All Things About University Life: Getting Involved in Clubs
It is true what people say…university is the best years of your life! Now, there are many aspects that contribute to the wonders of university; something to also understand is that it is what you put into your university experience that makes it such a memorable time in your life. With that being said, “to put into your university experience” starts with getting involved…you guessed it, in clubs! Most universities, if not all of the them, have such a wide range of clubs to get involved in ranging from social clubs, social issues clubs, religious clubs, academic clubs, and many more!
University Clubs
Across Ontario specifically there are over 20 universities and each has their unique set of clubs that provide students with a range of experiences that will allow you to explore your hobbies, explore unique and niche activities that you may not have had a chance to try before, and learn about new things that you are passionate about. Below are direct links to a select number of universities’ clubs directory.
McMaster University: https://msumcmaster.ca/clubs/clubs-directory/
University of Toronto: https://sop.utoronto.ca/groups/
Western University: https://westernu.campuslabs.ca/engage/organizations
University of Waterloo: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/student-life/clubs
York University: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/clubs/
Queen’s University: https://www.myams.org/clubs/club-directory/
Wilfrid Laurier University: https://laurierstudentsunion.presence.io/organizations
Why should you join a club?
Joining a club is like joining a new friend group; you will meet people who you will bond with and become close with as you share your journeys through university together. Although it can be scary as anything new is, it is important to trust the process…after all no one said making friends was easy, and sometimes joining something new and taking that leap of faith might be the most difficult thing you will do as you begin university life. But when I tell you it is worth it, IT IS! Joining a club has its perks and allows you to explore your own personal passions, interests, and one of my favourite perks, is that there is nothing to lose!
Most clubs typically do not require a membership fee to join (the select few many require a couple dollars but nothing extreme), and so there is absolutely nothing to be worry about if you realize it is not your thing. Clubs allow you to grow as a person, develop new hobbies, make new friends, and learn more about others around you and the world itself. Coming to university is often an eye-opening experience because of all of the different people from different backgrounds, interests, goals etc., which most often differ from your own. Having the opportunity to be immersed in such an amazing experience truly begins with joining a club or two!
Where do I start?
Now, I hopefully have convinced you to join a club when you start/or if you are already in university. However, the next question you may have is…where do I start? Joining a club as a general member is typically the first step as most clubs require general member status (previous experience with the club) to be a part of the executive team.
For some clubs you may want to stay as a general member and attend events, get exclusive deals the clubs provide and other amazing insider goodies the club has to offer. However, if there is a club that really interests you, and you are looking to expand your leadership skills at university, applying to be an executive member is a great way to continue giving back to the university community, as well as learn many valuable skills that are great for job and volunteer opportunities including responsibility, teamwork, collaboration, communication etc.
As an executive member on many clubs at my university, McMaster University, I have met some of my closest friends and always knew I would have a good time at club events and meetings, while still being able to give back to the students and further the missions and goals of the clubs I was part of.
What are some of my roles and responsibilities as a club executive member?
Speaking from experience as both general and executive members in clubs at McMaster University, there is a wide range of responsibilities that belong to you as a member of the club depending on your status. Typically, joining a club as a general member involves minimal time commitment and as a general member you have a lot of flexibility. Most of your responsibilities involve attending events, helping to promote events through social media, potentially acting as ambassadors at in-person booths/recruiting events etc. Therefore, I would estimate that your responsibilities as a general member hover around 1–2 hours a week (however, all clubs are different so take this with a grain of salt!).
However, it is quite different as an executive member when you become more heavily involved in in the administration and logistical/behind the scenes roles of the club. As an executive member, you will probably specialize in one of many areas including but not limited to event planning, external operations, fundraiser planning, finance operations, communications/social media director etc. You will most likely be asked to meet on a weekly basis with the entire executive team as well as help run general member meetings. As an executive member, you are given more work, most likely about 4–5 hours a week depending on the club and your specific role, but, it is a great way to apply and learn new skills, and make new friends!
All of this information is based on my personal experience involved in clubs at my university, McMaster University, and so for more specific information at your school I would advise you check out their individual club pages to know your responsibilities before making any decisions to join a club. However, I hope this gave you some inspiration and motivation to join a club next year as I am sure it will be a decision you will not regret!
About the Writer
Wynter Sutchy is a third-year undergraduate student at McMaster University studying Biology (Physiology) and is from King City, ON. She is very passionate about the healthcare field and enjoys sharing her volunteering experiences through writing. She plans to pursue a career in medicine in the future and plans to explore the field of healthcare through research and volunteering throughout her undergraduate career. In her free time, you can expect her to be watching her favourite show, Greys Anatomy, teaching children how to swim, or baking some delicious desserts!
