Can I Have Fun on a Budget? Yes, you Can!

The city of St. Catharines has vibrant nightlife with dozens of bar options for students depending on your taste in music and atmosphere. This week I will be outlining how a budget conscious student can still enjoy a night out on the town without spending all your OSAP money in one night.

DISCLAIMER: Please drink responsibly and remember never to drink and drive.

First of all, getting to the bar. This can be an expense that adds up quickly, especially if you and your friends go out more than twice a week. Conveniently, with tuition at Brock University and Niagara College, each student is given a free bus pass that works with all Niagara transit buses. 

Taking the bus to the bar is the first way a savvy student can save a buck on their night out. Taking the number 16 bus, which leaves Brock University every half an hour after 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., drives down Glenridge Avenue to St. Paul Street past the nightclub district where the most desirable bars are located. For more information on times and stop locations for St. Catharines transit, visit mybus.ca

Once you have arrived downtown, deciding where to go will be the next challenge when trying to stick to your tight budget. Below is a list of some popular bars in St. Catharines that have nightly specials that appeal to students with lighter wallets than the average person.

THURSDAY

As we all know, Thursday is the unofficial start of the weekend and why not start the weekend off right at Isaac’s. Isaac's Bar is Brock University’s campus pub and Thursday is student’s night. With a valid student card, there is no cover and Isaac’s offers $3.00 drinks and $3.00 shots. This is the perfect option for the budget conscious students looking to stay close to campus and still have a good time.

Also on a Thursday night, Kahunnaville/ London Arms is the place to be. Conveniently located in the Pen Centre, this bar features two different environments, a Top 40 club and an acoustic pub with a live band, which will satisfy anyone’s musical tastes. Thursday is also pub night for College and University students; cover is free until 11:00 p.m. with valid student ID. With $3.00 drinks and their famous “power hour” (dollar beers) from 10:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Any student will recognize this bargain of a night out.

FRIDAY

Are you looking for a stylist alternative for your night out on the town? Stella’s is your perfect solution. Located downtown St. Catharines on James Street, cover is free for ladies before 11:00 p.m. Once inside treat yourself to a $5.00 martini or $4.00 beer and dance the night away to the house and trance music of live DJ’s.

SATURDAY

Located just off St. Paul Street, Level 3, more commonly know as L3, has three distinct levels for the entertainment of any partygoer. This bar boasts dancing, booths and a several pool tables along with $3.00 drinks and free cover. L3 is the spot to be on Saturday night.

  

Now savvy students, you are armed with a guide to save you money when you are out for a night on the town. You can now afford to do your laundry more than once a month!

xo xo, your how to girl!