Fall Reading Week: Doing Toronto on a Student Budget

by Rachel Robinson

It’s hard to believe that Fall Reading Week is almost here (but not that hard, it has been a busy month!). In between reading, grading and catching up on some well-deserved sleep, take some time to explore Toronto. Here are just a few of the fun things to do around the city:

Monday, Oct. 14

Go to Torontoberfest, an Oktoberfest-themed event from 12pm – 4pm in the Koerner Gardens and Holcim Gallery area of the Evergreen Brick Works. Admission is free, and you can buy food and beer there. http://ebw.evergreen.ca/cal/event/brewers-backyard-torontoberfest

Tuesday, Oct. 15

The Royal Ontario Museum’s general admission is free for post-secondary students with a valid student card. http://www.rom.on.ca/en/visit-us/tickets-hours
Buy local at Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market, from 3pm – 7pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 16

The last day for the Farmer’s Market at Nathan Phillips Square, from 8am – 2:30pm.
Free Lecture: “Does Cancer Prevention in an Aging Population Raise Unique Ethical Issues?” from 12:30pm – 1:30pm. Presented by the University of Toronto. http://hellopodium.com/toronto/talks/550
From 6 – 8:30pm, the Art Gallery of Ontario offers discount ticket prices on special features and free general admission. http://www.ago.net/admission/

Thursday, Oct. 17

Scary movies at Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Student tickets with valid ID cost $12. http://torontoafterdark.com/2013/
Free Lecture: “Two Pictures of Justice” from 6pm – 9pm. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=n6cqsnlab&oeidk=a07e84xz8d7ca347c1d&oseq&podium=1

Friday, Oct. 18

Go for some reasonably priced Japanese food at Kenzo Ramen. I have been to the Dundas location and it is delicious. With Toronto restaurants at Dundas right close to Ryerson, Bloor, Wellesly, Sheppard this is a great deal for yummy food. (open all week) http://www.kenzoramen.ca/bbs.php?table=board_10&category=BASIC%20RAMEN

Saturday, Oct. 19

Kensington Market is great for vintage shopping and interesting restaurants. Prices vary. (open all week) http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=home&l=1

Sunday, Oct. 20

See the gothic architecture at St. Michael’s Cathedral, located at 200 Church St. It’s one of the oldest churches in Toronto.

All week

If Korean food is your thing, try Kimchi Korea House for reasonably priced food. I have been here, and their bibimbap is super tasty and filling. Located near Ryerson at 149 Dundas St. West.
Check out WorldPress Photo 13 exhibit at Brookfield Place for photojournalism from around the world. Free admission. http://www.worldpressphotobrookfieldplace.com/
Play some board games at Castle Board Games, at 454 Spadina Ave. Costs $2.50/hour per person. http://castleboardgames.com
Explore and picnic at High Park, located at 1873 Bloor St. West. Admission is free. Be sure to see the zoo!
Play Ping Pong at Spin Toronto, at 461 King St. West. 12pm – 5pm: $20 per hour/ table. 5pm – 1am: $30 per hour/ table. https://toronto.spingalactic.com/
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, located at 952 Queen St. West. Admission is pay what you can. http://www.mocca.ca/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/