City Living

Moving to the city can be scary!

Especially when you're from a more rural area! Moving to Halifax or Dartmouth can be really exciting, but it can also be unfamiliar. Here are a few tips and tricks for moving to the city.

Halifax Transit

Halifax Transit can be very confusing and intimidating for new users. But there's an app to help you navigate the buses that will be a lifesaver!

Pictured in green below, it's an easy to use app called "Transit." Simply enter your location and where you want to go and the app will show you all possible routes, arrival times, how long it'll take you to get there, when to get off the bus, and more!

TIP: Explore the bus route to your university or college before your first day, that way if you get lost you won't be late to your first class. Remember that morning traffic is slow, so you'll need to allow yourself extra time to get to school.

If you will be attending university/college in the fall, many schools will have bus pass fees included in your tuition fees. Your bus pass will be your student ID card and there's no limit to how many times you can use it.

Don't hesitate to ask the bus driver for help. They're usually pretty nice folks and are used to new transit users.

More info about Halifax Transit can be found HERE.

Roommates and Apartments

City living can be EXPENSIVE and hard to find. If you're not living with family or on residence, begin the apartment hunt early.

If you choose to live in an apartment, living with roommates can help make life more affordable. You'll be able to split the cost of electricity, internet, and more.

Go grocery shopping together and share the basics (ie butter, ketchup, salt & pepper). Student Discount days are usually on Tuesdays. Shop wisely and watch for sales.

TIP: Try to pick roommates whose lifestyles match your own - you'll get along better!

Make sure you know who you're living with. If you're renting with strangers, make sure you meet them before you sign a lease. If you're getting a bad gut feeling about the potential roommate, trust your instincts!

Understand your rights as a tenant! Landlords cannot:

Landlords should only enter your apartment if there is an emergency, if they are showing your apartment to potential new renters, or if they have given you prior written notice that they will do so (ie for repairs and maintenance). They should not be entering your apartment after dark.
Landlords can only increase your rent once every 12 months (on the anniversary of your move in date). They are required to give you notice before they do this.
Landlords are not allowed to turn off the heat in your unit, even if your rent is late.

Here is a link to the Nova Scotia Renter's Guide. Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Urban Vs Rural Life

There are a lot of changes that come from moving from a rural area to an urban city, even one of the "smaller" cities like Halifax or Dartmouth.

You won't always know who your neighbours are and you might not know who to trust. Making trusted friends is important, and knowing who to go to for support is key.

Lock your doors! Car and house (windows too!) It might not be something you do as much in the country, but it is necessary if you're living in the city.

Traffic is SLOW. Rush hour is REAL. Budget extra time to get from home to work/school.

The city can be noisy. If you're not used to the city noises you might find it difficult to fall asleep at night. Try listening to white noise, music, or use ear plugs if the noise bothers you.

Try new things and experiences (within reason). Explore the city, the new cultures, foods, entertainment. You can't do or experience everything, and your budget may be tight. There are a lot of low/no cost activities in the area if you just look for them.

Be safe! There is safety in numbers. Remember that living in the city comes with it's own dangers and be aware if the risks, especially when going out at night.

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