#studysearch

Hey StudyLovers we know you’re thinking of studying abroad, checking out universities and theres a big chance you’ll have to take some standardized tests and exams, maybe the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or even the SAT!

Have you heard of Magoosh? Magoosh is an online test prep platform that takes the best of traditional teaching and shares it with students everywhere online. So you don’t have to take expensive, inconvenient classes or use outdated books with poor explanations just to prep for the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or even the SAT. With Magoosh you have access to convenient, effective, and enjoyable ways to learn.

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of them, they’re friends of ours and because of that - StudySearch students can get a free 1 month trial to find out just how good Magoosh is. We only have a limited amount of these trials to give out so we want to be fair!

Heres how well run it. Below are a few questions about Magoosh. To get your free 30 day trial you have to - 

1. Follow both StudySearch and Magoosh on twitter (@mystudySearch @Magoosh)

2. Tweet us the answers using #Studygoosh

Questions

1. What is the meaning of Magush? (Yes Magush)

2. Who is the CEO of Magoosh?

3. Where are Magoosh located?

We will pick the winners at random on Friday the 8th of May

Good Luck!

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*Special Thanks to Ronke from Magoosh :) 

As part of the peer advisor application we ask current students and alumnus two key questions..

1. Tell us something about the university they attended, that people on the "outside" would not know.

2. Tell us about their Study / Study abroad experience

These questions are important because they get students and alumni to really think about their university experience and usually reveal unique and interesting information about universities thats not always in the public domain.

Here are a few of the best, and most interesting answers from some peer advisors.

Student at University College London

“The Examination timetable is released to students about 1-2 months before examinations commence, this makes it difficult to plan ahead of examinations. Close to 60% of the time, the timetable does not favour science and engineering students.” -

Student at The George Washington University

“Water fountains are far and few at the George Washington University's Mount Vernon Campus. Most students drink tap water.”

Student at Johnson County Community College

“My experience in an American classroom opened my eyes to the value of my undergraduate studies having studied in my country Kenya.

The focus was very much on rigor, theory and the fundamentals of an academic discipline. It was this solid foundation that enabled me to push the boundaries of knowledge within the free-thinking environment of an American classroom.

My interactions with my American peers -- and those from all over the world challenged me to expand my worldview. I have gained a lot of international exposure since I came to the United States and I look at things from a different perspective. Students in the United States may take fewer courses but delve much deeper into the subject material than they might in Kenya. On the other hand Professors are accessible, and you can actually talk to them unlike in Kenya where it used to be hard for me to approach my Professors.”

Student at Armenian State University of Economics

“In spite of the excellent marketing strategy the university is in lack of high scale professionals, the classes are too big for absorbing knowledge fully. To add it, I also have to notice that the university provides mostly theoretical knowledge.

On the positive side, university has an excellent career center and it is rather easy to find a job due to this function. Furthermore, the student union rather frequently organize amazing programs for students, such as various hikes, seminars, debates, movie screenings, meeting with famous professionals, summer and winter camps etc.”

Student at University of Ottawa

“University of Ottawa Canada's only bilingual ( French and English university) It is a highly diverse and welcoming university. It is currently going through a massive redevelopment and it's mission statement is to attract more international students in the coming years. Given that is is a research university there are many opportunities for funding, co-op programs and travel abroad.”

Student at University of Wisconsin

“Though my university is known as a research institution, people on the "outside" would not know the substantial amount of research labs/institutes that are available across all fields. It's not just the sciences that do the research. Our language department, journalism department, non-profit department have their own respective research opportunities available for interested students.“

Student at University of Warwick

“The University has so many social clubs that provides a student an opportunity to make friends while learning. Students from the University have higher career prospects after graduation and the alumni network provides helpful advice for those who don't get immediate employment after their studies. It is definitely the best place to study and I would highly recommend it to any person who wants to study in UK.”

Student at University of Exeter

“J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter literary series, based a few of her characters on people she met while she was at the University of Exeter. 'Diagon alley', which is used predominantly in her books was based on an alleyway in the city centre at Exeter called Gandy Street. The resemblance is uncanny.”

So I'm terribly sorry that I haven't been able to update until now. You've all been very patient, so here is my first of 3 updates!

THE CAFE LONDON BUS

So Cafe London Bus is tucked away across from the Westmount Square, right off the corner of St. Catherine and Wood avenue. 

Initially it looks like a restaurant from the outside, and the menu of homemade sandwiches, chilli and stews makes it seem even more so. That being said, it definitely has the cafe feel to it. Lots of tables with assorted seats, nice window light, and many many hot beverages!

  Cafe London had several good things going for it:

Internet (Sans pay wall!!)

Personable service from the owner who addressed no few customers by their first name.

Not very crowded and as a result quiet and no worries about taking up a table. 

Good food that comes with that homemade feel to it. 

The downsides?

Some of the tables are really not sized for more than a textbook. However, since not many people seem to frequent the area, you can get away with more using two at a time.

The chairs were decent, but if you're like me  you like to move you legs around while you're sitting, and the design of the chairs doesn't allow you to tuck you legs underneath. You wouldn't think that this would be a big issue, but when your legs are feeling stiff or cramped, it can make a big difference. I suspect that people with larger and taller frames might have issue here. 

This was a downside for me, but it might be an upside for others; there was a fairly long jazz history documentary going on while I was studying and it was rather irritating. I ended up plugging myself into my ipod to keep myself from being distracted. 

It's rather peculiar, reading what I've written here, I would think that Cafe London Bus would be a smashing hit! As it is, I would certainly go back there, but I haven't quite warmed to the place just yet. It doesn't have that special charisma that just draws you in. 

WOULD I GO BACK? YES

★★★★★★★☆ 7.5/10 stars 

So I came upon this little nestle of a corner when I was getting a lunch not too long ago. I was looking around for a bathroom when I saw this alcove that was tuck away beneath the escalators. What was so special about this spot? I’m glad you asked!

Let’s see, at first glance nothing special...but wait a second....are those electrical plugs for every single table? Also...there are 3 tables and 6 chairs for each section...not too many people...not too loud but not in a silent din....hmmmm....

So I tucked away this little nugget at the back of my mind and I came back today to see how it would hold up to some biology review. 

I’m rather pleased to say that it turned out to be a very nice spot! Even during the lunch rush there weren’t too many people since there were so many other tables available and not many people would see this alcove in the first place. It’s tucked away around a corner and beneath a stairwell so you’re actually assured a relative amount of privacy. 

With three full tables to work with I was swimming in more space than I could take up, it was a lavish experience and I would almost feel guilty if I knew that no one was losing a table because of me. 

THE GOOD! :)

1) Electrical plugs at every table space (absolute gold, you can see them immediately, and you probably won’t have to fight to keep your laptop from dying out).

2) Spacious tables and multiple chairs make this an ideal solo or group study spot. 

3) Private: few people come to this hidden oasis, you’ll be able to mostly avoid the crowds and extreme noise you might get at most food courts. 

4) FOOD! I love food, and while you can’t really afford take out every day, it’s certainly convenient to have a selection of foods right at your fingertips when your tummy lets you know it’s time to take a study break. 

5) Internet, you won’t find free internet here, but I did notice that Valentines has a WIFI access  point here and when you select it, you’re sent to a login page asking for a card pin number. I suspect they provide service to clients who are willing to pay a few dollars for access. I haven’t tried it yet, but next time I go by I’ll let you know. 

6) Lots of stalls in the bathrooms, you shouldn’t have to wait very long for one to open up.

THE BAD :(

1) Privacy also means that if you leave to get food or beverage you can’t keep on eye on your materials. If you want to go get something and you’re on your own, you’ll have to pack everything up and bring it with you. This also means you run the risk of losing your seat while you’re gone. But let’s be clear, this isn’t a place you want to leave your things unattended. 

2) As an underground food court you won’t be getting any natural light, in addition to that, the alcove may feel a bit too unclosed for some people. 

3) No free internet access that so many other study spots have. 

4) The café depot that gave me a tea has water so hot that it nearly scalded my hand through the cup. Those with delicate pallets should approach with caution. 

5) Lots of distraction since you’re in the middle of a mall, since you don’t see most of it, you’re better off, but if you have a problem with impulse purchases this is probably the worst place to be. 

6) Cost; being around so much fast food might entice you to always buy it, quickly burning a 300$ a month hole in your pocket if you purchase a meal a day here.  

THE OBSCURE BUT PROVOCATIVE. :S

Lots of opportunities for people watching if you want to take a break. There are hundreds of people who pass through here in a given day and each has their own story. It can be a good way to pass the time while you try to decipher it. 

All in all I’d say that this is a golden find. But it really shines when you get a group together. Not only will you be able to leave your stuff whether you’re answering natures call or getting some food, but you’ll also have each other to keep on target and not be distracted by the many shiny new toys you could purchase. 

Would I go back? YES

★★★★★★★★ 8/10 Stars (+1 if you’re in a group)

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