1. Join a club or group
Clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your network and social circle. Clubs and student associations organize their own events throughout the year and have a lot to offer!
Check out the full list of current clubs. Better yet, talk to club members in person at the Club Fair on September 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a stroll down the tree-lined Grande Allée and discover our huge range of student clubs. The clubs go all out with colourful signs and friendly smiles as they welcome new members.
Whether you’re interested in charitable causes, academics, sports, outdoorsy adventure or something more niche, there really is something for everyone.
Can’t find a club you’re interested in? Why not create and register your own club!
2. Get involved
The best way to meet people is to get involved in university life. The first events of the year are Welcome Week activities, which encourage students to get out, explore the campus and mingle with other students. The University of Ottawa Students’ Union also organizes a separate, student-run 101 Week for first-year students.
Learn about all the upcoming events online and follow @uottawacampus for the latest updates. The University hosts a wide range of social and cultural activities right here on campus throughout the year.
3. Register for intramurals
Nothing says let’s make friends like a bit of friendly competition, right? Right! Well, at least that’s the case in uOttawa’s Garnet and Grey intramural leagues. Choose from a variety of recreational sports leagues, at two different levels of play, and sign up as a team or as an individual for the fall and winter terms. Learn more about intramural leagues and be sure to enter the August 20 registration start date in your calendar.
4. Try a drop-in activity
Stay active and meet new people through one of our many drop-in sports activities. You can just show up and play soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball and more. No registration is required, and all programs are included as part of your student membership. Check the drop-in activity schedule and squeeze in some recreation time between classes.
5. Participate in class
Get to know your classmates, and not just for social reasons — they can help you keep up with the course material and remind you of exams and assignment deadlines. Get to know your team members if you’re doing any group projects, or create or join a study group. Having common ground is a great way to meet new people — you can work together on the next math problem or peer review each other’s papers.
6. Volunteer
Volunteering is a win-win. Not only do you get to meet new people, you'll also gain valuable experience and learn new skills that will help you stand out in the job market once you graduate. Log into your uoZone account to browse the list of volunteer opportunities in the Community Engagement Navigator.
7. Take care of yourself
Be your best friend. Take some time for yourself if you need it. Some great, quiet spots to chill out on campus include the passageway between Hamelin and Simard, the Simard basement, the Wellness Lounge, the top floor of FSS (which offers a great view) and, surprisingly, the top floors of the Morisset Library (no one will disturb you if you want to take a nap).
Remember, it’s okay to feel like you’re out of your comfort zone: those are the times when you grow and accomplish the incredible!