How to Get Involved in Extracurriculars!
#VicCommuterHacks
Hey everyone! I’m Don Hailey, and I’ve always been that type of person — the one who is way too eager to join every club and commit myself to a million different things! When I came to university, I couldn’t wait to find out what clubs and activities Vic and U of T had in store for me, and I was not disappointed! Because there were so many options for activities, it was definitely intimidating trying to decide which ones I wanted to join, and how to get involved with them.
I am currently in my fourth year and have been involved in various activities from clubs, to activism, to academic groups. In my first year, I was involved in a few things: I was part of a musical with the Trinity College Drama Society, I was a member of my building council, and I was also an archaeology lab volunteer with the department of Anthropology!
Later on, in my second and third year, I became involved in other activities such as Victoria College Orientation, Big Spoon Lil Spoon U of T, the Reach Alliance, and my programs’ student societies.
Here are some of my top tips for finding extracurricular activities that suit you, and how you can get involved!
1. Look within Vic!
Victoria College and VUSAC have so many student organizations such as Vic-affiliated clubs and levies. From Caffiends and the Vic Athletic Association to CARE UofT and Goose Fiction, Vic clubs have something for everyone, regardless of their interests, year, or experience!
Find the clubs and levies (clubs/organizations that receive funding from Vic) here:
- https://www.vic.utoronto.ca/current-students/office-of-the-dean-of-students/student-organizations/
- https://www.vusac.ca/clubs
- https://www.vusac.ca/levies
2. Social Media
I’ve found tons of extracurricular opportunities via Facebook or Instagram — club members will often post member or executive applications on their stories, or in student groups, so keep an eye on those channels for opportunities!
3. Look within your program (or program to-be!)
I have been involved in both of my programs on an extracurricular basis, and it’s definitely one of the most rewarding, academic-oriented extracurriculars that you can pursue! If you’re in your first year and haven’t yet entered your program, now is a great time to start looking at opportunities that your future programs might offer.
Some programs may have academic journals where students can submit their work (you might not even have to be in that program to submit something) or volunteer as an editor! (Bonus, working as an editor is a great way to improve your writing and critical thinking skills!)
Moreover, look into possible positions within your program’s student societies — you might be able to run as your class representative or executive, which is a great way to meet people in your program!
4. Check out the official club listings!
U of T has so many different recognized clubs of different sizes and goals — on the clubs' listings on Ulife and the UTSU pages, you can search for clubs by interest (ex. activism, environment, athletics, culture), and you can find the information to contact the club directors.
5. Ask your Don!
As student leaders, Dons have tons of experience in student life, and would love to chat with you about getting involved!
You can even book an appointment with a Commuter Don to discuss how to get involved! Click this link to set up your appointment (phone call or Zoom) with the Commuter Dons today!
You can find Vic Commuter Dons at any of our drop-in weekly events!
I hope these were helpful tips for finding extracurriculars to get involved in! Whether you’re in your first year, or your last, you’ll soon find that both Vic and U of T have so many clubs and extracurriculars to offer. You’re sure to find one that piques your interest, and if you don’t… why not start your own!
