Ella Borrie

from University of Otago, New Zealand

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Be persistent in talking to as many people as possible. You don’t know where your new group of friends will be.

What is the best piece of advice you have for living in Halifax?
Be persistent in talking to as many people as possible. You don’t know where your new group of friends will be. Find a group of International students who also want to go make friends and go exploring. Organise a picnic in Point Pleasant Park or go to a happy hour in the first week with people from orientation. Nova Scotia has strict alcohol laws and the bars might not accept your countries ID. Getting a Nova Scotia ID card might be a better option than going out with your passport. 

Is it easy to travel in Canada?
No. Canada is a big country, so you’ll be traveling large distances even if you can hire a car.  However, if you have the budget for flying you can get to New York, Toronto, Montreal, etc easily from Halifax.

Is it really that cold/wet in Halifax?
It can rain quite heavily in Halifax, but it’s not that big of a deal.  

I’m so thankful I packed my… 
Raincoat

What is Tim Horton’s really like?
The coffee is awful, but the bagels are great. Getting Timmies on a roadtrip is a delight.

Is the course load very different than home?
The work isn’t harder, but there are a lot more small assignments.

Favorite part of going to Dalhousie?
Making friends with other International students and Canadians. Using being on an exchange as an excuse to socialise and go on adventures.

The things you MUST see/do when living in Halifax?
The Seaport Market, the Citadel, the Public Library, listening to live Maritime pub music, Cape Breton, Peggy’s Cove, whale watching and wandering around the many old cemetaries.

Favorite thing about Halifax?
Seeing the crowd go wild whenever the band plays Barrett’s Privateers.