As a student paying for rent, groceries, utilities, and a hefty tuition, bills can add up quickly, making the hunt for free activities and resources pertinent. With near-constant construction, pricey on-campus food, and expensive course materials, some may wonder where our tuition money really goes. With that in mind, The Tribune presents five ‘free’ perks that McGill offers students.
Unlock your inner engineer
Although many non-engineers may find 3D printing elusive and exclusive, it is available for free to every McGill student, regardless of program. Students, staff, and faculty can access 3D printing through the Schulich Library 3D Printing Service. To print something, you must first register and read the regulations, then create your print job and submit it to the 3D Printing Job Request Form. Shortly afterward, it will be ready for pickup at the Schulich Library Service Desk. This is a great opportunity to explore your creative side and produce a completely unique object using advanced technology.
Art, art, and please, more art!
Through the McGill digital libraries, students have access to thousands of films, television shows, musical pieces, and live performance recordings. Students can immerse themselves in curated media ranging from ballet performances by the Royal Ballet through the Naxos Video Library to popular new releases like Sinners on Criterion on Demand.
Another excellent platform McGill grants students access to is Kanopy. Kanopy is a streaming service with a diverse film library including Hollywood classics, independent films, foreign features, and fascinating educational documentaries. Completely free to McGill students, Kanopy has something for everyone, whether you’re on the hunt for an underground movie or simply need a break from monthly streaming services.
To access McGill’s collection of streamable media, go to the homepage of the libraries website, click the instructional support tab, and then the class screenings tab. You will then see the downloadable and streaming media tab, which leads you to the list of databases McGill has access to.
Breathe in, breathe out, and try out Headspace
The SSMU grants all McGill students a Headspace account free of charge. Headspace is an app focused on restoring and building mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness, offering meditation plans and music for focus, restful sleep, and quiet mornings. On the Headspace website, simply activate your account using your student email. This resource is excellent for students who are struggling with stress or who want to practice mindfulness more generally. Enjoy this perk for free, and breathe out the pressure.
The McGill genealogy genie
Many students are curious about their family history, but tracing your lineage can be challenging—and expensive. Through McGill, students have access to Ancestry, a genealogy company which allows you to search for ancestors through voting, immigration, and census records. Navigate the McGill libraries website to find the genealogy research resources page, and prepare to learn more about your family tree.
A free winter wardrobe
Thrift McGill is an SSMU-funded shop where students can drop off and pick up clothes free of charge. The shop opened in the fall of 2024 through Student Life and Learning and Student Housing and Hospitality Services in partnership with the Sustainability Projects Fund. Thrift McGill is a way for students to sustainably declutter their closets and find stylish new pieces. Located at 3473 rue University, Thrift McGill is an excellent way to refresh your closet, help the environment, and give your wallet a much-needed reprieve.
