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Life

How to Get Involved in University

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Alberta chapter.

Being active in your campus community during your time in university can be beneficial in so many ways. Getting involved can help you meet people from various walks of life and make new friends. Not only that, but it’s a great way to gain experience in different areas which can help you personally and professionally. While things may be different this academic year, there are still plenty of ways to get involved, even remotely! 

 

Join on-campus clubs

Universities offer an enormous amount of on-campus clubs for students to join. Find whatever interests you whether it’s a cultural club, one that focuses on your hobbies and passions, or even an academic-based club. There are so many out there and there’s no limit to how many you can join!

 

Reach out to your department organization

Getting in touch with your departmental organization is really important. They have the resources you need to be successful in your field and can provide you with opportunities you may not have heard about elsewhere. Make sure you’re on their mailing list and never hesitate to reach out to them. 

 

Volunteer with different groups

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your local community and fortunately, there are a lot of opportunities to do so with university groups. There are countless groups focusing on different local and global concerns and you can be part of that change! Don’t worry about the time commitment, you can definitely find one that works best for you. 

 

Get involved in research 

Gain hands-on experience by getting involved in research! There are always professors looking for research volunteers and assistants so take the time to contact them. If you’re interested in continuing your studies in grad school, having research experience on your CV will make you a competitive candidate. 

 

Apply for an internship

Another way to gain hands-on experience is by doing an internship. Many universities have resources to help set you up with an internship in your field. Take a look in the professional field while completing your undergraduate degree. You may find a career you’ve never heard of and that inspires you!

Simi is a senior at the University of Alberta studying Sociology and Religious Studies. She grew up in Houston Texas and lives by the saying “go big or go home”. She is currently Her Campus Ualberta's Editor in Chief and Campus Correspondent. School, volunteering, clubs, and work occupy most of her time. You can find her on Instagram at @simi.bhangoo.