lethbridge

[Temporary_User]

I few months ago I posted a thread regarding schools. Lethbridge was one that I was thinking about going to. Well it seems like it moved up to my top choice, and I will be attending UofL come fall.
Many people gave me advice regarding the university and city, but that was many months ago, and back when I wasnt really sure as to where I would end up. Needless to say, I forgot most of the information.
Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Does anyone else on here live in lethbridge? attend the uni?

A few questions i have:
How is the flames coverage? I would assume Sportsnet west and obviously cbc are available there? Would all that I would be missing out on be the fan960?


I live on my own right now, however moving to a new city and not knowing anyone there yet, im a lil worried about my social situation. Would a roommate situation be recemmended?

[Slava]

I went to Lethbridge in the same situation; I didn't know anyone there and had actually only been there once. It was totally, totally awesome! I met a ton of people in a short period of time.

The Flames coverage is the same as here, and the Fan 960 is picked up there without much problem. I would say that getting a roommate is optional and kind of depends on what you prefer, but it wouldn't hurt. Live somewhere near campus (lots of apartments there) and you'll have a blast!! Lethbridge is a great, great place to go to school.

[automaton 3]

I can't say enough good things about the U of L. Nothing but the fondest of memories for that place.

U of L seems to attract lots of people from rural Alberta and SW BC as well as lots of Calgarians = lots of people in the same boat as you that are looking to meet people.

Fan 960 comes in fine down here. The only downside is its a little further trip to the Dome!

There seems to be quite a few CPer's down here, perhaps we should set up a game night down at Average Joe's (or wherever) this year.

[ZDogg]

Does seem like several CPers live in The Bridge. I wouldn't mind a social gathering of Flames Fans. Flames games on tv are the same deal as in Calgary. Fan 960 is the same deal as in Calgary... hell Lethbridge is a mini Calgary.

If you are going to the University definately grab a place on the Westside. I might actually have a room for rent by the end of the summer.... I can keep you posted if you are interested.

[stuck_in_chuk]

I live in Lethbridge, but not for school. Moved down here about 1 year ago for a job. It's a nice enough place, with better weather than Calgary. There are lots of Flames fans, but it seems that all my coworkers are either Canucks or Oiler fans. Oh well.

Lethbridge is easy to get around, except for all the retirees driving around in their land yachts in front of you. Public transit leaves something to be desired, but if you have a bike you can get around easy enough without a car. I've been car-less for the past year, and it hasn't been too big of a deal. Lethbridge is really 3 cities in one - west Leth is further away, and a drive through the coulees to get to south Leth. Many avoid north Leth as it has a reputation for being the least desirable part of town (somewhat deserved). If you are going to be at the university, best to stay on the west side unless you have a reliable car. Rent can be cheaper elsewhere, but the hassle is not worth it.

Funny thing - some of my coworkers were complaining about how they "hate" living on the west side because of the distance to work (we work in the south). This hell commute they are concerned about? 10 minutes. Kind of puts things in perspective - many people in Calgary would dance for joy if they could drive to work in 10 minutes (and have free parking).

Also, the west side is windier (or so I have heard). The reputation of Lethbridge being a windy city is pretty well deserved, although it's not as bad as I expected. We had about 1 week this year where it was just crazy windy every day, and you'd be picking sand out of your teeth after walking home. Makes a long walk when you have to lower your head and just plow through. Word of advice - if you find it hard to sleep through the sound of howling wind, then avoid bedrooms with a west-facing window. Personally, I find the wind puts me to sleep, but others aren't so lucky.

And as for the games - both Scores and Average Joe's show all the PPV Flames and Oilers games. AJs has a nice atmosphere and some great people work there.

[return to the red]

Ok, I'll add my input as I went to school down here and ended up moving back for a job. Currently We live on the west side and as others have said, going to university you want to live on the west side because it is so damn close.

Wind is only a factor in the winter. The summers are actually quite calm with beautiful evenings. The city is very easy to navigate and as others have said it really only does take you 15-20 minutes to get from one side of the city to the other. Not so sure about public transit as I have never taken it but haven't heard many complain about it. Mojo's just opened on the west side and it seems pretty decent place to maybe watch some games. Lot's of TV's but other then that Average Joes seems to be the destination of choice.

seriously though I wouldn't be worried about meeting people because when school starts Lethbridge is a a great party town and great place to meet new people.

[Buff]

Lethbridge is a great city to call home. I was born in Calgary and lived there until the age of 11. I was determined to move back to Calgary until I was about 20. Now I hope to live in Lethbridge for the rest of my life.

They call Lethbridge the 10 minute city, though maybe 15 minutes is becoming more accurate. Why the name? You can get anywhere within that time frame (unless you drive Mayor Magrath from end to end). We've got decent shopping, and if you can't find what you are looking for here then Calgary is a nice drive away.

Flames tv coverage is the exact same as in Calgary. You can get the Calgary newspapers here and yes, we even have internet. You can also get Fan960 both on radio and on the internets. (The internet is the same anywhere you go, really).

Some would say Lethbridge is a snobby place. I wouldn't necesarily disagree, but you're in the age group where you won't have a problem meeting people. The snobs are generally in the 40+ crowd. Now for the stat to end all stats to sway you into coming to Lethbridge... there is more females than males in Lethbridge. It was in some recent study and the females out number the males by a couple thousand. So no need to worry about not finding female companionship. I'd also say that Lethbridge has some fine looking hotties (but I'm married so I wouldn't know ).

[D to the iddy]

I was down there last year and found that for the PPV games, the University bar was a little better than Average Joes just cause there were only Flames fans while at Average Joes there were a bunch of other teams fans. Other then that, Lethbridge is a great place and I can't wait to be back next year!

[Temporary_User]

nice, thanks for the replies so far; keep them coming!
surprising to hear that the fan 960 comes in clear down there. that's awesome! Do other Calgary radio stations come in aswell?

I currently don't have a place to live in Lethbridge yet, Im going to be driving down there this or next weekend and check things out. zdogg i may take you up on your offer.

once im down there, I would definitely be down for a leth cp meet up!

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Temporary_User

nice, thanks for the replies so far; keep them coming!
surprising to hear that the fan 960 comes in clear down there. that's awesome! Do other Calgary radio stations come in aswell?

if your talking Cjay 92 and those type no they don't but the radio stations are vastly improved as to what they were 3 or 4 years ago. You should start looking for a place ASAP because they tend to get snatched up pretty quick

[someguy51]

I grew up in Lethbridge and went to University there. I had some great friends and great times at the University but I hate the city itself.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by someguy51

I grew up in Lethbridge and went to University there. I had some great friends and great times at the University but I hate the city itself.

A very common response from many people who grew up here. I think the city has changed quite a bit though from those days because I didn't like it at first either but it grew on me and I've got a few friends who couldn't wait to get out of Lethbridge and now they've moved back.

hey someguy, I think I know one of your friends from here. He has the same name as a former prime minister.

[someguy51]

Originally Posted by Buff

A very common response from many people who grew up here. I think the city has changed quite a bit though from those days because I didn't like it at first either but it grew on me and I've got a few friends who couldn't wait to get out of Lethbridge and now they've moved back.

hey someguy, I think I know one of your friends from here. He has the same name as a former prime minister.

Interesting...Can't think of a match though!

[CaptainCraig]

I moved here in September with my girlfriend. She is getting her degree in accounting at the U of L, while I am working at one of the radio stations here in Lethbridge. It is an interesting city, but if your are used to fast pace Calgary, it will take some time to adjust. It took us till the New Year to settle in. We found that Fall/Winter is better than the spring & summer around here, mainly because the population is larger with more younger people. The summer, this city is pretty dead.

That being said, we are having a great time and do not regret the decision to come here. Fan 960 is crystal clear here, loving the Flames coverage. They even had Mike Richards & the Big Show live at Average Joes just a few months ago. Richards = Loose Cannon.

One thing that suprised me is the diversity of Hockey Fans Here.

Out of ten fans at a sports bar you would typically get:
3/10 Flames
3/10 Oilers
2/10 Canucks
1/10 Other or Leafs

However it is still Flames country in the media.

I would be down with a CP/Lethbridge meet at the start of the season. 07/08 could the season the Flame fan takes back Lethbridge!!!

[C_of_Red28]

hey .. I just moved away from lethbridge.. get uni town.. i lived there for 3 yrs. Lots of pretty ladies and good times.. with a huge uni and a college in town.. the bars are pretty packed.. i was around in leth when the flames went to the cup and we were driving the west side .. honkin the horns etc.. leth has a lot of band wagon fans but for the most part its a good spread of who they cheer for because of the uni and college.. the flames coverage is good down there.. so you wont have a problem with that.. and close enough that maybe you can skip a class or 2 and go to a flames game.. sometimes the uni gets a bus going and they go up to game... they do that with the stamps too.. if your lookin to get laid in lethbridge... go to roadhouse.. lots of dirty dirty girls there.. just make sure u id them... and if u want good wings.. weds.. the blarney stone... and if its too busy.. o riley.. essies on monday nights.. i found those were the best nights.. cheap pitchers of beer..

[BurningDownTheHouse]

I spent 5 years in Lethbridge at the U of L - moved back to the Calgary area this spring, and I miss that city like crazy. There is always a good time to be had, lots of Flames fans to connect up with...and lots of Greasers fans to hassle! And the Fan 960 comes in loud and clear.

I found it very easy to meet people down there; there are lots of clubs and organizations at the univ (even a surf club...in Southern AB. Imagine that.) I highly recommend checking out The Zoo (university bar) for Flames PPV games, and for sure for the Battle of Alberta games - it can fill up in there right quick!

Places to rent are getting a bit tougher to find, so I would recommend looking right away. Check out http://www.rentlethbridge.com for a start if you need. The U of L also has an off-campus housing list at http://www.uleth.ca/offcampushousing

Good luck, and have fun!!

[jharp]

Originally Posted by someguy51

I grew up in Lethbridge and went to University there. I had some great friends and great times at the University but I hate the city itself.

I just moved here from Calgary and I like it much more. The pace is significantly slower and the people are much less stressed. I have been here since April and I have yet to have a two light wait, ever.
Lots of uni/college students but also lots of retired people. The native community seems larger per capita then Calgary as well as the Huterietes (sp?) are much more prevelant. From what I have seen there are only a couple spots in town where I wouldn't want to wonder at night.
The only major problem that I have down here is finding work. I just graduate from MRC before I came down and the work is much harder to come by then in Calgary. That being said the cost of living is amazingly more reasonable which will allow me to take a job that pays 30-40% less and still make more money after taxes.
Like has been said before, the Flames coverage is identical to Calgary and the bars all show the CI games as well.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic city.

[burn_baby_burn]

I grew up near Lethbridge and spent plenty of time in the city. You havn't seen wind like you will see in Lethbridge. The windiest times of year are March and November. Chinooks are nice in the winter though. For the most part the weather probably isn't a lot differant than Calgary. But you will definately notice the wind during the two months I mentioned.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by jharp

I The native community seems larger per capita then Calgary as well as the Huterietes (sp?) are much more prevelant.

The Blood reserve is just to the west of Lethbridge and the Peigan is between Ft. MacLeod and Pincher Creek. The Blood is the largest, land base, reserve in Canada.

Hutterites are very common. There are numerous colonies in southern Alberta. A lot of the original Hutterite Colonies that were settled in 1918 were around Lethbridge. They used to call Thusday, Black Thusday, because that is when all the Colonies would come to Lethbridge to do their business. I'm not sure if that is the case anymore or not?

[ZDogg]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Hutterites are very common. There are numerous colonies in southern Alberta. A lot of the original Hutterite Colonies that were settled in 1918 were around Lethbridge. They used to call Thusday, Black Thusday, because that is when all the Colonies would come to Lethbridge to do their business. I'm not sure if that is the case anymore or not?

They appear to overtake Lethbridge Centre and Wal Mart on a daily basis. Not that I visit those places but I see them congregating outside.