Month: February 2019

College vs. University: Things You Should Know

Algonquin College

College or university? Now that’s a tough decision. Here’s what you should consider before making up your mind:

Your learning style

If you like hands-on learning, simulated work environments, and smaller classes, then we have news for you: college is calling your name. College can offer a more practical, industry-oriented education. You learn about the industry you’re passionate about from real industry professionals. With smaller classrooms, caring professors, and real world experience, College will set you up for success.

University is great if you’re more of a theory-oriented learner. There can be a lot of reading and studying, which may be good for you. If you don’t mind being in a class with hundreds of other people, then university is something to consider. Regardless of where you choose to go, you’ll learn loads of neat stuff and have a ton of fun doing it.

Getting to the good stuff

Ranging from three years to ten, it’s no secret that it can take a long time to complete a university program. As incredibly thorough and in-depth as that is, you may not feel like sitting around in school for what seems like forever — we bet you want to work. With a college education, you can make a great salary and start your career more quickly.

College has a bunch of different types and lengths of programs; from one year certificates, two year diplomas, three year advanced diplomas, Honours degrees, and graduate certificates. This means that you can get to the good stuff and start working in your field faster! It’s also reassuring that 84,1% of Algonquin College alumni were working in their field within six months of graduation..

The best of both worlds

If you still can’t make up your mind: then don’t. Algonquin College offers over a dozen Honours degree programs, ranging from commerce to robotics, building science to interior design – so there’s something for everyone! Most of the Honours degree programs that Algonquin College offers also have paid co-op terms where students can earn upwards of $10,000 per work-term.

Algonquin College also has tons of articulation agreements, which means you can often use your college credits towards a university program, saving you even more time if you decide to pursue a degree down the road.

No money? No problem

Think about how much post-secondary education is going to cost. College is often less expensive than university because programs tend to be shorter and tuition is often less costly. Algonquin College offers a Tuition Fee Estimator that will give you a good idea of how much you’ll actually be spending. If the total’s looking a little steep, don’t sweat it. There are loads of places you can turn to for financial aid.

A final thought

All in all, the choice is up to you. Only you know what benefits you most. Our (somewhat biased) opinion is only here to guide you. Both university and college teach you how to do amazing things. Wherever you end up, your experience is going to be life-changing, and we know you’ll rock it.

 

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

Ottawa vs. Belleville: Bigger is Better

Ottawa vs Belleville

So you’re looking into post-secondary education but you aren’t sure if you should stay in Belleville or come to Ottawa? Maybe we can help. Belleville is cool and all but we think you’d fit right in with the Ottawa crowd. Here’s why:

Ottawans have more fun

Bigger isn’t always better but in this case, it is! Belleville isn’t known as the city fun forgot (and we’re not saying it should be) but Ottawa is certainly more fun. You can let loose and party hard in the ByWard Market. Bar-hop to all the local hotspots like El Furniture Warehouse, Pub 101, The Lookout, Blue Cactus, and so many more. The best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other.

Bar-hopping isn’t your cup of tea? Maybe you’d prefer a cup of tea? Would you like to pet a cat at the same time? Then, you should check out the Feline Cafe, one of Ottawa’s many hidden gems! Ottawa has oodles of great cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood or scrumptious Indian cuisine, an authentic bowl of ramen, or mouth-watering tacos, Ottawa has you covered.

Maybe you’d rather get in touch with nature? You can do that in Ottawa too. With loads of green space to chill in, you’ll never feel claustrophobic. You can run, hike, ski, skate, tube, and so much more right here in Ottawa. We really do have more fun. And yes, Ottawan is a real word.

We make bank

You’re probably thinking, “Gosh, there sure are a lot of fun things to do in Ottawa! How ever will I afford to do them all?” Don’t sweat it, pal. Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low unemployment rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

There is safety in numbers

Moving is scary. It’s imperative that you feel safe. Ottawa might be a larger city but according to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places in Canada list, it’s actually safer than Belleville by a lot. Your parents will find this reassuring. Ottawa is nicer in many ways. In fact, it was voted as Top Student City back in 2017 with the leading factor being friendliness. The people here are as nice as the city itself. You’ll fit right in.

You do you

Moving away is often better than staying home. You have a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

Real talk, Belleville and Ottawa rock. They’re both great places to study and live in, and you’ll kill it no matter where you go. You’ll learn a ton, and have the time of your life while doing it. Our (slightly biased) opinion is just a helping hand. You do you, friend. You got this!

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

Ottawa vs. Oakville: Get Away from the GTA

Ottawa

You’re looking into post-secondary education? Is choosing a school harder than you anticipated? We get it. There are so many different things to consider, especially if you’re thinking of moving away. If you’re stuck between Oakville and Ottawa, let us enlighten you. These are both awesome places but Ottawa might be a better fit for you. Here’s why:

Party hard or chill out?

Ottawa’s got killer nightlife. A short walk around the ByWard Market can prove it. In the mood for a pint and cheesy mountains of nachos? Check out Patty Boland or one of our many other pubs. Wanna dance the night away to Lady Gaga with drag queens by your side? Try The Lookout or any other club! Not feeling the club you’re in? Cross the street. Ottawa makes bar-hopping easy!

Not into clubbing? Cool. We have more where that came from. Ottawa has great museums (that offer student discounts), groovy music festivals, and a whole lot of green space to relax in. Whether it’s skating, hiking, skiing, tubing, biking, or running, there’s a place for it in Ottawa.

No money? No problem

With so many fun new things on your to-do list, you’ll need some cash. That’s great because Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Stay safe

Leaving the nest can be pretty scary. We want you to feel safe. That’s why Ottawa is the place to be. Ottawa is one of the safest cities in Canada according to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places list AND it was voted as Top Student City back in 2017 with the leading factor being friendliness. The people here are as nice as the city itself. You’ll fit right in.

Do what makes you happy

Moving away is often better than staying home. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the GTA. Live your best, stress-free life. There’s a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

In all seriousness, Oakville and Ottawa are both rockin’ places to live and study in, and you’ll have an incredible adventure no matter where you go. Only you know what makes you happy. Follow your heart, and ignore the haters. Our (very biased) opinion is only here to guide you. Good luck, friend! We believe in you.

 

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

Ottawa vs. Kingston: Big vs. Small

If you’re looking into post-secondary education but can’t decide between moving to Ottawa or staying around Kingston, we’re here to give you a hand. Both of these cities are awesome in their own way but we think Ottawa has the upper hand. Here are a few things you should consider before making up your mind:

Have fun

We’ve all heard that bigger is better, and Ottawa is here to prove it. It would only take a weekend to cover all the fun things Kingston has to offer. There’s a lot more to Ottawa than that. Ottawa has tons of greenspace you can chill in, but the bars, clubs and pubs are where it’s at. Take a stroll in the ByWard Market, enjoy an artisanal beavertail, a latte or an authentic taco, and a pint.

Clubbing isn’t your thing? That’s cool. Ottawa has loads of other fun stuff to do too. Can we interest you in skating around the canal? How about some downhill skiing? What about a music festival? That’s right. Ottawa has it all. Ranging from hiking around Pink Lake to scoping out the arts scene at the NAC, Ottawa is as well-rounded as they come.

Make bank

Now that you know about all the fun you can have here, you might be wondering where you’ll find the funds to do it all. Don’t sweat it. Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low jobless rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.

Ottawa has a much lower unemployment rate than Kingston. A reassuring 6.4% lower to be exact. We also have a higher average salary than Kingston. How much higher? We’re glad you asked. How does $2,191.68 higher, sound? Make that coin, friend!

Ottawa

Stay safe

Moving away from home can be really scary. We want you to feel safe. That’s why you should come to Ottawa! According to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places, Kingston is less safe than Ottawa. In contrast, Ottawa was actually ranked as the Top Student City in 2017. The best part? The leading factor was friendliness. Ottawans are really nice people, so we know you’ll fit right in.

Be happy

Moving away is often better than staying home. You’ll have a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.

All joking aside, Kingston and Ottawa are super great places to study and live in, you can’t go wrong choosing one over the other. You’re going to have so much fun, and learn so much no matter where you go. Our (incredibly biased) opinion is only here to show you the pros and cons. Whatever you choose, we wish you all the best.

 

Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.