9 IGNITE services you need to know about

IGNITE is the student union for both Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber. It is made up of the student government as well as full-time employees who work to think of fun and interesting ways to appeal to the student body.

IGNITE provides many services to students, many of which you may have never even heard of. The good news is it’s not too late to get in the loop and start taking advantage of what they are offering. Start by checking out these nine services made just for you!

1. Sleep Lounge
   IGNITE introduced Humber’s first-ever sleep lounge in 2016 for overtired students to catch a few z’s in between classes. Located in room KX208, the sleep lounge lets you pop in with your student ID and enjoy a relaxing and quiet nap for up to an hour. Every student wishes they could take a nap in the middle of the day, especially if you spent all night “studying,” and now thanks to IGNITE, you can!

2. 24/7 Student Lifeline
   IGNITE’s 24/7 Student Lifeline is a free resource available to you at any time to talk through any struggles you may be experiencing. Stressed out because of your course load? Have relationship or family issues? Or just need someone to listen? The help is accessible via computer, phone or mobile app and can include short-term counselling, instant chat with a consultant, referral to campus or community resources, and online tools like blogs, self-assessments and podcasts.

3. Legal Advice
   The Student LifeLine also includes legal services for any of your needs. You are able to speak one-on-one to a certified lawyer for 30 minutes on the phone about almost anything you may need advice about! IGNITE made sure to cover all your bases so you never feel like you don’t have somewhere to go. Note: this doesn’t include employment, business-related law or legal issues with your school.

4. Tax Services
   Did you realize that the fact you know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell doesn’t exactly help you when it comes to adult financial responsibilities? No worries. IGNITE thought you may need a little extra help for tax season and set up a tax clinic and workshop so you can learn the things you’ll need long-term! There’s a team of student volunteers ready to help you get back the most money possible!

5. Student Events
   What’s spending four (or more) years in post-secondary education without the fun? IGNITE puts on tonnes of events throughout the year to get you involved and thinking less about assignments and more about getting the most out of your college and university experience! They kick off the year with the infamous FROSH event and never stop. Some events are purely for fun, while others are more educational. Check out what’s coming up on the schedule at: http://ignitestudentlife.com/events/

6. Flexible Health and Dental Insurance Plan
   Your parents seem to always be talking about insurance, like how to submit a claim, and get coverage, and everything else. Well, IGNITE has set up a number of sweet deals to cover stuff for you (aka get stuff for free!) They even have different plans to choose from  so you can decide what fits you best. IGNITE knows that your physical and mental health are top priority, so remember: don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your wellness.

7. Volunteering and Job Opportunities
   Sure, you’re in school getting an education and marks and eventually a diploma or degree, but what about experience? And money? Thankfully, IGNITE has set up great opportunities for you to gain volunteer experience and even apply for real paying jobs so your trips to LiNX doesn’t take so much of a toll on your wallet. Whether you want to stay on campus or venture off, IGNITE can match you with perfect options after you fill out a volunteer form and head to their jobs section to find out about openings and job fairs.

8. Games Room
   Have a break in between classes and don’t want to be bored again? Check out the IGNITE games room for a bunch of activities. They host pool tournaments and video game competitions and give you a place to unwind before, in between, or after classes. There is always something going on, so check it out today!

9. Chances for you to Win Cool Stuff (or Money)
   IGNITE puts on contests each year to get students cool stuff and money (yes, free money)! Why not look for reasons to help other students as much as possible? Whether it’s helping you to get a new professional wardrobe, win tickets to sports games or get some cold hard cash, IGNITE has the contest for you. All you gotta do is keep an eye out and enter!

For more information about IGNITE and the services they offer, visit ignitestudentlife.com.