Coming to University might seem scary, especially when you don’t know how to make friends. The best way is to meet people might be through your residence or your classes, but the best way to get involved and meet your friends would be to join one of the thousand or so clubs and societies that we have at Mount Allison. Mount Allison has so many different clubs and societies that might be interesting for you to try out. Near the end of orientation week, there were clubs and societies fairs for first-year or upper years to join something outside of just doing schoolwork, all of which are led by students at Mount Allison. These clubs and societies can be about the social aspects, political interests, or related to your area of study. Joining these organizations is the perfect way to meet people who are similar to you.  In my first year, I joined the dance society with some of my friends, and the classes were drop-in; it was a great way to meet people outside of my friend group who had similar interests as me. 

In my second year, I decided to join the women's rugby club team at Mount Allison. It was great to stay active during the pandemic and keep me distracted from the struggles of studying during COVID-19. It was probably the best decision I made since being at Mount Allison. That's the point of clubs and societies, though, and they are a way to help you enjoy the university experience and create a distraction from things like the pandemic. Also, dealing with the pandemic and academics, deciding to join new activities was a great way to keep my mind off of the past year's struggles.

 My suggestion if you are considering joining a particular club or society - go for it! It might become something you will regret if you do not end up joining. Your first year is the perfect time to sign up for many things and then consider if you would like to continue afterwards. I also recommend if you sign up for a bunch of clubs and societies rather than just one, that way, it can help you figure out which clubs and societies you like. Mount Allison offers so much during your time here, so take your opportunity to join new things like a new club or society that will help you adjust better to university life and give you something to focus on aside from schoolwork and the ongoing pandemic.

Written by Kate MacLean ('23)