Student LifeQueen's University

How to Connect to the Queen's Community

How To Connect to the Queen’s Community 

First year usually comes at students like a tidal wave, and frosh are more worried about trying to stay afloat than learning to explore the waters. 

However, getting involved in clubs and extracurriculars have been proven to help students both socially and academically. Some may assume that any activity not directly related to one’s courses is unnecessary, but doing the things you love and networking with upper year students can be a huge help throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to get involved!

1. Join Facebook Groups
My high school was never really big on Facebook, but as soon as I came to Queen’s I realized how essential it is as a networking tool. Every club has a page or group, and group chats are usually created for members of a certain class. As soon as you are a part of one group, recommendations for others pop up on your feed which is really helpful when you’ve found your niche and interests!  

2. Audition and Try Out
You have talent, ambition, and drive. Many first years forget how good they truly are at either their art form or their sport and get nervous when it comes to auditions or try outs. Your nerves and heartbeat usually calm down as soon as you start the try out. Even if you don’t make the team or the cast list, you’ll meet directors and other students that may turn out to be friends or teammates in upcoming years. 

3. Go to Floor Meetings
Dons are such an important resource that are often forgotten about as the year progresses. If your floor has meetings, make sure to go and get the 411 on what’s happening around campus, and special events happening in your building. Bonding with floor mates is also another way to build a sense of community!

4. Show Some School Spirit
Even if you have no idea how to follow football and aren’t big on pep rallies, going to important Queens events truly makes you feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself. You may even meet someone who is also confused about scoring touchdowns and make a new best friend. 

5. Talk to New People
It’s really easy to make a few friends and cling to them like lifelines, or to refuse to step out of their comfort zone and make friends at all. Talking to a couple of new people in every class becomes a gateway into a world of clubs, extracurriculars, academic support, and social support. 