From the Editor: Seize what university has to offer by getting involved in student life
Getting involved in the campus community through activities and student clubs can help make university memorable. (File photo)
In university, we often find ourselves surrounded by other people.
Whether it’s classmates, faculty, or university staff, our days of study are made up of face-to-face interactions while a soundtrack of chatter plays in the background. But within our lively school days, it’s easy for students to still feel lonely.
When I first came to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, I remember spending my semester coming to class and going straight home afterwards. I’d chat with classmates, but those relationships never flourished outside of the classroom.
To keep my social life alive, I hung onto my relationships with high-school friends, but given our differing school schedules, it became challenging to see each other. And so, I found myself spending more and more time by myself, hunkering down into my studies and part-time job.
Whether you’ve entered university straight out of high school, moved across the world — away from family and friends — to gain an education, or decided to return to your studies after some time away, this valuable life experience can also be an incredibly lonely one. It is a sentiment I believe many fellow students can attest to.
As I approach graduation, I look back on my time as a student. Until I got involved with KPU’s student newspaper, The Runner, I didn’t truly connect and find my place within the campus community. I started working as the video producer in the fall of 2021, and the position allowed me to get to know other staff and KPU community members.
Within a few months, new friendships began to blossom. I got to learn so much about KPU and met many new faces. I knew I had finally become part of the campus community and no longer felt lonely in the crowds of students walking the hallways.
While I know it can be intimidating to get involved with people and activities outside of the classroom, no harm can come out of taking that first leap of courage and putting yourself out there. Being part of student life on campus can be so fulfilling, and that’s where some of the best memories are made.
At KPU, there are so many outlets for students to explore their interests and connect with like-minded people. Of course, there’s The Runner, which allows students to contribute to the student newspaper, and pulpMAG, KPU’s literature and fine arts magazine. But the pockets of student life at KPU go far beyond these publications.
The Kwantlen Student Association has more than 30 clubs to join — or students can start their own. From subject-focused clubs like the Kwantlen Psychology Society and Sustainable Agriculture Student Association to cultural ones like the Kwantlen Malayali Community and the Japan Club, the areas of interest are vast.
The KSA also hosts a variety of events throughout the year and has a volunteer program for students. Taking advantage of such opportunities allows students to meet others with similar interests and become part of the campus community. Students can also run for KSA council to participate in student politics and advocacy — the true birthplace of student life.
KPU and its various faculties also organize social events throughout the year to help bring students together and encourage well-being. Sport and Recreation, in particular, offers semesterly intramural programs in several sports for students to register in, as well as weekly fitness classes.
Regardless of what you’re studying or where you come from, there are many viable opportunities for students to get involved at KPU.
Attending university is more than gaining an education — it’s about meeting other people, exploring your interests, learning more about yourself, and pushing yourself to take hold of what you’re truly capable of. All you have to do is see what’s out there and seize it.
