5 Ways to Get Involved on Campus

Easy steps you can take to make your university experience more memorable.

With a new school year just around the corner, there’s no better time to start looking into how you can get involved around campus and make the most of your university experience.

“Allowing time to find yourself outside of the classroom is what student life is all about. Getting involved can help ignite a new passion, create meaningful relationships, and make you more employable after you graduate.” says Kaylene McTavish, Transition and Engagement Supervisor at Mount Royal University.

As a Mount Royal graduate and past President of the Students’ Association of MRU, McTavish speaks from experience. “While I enjoyed the coursework, it was the student involvement opportunities that made me love university and develop a true sense of belonging.”

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few suggestions for how you can get more involved around campus.

1. Join a club

Student clubs are easy, ready-made peer groups that share the same interests as you. There are over 60 clubs (and counting) at Mount Royal covering a wide range of topics. Whether you’re into photography, the outdoors, gaming, or something in between, there’s a club for you. If you’re a little nervous about joining, just remember that breaking the ice is easy when you share similar passions.

2. Check out the Students’ Association

Students’ Associations offer opportunities to get involved with student governance and often offer a variety of student-related events, workshops, and resources.

“At Mount Royal, the Students’ Association has an incredible amount of opportunities for students to volunteer, work, and play,” McTavish says. “This includes paid jobs where students can learn about governance, decision making, and team building.”

3. Volunteer

Volunteering on campus is a win-win-win situation. You can feel good about doing good, add to your resumé, and make new connections along the way.

“My on-campus volunteer experience sparked a passion for environmental sustainability. I learned so many important life skills while teaching others how to make a difference in the world around them,” McTavish shares. Check your university’s website or speak with a representative to get the conversation started and see where you could provide a helping hand.

4. Show off your school spirit

Regardless if you’re a sports fanatic or not, you might be surprised how much fun you can have cheering on the home team at a varsity sports game. Get together with a couple friends, sport your school’s colours, and make some noise in support of your student athletes. Did we mention home games are free to attend for all MRU students?

5. Get active

Let your endorphins flow by signing up to play on an intramural sports team. Most universities have a variety of sports to choose from at varying levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro you can find a team that fits you.

If you’d rather exercise on your own schedule, check out what fitness options are available on campus. Mount Royal’s Recreation includes a fully equipped gym, track, salt water pools, climbing gym, squash courts, and more.

Find what works for you

Your time at university can include so much more than just going to class. Taking those extra steps to get involved around campus can help you make important connections, friendships, and memories.

“Get uncomfortable. Read the posters around campus. Explore event pages. Ask your peers what they are involved in,” McTavish says. “Everyone has a different path, so engage to find yours.”