College Life

A Degree at College? Yup, It’s a Thing.

Thinking about pursuing a degree? Pondering going to college? Can’t make up your mind? Don’t! You can earn a degree and go to college at the same time. And that’s not all; if you’re still mulling over university or college, this article is for you.

A degree? At college?

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you: you can get a degree at college. College degrees are equal to (and sometimes better than) university degrees. Employers value the combination of theory and practical hands-on experience which is why Algonquin College has over 17 degree options to choose from. Ranging from Automation and Robotics to Interior Design, there’s a degree program for you here. If that sounds too good to be true, hold on to your socks ‘cause it only gets better.

Bigger isn’t better

Afraid you’ll be lost in the crowd? Don’t sweat it. At Algonquin College, bigger doesn’t always mean better. We believe that learning is a lot easier when you can ask questions freely and get to know your fellow classmates. That’s why our degree classes have an average of 32 students. Flagging down your prof and making friends has never been so simple.

The real deal

Speaking of profs, you’ll be learning from the best of the best: real industry professionals. This is a huge advantage since they’ll be able to teach you the ins and outs of your field. They’ve been through the wringer a few times and know their way around the place so strap in while they show you the ropes.

Best of both worlds

College is the perfect marriage of theory and practice. If you learn things more easily through an interactive, hands-on approach, you’ll love it here. Whether you’re in the nursing program or digital marketing program, you’ll be able to build, create, invent, and more. You’ll learn through experience and experience through learning.

Cash money, honey

While we’re on the topic of experience, did we mention that most of our degree programs have paid co-op terms? Yessiree! Students can earn upwards of $10,000 per work-term and get an “in” in the field they’re passionate about. Co-op terms are a great opportunity to hone your skills, network and maybe even land a permanent position before you graduate. Colleges, on average, have a much higher employment rate than universities.

No pressure

Both paths lead down the same winding road. Be it college or university, both will land you a career in the industry you’re passionate about but just know that, whatever path you take, we’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines. You’re going to do great things, we know it.

Chelsie McHugh is a graduate of the Advertising and Marketing Communications program at Algonquin College. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

College vs. University? Things to consider before making up your mind.

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 practical experience, 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.

Too expensive? We can help

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 graduate of the Advertising and Marketing Communications program at Algonquin College. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.

Multiple Offers? Consider This.

So you’re getting multiple offers from a bunch of schools? First of all, congratulations! That’s awesome. Secondly, it sounds like you’re going to have to make a big decision soon. Weighing all the pros and cons. Staying up all night over-analyzing everything. Talk about overwhelming. That’s why we want to help!

Here’s what you should consider before accepting anything:

Finances

Some schools cost more than others. It’s important to make sure that you can actually afford to go to school. Are there financial aid programs you can take advantage of? Are you living on your own, with roommates, or family? Make sure to A all those Qs.

Location

While we’re on the subject of moving, is this school far away? Are you ready to commit to a new place for the next chunk of your life? Consider if the commute is bearable, or if the ride to your parents’ place isn’t too long.

Campus

This one’s all about the vibe. How does the campus make you feel? Are you getting a good vibe or a bad one? Are your chakras aligning or totally all over the place? Are you at peace or do you want to peace out? You don’t want to study in a place that makes you anxious or uncomfy. Some campuses offer more on site facilities and services, such as health centres, mental health services, or support for accessibility. Should you require additional support during your time in post-secondary, consider if your new campus offers those extra services.

Friends

We all know about the importance of the buddy system. This applies to post-secondary education as well. Do any of your friends attend this school? Do you know anyone who goes there or are you going in as a lone wolf? Don’t forget your new school will be a great place to make new friends as well. Take a minute to consider if having some study buddies is important to you.

Career

You’re probably going to college or university to gain skills and get a great job in a field you’re passionate about. That’s the “be all, end all” thing to consider. Is this place the right fit for your future career? Is this the best career move you can make? Do they offer work integrated learning such as field placements or co-op for your program? Think about how prestigious you can make this place look on your CV.

Friendly Reminder

Algonquin College offers are fresh out of the oven, being sent to future students’ doors right now. It’s imperative that you confirm your choice on ontariocolleges.ca before May 1st, and pay your tuition fee deposit before June 15.

If you’ve got your heart set on Algonquin College (we don’t blame you, we’re great), here’s what to do once you’ve been accepted. Pro-tip: if you’ve been accepted into a highly competitive program, try your best to make your decision quickly. You don’t want to miss that opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Accepting an offer is a big deal, we just want to make sure that you’ve considered all your options. After all, only you know what benefits you most. The most important thing to reflect on is if this decision will make you happy. Whatever you choose, you’ll knock it out of the park. You got this, friend!

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

Ottawa vs. Cornwall: The big choice

Are you thinking about heading to college sometime soon? Deciding whether to go to school in your hometown or peace out for a bigger adventure can be a tough one, but we think Ottawa is the place for you. Here’s why:

Bigger and better

Sure, Cornwall has some great things going for it – nice waterfront trails, a movie theatre, and all the necessities. But Ottawa kicks it up with so much more – a fantastic music scene, great bars, authentic tacos, even a Feline Cafe.

If being outside is more your thing, we’ve got loads of green space to take in – you can run, hike, ski, skate, tube, and so much more right here in Ottawa. With so much to do, you’ll get to experience college the way it was meant to be – with new adventures, new friends, and new hangouts. You’ll fit right in!

More jobs, more experience

Ottawa has tons of opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job while in school or thinking about your dream gig once you graduate, 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.

Tons of our programs also have work integrated learning opportunities, meaning an internship, co-op, work placement or other industry experience could be part of your learning. Since Ottawa is home to so many businesses and industries, you’ll gain diverse experience that likely isn’t available in Cornwall.

Close but far

There’s something great about living far enough away from your parents that they can’t just drop in unexpectedly, but close enough that you can still pop home to do laundry or enjoy a homecooked meal. Since Ottawa is just an hour or so away, you can enjoy some of the comforts of home while still creating your own life away from your parent’s nest.

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, Cornwall 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.

You do you

Real talk, Cornwall and Ottawa are both great choices to live and study in. Our (slightly biased) opinion just wants you to have the time of your life at college – and we know Ottawa will welcome you with open arms. You do you, friend. You got this!

College vs. University: Things You Should Know

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 practical experience, 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.

Too expensive? We can help

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. Oakville: Get Away from the GTA

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!

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.

Ottawa vs. Belleville: Bigger is Better

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.

Choosing the Right Program: It’s easier than you think

Choosing a program can be a daunting task. It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling hesitant. If you’re as scared and indecisive as I was, you’ll probably end up picking one of the first programs on the list. Thankfully, the risk I took paid off and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re more responsible than I am, and want to make an informed decision, here’s what you should consider:

What do you like doing?

Think about your favourite subjects, look at your grades, and consider what you want to do in the future. There are hundreds of excellent programs to choose from which means there are hundreds of opportunities for you to find a good fit. Set aside some time to read anything and everything you can so you can make an informed decision. It might take a while, and it’s not always very fun, but it is necessary. Your education should be seen as an investment.

What’s your learning style?

Think about how you learn. Think about what you enjoy learning. Think about what makes you happy. Would you be happiest learning one subject over another? Choose that one. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons. Putting it on paper by making a list really helps with the decision-making process.

Deal or no deal?

You might have to make some compromises, and that’s ok. For example, I chose Advertising and Marketing Communications Management because I’m a creative person with a passion for writing. I’m terrible at anything with numbers and public speaking, however, so this was something I had to mull over. Was I willing to compromise? Yes. Did I gain new skills and improve on old ones? Yup. Did I thoroughly enjoy the three years I spent studying? Absolutely. It’s all about your perspective. If you’re willing to further your education, that’s what you should focus on.

It’s ok to be indecisive. College is a great place to experiment. Use your first year to your advantage. It’s like a playground, you can try all the different structures, meet great people, and figure out if the program/career path is right for you. Whether you end up choosing something you know you’ll love, or something you’ve never tried before, your first year is a time for self-reflection and decision making. Nothing is set in stone, so don’t be afraid to try something different.

All in all, it’s about what you want. All that matters is that you’re happy and passionate about the path you’ve chosen to pursue. It’s not going to be easy, but you know that already. You’re going to rock whatever you put your mind to, and have loads of fun doing it. Good luck, friend!

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

5 Questions to ask on a campus tour

A tour is the best way to get a feel for the campus and imagine what life will be like if you study here. Our campus tours are led by real students, which means you’ll get real answers.

Here are a few questions to ask to make the most out of your visit!

What’s student life like?

If events, concerts, or workshops are important to you, ask about what takes place for students throughout the year. Maybe you’re into sports, so you can find out about varsity athletics, intramural sports, or the gym. If you like to lay low, knowing there are great study spaces and quieter events like movie nights might be helpful. Think about how you like to spend your time and ask questions to see if student life matches your interests and social needs.

What kind of support is available?

College is a big change and we all need support at some point. Asking about the student services that are available could ease your mind if you need them later on. We have counsellors, health services, career services, peer tutoring, and much more – consider what’s important to you and ask your tour ambassador for more information.

Where’s the best food on campus?

It’s these little inside secrets that will give you an edge once school starts! Find out where to grab the best burger, the tastiest smoothies, and more. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s a great time to ask about those options. You can even get something to eat after your tour if you want a taste of food on campus.

Where will my classes take place?

Taking a peek at the buildings or classrooms where you might be spending your time will give you a good sense of what your days might look like. Just walking around the buildings with your tour group will give you an idea of what the campus is all about.

Why did you choose to study here?

Since your tour will be led by a real student, ask them why they chose to study here. They’ll likely have some good insights that you hadn’t considered before. They’re here to help you, so use them to your advantage!