Winter break on a budget

Once again, it feels like the fall semester has zoomed right by us, and it is the dreaded finals season once again. This is a time when most of us reflect upon how beneficial it would have been if we had started studying just a week more in advance. Once we power through finals, it is time for a much-needed break with no assignments or classes. The winter break offers U of A students a chance to relax and prepare for the next semester. 

Winter, especially around Christmas time, is a time when our student budgets are strained. Between holiday shopping, bills and winter gear, the costs add up quickly. However, this season does not have to drain our wallets even further. There are many budget-friendly activities to make the most of this festive season. 

Outdoor adventures 

Edmonton has a ton of natural beauty, and I have found exploring the city to be a fun way to spend my day. The best part about it is that it doesn't even have to cost money! 

The best places to explore outdoors are: 

1. The North Saskatchewan River Valley: This one is obvious – Edmonton is well-known for the river valley, which is considered to be the biggest urban forest land in North America. There are a ton of trekking and cycling trails. Exploring in the daytime is fun when you get to see deer, rabbits and all sorts of animals. 
2. Alberta Legislature: One of the most famous landmarks in Edmonton, this is a really fun place to explore at all hours of the day. During Christmas time, the grounds are lit up by beautifully illuminated trees, making it a really good place to take photos. A hidden gem next to the legislature building is the Constable Ezio Faraone Park, which has stunning views of the river valley and the U of A north campus. My personal favourite activity is going to this park early in the morning. 
3. Elk Island National Park: Granted, this place is outside Edmonton, but it is only a 30-minute drive away from the U of A and is a great place to enjoy a picnic, camp and see wildlife like elks (as the name suggests). If you plan your trip in the night, you just might be lucky enough to see northern lights that look as impressive as the ones in Iceland. 

There are several other places to explore, like the Neon Museum in downtown Edmonton on 114 Street. So go out armed with Google Maps and an adventurous spirit, and the city will not disappoint you. 

Staying indoors 

Since I am not the biggest fan of cold weather (anything below 20 degrees is freezing), I prefer to stay indoors and make the most out of the winter weather in my blanket. 

1. Home movie nights: This one is really fun and is inexpensive to do with friends or family. Transform your room into your very own private movie theatre, grab some popcorn and select a movie that captures the festive spirit (I just watch my three favourite movies on repeat). Not only is this a budget-friendly activity, but it also helps us enjoy the company of those around us and have a good time. 
2. DIY winter crafts: Get creative indoors with budget-friendly winter crafts like snowflake decorations and homemade wreaths. Visit a local craft store for affordable supplies and involve others in this creative process. The satisfaction of creating your own winter-themed decor is unparalleled. 
3. At-home dinners: Instead of dining out, which tends to be extremely expensive, host a party where you invite friends and family, and every person contributes a dish. Sharing the cost of the meal not only makes it affordable but also adds a lot of variety to the food and fosters a sense of community. Experiment with winter themes like Christmas and include some hot chocolate as well to make it even more festive. 
4. Visit a library: Edmonton has a lot of really wonderful libraries that host a vast collection of books and have a great vibe to them, like the famous Harry Potter room in Rutherford Library or the futuristic-looking Stanley A. Milner Library downtown. Being a bookworm, I enjoy visiting the local library as I always end up finding a new book to read and can easily spend hours looking at all sorts of books. Most libraries allow you to borrow books if you have a free Edmonton library card. This can be a great way to borrow multiple books and spend your holidays reading through them. 
5. West Edmonton Mall: Last but certainly not least, visiting WEM, the largest indoor mall in Canada, is a great way to spend your day with family and friends at an affordable price. From having its very own waterpark to an indoor go-karting track and ice skating, there truly is something for everyone over at WEM. Spend the day at the waterpark followed by catching the latest film at the cinema, or just browse the shops. WEM can be a way to enjoy yourself with family and friends without breaking the bank. 

If you are someone who does not like the cold weather, there are certainly a lot of things that you can do indoors to enjoy the upcoming winter break. 

Cultural exploration 

Edmonton is home to a lot of diverse cultures from all over the world. Exploring different cultures is a great way to spend your winter break, have fun and learn a lot of new things. 

1. Visiting museums and art galleries: Edmonton has a lot of interesting museums and art galleries, including but not limited to the Art Gallery of Alberta, which has more than 5,000 pieces of contemporary art; the Muttart Conservatory, which is home to plants from all over the world and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. These places are the backbone of the diverse cultures of the city and are fun to explore. The best part is that the entry fees are reasonable and often offer student rates, making it an affordable experience. 
2. Attending festivals: With more than 300 festivals each year, Edmonton is known as the festival capital of Canada. Many of these festivals are held in the winter months, like the Deep Freeze and Ice on Whyte. Attending these festivals is an unforgettable experience where you get to experience new cultures firsthand, and the best part is that most festivals are free to attend. 
3. Exploring Whyte Ave: A close walk away from the U of A, Whyte Ave is home to a lot of unique shops, clubs and restaurants. Whenever I walk down the street, I always end up finding something unique, like Made by Marcus ice cream or the Japanese restaurant down a hidden side street. There is always something new and unique to see. 

Fitness and wellness 

Staying active during the cold months can be a challenge, as most of us do not like to go out and exercise in the snow. Here are some ways we can continue to stay fit while being indoors and budget-friendly. 

1. Van Vliet Complex: This is my personal favourite spot at the U of A. VVC is a way I keep myself busy during breaks; this includes doing workouts at the Hanson Fitness Center and playing badminton in the East Gym. VVC has something unique to offer for everybody, including multiple swimming pools, running tracks and a climbing wall. It is a great place to spend your day and keep your fitness up. As students at the U of A, we have free unlimited access to the gym, making it budget-friendly. VVC also offers a lot of fitness classes like kickboxing, yoga and swimming. 
2. Outdoor skating rinks: During winter, there are several outdoor ice skating rinks open to the public at no cost, including Victoria Park which is illuminated in the evenings in a beautiful display of colours and Rundle Park with its 2-km-long ice trail.
3. Cycling tracks: Rent a bike from the UASU-run bike garage and cycle around the city on the various dedicated trails. Cycling is a really fun way to stay fit and explore the city (remember to wear a helmet!). 

Winter break does not have to be a drain on our finances. By embracing budget-friendly activities, we can turn this season into a time of joy, exploration and connection without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer to be outdoors exploring the city or staying indoors and playing video games, there are plenty of affordable options to make the most out of the winter season.