Get Involved
We encourage you to enhance your university experience through co-curricular involvement by joining a variety of student groups, clubs, organizations and activities.
Your student council. Founded in 1854, the University College Literary and Athletic Society (the Lit) is the oldest democratically-elected student government in Canada. The Lit advocates for students and co-ordinates a wide range of events and services, including intramurals, off-campus trips, formals, pancake brunches, open-mic nights, spirit wear and more. You can join as a voting member of council with elections in March and September or as a volunteer on any of its 11 commissions.
Your biweekly student newspaper. Founded in 1848 as an underground publication, the Garg is an eclectic and sometimes controversial paper which accepts all types of submissions, from original artwork and poetry to investigative journalism. The Garg operates as an editorial collective and welcomes new members.
Your literary journal and magazine. Published twice a year (fall and spring), the Review has been showcasing student art and literature for more than 30 years. You can submit original work or help create and publish the next issue by joining one of its committees – selections, design/layout or publicity.
Your theatre troupe. Entertaining the campus community for 100 years and counting, the Follies is one of the university’s largest student theatre groups and produces a variety of professional-quality shows throughout the year, from plays to comedies to musicals. It provides an inclusive space for students to bring their talents outside of the classroom and onto the stage.
The Lit recognizes various student-initiated clubs that request and receive some funding from the Lit. Some active UC Lit-recognized clubs include:
- UC Dragon Boat Club
- GirlUp U of T
- U of T Campus Lions Club
If you live in residence, the UC Residence Council (UCRC) advocates for your needs, concerns and interests. It also builds a strong residence community by hosting various residence events and programs throughout the year. You can join as a voting member of council through elections in March or as a volunteer on one of its committees – social, community and outreach, food advisory and sustainability.
If you live in residence, you also have a council of house executives that organizes activities and co-ordinates matters of general interest within the house. Your house council collects fees from resident members, which goes towards purchasing items for events and activities in your house.
At University of Toronto
Engage with your campus. U of T has hundreds of different clubs and groups for a wide range of interests.
The UTSU is one of your official student governments at the University of Toronto. As a University College student, you are automatically a member of the UTSU. Their work includes advocating on behalf of students, supporting student initiatives and providing services, such as your student health insurance plan and funding for clubs. You can get involved by attending their events, running for one of their executive positions or joining one of their commissions.
These academic unions represent the students in various disciplines within the Faculty of Arts & Science. By taking any course, you are automatically a part of them. Course unions elect their own executive members who represent students’ concerns and views and engage their members through programs and events.
As a student, you can access the Athletic Centre, the Varsity Centre, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport and Hart House. Enjoy access to gyms, swimming pools, court rentals and drop-in classes, as well as fitness and sports instruction.
U of T also has the largest intramural sports program in the country, with nearly 10,000 participants at all skill levels. The Lit co-ordinates UC’s intramural teams. If you want to compete in intercollegiate athletics (i.e., a varsity team), you can also try out for a Varsity Blues team. Many tryouts take place in late August or early September.
Open to all U of T students, Hart House clubs and committees lead and organize events, from social gatherings and guest lectures to musical events and hands-on activities. These groups welcome a wide range of interest from music, art and creativity, social justice and civic engagement, farm and food and wellness.
Serving since 1969, LGBTOUT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and trans people of the University of Toronto) is the oldest LGBTQ student organization in Canada. It provides safe and inclusive spaces, programming, social events and resources for LGBTQ students. The Drop-In Centre (DIC) is located in the archway of Sir Daniel Wilson Residence (73 St George St.). LGBTOUT offers
- Peer support, resource referral and active listening
- The Homohop and The Queer Ball
- Educational seminars, sex-ed workshops and drag shows
- Game nights, movie nights and poetry slam nighs
Don’t know where to start? Ulife is a one-stop website listing a large and diverse directory of student clubs, organizations, activities and opportunities on all three campuses. The thousands of entries include film appreciation clubs, debating societies, sports teams, social activism, drop-in classes and research opportunities and awards.