it’s just a short walk to campus, there’s free WiFi throughout the building, and there are restaurants and stores just across the street. Check out the floor plans to find the right suite for you.

Most universities have some great choices for organizations to join. However, there may be no organization for a hobby or interest you’re passionate about. The solution is simple: create your own organization. If you’re not sure what kind to start, consider these creative ideas.

1. Dance Club for Everyone

Some schools have a dance club already, but the members tend to be students who learned to dance at a young age and are able to show off some impressive moves. This makes people who just want to bop to a beat feel excluded. By setting up a dance club that’s open to everyone, you put the emphasis on having a good time and not on dancing abilities. Students with physical disabilities will also feel welcome. This is a great choice for an organization if you want to stay fit, destress, and be around others in a relaxed environment.

2. Frustrated Students Club

A common theme in student chats is that people are worried, stressed, and frustrated. Set up a club that allows people to release these feelings in a healthy way, such as venting to others, learning to relax, and asking for advice. You could also use the club to share mental health tips and reassure other students who are experiencing a difficult patch that the hard times will pass.

3. Thrift Club

Most students are looking to spend less. With a thrift club, you can all visit thrift stores together to search for the best deals. You can also share or sell items you no longer need, like clothing, textbooks, or décor when you’re moving out of your current apartment.

4. Quiz Night Club

Students spend a large portion of the day learning new things — their heads are exploding with facts. Put these facts to good use by setting up a quiz club. You could hold a trivia night every month or so, each time on a different topic. If you charge a small fee, you’ll even be able to give the winner a prize.

5. Parents Club

Depending on your school, it may be difficult to connect with many other parents. Having a club where you all meet can help you feel less isolated and give you the chance to share experiences, struggles, and stories that you worry your other friends may tire of hearing.

6. Film Club

Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie? Or even a bad one, for that matter? A film club will attract all kinds of students, making it easy for you to meet people from different backgrounds. You can either take turns to nominate a film or all vote on your next choice to watch together. At the end of the session, have a discussion — this can be as serious or lighthearted as you want it to be.

7. Foodies Club

Explore new flavours with people who love food just as much as you do with a foodies club. You can visit different restaurants near campus or take turns to prepare a meal. If you end up forming a large group, you could even hold a potluck. Whatever you do, you’re sure to discover new delicious dishes and make new friends.

8. Hikers Club

If your university is surrounded by nature, you’re missing out if you lack a hikers club. It’s often more enjoyable — and motivating — to hike with others. Plus, longer hikes are a great opportunity to have conversations with likeminded people and get to know friends on a deeper level.

It will be easier to run your organization if you live near campus. There’s no need to actually live on campus, though — in fact, it’s more comfortable and less expensive to search for rooms for rent. Oshawa students have Foundry 1805, which is just steps away from both Ontario Tech University and Durham College. Your suite will give you plenty of space to entertain the friends you meet through your organization. Apply now to secure the floor plan of your choice.

While it’s definitely a good idea to choose the university activities you participate in according to your interests, it’s also worth thinking about what will look good on your resume. Certain extracurriculars will prepare you for the world of work and teach you valuable life skills. These are exactly what you want to have on your resume if your work experience is lacking (or nonexistent), as it can help you to compete even with candidates who have been working in the field for some time. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

1. Volunteer Roles

As a volunteer, you may have many of the same responsibilities you would with a paid position. The only difference, in fact, is that you don’t receive payment for your work. This is actually a selling point, since it shows that you’re willing to dedicate time to a cause that matters to you without requiring compensation. Depending on what the role involves, you may be able to gather a wide range of skills that you can put on your resume.

2. Fundraising for a Cause

A particular type of volunteering you may like to try is fundraising, although you can also fundraise to help a for-profit business get started. In any case, fundraising is much more difficult than it looks — and employers know this. You need excellent business, marketing, writing, and project management skills, all of which are transferable to virtually any graduate job.

3. Languages

Proficiency in another language is often a requirement for jobs, particularly at international companies. Plus, positions that ask for knowledge of foreign languages tend to pay higher. Just the fact that you’ve learned another language can be beneficial, as this indicates you have great communication skills, an understanding of other cultures, and a good work ethic.

4. Study Abroad Programs

Even better than just learning a language is putting it into use. By studying abroad, you’ll show employers that you’re able to adapt to unfamiliar situations and that you have a deeper understanding of another culture than what you can acquire from academics alone. Participation in a study abroad program also suggests that you’re able to work well independently, you’re resilient, and you have good interpersonal skills.

5. College Sports

Participation in sports shows more than just physical fitness: it’s also a sign of dedication and commitment to self-improvement. Plus, if being a college athlete takes up a large amount of your time but you’re still able to gain good grades, it will be clear that you have great time management skills.

Team sports are a particularly strong option to consider, since they mean you must possess teamwork skills.

6. Tutoring

Anyone who wants to enter a career in teaching, training, or leadership should seek tutoring opportunities at university. You’ll need to be patient, find creative ways to explain concepts, and have an in-depth knowledge of your subject matter.

7. Clubs and Societies

A large number of activities available at university are clubs and societies. You can include any of these on your resume — what matters is you show their relevance. Make sure you explain what kinds of skills you learned, whether those are softer skills (such as interpersonal skills) or specific hard skills.

8. Student Union

A student organization that will look particularly impressive on your resume is your university’s student union. You could be an active member (such as by holding an elected position, sitting on a committee, or starting your own club) or you may prefer to volunteer just occasionally. Whatever you choose, this will show great leadership qualities, the ability to make (often tough) decisions, active listening skills, and much more.

There’s no need to live on campus to participate in university activities, but it helps to live nearby. An OTU residence alternative is Foundry 1805. Our student housing is just minutes from Ontario Tech and has free WiFi throughout the building, which will allow you to continue contributing to activities when you’re back at home. Apply for a lease now before all the units are filled up.

Even if you had a job before college and needed to manage your money to some extent, it’s unlikely that anything has prepared you for budgeting as a student. It’s crucial that you do have a budget because without one, you may overspend and struggle to make ends meet or graduate with a much larger debt than necessary. Besides, learning how to budget now will help you throughout your life.

Here are a few tips to consider.

1. Download a Budgeting App

Long gone are the days when you needed to use a spreadsheet to budget. There are now a number of apps to choose from, many of which are free. An app will take all the hard work out of budgeting and give you extra support to manage your money wisely.

2. Have Emergency Funds

It’s essential to include in your budget a certain amount you will only touch in the case of an emergency. This should be around 10 percent of your monthly budget. You never know when you may face an emergency — and the last thing you want is to be scrambling to find cash.

3. Never Use a Credit Card for Fun

An easy way to ensure that you stay within your budget for fun activities is to withdraw the amount you’ve allocated in your budget and only use that cash. Running out of cash before the end of the month will help you realize that you need to be more selective with your spending in the future.

4. Find Free Events

Limit how much you spend by finding free ways to have fun. Universities hold free events on campus all the time. These are also great for meeting new people and exploring new interests.

5. Eliminate Your Credit Card Balance

As credit cards have some of the highest interest rates, it should be a priority to get your balance to zero and keep it there. If you already have some debt, pay as much as you possibly can each month, perhaps adjusting your budget to pay two or three times what you’re currently paying. Going forward, only charge to your credit card what you can afford to pay off in full when the bill comes.

6. Pay Off Student Loans as Soon as Possible

It’s best to start paying off your student loans while you’re still in college. Even small monthly payments can make a big difference to how much you’ll owe when you graduate.

7. Invest the Rest

If you have any money left at the end of the month, instead of giving yourself extra to spend next month, invest it. Use a savings account or consider buying stocks and bonds. Investing apps are great for this. For instance, a robo-advisor app can build and manage your portfolio, meaning there’s no need for you to make potentially risky decisions.

8. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Always ask stores if they offer student discounts and patronize those that do. You may be surprised just how many businesses (both online and offline) have special prices for students.

9. Search for Coupons

Before making any non-urgent purchases, see if you can find a coupon. Regularly gaining discounts in this way will add up to significant savings.

10. Create a Weekly Menu

Before you head to the grocery store, decide what meals you’ll eat in the upcoming week. This will help you purchase just the ingredients you need and prevent picking up products that you end up throwing out. It will also prevent you from giving in to temptations and buying things that look appealing but that weren’t on your shopping list.

You’ll have more to spare in your budget if you don’t live in an expensive dorm room with a meal plan but instead find a student rental. Oshawa students can turn to Foundry 1805. You’ll receive a room in a fully-furnished suite, all utilities included. Apply now while units are still available.

When you’re busy with classes, papers, extracurriculars, and all your other commitments, it’s easy for your apartment to become disorganized. The problem is it can be more difficult to focus when you’re faced with clutter. Plus, you’re more likely to become stressed if you’re unable to find what you’re looking for. Dedicate time now to creating a system to keep your apartment organized — that way, all you’ll need to do throughout the semester is make sure you put things back where they belong.

1. Divide Your Refrigerator into Sections

Purchasing storage containers is a quick fix for a refrigerator that seems too full to add anything else. It also makes it easier to find what you’re looking for without needing to empty the entire contents of your fridge. Plus, you can label each container with your and your roommates’ names to ensure any food is definitely yours before you eat it.

2. Store Cleaning Supplies in a Shoe Organizer

Buying in bulk can save money, but then you face the dilemma of where to store months’ worth of cleaning supplies. A shoe organizer is cheap and fits everything from bottles and toilet rolls to cloths and brushes. Hang one on the door of your utility closet where it will be tucked out of the way.

3. Take Advantage of the Versatility of Mason Jars

You can use mason jars throughout your apartment for storing all kinds of small items. They’re particularly useful for keeping your bathroom organized, as you can drop objects of different types into their own jars. Plus, it’s easy to make mason jars look attractive — simply decorate them with stickers, paint, ribbons, or glued beads.

4. Store Your Smallest Items in Silverware Organizers

An alternative to mason jars is a silverware organizer. This is particularly useful for your bedroom, where you may have various pens and other pieces of stationery, cables and chargers, makeup, and other small items that can clutter up your desk. Make sure to give every type of object its own section in the silverware organizer.

5. Create Storage for Your Towels

If your apartment lacks a linen closet, you’ll need to create your own storage for towels. One solution is to affix baskets to the walls of your bathroom — this prevents the need to take up cupboard space. Having extra towels in your bathroom is also great for those times when you forget to bring a towel with you for your shower. No more figuring out what to do when you’re cold, wet, and dripping on the floor!

6. Install Hooks on the Back of Your Closet Door

Instead of burying your belongings in storage containers in your closet, hang the items you use most often on the back of the closet door. You can either install a couple of bars across the door or purchase an over-the-door hanger. Use this to store things like your bags, shoes, jackets, and jewelry for easy access.

The problem with many student apartments is they’re unfurnished. This means you’ll need to purchase a large amount of furniture before you can even start to become organized. A better option is to look for a furnished student rental. Oshawa students have Foundry 1805. The suites come with plenty of storage and the bedrooms are spacious, meaning they don’t feel cluttered even if you accumulate a little too much. Apply now while there are still units available for next semester.

No matter how well you understand your course material, it’s difficult to achieve good grades unless you can write strong papers. This is much more complicated than answering a question with a right or wrong answer: you need to make sure you express yourself well, cover all the necessary information, and add citations in the right format. Eventually, you’ll develop your own tactics for tackling papers, but it helps to have some starting points to put you on the right track.

Know What the Question Is Asking

Before you can start writing, you need to be sure you understand what the paper should be about. Highlighting key words or writing a few notes about what you’ll need to cover can help. You should also identify what the question is asking you to do. For instance, “discuss” isn’t the same as “analyze,” and both are quite different from “demonstrate.”

If you’re unsure about what you’re supposed to be doing, ask your professor. While professors can’t tell you how to write a paper, they can make sure you’re on the right track before you start and ensure you don’t submit something completely wrong.

Put in the Research Before You Start Writing

You’ll find it much easier to write your paper if you have all the information you need from the start. It’s difficult to make progress when you’re researching as you write.

However, make sure you do limit the amount of time you spend on research. This is particularly a risk if the topic interests you, as you may start exploring more ideas than you need for the paper. Alternatively, you may spend too much time on research if you’re not looking forward to writing the paper and you want to procrastinate. Stop researching when you have all the basic information — you can always do more research later to fill in any gaps.

Avoid Superfluous Information

As long as you’re within the word count and you’ve covered everything the question asks, there’s no need to add any more details. Trying to impress your professor with your extensive knowledge won’t improve your grade — you’re only assessed on the topic you’re supposed to be writing about. Plus, there’s a risk you’ll explain something incorrectly if you haven’t studied it in class.

Keep Things Simple

Unless you’re a creative writing major, your papers simply need to be well written. This is no place to get experimental, neither in your language nor in the structure of the paper. Your professors may even be able to give you a template for the paper to give you an idea of what the final result should look like.

Edit Only Once You’re Finished

As you write, you may often feel that there’s a better way to word your sentences. However, you’ll go much slower if you aim for perfection straight away. Unless you immediately know how to improve a sentence, leave what you’ve written untouched until you’ve finished. Then, you can edit the entire paper at once without breaking your flow.

The same goes for places that need a statistic, quote, or quick fact that you don’t have on hand. Simply mark the spot and fill in the gap at the end.

Read Your Paper Aloud

It’s easier to notice typos, errors, and places where you could improve your paper if you read aloud. Even better, read your paper to someone who can tell you if any parts are confusing. For term papers and other important assignments, it may even be possible to receive feedback from your professor before you hand in the paper for grading.

Being constantly interrupted ruins your train of thought and makes it much more difficult to finish your paper. For this reason, it’s important to have somewhere you can focus on writing without distractions. A great alternative to Durham College residence is off-campus housing like Foundry 1805. You can write papers in your room or head to one of the onsite study rooms. Apply now to ensure you’re able to rent the floor plan you want.