Typically, writers tend to be introverted. As one myself, I’ve struggled to make friends during my three years in the UVic writing program. But the thing that has helped me meet people and make connections is going to events on campus. So, if you’re a writing student looking to meet people or are just interested in checking out the community, here are some ways to get involved and make some writing friends!
This Side of West
What’s a better place to get involved than a literary magazine? This Side of West (TSOW) is a student-run literary journal that publishes two anthologies a year—one with the editorial team in the fall and one with student works in the spring. They also put on a handful of events throughout the year, like open mics, fundraisers, and even a student film screening. Their submission period for this year has ended, but it will reopen next year, so check out their website for submission guides and get your pieces ready. In the meantime, their Instagram, @thissideofwest, has details about their upcoming events.
Student Alternative Theatre Company
UVic’s Student Alternative Theatre Company (SATCo) is the perfect niche for those who want to combine their passion for theatre with their interest in writing. Each semester, SATCo chooses two or three student plays to put on, and by casting students, their production is entirely student-run! Their first play of this semester was Kayden V.S. The Closet Monster, and their second play, The Greatest Riff in the World, will be taking the stage in March—take a look at their website for more information. They also frequently host other activities like writing workshops, open mics, script readings, and so much more! Check out their Instagram, @uvicsatco, for more information about what they’re getting up to.
The Warren
Another amazing student-run literary magazine to hang out with! The Warren publishes an anthology of student works each spring and hosts a handful of open mics throughout the year. Their submission period for this year’s issue has closed, but take a look at their website and be sure to get your writing ready for next year, since they always put together a fun issue. Until then, stop by their Bad Art Reading open mic on Feb. 12 and their upcoming launch later this semester! They have more details on their Instagram, @warrenreview.
The Novelist Society
Want to work on your writing while also making friends? The Novelist Society is for you! Their meetings are centred around practicing your writing, typically discussing topics like characterization, pacing, or theme. But if their meeting isn’t on a specific subject, they’ll be doing writing sprints. So, if you’re looking for a chill place to get creative alongside other writers, check out their Instagram, @uvicnovelistsociety, for information about their next meeting.
UVic Campus Community Garden
Hear me out on this one. Although UVic’s Campus Community Garden (CCG) typically focuses on outdoor events and sustainable food options, they’ve been publishing their journal, Sundew, since the spring of 2024. Their issues are open-themed and are collaged together to create a stunning final product unlike anything you’ve read. On top of this, they’ll host open mics and encourage artists to read their writing or play their music when the weather allows it. The CCG is always putting on some kind of exciting event, so check out their Instagram, @uviccampusgarden, for upcoming events, or their website for more information about what they’re getting up to
UVic’s Writing Undergraduate Course Union
As the secretary, I feel I have to promote UVic’s Writing Undergraduate Course Union. The goal for this year was to establish a solid writing community through hosting frequent events, and we’ve been seeing great engagement throughout the semesters. We tend to put on monthly open mics, bi-monthly write-ins, and are hoping to put on more film-related events in the upcoming months. Keep an eye on our Instagram, @uvicwritingcourseunion, for our next event and ways you can get involved.
The Martlet
As UVic’s independent newspaper, the Martlet is committed to publishing fact-checked news for the Victoria community. They publish monthly print and online issues, so if you have an article idea you’d like to pitch, check out their website for what content they publish and how to pitch! Even if you’re not into journalism, they’re still a great way to get involved as an editor or copyeditor, and they’ll occasionally host events. Keep an eye on their Instagram, @humansofthemartlet, for timely club news.
Her Campus
Of course, Her Campus has to be included in this list. This was the first writing club I joined, and I’ve been loving getting involved with this community. Her Campus is an online magazine run across several universities, and our chapter is run by UVic students who love to publish any article you’d like to write. Read some of the past articles on their website to get a sense of their vibe, and feel free to stop by the next pitch meeting to hang out with some of the members! They frequently post on their Instagram, @hercampusuvic, so check that out to see what they’re getting up to.
There’s always something creative going on here at UVic, and this list only covers a handful. Being a part of the writing community by attending events, joining clubs, and being in the course union has made my experience as a UVic writing student so much more fun. I definitely recommend taking a look at these clubs’ Instagrams and websites and stopping by their events or meetings! It’ll certainly be worth it.