Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and one of the most business-friendly cities in the world. It is also a great place to live as a student, with many attractive qualities such as a strong job market, affordable housing, excellent schools, and a vibrant arts and culture scene! This blog will share some of the aspects of student life in Edmonton and how it differs from other cities. Ready to #PictureIt? Let’s get into it:
Universities in Edmonton
Edmonton is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of programs and degrees for students. Some of the most renowned ones are:
- University of Alberta: Known for Excellence and Community. The University of Alberta stands out as one of Canada’s best for teaching and research. It offers 200+ undergrad programs, 500+ graduate programs, and professional schools in medicine, law, business, engineering, and education. Students enjoy 400+ clubs, various sports, and lots of cultural and social events all year. It’s not just about studying; it’s a vibrant community where students thrive and connect.
- MacEwan University: A public undergraduate university that offers education in a supportive learning environment. MacEwan University offers 10 baccalaureate degrees, one applied degree, and 43 diploma and certificate programs, in fields such as arts, science, business, health, and fine arts. MacEwan University has a modern campus in downtown Edmonton, with state-of-the-art facilities. MacEwan University also has a dynamic student life, with over 100 student clubs and groups, a variety of wellness and support services, and a diverse and inclusive community.
- Concordia University of Edmonton: A publicly funded independent academic institution that offers arts, science, and management undergraduate degree programs as well as graduate degree programs in education, information technology, information security, and psychology. Concordia University of Edmonton also has a rich student life, with over 30 student clubs and organizations, a variety of academic and career services, and a strong sense of spirit and tradition.
Local Culture in Edmonton
Edmonton is a city that celebrates its diversity and creativity with a growing arts and cultural scene. Edmonton hosts more than 40 festivals year-round, such as the Fringe Festival, the Folk Music Festival, the Ice on Whyte Festival, and the Heritage Festival. Edmonton has many cultural attractions, such as the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Citadel Theatre, and the Winspear Centre. Edmonton is also known for its food scene, with restaurants, cafes, bars, and markets that offer local and international cuisines. Edmonton is a city that has something for everyone, whether you enjoy music, theatre, art, history, or food.
Quality of Life as a Student in Edmonton
Living in Edmonton as a student has many benefits, including:
- Low cost of living: Edmonton is one of the most affordable cities in Canada, with a low-income tax, low fuel prices, and no provincial sales tax. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $1,488, while the average house price is $380,827, which is much lower than in other major cities in Canada. Check out Laurent Student Housing and our exceptional amenities like a Lounge Area, Fitness Center, Yoga Studio, Outdoor Patio and more.
- High quality of life: Edmonton is one of the best places to live in Canada, with high ratings in housing, safety, and healthcare. Edmonton also has the highest area of parkland in North America, with over 22 times the size of New York City’s Central Park. Edmonton’s river valley is home to the longest stretch of connected urban parkland, with over 160 kilometres of trails, as well as wildlife, golf courses, and ski hills. Edmonton is a paradise for outdoor lovers, who can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, skating, and skiing.
- Career opportunities: Edmonton has a strong and diverse economy, with sectors such as oil and gas, technology, education, health, and government. Edmonton has many large corporations and businesses that offer internships, placements, and employment opportunities for students and graduates. Edmonton is also a leader in artificial intelligence, with the University of Alberta being one of the top research institutions in the field. Edmonton is a city that provides students with the skills and connections they need to succeed in their careers.
- Access to Nature: The city is surrounded by natural beauty and a short distance from the mountains. Edmontonians have access to outdoor activities like hiking and camping and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, allowing students to unwind and reconnect with nature.
If you are interested in living in Edmonton, we invite you to consider Laurent for your new home! Our student-friendly apartments and student-in-mind designed amenities are ready to welcome you home in the city.
