5 Tips to Find Your Community at University

How to find your people at a big school so you feel at home on campus.

Written by Layanne (she/her), Waterloo student

Starting university can feel like you're hitting a reset button on your social life. New environment, new routines, and for many people, a whole new city! It's exciting but also a little intimidating for some.

One of the biggest questions that you may have in the back of your mind is: Where do I fit in? The truth is, finding your community at university doesn't always happen right away and that's okay. It's something you build over time, and often in ways you don't expect. Here are my top five tips to keep in mind.

1. Everyone is finding their place

It might seem like everyone has found their community, especially during the first few weeks of the term. In reality, most students are in the exact same position as you — looking for connection, trying new things, and hoping to meet people they click with. Keep that in mind when starting this new journey. It can make it a lot easier to put yourself out there!

That person sitting next to you in a lecture? They're probably just as open to making a friend as you are. Start a conversation with them, introduce yourself, share notes, and sit beside them again the next time you have that lecture. Small interactions like those can turn a familiar face into a friend, and eventually, part of your community.

2. Try things even if you're unsure

You've probably heard this all before, but it's true — one of the easiest ways to find your community is by getting involved outside the classroom. Clubs, teams, student societies, intramurals, and events. At Waterloo, there's a space for just about any interest you can think of!

You don't need to commit to everything. Try a few things, see what feels right, and stick to what you enjoy. Sometimes the activity itself matters less than the people you meet through it. A casual club meeting or a campus event can turn into something much bigger over time.

And if you're living off campus? It's still possible to build a strong community; you just might need to be a bit more intentional about it.

3. Attend Orientation

Orientation is the perfect opportunity to start friendships. Everyone there is new, and most people are in the same boat as you, which makes it one of the easiest places to meet people without pressure. Plus, you'll have a lot of fun!

The best part is you'll likely run into those same people again whether it's in your classes, on campus, or at future events. Familiar faces can make a big university feel a whole lot smaller, and that's often how your first friendships begin.

4. Use social media

Social media is another great way to meet people — even before getting to campus! Join a group chat for your program or check out incoming student pages or club accounts on Instagram or Discord.

Following someone new, replying to a post, or joining a group chat may feel a bit awkward at first, but it helps you connect with people who share your interests. Remember, though: always be safe while meeting people online.

5. Be open to unexpected friendships

Your community at university might not look like your high school friend group, and that's part of the experience. Stay open, say yes to new opportunities, and give different people a chance. Sometimes the friendships you never expected turn out to be the ones that matter most!