Finding Your Fit at University: 5 Tips to Get Involved

New experiences are what university life is all about! Here's how to make the most of your time as a student.

At university, your priority will be your studies, but what you choose to do in your free time will enhance your experience. Here are five tips to get involved and find your fit at university.

1. Join clubs

Clubs are a great way to learn about a new passion or develop a new skill. For example, the Cooking Club offers an outlet where you can learn new recipes and chat with other people who share a similar interest in cooking.

If you want something more athletic, you could try dragon boating or maybe join a dance club. There really is something for everyone — head to the clubs' fair at the beginning of each term to explore Waterloo's clubs.

2. Live on campus

You can meet some of your best friends while living in residence. So, if you're living in residence, be open to meeting people around you! If you leave your door open while you're in your room (even if it's just for the first week or so), people will likely stop by to talk to you.

3. Try something new

Each faculty has a society. For example, Math has Math Society (MathSoc), Art has the Arts Student Union (ASU)... you get the picture!. This is where you can meet other people who are just as passionate about your faculty as you are. You can think of these societies as the "student government" of the faculty — they are responsible for budgeting, running events, and connecting students.

You can take on a heavy-duty role in these societies if you want to commit a lot of time to them, but there are also lighter volunteer roles that can help you meet new people without having to invest a huge amount of time.

4. Step out of your comfort zone

Of course, you don't have to do this. But trying something that you wouldn't typically try — perhaps something like theatre or game design — could not only help you discover a passion you never knew you had, but also introduce you to people you probably would never have the chance to meet.

5. Know your limits

If you go to a club meeting and really don't enjoy it, don't feel like you're obligated to go back. Instead, find something you really enjoy so that you can make the most out of your club participation. Picking one to two clubs each term will allow you to have plenty of time for school and self-care while not being overwhelmed with club duties.

Getting involved is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills, and take a break from studying. Clubs can enrich your academic experience. When you're joining clubs for the first time, whatever you want to try, try! You never know, you might discover your new favourite thing.