The Halifax lowdown

New to Halifax and looking for the lowdown on the true Haligonian experience? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of ten things every Dalhousie student should know that only a long-time Halifax resident could conjure. 

1. Loaded Ladle

The Loaded Ladle is a great resource for students who are busy, broke and/or looking for a healthy addition to a balanced diet. A community kitchen located in the Dalhousie Student Union Building, the Loaded Ladle serves lunch every weekday at no cost to patrons. Run by student volunteers, this program provides a much appreciated service to the Dalhousie community. 

2. Jubilee and Triple A

Located at the intersection of Preston Street and Jubilee Road, these rival convenience stores are a hot spot among students, especially those looking for a cheap slice of pizza after a night out. 

3. Start looking for an apartment

Due to the current housing crisis facing the city, it’s important for students to begin making plans for their second-year accommodations as soon as possible. Housing is limited, especially affordable housing near campus. Begin finding your future roommates and start booking apartment tours in September to get a head start on the competitive housing market. 

4. You need at least two photo IDs

Halifax bouncers do not play when it comes to photo identification. If you want to make it into the bars downtown, two government-issued photo IDs are standard (and no, your student ID doesn’t count). If you’re someone with a baby face, be prepared to present up to three at some spots.

5. Hoco isn’t what it used to be

Long gone are the days of students partying on rooftops and DJs performing in the streets. The once iconic September holiday has taken a turn towards the mundane in recent years due to increased police presence over the homecoming weekend.

6. WTF is Munro Day?

Every year on the first Friday of February, Dalhousie students are treated to a day off — thanks to generous donor George Munro. The day off honours the philanthropist, whose financial lifeline supported the university through a rough period in the 1870s. 

7. Be prepared for unexpected weather 

The weather in Halifax is temperamental to say the least. Be prepared for anything and everything, at any time. 

8. There are underground tunnels on campus 

As previously mentioned, the weather in Halifax is unpredictable and sometimes harsh, especially during the winter months. On snowy, cold or rainy days, take advantage of the tunnels running under the Killam Library all the way to the LSC. 

9. The noon gun

If you hear a loud booming sound at noon, don’t be alarmed. Every day at noon, except for on Christmas Day, the 3rd Brigade of the Royal Artillery fires a cannon at the Halifax Citadel. A tradition since 1857, the noon gun is fired as a tribute to Halifax’s history as a major British military stronghold. 

10. You have to try a donair at least once

Nova Scotia is the birthplace of the infamous beef wrap, invented by Greek immigrant Peter Gamoulakos in the 1970s. Known for its polarizing sweet sauce, the donair is a Nova Scotian specialty. If you haven’t tried one yet, consider it a rite of passage.