How to Enhance Your University Experience

A university education is by no means limited – nor should be limited - to your academic studies in the libraries, the labs, the lecture halls and on the laptops. University is not just about broadening your own intellectual horizons, it’s also about helping prepare you to contribute to the world. You can really enrich your experience by participating in university life outside the classroom, and becoming actively involved in your new community, benefitting from a huge array of extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities.

When making your post-secondary choices, it’s important not only to think about the academic and intellectual dimension, but also to keep in mind the cultural and social aspects. It’s a really good idea to research those possibilities at your favorite universities: surely it would be nice to know whether you can still play your favorite sport(s), get involved in your favorite clubs, hobbies, volunteer work etc., as well as expose yourself to countless other new and exciting ventures?

There are so many things that happen outside the classroom that will be memorable long after you may have forgotten what was in your first-year Biology lab. or History lecture. Your extra- or co-curriclar activities will not only add texture your life, by giving you a break from the classroom, and helping you to meet others and make new friends - they may well be useful in finding a job or launching a career after you graduate.

A quick scan of Western’s ”Clubs List”, administered by Canada’s largest Students’ Council, will illustrate the wealth of activities in which you can become involved.

http://www.uwo.ca/campus_life/clubs_associations.html

There are more than 180 different interest groups encompassing categories such as: Community and Philanthropic, Cultural, Social Justice, Business, International and Academic. Whether you’re into Hip-Hop or History, Comedy or Calligraphy, you should be able to find something to enjoy. (And if you don’t see something you like, then form your own club!).

If you want to get healthy and fit, or stay fit and compete, you might want to consider joining one of about 1,200 Intramural sports teams, whatever your level of ability. Play competitively or for fun – the choice is yours! You can check out the Dragon Boat Club, take a look at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, try Futsal, or the ever-popular Inner-Tube Water Polo.

http://www.uwo.ca/campus_life/athletics.html

You might also consider all the ways you can gain experience as a leader and a mentor to other students, or find hands-on opportunities through programs like our Community Engaged Learning (CEL), for example, not only broadening your skills, but also enhancing your resume.

As outlined on the CEL website, participation offers a number of valuable benefits to students, including (but not limited to):

• Meaningful connections to local and international communities
• Context to apply academic learning outside the classroom
• Hands-on experience to aid in building a resume
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Enhanced understanding of diverse cultures and communities
• Opportunities to learn/practice transferable skills including communication, teambuilding, and problem-solving
• Increased sense of civic engagement and social responsibility

Come and see how Western students are able to work hard and play hard!