WHAT’S IT LIKE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN? It’s fine. I mean, all they have for public transit is about four buses that run once an hour. No subway. And no Uber. Seriously. The taxis are like Ubers because they’re just a bunch of regular cars with a little light on top, they don’t have […]
Students
Young people are fired up for the federal election
T his year, for the first time since the baby boomers, youth and students are the largest voting block in Canada. All over the country young people are pushing back against the narrative that we are apolitical. Many young people like myself are becoming increasingly involved in politics and are actively organizing around issues that […]
A guide to being a good room mate for Halifax’s university and college students
Q Learning how to be a respectful roommate (and practising the skill) is the gift that keeps on giving. Learning how to respectfully cohabit is something that will serve you for the rest of your life—in relationships, work environments, really any time you need to share a space with other humans. Mastering it can be […]
A guide to Nova Scotia’s unofficial theme song: Barrett’s Privateers
Welcome to Halifax where the sea is close and the seafarers’ affinity for merrymaking is even closer. Where there’s pints and perspiration, there’s likely this song at least once throughout the evening and for some reason, everyone knows the words. Everyone but you, that is. Fear not, for we’re here to help you look like […]
Sleeping tips for all the students in the room
Give your residence bed a makeover Since you’re basically sleeping on a crib mattress, invest in some cushy bed stuff to help you manage the tiny twin a little better. Memory foam, a really nice pillow and a cozy comforter are a good start. Planning to share said twin with someone? Good night and good […]
Academic advising can keep students on track
Despite their name, academic advisors do more than help students choose courses; they help them have a well-rounded university experience. “The only thing a lot of students have to compare us to are guidance counsellors. There isn’t really something like this in high school, so it’s hard not to have those preconceived notions,” says Heather […]
How to stay alive and maybe even thrive as a non-car on Halifax’s unruly streets
Following this summer’s atrocious safety record of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, surely students could use some advice on how to stay alive while navigating our car-centric city. Some ideas: • Attach a pool noodle to your bicycle, forcing drivers to give you your respectful one metre of space. • Dress in glow […]
Halifax drink specials friendly to student budgets
$4 drinks and half-price apps after 8pm East Side Mario’s, 5287 Prince Street Go for the free bread and salad, stay for the cheap drinks and appetizers. You’ll never leave. Craft beer Sundays Your Father’s Moustache, 5686 Spring Garden Road Take a break from slugging Vitamin O (Oland’s) and Keith’s on Sundays and taste your […]
Consent Kitties hit the dance floor in the name of safe space
When his friends began avoiding the music festival scene due to one too many negative experiences on the dance floor, long-time festival-goer James MacDonald knew it was time for change. In 2017 MacDonald floated the idea of what it would be like to have a point person attend shows with the sole role of facilitating […]
A tool kit for incoming university students with disabilities
On my first day at Mount Saint Vincent University, I did not know what to expect. I walked into my first class in a pair of white boots and a winter coat I had never worn before. Coming from Lagos, Nigeria, I had never worn so many clothes and still felt cold. It was ridiculous. […]
A roommate’s guide to loading the dishwasher properly
I have a friend for whom loading a dishwasher is serious business. If anyone decides they’re going to throw a few things in, he freezes and looks on with a terrified half-smile plastered to his face, practically quivering as he restrains himself from running over and intervening. As soon as the interloper finishes “helping”, he […]
Welcome to Halifax, students, here’s a run down of your local politicians
Let’s be honest: sometimes politics can be overwhelming. But we’re here to introduce university students to their new home, right here in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Now that you’re here, it’s good to know who you can complain to. Knowing who represents your community is an important part of being an engaged citizen, and […]

