Small campus with an active community

Three students walk together past a bicycle rack.

It never takes long for students to feel at home.

The size, community, services, and location of Saint Mary's are ideally combined to offer you a learning environment that feels welcoming, friendly, accommodating, and warm. Picture yourself meeting new friends, making discoveries, working hard, and exploring Halifax. And that's all in your first few weeks.

An aerial shot with the McNally Building in the foreground and the field and the tall residence buildings in the background.

A full campus on one city block

Having a university campus in one city block offers numerous benefits for students.

One of the main advantages is convenience. Imagine waking up in the morning and finding your classes just a short walk away from your dorm, bus stop or parking lot. You can maximize your time and energy by focusing on your studies and extracurricular activities without the hassle of traveling between different parts of a sprawling campus.

Another great aspect is the sense of community. With everything concentrated in one area, you'll have more opportunities to interact with fellow students, professors, and staff members. You'll frequently bump into familiar faces, making it easier to form friendships, study groups, and professional connections. Being part of a tight-knit community fosters a supportive environment where you can grow academically and personally.

A compact campus means you won't miss out on any of the action. Events, sports activities, clubs, and social gatherings will be just a stone's throw away. You'll be able to engage in a variety of experiences and create lasting memories while fully immersing yourself in the vibrant university atmosphere.

Having a university campus in one city block offers convenience, community, and a vibrant college experience. It allows you to make the most of your time, forge meaningful connections, and fully embrace all the opportunities available to you.

And, unlike small campuses in small towns, all the fun, action and culture of downtown Halifax is just a short walk away.

Hanging out

An aerial shot with the McNally Building in the foreground and the field and the tall residence buildings in the background.

There's more to campus life than studying, and we have the facilities and resources to make the most of your downtime on campus.

  • Get a meal or a snack at one of our two cafés, food court, dining hall or pub on campus
  • Skate at the Dauphinee Centre
  • Head to a weekly trivia night or live show at The Gorsebrook
  • Take a fitness class at the Homburg Centre gym
  • Log on to one of the campus computers in the Atrium
  • Catch a book launch, public lecture or cultural celebration on campus

Clubs and societies

With more than 50 campus societies, there's something for everyone--from subject-based societies like Biology, Accounting, and Psychology, to those organized around politics, identity, social issues, research, volunteering and other shared interests. 

View SMUSA’s full list of campus societies.

Fitness and athletics

The Saint Mary's Huskies is one of the most successful university athletics programs in Eastern Canada. We offer eight varsity teams to play for or cheer on:

  • Basketball
  • Cross-country
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Track and field
  • Volleyball

Looking to play at a non-varsity level? Club Sports and Intramurals are another fun way to stay fit and meet friends. The Homburg Centre for Health and Wellness is home to SMUFit, which offers classes, programs and drop-ins.