Benefits of Getting Involved On Campus

York University offers endless opportunities to make the most of your university experience.

Being a university student is a unique and exciting experience. At York University, there are endless ways to get involved in student life to make the most of your experience. Whether you want to start volunteering or working on campus, or you are thinking about joining an intramural team or student club, there truly is something for everyone. Getting involved helps you become closer to the York U community, expand your resumé and try something new.

1. Making friends and building a community

Getting more involved in campus activities, work or events is a great way to meet new people with similar interests and to find new things you can enjoy at York and beyond. This is especially useful for first-year students, who may not know as many people at York U yet. Joining a student club or organization is the perfect way to put yourself out there and make some new friends. With 300+ clubs on campus offered across the university, you are bound to find something that suits you!

2. Expanding your resumé

Volunteering or working on campus can help you gain valuable skills for your future career. Finding a position in the Work/Study Program gives you hands-on work experience while you study, and you can often find a job in a field related to your studies or future career path. These positions can help you gain work experience and develop a foundational skillset before graduating.

Students in Work/Study positions can also participate in Becoming YU, a program that allows students to set goals for developing certain skills within the positions they are working in. This is done through online training modules, check-ins, and coaching by the student's supervisor at their Work/Study position.

3. Making lasting connections

You can make lasting connections with other students, professors, industry professionals, and more through many different avenues at York U. Some of the ways you can build your network are by joining a club or association and by working or volunteering on campus.

Many on-campus clubs and associations connect you with industry leaders by bringing in guest speakers and lecturers and hosting networking events. This helps students build connections that can launch their professional career.

Working and volunteering on campus are ideal ways to build your professional network while still in school. Getting involved this way can build your connections within a specific field or organization before graduating and put you ahead of other applicants when searching for jobs post-graduation.

4. Exercising your skillset

You can gain various professional skills from getting involved on campus. Developing new skills and refining the ones you already have can greatly help you in any future endeavours, even outside your career.

5. Developing a new interest

Do you want to learn how to dance? Are you interested in martial arts? By getting involved in a club, you can try something new or explore an existing interest. York University's Athletics & Recreation offers various sports, group fitness classes and intramural teams on campus. Joining an intramural team is a great way to stay active and meet other students!

As you can see, getting involved on campus has numerous benefits towards your social life, professional career, and in developing your interests.

If you have any more questions, reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook. We look forward to seeing you on campus!