4Rent – Rentals4Students – August 26, 2023

By Amanda Pereira

stay stress free this semester

If you’re anything like me, you’re a bit of a self-professed ‘stress bunny’. From something as preventable as being late to an event to meeting deadlines – if there’s an opportunity to stress about something, my mind is going to find it. My formative schooling years were no different; from getting to class on time, not missing the bus, or more preventable situations like doing an assignment on time; my stress levels often left me walking on eggshells.

Of course, as anyone who habitually stresses out will attest to – we don’t intend to succumb to these feelings, it’s just something that is, unfortunately, innate to us. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to learn the hard way about the importance of managing my stress levels and keeping my cool in situations that neither warrant a stressful response, or situations that are high tension that can easily be made worse by ‘freaking out’ over it.

Here are some tips on how you can stay stress free this semester:

KEEP YOUR COOL

If something isn’t going quite the way you planned, pause, and collect yourself. Is this worth having a meltdown over? Will this matter in an hour? A day, a

week, a year? If this is a temporary inconvenience or situation, focus on getting over the hump and overcoming adversity.

STAY ORGANIZED

I cannot tell you the number of stressful situations I could have avoided if I had just organized my time better. You may cringe at the prospect of having to keep an agenda, but with tools like the iPhone, there’s no excuse for not staying on top of deadlines and engagements. This may seem like a hassle, but trust me; future you will be in your debt.

TAKE “ME TIME”

When you’re stressed out, it’s important to make time for leisure and to take a mental break. Some apartments featured in Rentals 4Students are equipped with great amenities that keep you stress-free such as fitness facilities, media rooms, and laundry rooms (because let’s face it, not having clean clothing is definitely something you’ve stressed over before.)

Keeping calm, being prepared, and showing a willingness to give yourself a break are important factors in having a successful school year that doesn’t end on a sour note. We hope these tips serve you well this semester – good luck!. ●

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Carolyn Porteous carolyn@mediaclassified.ca

Terry Buhay terry.buhay@mediaclassified.ca

Gina Pappas

Gina.pappas@mediaclassified.ca

GROUP SALES MANAGER

Randi Segal randi.segal@mediaclassified.ca

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES & SERVICE

Marilyn Watling marilyn@mediaclassified.ca

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Leo Racioppo leo@mediaclassified.ca

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

John Racioppo john@mediaclassified.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@mediaclassified.ca

CIRCULATION INQUIRIES distributionteam@mediaclassified.ca

EDITOR

Amanda Pereira

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid-Sachs

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Johannah Lorenzo

All submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@mediaclassified.ca

2023 PPMA Advertising Award Of The Year

1 BEDROOM SUITES

MacEwan University is less than a 4 block walk away. These spacious 1 bedroom suites all include dishwashers and gorgeous stone fireplaces.

• Heat, water and parking included

• Access to MacEwan University, NAIT, University of Alberta, Concordia College & Norquest College

• Close to grocery, restaurants and easy access to public transit

With NAIT located a mere five blocks away, The Amherst is a great choice for students. Residents enjoy great access to shopping centres such as Kingsway Mall.

• Heat, water and parking included

• Access to NAIT, University of Alberta, Concordia College, MacEwan University & Norquest College

• Close to grocery, restaurants and easy access to public transit

PLEASE CALL 780-566-9361

PLEASE CALL 780-566-9361

More than an apartment, we’re a community! With 10 uniquely designed amenity spaces open to all residents, Vibe Lofts inspires a new way of living and coexisting. Our Studio, One, and Two Bedroom suites offer 11 feet exposed concrete ceilings, sleek and modern design elements, in-suite laundry in every unit, and various layouts to fit your needs. Contact us today to come feel the VIBE for yourself!

Tips for getting back into a fall routine

hether or not you have kids who go back to school or back to campus, getting back to a schedule is tough for everyone. Here are some tips to help you get settled into a routine:

ONE-STOP SHOP

It can be overwhelming if you’re making several different trips to stores for your groceries, clothing and household items like new Tupperware, water bottles, thermoses and more. Visit a store where you can buy fresh produce, meat, home essentials, fashionable clothing and more, in a one stop-shop without breaking the bank.

MAKE A LIST

Although this might sound like another time-consuming task, it saves time in the long-run. A quick to-do list will help

avoid last-minute dashes and can help you better manage your routes and budget so you can group together errands that are close in proximity and prevent splurges.

MEAL-PREP SUNDAY

Carve out some time on Sunday afternoon to meal prep for the week. Whether it’s getting ahead of school and work lunches or evening dinners, it will help you save hours during the week.

MAKE A FAMILY CALENDAR

With so many hectic schedules and after-school activities, it’s important to have one family calendar with everyone’s commitments in one spot. This will help ensure no hockey practice or tutoring lesson is missed. ●

How to cut down your commuting costs

hether we’re headed to work, school or other commitments, sky-high gas prices and inflation mean many of us are facing regular trips that are more expensive than ever.

While there’s not much you can do about prices these days, there are a few steps you can take to save on your commute. Here are some ideas:

PLAN YOUR TRIPS

If you know you’re heading out, you can plan errands around your outings and stop at destinations like the grocery store, bank or pet store, on your way home. Running your errands on days when you’ll already be out driving can save you time in your schedule and may even save you money at the gas pump.

TRY OUT ALTERNATIVE TRANSIT OR CARPOOLING

In good weather, you may try riding a bike to school to avoid filling up at the pump and enjoy the health benefits at the same time. But in the later fall and winter months when that may not be an option, try carpooling with classmates – this can help you save on gas, and give you some great company to enjoy the ride with.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF APPS

As long as you use them hands free, mapping or GPS apps can help you find the most efficient – and therefore cheapest – route. You can also try telematics – a usage-based program that follows your driving habits over time and tailors your insurance premiums accordingly.

Find more info at aviva.ca/journey. ●

What to know before getting your first credit card

re you starting post-secondary school and considering getting your first credit card? It can be exciting to get a credit card for the first time. It provides the opportunity to build credit – something that most adults need. But it’s important for new credit card holders to know what they’re getting into and how to use their card wisely. Here are some things to remember:

Designed to help new cardholders understand exactly how interest works, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a credit card payment calculator that lets people see how long it would take to pay off a credit card if they don’t pay the full amount each month.

BUILD CREDIT IN A SECURE WAY

If you’re uncertain about getting a traditional credit card, consider starting with a secured credit card. To get one, you must provide your bank with a security deposit to cover the credit limit. If you don’t make your payments, the bank may use your deposit to pay the money you owe.

UNDERSTAND INTEREST

If you can’t pay the full amount, it’s a warning sign that you may be spending more than you can afford. Avoid paying interest by paying off the entire balance of a credit card every month. Interest charges can add up quickly, build up debt and hurt your credit score. Bad credit can follow you for years to come.

These types of cards can help you build a good credit history without the risk of defaulting.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Banks must follow certain rules about your credit card agreement. For example, they must clearly set out the key features of the credit card in an information box that appears on your monthly

If you can’t pay the full amount, it’s a warning sign that you may be spending more than you can afford.

build healthy credit

statement. This includes details such as the interest rates and other charges such as annual fees.

Your bank may make changes to the features or the terms and conditions of your credit card. If they do, they must provide you with the details in writing at least 30 days before the changes take effect.

These 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites (many with den options) offer many of the luxuries of condo living, but at rental prices. Not only that, everyday conveniences, green spaces, funky coffee houses, London Transit, Budweiser Gardens and more, are practically outside your door.

BUILDING AMENITIES

• Security/Concierge

• 24-hour fitness centre

• Party room available

• Study lounge/library

• 24-hour ground floor laundry

• Secured underground parking

• Secured bike storage room

• Security cameras throughout

• On-site Super & Management Office

The Cottingham Manor

Rental Apartments

Located in the beautiful Cottingham neighbourhood, The Cottingham Manor boasts of comfortable, clean and spacious bachelor and one bedroom rental apartments in an Art Deco inspired boutique style building. Close to U of T and George Brown (Casa Loma campus). We take pride in making The Cottingham Manor a place you’ll want to call home.

Three tips for an eco-friendlier lunch box B

ack-to-school means back to packing lunches. As more and more post-secondary institutions are encouraging “litterless” lunches, it can be hard to come up with ways to make your lunch more sustainable and waste free. Here are three tips to make it easier:

PORTION TO REDUCE PACKAGING

Buy food you’ll use in your lunch, like yogurt or applesauce, in larger quantities. Purchase a big tub that you can portion into reusable containers, rather than individually packaged cups, to avoid wasteful packaging.

Put re-useable or wooden cutlery and a cloth napkin into your lunch box to reduce what’s thrown away.

CONSIDER WHERE YOUR FOOD IS COMING FROM

Grow your own salad, herbs or vegetables where possible. This saves on packaging and transportation-related emissions, which helps reduce your carbon footprint. When shopping, look for products from companies that are prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives. You can often identify them by the packaging.

MEAL PLAN, “UPCOOK”, AND MAKE YOUR OWN SNACKS

Instead of buying individually wrapped snacks at the grocery store, try healthier, more environmentally conscious options. You could also turn this into a Sunday activity by batch-making homemade granola bars. Not only can this be a fun activity and break from studying, but you’ll save countless wrappers from going to a landfill.

Meal planning helps to reduce food waste. Are you likely to have leftovers that can be “upcooked” and added to your lunch? Leftover chicken from last night’s dinner can be used on a sandwich, or leftover bacon from breakfast can be a tasty salad topping. ●

BACHELORS, ONE, TWO, AND THREE BEDROOM

Vibrant Communities

Easy Access to Public Transit

LRT, OC Transpo Buses

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Education Close-by La Cite, Algonquin College, uOttawa, Carleton University

1Eleven

Find the ultimate off-campus student living experience at 1Eleven – Ottawa’s favourite all-inclusive student apartments community! Enjoy premiums like the study lounge, gym/yoga room, concierge-style front desk, and more!

1Eleven is a short walk to the University of Ottawa, grocery stores, shops, and the Byward Market, and a quick bus ride to Carleton U.

Modern fully furnished 1–4 bedrooms suites. 6 appliances. Amenities: music studio, basketball court, art room, free bike rental, 14 study rooms, movie lounge and gym complex. For housing there is nothing like THEO in the heart of Ottawa.

Theo – The Newest Residence In Ottawa

quick meals

The perfect 5-minute breakfast alternative for your on-the-go lifestyle

FOOD BITES M

ornings are busy. And once you’re back in school, this time of day can feel downright hectic. Since breakfast is an integral component to the morning routine, whipping up something that’s ultra-quick, easy and healthy can go a long way in easing into the start of your day.

A banana-berry smoothie bowl is a perfect way. ● – News Canada

BANANA-BERRY SMOOTHIE BOWL

Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (250 ml) 2% partly skimmed milk

• ½ cup (125 ml) frozen blueberries

• ½ cup (125 ml) frozen raspberries

• 1 frozen banana (frozen in chunks for easier blending)

• 2 tbsp (15 ml) ground flax seeds

• ½ tsp (2 ml) vanilla

• Topping suggestions: sliced bananas, extra berries (fresh or frozen), chia seeds, hemp hearts, granola, nuts.

Directions:

1.Add all ingredients (except toppings) to a blender and process until smooth. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Tips:

Fresh fruit can be used if frozen is unavailable. Add ice to achieve desired thickness.

Church Hill Apartments

Want to be surrounded by the beauty and excitement of downtown Halifax? With a Walk Score of 98, Church Hill Apartments is a walker’s paradise. The Historic Halifax Waterfront, shopping, entertainment, restaurants and so much more is at your doorstep! We offer spacious and bright bachelor and one bedroom units. Call us today to book a tour of your new home at Church Hill Apartments.

life hacks

by Renata Valz

Laundry cheat sheet

Laundry isn’t just a rite of passage; it’s an essential life skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life. Before you go tossing all your clothing into the washer/dryer, stop and read the label. Unsure what all those symbols mean? This cheat sheet is guaranteed to help you make sense of it all and, hopefully, have you classroom ready in no time.

MORE DOTS = MORE HEAT

If you see these symbols: with these codes: Do Not

MORE BARS = MORE GENTLE

then you know how to clean your clothing. EXAMPLES:

FOUR TIPS ABOUT DOING LAUNDRY:

• Laundry should be separated into whites, darks and delicates before being washed.

• Always check and empty your pockets.

• Use cold water to remove stains.

• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your wash to help keep clothing bright.