Let’s Get Ready for the 2025-2026 School Year

While we hope everybody’s making the most of the last few days of the summer break, it’s time to look ahead and prepare for the exciting new academic year.

For students or parents of students, you’re probably scrambling to get everything sorted before classes are back in session.

As we transition from making laps in the pool to hitting the books in the classroom, we’ve got a few tips to help you get ready for the new school year:

Photo by Riverside BIA

Stock up on supplies.

One of the fun parts of getting ready for school is shopping for supplies! Riverside’s Dollarama (772 Queen St E) has almost everything you need at unbeatable prices. You can also stock up on pantry essentials like fresh produce and snacks from Riverside Market (720 Queen St E).

Photo by Fevers Vintage

Refresh your wardrobe.

If you love vintage style, you’re going to enjoy exploring Riverside’s ever-growing community of vintage clothing shops, which include Fevers Vintage (732 Queen St E), St. John’s Eco Market (740 Queen St E) and Second Voyage Vintage (734 Queen St E). For children’s wear, Little Peeps (742 Queen St E) has a great selection of apparel and footwear as well.

Photo by Jimmy’s Coffee

Scout for budget-friendly eats.

It’s always helpful to know where you can get something filling without breaking the bank, especially when you don’t have time to cook or prepare lunch. Places like Pizza Nova (714 Queen St E), Jimmy’s Coffee (806 Queen St E) and the locally-owned Tim Hortons (800 Queen St E) in Riverside have affordable options.

Photo by UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

Pamper yourself.

Feeling and looking your best makes all the difference in setting the tone for the new school year, whether that means getting a chic new ‘do at UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E) or booking a massage therapy sesh at Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (1 Munro St). 

Photo by Riverside BIA

Avail of free resources.

In case you didn’t know, one of the perks of having a Toronto Public Library is free admission to attractions in the city like the Art Gallery of Ontario, CN Tower and more. TPL also does free classes and workshops. Drop by the Queen/Saulter branch (765 Queen St E) to know more.

To all the students, do your best and don’t forget to have fun. Best of luck!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for fun content on the amazing businesses and programming in our neighbourhood!

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