What student clubs and societies have you joined and how did they help you adjust to life abroad?

When I first arrived at Carleton University 🇨🇦 as an international student, everything felt new and a little overwhelming 😅—new city, new people, even new weather! ❄️ But joining university clubs and societies turned out to be one of the best decisions I made 🎉. Through events like Expo Carleton, I found amazing groups that matched my interests—some academic 📚, others just for fun 🎨⚽. Getting involved helped me meet new friends 🤝 from all over the world 🌍 and made me feel right at home on campus 🏫.

These clubs really helped me adjust to life in Canada ❤️. Attending regular meetings and activities gave me something to look forward to each week, and having friendly faces around made me feel less homesick 💌. I learned so much about different cultures, improved my communication skills 💬, and even gained confidence by volunteering and helping organize events 🌟.

Being part of an academic society also boosted my studies 🧠—I got useful advice, study tips, and even networking opportunities that helped me grow both personally and professionally 🚀. Overall, joining clubs made my experience at Carleton fun, fulfilling, and unforgettable 💫. It turned my time abroad from just studying into truly living the university experience! 🎓✨

When I first came to AUT, I noticed there wasn’t a fashion club, so I took the opportunity to create one. Founding the AUT Fashion Collective allowed me to build a new community on campus, host events, and collaborate with other clubs that shared similar interests. A key part of our club has been promoting sustainable fashion by bringing thrifting events to AUT, which not only encouraged students to rethink their style but also sparked conversations about conscious consumption. Through this, I developed leadership, event management, and teamwork skills while creating a space where students could express their creativity and connect through fashion. I have also been part of the CSEA club, which has helped me grow my technical skills and confidence in the tech space, as well as AUTISA (AUT Indian Students’ Association). Although I am Pakistani, the cultural similarities allowed me to feel at home, meet like-minded people, and enjoy events that celebrated our shared traditions. Being involved in these clubs not only gave me friendships and networks that continue to support me but also balanced my academic life by giving me opportunities to explore my passions and cultural identity. Some of my most memorable moments at AUT have come from collaborating with other student groups and seeing people find joy and belonging through the communities I was part of. Overall, clubs at AUT allow you to expand beyond academics, develop valuable life skills, and find your people, and if a space doesn’t exist yet, the university gives you the freedom and support to create it yourself.