Tips to Get Connected at McMaster!

Feeling connected to your university community can make a big difference in your overall well-being and student experience. Whether you’re naturally outgoing or feeling a little nervous about meeting new people, there are many ways to build meaningful connections at your own pace. Building connections takes time, and everyone’s journey looks different. The following tips can help you find opportunities to get involved, meet others, and create a sense of belonging on campus. 

1.Start Small, but be intentional 

Meeting new people and forming friendships starts with small gestures, like sharing a smile, making eye contact, holding the door for someone, or just asking someone something about themselves. You don’t need to have the conversation planned out, and it doesn’t have to go perfectly. Start by attending one event for an hour and seeing how it goes or even bringing someone you know. Start small and just go with the flow!  

2. Attend on campus events, orientations, and fairs  

There are so many fun events during welcome week and throughout the year at McMaster! Try to attend a few events and campus fairs so you can see what resources, clubs, societies, and faculty specific events are available to you. There are even specific events tailored to residences and your faculty, so you may not have to go so far! Attend orientation events, faculty nights, course review nights, and more academic based gatherings. Be sure to explore the various societies and student groups within your faculty to get connected. There are often printed posters around campus in high traffic areas like MUSC and PGCLL advertising upcoming events on campus too! 

3. Explore your hobbies, join a club, or community group 

McMaster is a caring community, that provides safer spaces to explore your personal interests through various clubs and groups spanning culture, identity, athletics & recreation, academics, and professional development. Begin by exploring your hobbies and interests, so you’re able to choose a club or group that aligns with your passions. Theres something for everyone at McMaster! 

4. Stay connected on social media 

There are many ways you can stay connected online and on social media. Following campus organizations like the McMaster Student Union or the Student Wellness Centre can help you learn about upcoming events, campus resources, and opportunities to get involved. Joining group chats and online student communities, such as program specific forums or channels, can make it easier to ask questions, stay informed about academics, and connect with peers. While online spaces can be a great way to build connections, it’s important to use them in ways that support your well-being. Social media can sometimes contribute to social comparison, information overload, and high screen time. Balancing online communication with face-to-face experiences can help you build meaningful relationships and feel more connected to your campus community! 

 5. Incorporate rest  

Socializing, trying new things, and putting yourself out there can feel draining. It is okay to take some time to rest during welcome week and beyond, to ensure you’re recharging your social battery and paying attention to your own needs. When you take care of yourself first, you’re also taking care of your relationships with others!  

 6. Overcoming social anxiety and pressures 

All of this is easier said than done – general awkwardness in starting a conversation or fear of rejection is common, but it is important to be vulnerable, put yourself out there, and ask for help when needed. Use open-ended questions to guide the conversation or pick up on something you may have in common with someone to get the conversation started. Remember, you are not alone in this! Many new students are moving away from home, their friends and family, and are trying to navigate these new experiences too.  

Resources & Support

Finding the right professional or peer support services can feel overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider as you get started:

• The type of support you need (peer support, mental health professional, spiritual/religious support, medical/psychiatry).
• Hours of operation, appointment availability, location (in-person or online), and eligibility for services.
• How the organization operates ( policies in place and who is affiliated with the service).
• Cost (most of these services are available at no cost, unless otherwise specified).

Each resource operates differently, so we encourage you to explore individual services to find the best fit for your needs. Some services may collaborate with partners beyond McMaster and, in situations involving immediate safety concerns, may involve emergency responders. You are always welcome to ask questions about a service’s policies, confidentiality, and procedures to help determine your comfort level and whether it aligns with your needs.

McMaster, MSU, and Student Support Services:

For more identity-specific, peer support, and 24/7 mental health support resources check out the resources tab on our website- Resources – Student Wellness Centre

Black Student Success Centre