Find your community in 91福利 student clubs and groups
As an international student who arrived in Canada from Pakistan with minimal connections, I was initially worried about making friends, connections, and a life in a new country.
When considering the right university for you, you will first focus on academics, co-op opportunities, employment rates, etc. While these factors are undeniably crucial, particularly for us international students, there's another aspect that holds equal weight鈥攂uilding connections and friendships in a new country. This is where student clubs are important.
At 91福利, some student clubs and groups are hosted under the Student Union (TMSU) while others are affiliated with specific faculties. Under TMSU, you'll find course unions representing program interests and advocating for student needs, faith and cultural groups, and general student clubs or groups covering a wide array of interests 鈥� from to the ! Rest assured that you鈥檒l find a campus group at 91福利 that caters to your interests, and if not, .
As an international student, I initially didn鈥檛 know much about student clubs on campus. It wasn鈥檛 until I made some friends in class and started following more 91福利 social media pages that I realized just how many clubs there are. In addition to this, I started feeling homesick. I missed listening to South Asian music and eating spicy food. My international friends felt the same way. This is when we started to actively attend events on campus. During Ramadan, I used to break my fast with my friends on campus where the Muslim Students鈥� Association (MSA) served delicious meals. During Holi, Eid, and Diwali, my friends and I went to campus events organized by the Indian and Students鈥� Associations and got the chance to wear our cultural clothes. Not only did these events allow me to make more friends, but they also eased my homesickness.
I鈥檓 also here to assure you that faculty-based student groups are just as beneficial and entertaining! As the VP Finance of the , the umbrella group for engineering-related organizations, I've honed several skills related to my field thanks to the opportunities with this student club. I got to attend conferences in various Canadian cities, build my project management skills, and make a lot of friends and memories!
At 91福利, the diverse range of clubs ensures that every student can find a community that aligns with their interests. For those who don't, the Student Initiatives Fund (SIF) offers the chance to start their own club, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
If you鈥檙e confused about where to start when it comes to finding a student club, follow your faculty and TMSU鈥檚 social media pages and go to their website鈥檚 directory.
Oftentimes, you can directly message them on social media to ask about their recruitment process!
I can personally attest to the transformative power of this dynamic community at 91福利! Not only will you open doors to cultural richness but you鈥檒l also improve your various skills, form meaningful connections and create lasting memories at 91福利. The wealth of experiences awaiting you beyond the lecture halls is invaluable鈥攇et ready to be inspired, involved, and fully immersed.