So you've done it. You've worked hard and are about you start your first year at MacEwan University (Edmonton, AB). You've paid your tuition, rent, and purchased every book you need for your classes. With all of that taken care of you quickly realize, like so many other post-secondary students, that you are going to have to live on a tight budget. How do you furnish your apartment and have an active social life without going broke?
Students who live in the downtown area have one huge advantage. They have everything they could possibly need within walking distance or a very short drive.
Apartment Furnishing
To start with, you need furniture, unless you want to sit and sleep on the floor. While a run to Ikea or Jysk is always an option, there are others available that are closer. You've got a Brick Clearance Center (12016 -107 Ave.) just minutes down the road. Here, you can practice your haggling skills as you piece together those first few essential items to make your apartment into a living space. A quick stop off at the Dollarama at Oliver Square (11426 – 104 Ave.) will help you get everything you need for every room in your place.
Clothing
dressing to impress for all occasions can be tough when you're a starving student. You want to be able to look good without spending $100 on a pair of jeans or $1,000 on a suit. For the guys out there, one of your best bets is Pinstripe at the City Center Mall (10025 – 102A Ave). From suits to jeans to sweat pants to lounge around in, they have everything you need and there's always a deal to be had. For the ladies, there's Fairweather at the City Center Mall. Casual clothes and dressier ensembles can be found without breaking the bank.
Nights Out
The first week is over, you've made some friends, and now you need a beer…or twelve, we won't judge. While Towers on campus is always an option, you can only spend so much time drinking the same draft beer before you want a change. There are plenty of tap houses nearby but one that needs to be checked out is Beer Revolution (11736 – 104 Ave). Just a few minutes down the street from campus, they have a large selection of beer that regularly rotates while also serving up good food without being too expensive. Warmer months are especially nice here as they have a large patio that wraps around the building. My girlfriend would kill me if I didn't mention this one (I guess she doesn't always want to go out for beer?). There are plenty of options for ladies nights around the city, but for those looking for a classy place that they can get dressed up for, there's Hundred Bar & Kitchen (10009 – 101A Ave). The Thursday night ladies night offerings include 50% off all food after 3pm and 50% off martinis all day, making this a great place to go and have a few drinks with the girls.
Date Night
It's date night and you really want to impress her without having to worry about eating ramen noodles for the next month. Lux Steakhouse & Bar (Commerce Place 10150 – 101 St.) on a Wednesday or Thursday night should be your first choice. Dimly lit with a modern design, it's easy to get in close together to share one of their many dishes made specifically for sharing. But why specifically Wednesday or Thursday?
Simple: Wednesdays are half-price wine nights and Thursdays offer $3 sparkling cocktails. So settle in and enjoy a night of excellent food and drinks and enjoy University life!
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