One of the biggest parts of the Bishop’s community is the opportunity to join a wide variety of clubs offered on campus. From the BU Outdoors Club to the ASL Club to the Pride Alliance, there are options for every student where they can get involved and meet new people. Every year during orientation week, all of the clubs come together and introduce themselves to new students through a club day in the Quad. This is a great chance for all students to learn what clubs are offered and find something that interests them.

Last year, because COVID regulations restricted club activities, the formula for club organization changed. Many clubs were held online and unable to meet in-person at all during the winter semester, reducing club enrollment and engagement from the student body. Thankfully, as daily life begins to get back to normal, Club Day this year was successful, seeing an influx of new and returning students interested in getting involved in the community. Student organizations are able to meet in-person for activities again, making it more comfortable and easy to participate.

 “There were a lot of people this year. It was nice to see both new and returning students interested in joining clubs,” said Anika Nice, co-lead for the BU Knitting Community. “People seemed interested and excited to join. Being online last winter reduced attendance drastically. I think being back in person will encourage attendance this year.” When asked about club activities, Nice encouraged people to join clubs outside of their comfort zones: “For us, it’s less about knitting and crocheting and more about the community. We get together and knit, but we also talk about our classes and life. We are a tight-knit community.” Clubs on campus are intended to be a social as well as a learning experience, connecting students across different years and programs.

Grey Smithson, a second year sociology student who is an active member of multiple clubs, said “(I) think clubs are a very important way to find people you have common interests with, make new friends, and branch out from smaller friend groups.” Although participation seemed to increase at Club Day this year, student organizations are still seeking more participation and looking for members. New and returning students are encouraged to check the BU SRC website for a list of clubs and join as many as they are interested in. As Anika Nice concluded, “Anyone at Bishop’s should join at least two clubs as a way to meet new people and gain new experiences during their time in university.”