Just one short year ago I was in exactly the same position you are now - incredibly anxious, yet incredibly excited, to be embarking on this new journey and moving away from home.
My adventure proved to be more than I could ever have hoped for. I made incredible new friends, learned a multitude of new ideas in the classroom, and, over the course of the year, became acquainted with the beautiful city of London. If I could only tell new students one thing, I would tell them this: get involved in your new home away from home.
While you will find many ways to get involved on campus this year, including clubs, teams, events and volunteer opportunities, the city of London spreads far beyond the University’s main gates and has a wealth of experiences to offer you. There are walking trails for those of us who want to stay fit, plenty of shopping both downtown and at Masonville Mall or White Oaks Mall, and opportunities to get involved in the community in a number of facets.
For myself, I was determined to be involved in the London theatre scene and quickly landed myself a chorus role in MTP’s production of Bye Bye Birdie which ran in April 2011 at the Palace Theatre. I also got involved with the Art for AIDS Gallery and attended a workshop where I created a piece of art to sell to raise money for bringing relief to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in the developing world.
There are a number of theatre companies, churches, choirs, volunteer organizations and clubs outside of the university campus that you can become involved in. Make sure to look around and talk to Sophs and other upper year students about where you could go to find what you’re interested in. Feel free to get involved in something you're familiar with or try something new!
- Sara Preston, Arts & Humanities Year II
Sara, I am your fan number one! I am very proud of you!!!
Posted by: essays | 10/31/2011 at 04:47 AM