Seven ways to connect with your USask community

With enrolment for the 2019-2020 academic year being on track to be the university’s highest ever, now is the time for many students, especially those new to the campus community, to start growing their social circles. 

While you hit the books and familiarize yourself with some new study habits, make sure to check out some of these places on campus that connect you with your community. 

1. The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) is a great place for international students to connect with one another and join activities together. The ISSAC Facebook page advertises unique events, such as their annual Trick or Eat food drive on October 31. 

2. The Aboriginal Students' Centre creates inclusive community spaces through personal, social, cultural and academic programs and services held throughout the academic year at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre. The centre hosts a number of gatherings throughout the week, such as a smudge and share every Monday morning with Elder Louise Halfe. You can also check out their Facebook page for event listings. 

3. Campus Rec is a great way to meet people while getting your game on. Offering a wide variety of physical activities from intramural sports to swing dancing to karate to yoga—they’ve got it all. They even offer how-to classes for things such as scuba, fencing and more. If that hasn’t piqued your interest, they are currently running a contest for Campus Rec participants that gives the winner $500 towards their term two tuition. 

4. For those who are raising a family, there is Parents on Campus. This group schedules family-friendly study groups, carpooling to various events and maintaining a parenting comfort room in the Thorvaldson Building (the first of its kind on a Canadian campus). They manage a very active Facebook page that lists various gatherings and where members share advice and tips for managing the balance of being a student and a parent.

5. The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) offers grad students a place to gather in the GSA Commons. The commons includes a kitchen, with space to heat up lunches or make coffee and the room is fitted with all the necessary audio/visual equipment needed for presentations. There is even a family-friendly space, complete with a children’s corner full of books and toys. 

6. The USask Faith Leaders are a multi-faith campus resource made up of representatives from over 12 different community faith groups. Faith Leaders provide connection, guidance, opportunities for spiritual practice and a free weekly breakfast program. The Faith Leaders are located at the USask Community Centre in Marquis Hall (across from the bookstore).

7. Join a club. There is more to campus life than class and studying. Remember to take time to take care of yourself, meet new people and have fun. With over 130 campus clubs and societies it's easy to find a group of people with common interests.