Find your community in TMU student clubs and groups

By: Faheel Haider

February 20, 2024

As an international student who arrived in Canada from Pakistan with minimal connections, I was initially worried about making friends, connections, and a life in a new country.

When considering the right university for you, you will first focus on academics, co-op opportunities, employment rates, etc. While these factors are undeniably crucial, particularly for us international students, there's another aspect that holds equal weight—building connections and friendships in a new country. This is where student clubs are important.

TMU KPOP

Pakistani Students Association

Indian Students Association

At TMU, some student clubs and groups are hosted under the Student Union (TMSU) while others are affiliated with specific faculties. Under TMSU, you'll find course unions representing program interests and advocating for student needs, faith and cultural groups, and general student clubs or groups covering a wide array of interests – from the KPOP club (external link) to the TMU Gamers Guild (external link) ! Rest assured that you’ll find a campus group at TMU that caters to your interests, and if not, you can always form your own.

As an international student, I initially didn’t know much about student clubs on campus. It wasn’t until I made some friends in class and started following more TMU social media pages that I realized just how many clubs there are. In addition to this, I started feeling homesick. I missed listening to South Asian music and eating spicy food. My international friends felt the same way. This is when we started to actively attend events on campus. During Ramadan, I used to break my fast with my friends on campus where the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) served delicious meals. During Holi, Eid, and Diwali, my friends and I went to campus events organized by the Indian and Pakistani (external link) Students’ Associations and got the chance to wear our cultural clothes. Not only did these events allow me to make more friends, but they also eased my homesickness.

I’m also here to assure you that faculty-based student groups are just as beneficial and entertaining! As the VP Finance of the Metropolitan Undergraduate Engineering Society (MUES) (external link) , the umbrella group for engineering-related organizations, I've honed several skills related to my field thanks to the opportunities with this student club. I got to attend conferences in various Canadian cities, build my project management skills, and make a lot of friends and memories!

At TMU, the diverse range of clubs ensures that every student can find a community that aligns with their interests. For those who don't, the Student Initiatives Fund (SIF) offers the chance to start their own club, fostering a culture of inclusivity.

If you’re confused about where to start when it comes to finding a student club, follow your faculty and TMSU’s social media pages and go to their website’s directory.

Oftentimes, you can directly message them on social media to ask about their recruitment process!

I can personally attest to the transformative power of this dynamic community at Toronto Metropolitan University! Not only will you open doors to cultural richness but you’ll also improve your various skills, form meaningful connections and create lasting memories at TMU. The wealth of experiences awaiting you beyond the lecture halls is invaluable—get ready to be inspired, involved, and fully immersed.