University of Alberta Edmonton Budget Guide
Emergency Numbers: Police:
911| Medical / Fire:911| Local Currency:CAD(1 USD ≈1.36CAD)
Map of Budget Spots
Section titled “Map of Budget Spots”Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation
Section titled “Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation”No budget hostels or emergency shelters found inside this district.
Cheap Groceries & Free Meals
Section titled “Cheap Groceries & Free Meals”- Supermarket Discount Hours: Evening hours (after 7 PM) for bakery and deli items at Safeway.
- Best Cheap Eats: SUB (Students’ Union Building) food court offers various budget-friendly fast food options.
Discount Supermarkets
Section titled “Discount Supermarkets”| Supermarket | Best Budget Buys | Address (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| Safeway University | Compliments brand store-label items, bakery clearance rack | 11209 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 0T2 |
Free Meals & Food Banks
Section titled “Free Meals & Food Banks”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Opening Hours & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Campus Food Bank | 1-81 SUB, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J7 | Provides emergency food hampers for U of A students and staff; requires student ID/proof of affiliation. |
Free Water & Public Restrooms
Section titled “Free Water & Public Restrooms”Free Drinking Water Points
Section titled “Free Drinking Water Points”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Library | 8905 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J4 | Water bottle refill stations located on main and lower floors; open during library hours. |
Free Public Toilets
Section titled “Free Public Toilets”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Hours & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University LRT Station | 112 St NW & 89 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J4 | Public washrooms available within the station concourse; generally clean during operating hours. |
Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers
Section titled “Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers”Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets
Section titled “Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets”| Place | Address (Google Maps) | Wi-Fi & Desk Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Science and Technology Library | 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J8 | Extensive study desks with power sockets; UWS (University Wireless) available for students/guests. |
Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.
Cheap Showers & Public Baths
Section titled “Cheap Showers & Public Baths”| Location | Cost | Address (Google Maps) | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Vliet Complex (U of A) | 15 CAD | 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3 | Day pass required for access to fitness center and shower facilities. |
Getting Around Cheaply
Section titled “Getting Around Cheaply”- Best Way to Move Around: Walking and LRT (Light Rail Transit)
- Standard Fare:
3.5CAD - Transit Scams to Avoid: None
SIM Cards & Internet
Section titled “SIM Cards & Internet”- Best Budget Carrier: Public Mobile / Freedom Mobile / Chatr
- How to Keep Data Costs Low: Freedom Mobile $99/year prepaid plan or Public Mobile points-discounted monthly plans.
Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid
Section titled “Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid”Common Local Scams
Section titled “Common Local Scams”| Scam | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| None | N/A |
Areas to Avoid at Night:
Section titled “Areas to Avoid at Night:”None