by Olivia Bednar
We know #StudentLife can be a double-edged sword – but if you find yourself pursuing that post-secondary in Toronto, you’ll be happy to know there are tons of spots that are lookin’ out for the city’s student demographic. Here are some hacks to get you through the year without breaking the bank. Image credit: iStock.com/PeopleImages
Looking for a fun (and free) way to spend a sunny Saturday? Try spending the day outside somewhere near your campus like Allan Gardens, the spectacular downtown conservatory with a plethora of plants and fresh scents that will incite a sense of instant calm. If you’re just not ready to let go of summer, head over to Sugar Beach by the downtown George Brown campus – the colourful sun umbrellas and a sandy shore that will surely give you a little taste of summer. Closer to OCAD U, you will find Grange Park, a casual but lush urban park with tall trees and lots of benches suited for people watching and whiling the afternoon with a coffee.
Give old clothes a new home and your wallet a much-needed break by visiting one of Toronto’s best thrift stores. Value Village is the go-to for cheap essentials and closet staples. For more unique finds, Parkdale’s sprawling vintage depot Public Butter always has an eclectic assortment of fun fashion finds. Although slightly on the pricier side, House of Vintage and Mama Loves You Vintage will help you make a statement at school with one-of-a-kind pieces. Queen Street’s infamous Black Market always has your back (with everything $10 or under, you just seriously can’t go wrong). Thrifting is not only cost-efficient and ethical, it also gives each trip the feeling of a treasure hunt!
Let’s be real, libraries can be pretty boring. Why not find an alternative to library study somewhere with a little more style (and free wifi of course). Jimmy’s Coffee in Kensington exudes the perfect studying ambience with its comfy chairs and big backyard patio – but if it’s a wee crowded, FIKA Café and Café Pamenar are right down the street. Quantum at King and Spadina has some of the best coffee in the city and its uber-modern aesthetic and huge back workroom is sure to get you in the studying spirit. Page One is another great study spot just around the corner from Ryerson University. The café doubles as a bar, so it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to switch from study vibes to wet-your-whistle vibes.
After a long day of lectures, you may have the instinct to leave school grounds ASAP, but here are a couple reasons to stick around after class. University of Toronto has an open chess hall at Hart House every Friday starting at 4 pm, you can check it out with your mates for some serious or casual play. You can also belt your heart out at Ryerson’s campus pub the Ram in the Rye. They hold open mic night every Wednesday. You can then cure your hangover and get a healthy start to your day by picking up some farm fresh produce before class at Ryerson’s weekly farmer’s market on Gould Street every Wednesday. OCAD U has an open life drawing studio every Wednesday and Saturday. For $10 you bring your own drawing board and brush up on your sketching.
Lots of people in Toronto ball out hard but there are, shockingly, lots of ways to have fun in the 6 on a budget. Big museums like the AGO and ROM have discounts and free days for students. If you’re a film buff, TIFF Bell Lightbox and Hot Docs Cinema both have great discounted student tickets. Create an excuse to go shopping with 10% discounts at clothing stores like Topshop and J. Crew. Then grab a bite at one of many restaurants and cafés in Toronto that offer student discounts (including 15% off at Fresh!)
