Living in Halifax
Living in K’jipuktuk/Halifax
There are not many places where you can leave the studio, walk a few minutes to the ocean, explore galleries and independent shops, and take a ferry across the harbour for dinner or a show. At NSCAD, that is simply part of living and studying in K’jipuktuk/Halifax.
NSCAD is woven into the heart of downtown Halifax, a coastal university city where more than 30,000 students live and study alongside a vibrant community of artists, designers, makers, musicians and filmmakers. Halifax has the energy and culture of a larger city while remaining compact enough to explore, with distinct neighbourhoods, a busy waterfront, restaurants and cafés, live music, markets, festivals and creative spaces all within easy reach.
Beyond the city, beaches, lakes, trails and the Atlantic coast offer another side of life in Nova Scotia — and another source of inspiration.
Study in the heart of the city.
NSCAD's three campuses connect you directly to Halifax. Fountain Campus occupies historic buildings on Granville Street in the centre of downtown, surrounded by restaurants, shops, galleries and cultural spaces. Port Campus sits directly on the waterfront at Pier 21, while Academy Campus, home to film and media arts, occupies another of the city's landmark historic buildings.
Between classes and studio time, you can walk the waterfront, meet friends for coffee, visit an exhibition, browse independent shops or explore a new part of the city. Halifax becomes part of the rhythm of your day and, over time, part of your experience at NSCAD.
Find your creative community.
With more than 30,000 students attending six degree-granting institutions, Halifax is a university city with a creative community that extends across art, design, craft, film, music and performance.
Explore galleries and artist-run centres, see independent film and theatre, discover public art and murals, hear live music or browse markets and shops featuring work by local artists and makers. There is plenty happening after dark, too, from concerts and performances to restaurants, pubs and neighbourhood spots where students gather.
Throughout the year, festivals bring even more energy to the city, celebrating everything from contemporary art, film and music to food, culture and community. Nocturne transforms the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth with art after dark, the Halifax Mural Festival turns city walls into works in progress, Halifax Pride fills downtown with colour and celebration, and the Halifax Busker Festival brings performers and crowds to the waterfront.
There is always something new to see, hear or experience — and plenty of opportunities to become part of the creative life of the city yourself.
Get around and explore.
Halifax is compact and walkable, and NSCAD students receive a UPass providing unlimited access to Halifax Transit buses and ferries during the academic year.
The ferry is one of the more distinctive parts of getting around. In about 15 minutes, you can cross Halifax Harbour between two walkable downtowns, with cafés, restaurants, shops, markets and waterfront spaces on either side. Some NSCAD students live in downtown Dartmouth and commute to class by ferry.
When you want to go farther, beaches, lakes, forests and coastal trails are within easy reach. Surf at Lawrencetown Beach, swim or paddle in a lake, cycle a trail or spend a weekend exploring the Nova Scotia coast.
Find a place to call home.
NSCAD students live throughout Halifax and Dartmouth in apartments, shared houses and flats, private student housing and university residences. Some choose downtown and walk to class, while others live in neighbourhoods such as the North End or South End or across the harbour in Dartmouth.
Our housing resources can help you explore neighbourhoods, understand your options, find roommates and prepare for your move.
See yourself here.
Choosing where to study also means choosing where you will live, build friendships and develop your creative practice.
Come explore our campuses, walk the waterfront, take the ferry and experience the creative community that surrounds NSCAD.