How to Get Involved with Your University Community in a New Country

Connecting with your fellow students is an important part of studying abroad. Here's how to do it!

This article was written by University of Waterloo student Layanne (she/her).

Starting university in a new country can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. One of the best ways to settle into university life is by getting involved outside the classroom. Things like joining clubs or athletic teams, volunteering at events, or even working a part-time job can help you meet new people, have some fun, and gain some experience along the way!

Join a club or team

One of the easiest ways to get started on your new journey is by joining clubs and student societies. Waterloo has a variety of societies and over 200 clubs you can join, covering everything from culture and religion to entrepreneurship, gaming, music, dance, sports, food, technology, and lots more. So, whether you already have a hobby or want to try something new, there’s likely a community for it!

Or if you’re interested in sports, you can join a varsity or intramural team. Waterloo has over 30 sports teams that range from basketball to football to Nordic skiing.

Clubs, societies, and teams are one of the fastest ways to find your community and make friends who share similar interests and hobbies. I encourage you to join a club or team during the first few weeks of the term because you never know what friendships and experiences they may bring!

Attend workshops and events

Campus events and workshops are another great way to explore student life. Throughout the year, Waterloo hosts workshops and events such as networking sessions, guest speakers, skill-building opportunities, hackathons, and more that help you build new skills and connect with students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Student life events are also a major part of the Waterloo experience. Alongside the many activities hosted by clubs and societies, our student government, the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) organizes lots of exciting student events like social activities, cultural celebrations, and campus fairs, so come have fun!

Step into leadership opportunities

If you enjoy leadership and teamwork, there are plenty of opportunities to take on larger roles around campus. You can become an Orientation leader, a student ambassador, a WUSA executive or staff member, an event volunteer, or participate in mentorship programs. You can even start your own club or become the president of an existing one!

These experiences not only help you grow personally, but they also allow you to develop valuable skills such as communication, confidence, organization, and teamwork that can carry into future roles. Plus, experiences like these can make a résumé stand out!

Get a part-time job on campus

Working a part-time job on campus is an excellent way to get involved while making some extra money. There are tons of job opportunities on campus like working at a campus restaurant or library, helping with student services, working at varsity games, teaching fitness classes, becoming a tutor, and so much more!

On-campus jobs are great because they are accessible and often very accommodating for students, making it easier to balance alongside academics and student life. They’re also a great way to gain work experience, build professional skills, and meet people across campus.

Make the most of your experience

Getting involved may feel intimidating at first, but the best approach is simple: start small. Join a club, attend an event, and introduce yourself to someone new. Those small steps can lead to lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and experiences that shape your university journey and prepare you for future endeavours.