Activities for your student budget
Toronto has plenty of interesting things to do in the summer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring in the winter. Escape the drudgery of studying in the library and the slushy weather by exploring the city that we call home. This is in no way a warranty, but we can confidently say that you are likely to have fun doing one of these activities, or at least enjoy reading this list.
Salsa & Bachata Dancing at Toronto Dance Fridays – Annecy
Never salsaed before? Don’t know how to pronounce “bachata”? That’s okay! There is a beginner salsa lesson at 8pm followed by the bachata lesson at 9pm. From 10pm onwards is the social dancing part, where you can practice the moves you just learned with strangers. Who doesn’t love spinning people or being spun around the dance floor? All that dancing for only $10! Perfect for a date night or a group outing with friends. Bring your ID because there’s a cash bar. The event happens every Friday night at either the Dovercourt House or Estonian House.
University of Toronto Art Centre and the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery – Angela
While the vast majority of the expansive collection is hidden away in underground vaults, some pieces are brought out in ever-changing exhibitions at the U of T Art Centre and at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery. These two campus gallery spaces are just a five-minute walk away from the law school, which make them perfect for a study break. They also house visiting exhibitions so be sure to check out the artworks on display now. Admission for students is free, just show your TCard.
Year-Round Farmers Market at St. Lawrence Market – Annecy
If you’re as tired as we are of buying expensive produce at the nearby Independent City Market, you can head here every Saturday afternoon instead. The Farmers Market is located in a temporary building south of the actual market building on Saturdays from 5am-3pm. Pro tip: come around 2pm when everything goes on sale so you can support locally grown and seasonal foods AND save some bucks. After getting groceries for the week, head into the actual market building to Uno Mustachio to get your chicken parmigiana sandwich fix, and to Everyday Gourmet to grab a coffee and some beans roasted on-site. Productive procrastination at its finest.
Mundo Lingo – Angela
Are you actually fluent in French? Did you mention “conversational Italian” on your resume? Is it time to brush up on those language skills? Escape networking with lawyers to meet random people at Mundo Lingo and practice networking, but in another language so it’s extra awkward but extra fun. And good for you if you’re super proficient in your second, third, and fourth languages. Everyone is welcome, no matter your fluency. Mundo Lingo takes place Thursday evenings at a bar on Queen West. Feel free to treat it as a pre-pre pre before Call To The Bar.
Bata Shoe Museum – Annecy
So there was this one time I went to see a fashion exhibit at MOMA, only to find that half of the shoes on display were on loan from the Bata Shoe Museum. And as my LRW prof has taught me, it’s always better to go to the source. The museum has a vast collection of shoes that illustrate the changing habits, lifestyles, culture, and customs of people throughout history. My favourite exhibit is the one that features indigenous Arctic footwear but “The Gold Standard: Glittering Footwear from Around the World” is a close second. Regular student admission is $8, but the museum is pay what you can on Thursdays from 5-8pm.
The Toronto Reference Library – Angela
You might know this dramatic red-and-white space from The Weeknd’s “Secrets” music video, but I know this library as the venue for the best book sale in the city. The Friends of the TPL South Chapter holds an annual clearance sale, with donated books as well as books withdrawn from library shelves. Prices range from 10¢ to $1 and proceeds go towards supporting library programs. This year’s sale is on Thursday, March 19. Bring your own bags! Oh, and what can you do there year-round? This library location hosts a series of literary events at the Appel Salon. It also houses the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection in what people like to call “the Sherlock Holmes room.” However, my favourite thing to do at the Reference Library is to sit with a book in front one of the light therapy lamps stationed around the library with a Calii Love smoothie and pretend it’s a nice stress-less summer day.
Comedy shows at Second City Toronto – Annecy
Forget about the pile of readings you’re supposed to be doing by laughing for over an hour straight. The Second City has a variety of shows and offers student discounts to (almost) all of them! Get student tickets ranging from $19-24 by using discount code STUDENT at checkout. Seats are close to each other but there’s also a full bar and some finger foods you can munch on throughout the show. Want to learn how to be funny? Second City also offers a two-hour Improv Drop-In class every Monday, Friday, and Saturday for only $15.
Art Gallery of Ontario – Angela
My favourite part of the AGO is that second-floor room with the Group of Seven paintings, of pristine snow-capped mountains and all that nature. Sure, the representation of Canada’s wilderness as unoccupied land free for the taking is problematic, but one can still enjoy the beauty of it all. There are also some quiet corners of the AGO that are great for doing readings, with natural light and good Wi-Fi. The aesthetic space can make the densest case bearable to read. The best part is that those 25 and under can get a free annual pass, and there are nifty $35 annual passes for those over 25. Admission is free from 6-9pm on Wednesdays, but I find that those evenings are too hectic and make the AGO feel like a zoo.
Free drop-in skating at the Varsity Arena – Annecy
Want to go skating but don’t want to trek to the crowded Nathan Phillips Square? Want to get the most use of your U of T athletics and recreation fees? Same. That’s why I go skating instead at the Varsity Arena where they have drop-in skating four times a week. Bring your own skates or rent them for only $3 if you’re a UofT student ($5 otherwise). Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the many coffee shops nearby.
Gardiner Museum – Annecy
The Gardiner Museum is even closer to the law school than the nearest Starbucks, so there is no reason not to go! It is home to historic and contemporary ceramics, a beautiful restaurant on the top floor, and drop-in clay classes on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings. If you, like me, know next to nothing about ceramic art, the tour everyday at 2pm is a must! Student admission is $9, but entrance is free all day Tuesdays with a student card and free for everyone on Wednesdays from 4-9pm.
