“Get involved!” It’s what everyone says when you’re starting university. And it’s true – getting involved can play a huge role in helping you settle into this new chapter. But with so many options and extracurriculars, deciding where to begin can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made this quiz! Answer the following questions and tally up your results, and you’ll be given some pointers on what opportunities at UW might be a fit for you.
Let’s get started:
1. How did you get involved in high school?
a. A sports team/intramural
b. Student council
c. An arts-related club or group
2. How do you spend your spare time?
a. Being active (sports, exploring outdoors, etc.)
b. … studying?
c. Learning a new skill or taking on a project
3. What are you looking for in an extracurricular?
a. An opportunity to get out of the house (or library)
b. Connecting with other people in my major
c. A distraction from studying
4. When joining new things, what’s your commitment level?
a. I want commitment – something that will become part of my routine
b. As long as it doesn’t interfere with school, we’re good
c. Just something casual, maybe a drop-in structure
5. Are you looking for a social opportunity?
a. Sure! But I want to be doing an activity while socializing
b. It would be great to talk to other people about my studies
c. I’m hoping to meet people from a variety of majors
6. You’re looking for somewhere to decompress. Which place on campus is most appealing?
a. The swimming pool or track
b. One of the libraries
c. Student Life Centre
7. Last but not least, pick a movie:
a. Challengers (2024)
b. Dead Poets Society (1989)
c. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Mostly a – Try a sports group
If you answered mostly a, it sounds like you’d love to get involved in UW’s athletics scene. There are lots of options here, no matter your level of expertise! There are intramurals ranging from soccer and beach volleyball to dodgeball and ultimate frisbee. Or, you could drop into a fitness class to try out some yoga or pilates. There are also instructional programs if you want to learn something new, like ballet, boxing, or figure skating. We even have an e-sports community if that’s more your thing. Information about all this and more can be found on UW’s athletics website.
Mostly b – Join an academic club or society
Based on your answers, you’re determined to be an academic weapon. Lucky for you, there are lots of groups dedicated to just that (or for those who simply want to meet other people in their program). You might want to start by checking out some of UW’s academic societies– there are the Math and Engineering Societies, the Environment Students’ Society, Arts’ Student Union, Association of Health Students Undergraduate Members, Science Society, and many more. If you’re someone who was involved in student government in high school (or are curious about it now), you might be interested in WUSA, the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, which allows students to run for office in a number of positions. If you want something a little more casual, there are a number of clubs dedicated to more specific subjects such as Model UN, Pre-Med Club, Entomology Club, and WiSTEM (Women in STEM).
Mostly c – Pick from one of the many hobby clubs
Want an opportunity to learn something new? Have a favourite activity you’re hoping to bond with others over? There are hundreds of clubs dedicated to hobbies on campus, so you’re sure to find something interesting! Maybe you’re interested in music (check out the A Capella Club, AfroXDance Club, or UW Concert Band), or arts and crafts (check out Crafts 4 Charity, Fashion for Change, or the Photography Club). If gaming is more your thing, maybe try the Chess Club or Board Games Club. There are also several cultural clubs here at UW! Of course, there are also clubs that don’t really fit into these categories: looking at you, Cheese Club.
