02. Renewal
03. 101: Laundry hacks that actually works
04. What to wear: quick guide to look sharp
05. Happy Canada Day!
06. Try something new: easy hobbies to boost your mood!
07. International friendship day!
08.World chocolate day!
09.July saving challenge
Always read the label: If it says “cold wash / hang to dry”, don’t toss it in the dryer. Heat can ruin natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Laundry hack: Make a “no-dryer” pile when sorting to protect your best pieces.
Detergent: Less Is More
Stop overpouring! You only need about 2 tablespoons (or half a cap) for a regular load. Too much soap leaves residue that can stiffen clothes and irritate your skin.
Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment
No, your clothes won’t smell like salad vinegar kills odor, softens fabric, and removes soap buildup
Go beyond just “lights and darks.” Try: Lights / Darks / Towels & Sheets / Delicates (gym gear, lingerie, soft fabrics) this avoids lint transfer, damage, and weird smells from towels mixing with your tees.
Sick of losing socks? Use a mesh laundry bag just for your socks and underwear It keeps them together and makes folding 100x easier
Bonus: You'll always have your favorite clothes clean. Keep It Fresh (Naturally)
Laundry doesn't have to be a dreaded task.
Hack: Do a load every 2–3 days instead of waiting for Laundry Mountain to grow.
Dressing right can boost your confidence, help you feel prepared and make a strong first impression, whether you’re heading to work, an interview or networking on campus. Here’s your go-to cheat sheet for workwear 101:
Keep it clean, simple, and slightly more formal than you think you need.
Stick to neutral colours: black, navy, grey, white. Closed-toe shoes are safest.
Minimal jewelry, tidy hair. Bring a folder or bag that looks neat, it counts!
Used for big interviews, corporate events, or presentations.
It’s sharper, more structured, more “classic”. Suit jacket + pants/skirt in matching colours. Button-up shirt or simple blouse. Closed shoes polished. Keep patterns subtle and avoid loud colours.
Check dress codes: When in doubt, ask or research the company culture. Fit matters: Well-fitting clothes always look better than expensive ones that don’t fit. Grooming counts: Wrinkle-free clothes, clean shoes, neat hair. When unsure: It’s always safer to be slightly overdressed than too casual.
Perfect for day-to-day work in most offices, campus jobs, or networking events. Think: polished but comfortable. Collared shirts, blouses, neat tops. Dress pants, chinos, or a simple skirt. Clean sneakers can work if they’re minimal, but loafers, flats or low heels are safer. Layers help! A blazer or cardigan pulls it together.
CelebrateonthewaterfrontwithaspectacularfireworksdisplayandourCanadaDay lineupoffreeandticketedprogramminginmusic,dance,comedy,foodandfamilyfriendlyactivities Enjoyall-agesprogrammingandspectacularoutdoorconcertswith DiggingRoots,KellyleeEvansandmore.Fireworksbeginat10:45p.m.
Celebrate Canada’s birthday right in the heart ofthe city! Enjoy live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a big fireworks show to close the night all for free Bring your friends, grab a spot early, and soak in the summer vibes downtown
Celebrate like a local! Enjoy a morning parade, live music, food trucks, games, and a relaxed day at Stan Wadlow Park, ending with a great fireworks show. Free, family-friendly, and a classicToronto tradition
Join the Scarborough communityfor a laid-back celebration with live entertainment, local vendors, fun family activities, and an evening fireworks display Pack a picnic, grab some friends, and enjoy Canada Day outdoors!
Sometimes all you need is a pen and paper. Doodling helps you relax, reduce stress, and get into a flow state — no artistic skills required!
Music is a proven mood-booster. Create a playlist with songs that make you smile or dance, it’s your personal soundtrack to better days.
TAKE A PHOTO A DAY
Challenge yourself to snap one picture daily of something that makes you happy, a cute coffee, a sunset, your outfit. It shifts your focus to the good things.
Whether it’s a succulent, basil in a jar, or a mini herb garden — taking care of a plant can bring you peace and a sense of progress.
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for every day — your morning coffee, a sunny walk, or a good meme. It trains your brain to focus on the good, and just takes 5 minutes.
5. TRY A 5-MINUTE MEDITATION APP
No need for candles or a yoga mat. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer quick sessions that help you reset, breathe, and feel more present.
From study sessions that turn into late-night heart-to-hearts, to shared snacks in the kitchen or those “ you had to be there” elevator moments, friendship is what makes residence feel like home.
This July 30, we invite you to pause and appreciate the people who’ve been by your side (or down the hall).
waystoCelebrate Friendship (the easy, student way):
Make a photo collage of your favorite memories sofar
Invite someone new to join you for lunch, you never know who could become your next closefriend
Create a sillyfriendship award (Best Snack Sharer, Ultimate Study Buddy, etc )
Organize a movie night or picnic with your crew
Friendship Day isn’t always about having a big group or being everyone’s best friend. Sometimes it’s just about recognizing those small, steady connections that make life easier, someone rememberin name, waiting for you in the lobby, or sendin meme when you need it. Sothis is your reminder: You matter.
Someone’s glad you’re here
And it’s never too late to make a new conne
Show up: Be there when you say you will big or small moments. Listen well: Sometimes just hearing them out is enough. Keep it real: Be honest, kind, and clear when things feel off.
Stay in touch: A quick “how are you?” goes a long way.
Let July 30 be your excuse to say “hey” or “thanks.”
Celebrate World Chocolate Day This July 7 by grabbing your favourite bar, baking something easy in the common kitchen, or swapping treats with your roomates th
Mug Cake: Mix cocoa powder, flour, sugar, milk, and a microwave = instant warm chocolate cake in a mug.
Dip It: Melt chocolate and dip fruit, cookies, pretzels or even potato chips for that sweet-salty combo.
Spread It: Chocolate hazelnut spread on toast, pancakes, or straight off the spoon we won’t judge.
Frozen Treats: Chop up chocolate and sprinkle over ice cream or frozen yogurt for an easy dessert upgrade.
Ancient Power Drink: Chocolate started as a bitter drink — the Mayans and Aztecs mixed cacao with spices and chili peppers, not sugar.
Napoleon’s Secret Snack: Napoleon Bonaparte always carried chocolate for quick energy during military campaigns.
It Was Once Currency: Cacao beans were so valuable in ancient Mesoamerica that people used them as money.
Chocolate Can ‘Bloom’: Ever seen white spots on old chocolate? That’s cocoa butter rising to the surface — harmless but not as tasty!
Switzerland Didn’t Invent It: While the Swiss perfected milk chocolate, the first solid chocolate bar was actually made in England in 1847.
SOMA Chocolatemaker: Artisan chocolate made in-house bars, truffles, hot chocolate. Local favourite with locations in the Distillery District & King West.
Cacao 70: For chocolate fondue, waffles, and over-the-top desserts. Perfect for sharing with friends.
ChocoSol Traders: Ethical, bean-to-bar chocolate with a focus on sustainable cacao Find their bars at markets or their St. Clair shop.
Sweet Jesus: Instagram-famous for wild chocolatey ice cream creations and dipped cones.
DAY 1: NO COFFEE SHOP DAY
Make coffee or tea in your dorm. Pocket the $5–8 you’d spend.
DAY 3: BRING YOUR OWN WATER
Skip buying bottled drinks. Carry your reusable bottle everywhere — savings add up!
DAY 5: CASH-ONLY DAY
Take out a set amount in cash for the day — no tapping! Helps you see what you really spend.
DAY 7: ZERO SPEND FUN
Find a free event in Toronto — outdoor movies, a park hangout, or a public event near campus.
Cook something simple with roommates or use up what’s in your fridge. Savings: at least $15–30.
Spend 10 min reviewing your bank app. Where’s your money really going? Cancel one tiny thing you don’t need.
Need something? See if you can borrow it from a friend instead of buying (books, kitchen tools, outfits for an event).
Please feel free to visit us at the front desk between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm or contact us via email parkside@studenthousing.com or via phone 416-977-8000 or visit our office
Monday to Friday. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JoanneGluck
General Manager
jgluck@studenthousing com
Daniel Travieso
Assistant General Manager
dfltravieso@studenthousing.com
Tusharika Arora
Residence Life Coordinator
tarora@studenthousing.com
KayannushMehta
Leasing Manager
kmehta@studenthousing.com
Atkiya Raisa
Leasing Assistant
araisa@studenthousing com
Newsletter Editor:
Kirstin & Natalia
Collaborators:
Alejandra, Raahim, & Sia