Feb. 1, 2021

Getting Involved on Campus (even when you’re not physically on campus!)

Want to get involved on campus but need some help with where to start? With over 300 Students’ Union clubs to various volunteer positions within campus offices, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of opportunities available to you as a student. As you head into a new school year, remember that learning outside of the classroom is integral to the university experience and one that is in your control.

Here are some tips to help you find meaning in your extracurricular activities:

Tip #1: Find your niche. Are you interested in music? film? politics? Spend time looking for a community that bonds over what you are passionate about. With over 300 student-driven clubs on campus, this will lead you to other students who share the same interests as you. The Students’ Union (SU) Club Hub is a great way to browse what is out there and stay up to date with virtual club events. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Consider starting your own club!
Tip #2: Find the bridge between your interests! It can be difficult to manage your studies and justify commitments to extra-curricular activities but learning outside of the classroom is just as important. If you’re tight on time, look for opportunities that can help you build the soft or hard skills you will need post-graduation such as networking. Now is the best time to do that as a student!
Tip #3: Make it count in more ways than one. Not only can you meet unexpected friends along the way, you can also keep track of your extra-curricular activities through the Co-Curricular Record. Not only is it a database of volunteer opportunities, but it is also an official University of Calgary document that recognizes your on-campus volunteer work.
Now is the time to do that as a student and you’ll never expect the friends you meet along the way!
Tip #4: Where to start is closer than you think. You don’t have to look far and wide for opportunities to get involved! Start your search with any one of the UCalgary student services and resources that have student volunteer positions available year-round. There are several virtual volunteer opportunities available through the Peer Helper Program, the Women’s Resource Centre, Student Success Centre, to the Faith and Spirituality Centre – there are many ways to get involved and give back within the UCalgary community!

Finding an opportunity that is unique to you can be difficult but that does mean you won’t find it. Getting started will only lead you to other people and organizations that can help you in your search. You may never know what you may discover about yourself along the way!