Experience in Edmonton, Canada by Mina

What is it like to live in Edmonton? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Edmonton is a big, wide, spread-out city. It is a very boring city, with virtually nothing to do except go to West Edmonton Mall. I would not recommend living here. Furthermore, the winters are very cold and very dry. There is not much nice architecture, and it is a rather ugly city. It is also quite flat, as it is in the northern prairies. However, the people here are extremely friendly and nice, so you are bound to make a lot of good frieds while there. Though, I can say that there is more to do in the summer. You also definitely need a car to see the city properly, as well as get to places efficiently.

What is the student lifestyle like in Edmonton?

Student lifestyle in Edmonton is rather boring. There are not many places to go out. You must really have a good hobby and a solid group of friends to keep yourself entertained. Though, I can say that most students hang around the various bars and nightclubs around Whyte Avenue, which is a very nice, mordern, youg, and hip area of Edmonton. Edmonton is not a very expensive city, so this definitely allows you to do more with your time. The University of Alberta has amazing sports facilities, so I would strongly recommend joining a club or a sports team. Stay active, because the winters are long!

How much does it cost to live in Edmonton?

Just like the rest of Canada, Edmonton can get expensive. However, the taxes are much lower than other parts of Canada. When compared to Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto, Edmonton is rather cheap. Definitely take advantage of the low taxes, because in Quebec, taxes are near 20%. I am also sure that there are student discounts for good and servies here and there. Transportation in Edmonton is also quite inexpensive, though it is not as modern, or as efficient as other cities.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Edmonton? Is there any advice you can give?

Most students who study in Edmonton live at home. I have not heard of many students from across Canada going to Edmonton to study. On that note, I have also not heard of many international and exchange students going to Edmonton. However, I do believe it is not hard to find accomodation, as Edmonton is a rather large city. However, if you can, make sure to get your accomodation close to where you are studying, as the transportation can be rather long and tedious. Though, I must say, having access to a vehicle in Edmonton will definitely make your life one thousand times easier,

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are a lot of ethnic restaurants, as well as "traditional" North American food. It's really nothing special. Edmonton has a lot of Chinese and Indian restaurants. Again, Whyte Avenue is the budding hipster area of Edmonton. It has a wide variety of cool bars and cafe's, so I would recommend going there if you are going out to eat.

What places would you recommend visiting in Edmonton?

West Edmonton Mall, Whyte Avenue, River Valley, and downtown - in Edmonton. If you have a free weekend, I would recommend making the three hour trip down to Calgary. It is a very nice and modern city, and it can be a bit warmer than Edmonton at times. Calgary had a lot of hills, and very nice areas, with a lot to do. If you have a weekend off, or a whole week, I urge you to make the four to five hour trip to the Rocky Mountains. Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is. Mountains, rivers, lakes, trees, nature. It will change your life. I would also really, really encourage you to visit Washington State, Montana, Oregon, and California.

Is it good to eat out in Edmonton? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Edmonton is quite bland, and I have not lived there for almost 5 years, so I cannot accurately answer this question. Though, Edmonton is trying to modernize and rebrand itself, so I am sure there are widening their selection of restaurants. Whyte Avenue is a good place to go if you are looking to eat out!

Is the nightlife good in Edmonton? Where is good to go?

There are a few clubs on Whyte Avenue and Jasper Avenue that young people like to go out to. However, I moved away from Edmonton when I was 14 years old, therefore, I cannot accurately answer this question. Privee is a new classy nightclub that is hip and modern.

What advice would you give future students heading to Edmonton?

Be prepared to be bored. Be prepared for cold. Be prepared for long commutes. Try to get involved as much as you can. Try to see as much of Alberta as you can.