AV俱乐部

What is the best piece of advice you have for living in Halifax?
The number one tip I can give is to bring half as much stuff and twice as much money! If you鈥檙e coming in the winter, just buy a winter coat here, there is a wide selection. They usually go on sale and they鈥檙e made for Canada, so you know you鈥檙e going to be well protected from the cold! Have space in your luggage to bring stuff back home!    

Is it easy to travel in Canada?
It鈥檚 relatively easy to travel around Canada. Renting a car is pretty easy if you鈥檙e over 21 and one hot tip is you can get a special rate on train rides if you book on Tuesdays! Also, the public transport is pretty good in most cities! 

Is it really that cold/snowy in Halifax?
It was my first time seeing snow so it was very exciting for me and the novelty of it never wore off! Once you鈥檙e all geared up, it鈥檚 not actually that cold. There was more snow than rain, which for me was awesome because snow is a lot less annoying than rain!    

I鈥檓 so thankful I packed my鈥� 
Multi-USB port charger and power bank! Your phone may not like the cold.    

Is the course load very different than home?
It鈥檚 about the same I would say. You have to just keep at it and allocate a bit of time to study each week.

Favorite part of going to AV俱乐部?
Being a part of the student community in Halifax. Since it鈥檚 a university town, the students make up the majority of people in Halifax and if you鈥檙e from a big city, it still really feels like it鈥檚 full of life despite the small population.    

The things you MUST see/do when living in Halifax?
Ice skating at Emera Oval, a Mooseheads hockey game, AV俱乐部 Tigers games (free to attend with your DalCard). Rent a car and drive along the coast. Visit Point Pleasant Park, go hiking, go to Kejimkujik National Park, Cape Split, Peggy鈥檚 Cove, Cape Breton, Lunenburg! Nova Scotia is really a beautiful part of Canada!

Favorite thing about Halifax?
Halifax is an amazing place! The east coast of Canada has some of the friendliest people in the world and it really typifies the stereotype that Canadian people are nice! You can literally close your eyes and cross the road because people always stop for you (please still look both ways!). There is a thing called a Nova Scotian stand-off where there are 4 cars at a 4-way intersection and nobody goes because everybody tries to give way! Despite the population, nightlife is still quite lively since there are so many students and it is such a beautiful place with many amazing things to see in the surrounding areas.

How has studying abroad changed you?
Studying abroad allowed me to rediscover myself and figure out what really makes me happy. I've gained a lot of independence, confidence and a new perspective on life. It's broadened my horizons and made me want more from life.

Why would you recommend going on exchange 鈥� to Dal specifically?
In general 鈥� exchange is amazing; I can鈥檛 recommend the experience enough! You will have a blast!

Specifically 鈥� Dal is a great school and really gives you a taste of 鈥渃ollege life鈥� since it鈥檚 in a small student town! The lecturers I鈥檝e had have all been quite good and the education itself is of high quality. The inbound exchange coordinators are amazing; helping you throughout the application process and making you feel at home when you arrive. The people are all super friendly, which makes everything a bit easier!

What advice would you give to new exchange students to get involved?
From the first few days you arrive, be a friendly face! Say hello to other exchange students and people in your classes. Have a bias towards yes. Do things you wouldn鈥檛 normally do鈥攕tep outside your comfort zone! The possibilities are endless if you want to have a good time, and chances are the people you surround yourself with will want to have a good time as well.