McGill University Campus Montreal 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: Not common in small convenience stores; check larger supermarkets outside the immediate Ghetto boundary.
- Best Cheap Eats: Poutine from local snack bars on Rue Milton or student-priced meals at the SSMU building.
Discount Supermarkets
Section titled “Discount Supermarkets”| Supermarket | Best Budget Buys | Address (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| Provi-Soir (Milton) | Instant noodles, bread, and canned goods | 3465 Rue Milton, Montréal, QC H2X 1V9 |
Free Meals & Food Banks
Section titled “Free Meals & Food Banks”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Opening Hours & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Kitchen (McGill) | 3480 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC H3A 0E7 | Provides free vegan meals to students and community members during the academic year; check social media for current distribution schedule. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| McLennan-Redpath Library Complex | 3459 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC H3A 0C9 | Water bottle refill stations located on multiple floors near washrooms. |
Free Public Toilets
Section titled “Free Public Toilets”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Hours & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University Arts Building | 853 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 0G5 | Publicly accessible during university operating hours; clean and well-maintained. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| McLennan Library | 3459 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC H3A 0C9 | Free Wi-Fi (McGill Guest), numerous power outlets in study carrels, open to public. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill Sports Complex (Fitness Centre) | 15 CAD | 475 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4 | Day pass required for access to locker room and shower facilities. |
Getting Around Cheaply
Section titled “Getting Around Cheaply”- Best Way to Move Around: Walking
- Standard Fare:
3.75CAD - 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 |
|---|---|
| Fake Charity/Petition | Do not engage with individuals asking for signatures or donations on the street. |
Areas to Avoid at Night:
Section titled “Areas to Avoid at Night:”None