Advisory: As Halifax Water is currently undertaking work at the Fountain campus, we ask our community to not drink the water at the Fountain campus. We will update you as soon as the work has been completed.
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Living in K’jipuktuk
(Halifax)

Join a creative coastal community filled with artists and makers.
Our city will charm you, surprise you, and fuel your art-making for years to come.

Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean, K’jipuktuk/Halifax is a cosmopolitan port city that feels simultaneously like an urban centre and a friendly small town. We are surrounded by incredible natural beauty, full of diverse neighbourhoods, great nightlife, and a seriously impressive art scene—all wrapped up in a quirky Maritime package.

 

Explore.

In our city you’ll find diverse neighbourhoods, a thriving art scene, great nightlife, historic architecture, parks, live music, sports, local food, vibrant local businesses, and the Atlantic Ocean, all within walking distance. With more than 30,000 students enrolled in six degree granting institutions, Halifax has one of the youngest populations in North America. Hop on a bus, drive, or bike out of the city and find yourself surrounded by nature.

 

Nova Scotia boasts breathtaking scenery, including rugged trails, pristine lakes, old growth forests, and expansive beaches. Experience the outdoors by surfing, skiing, sailing, swimming, ice skating, hiking,and mountain biking. Get fresh veggies and flowers from one of Halifax’s many Farmers’ Markets. Picnic in the Halifax Public Gardens and listen to a concert in the bandstand. See art after dark at Nocturne, Halifax’s nighttime contemporary outdoor art festival.

 

Housing in K’jipuktuk/Halifax.

There are many options to finding a place to live as a NSCAD student. The city is full of rental properties in historic homes or contemporary high rises. Students may live on their own, with a host family, or in a shared flat or house. Many rental listings are found online on sites like kijiji.ca or Facebook marketplace. The north-end and south-end neighbourhoods of Halifax are popular among NSCAD students. Some choose to live in downtown Dartmouth and take the ferry to class!

 

For those who want a university residence living experience, NSCAD students are eligible to live at University of King’s College, Saint Mary’s University, Atlantic School of Theology, Mount Saint Vincent University or Granville Hall, a private student residence located a few blocks from Fountain Campus.

 

All of these options are within walking distance of NSCAD.

 

Visit our housing section to find out more about how to get an apartment, find roommates and more.

 

Transit.

Halifax is a pedestrian friendly city where you’ll find cyclists sharing the roads with skateboarders and motor vehicles. NSCAD students receive a transit pass, called a UPass, which provides unlimited access to buses and ferries of the Halifax Transit System.

 

Things to do in K’jipuktuk/Halifax.

  • Read thecoast.ca, Halifax’s digital-first news outlet to find out what’s going on.
  • Surf the ocean waves at Lawrencetown Beach.
  • Try bouldering at Seven Bays, then have a coffee and get some work done in the café.
  • Rent rollerblades in the summer and ice skates in the winter at the Emera Oval.
  • Use your UPass to hop on the ferry and explore downtown Dartmouth.
  • Get fresh veggies and flowers from Halifax’s many Farmers’ Markets.
  • Read a book with a view of the city at the Halifax Central Library.
  • Get a haircut while watching skateboarding at Oddfellow’s Barbershop.
  •  Join a team and play sports year-round with Halifax Sport and Social Club.
  • Familiarize yourself with downtown Halifax by going on a gallery tour.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the Halifax Public Gardens and listen to a concert in the bandstand.
  • Go for a run and take in the fresh air alongside the ocean in Point Pleasant Park.
  • Experience art after dark at Nocturne, Halifax’s annual contemporary art festival.
  • Watch a movie at the Park Lane Cinemas or Carbon Arc, which screens art house films.
  • Dance late into the night at the Seahorse Tavern.
  • Listen to live music at Gus’ Pub, the Marquee Ballroom or The Carleton.
  • Grow your own food at Common Roots Urban Farm.
  • Get some homemade ice cream from Dee Dee’s while you explore the North End.
  • Take a wine tour at one of Annapolis Valley’s many vineyards.
  • Experience a brewery in the city, like 2 Crows, Stillwell or Good Robot.
  • Meet with friends in the city’s Beer Gardens.

 

Festivals.

  • Afrifest
  • Atlantic Fringe Festival
  • Lebanese Cedar Festival
  • Devour: the Food Film Festival
  • Atlantic International
  • Film Festival
  • Greek Festival
  • Hal-Con Sci-Fi and Fantasy
  • Convention
  • Evergreen Festival
  • Halifax Independent
  • Film Festival
  • Halifax International
  • Busker Festival
  • Halifax Jazz Festival
  • Halifax Natal Day Festival
  • Halifax Pride
  • Halifax Urban Folk Festival
  • India Fest
  • Nocturne: Art at Night
  • Northern Lights Lantern Festival
  • Prismatic Arts Festival
  • Royal Nova Scotia
  • International Tattoo
  • Shakespeare by the Sea
  • Celtic Colours