To get involved in your new school as an international student, join a club, volunteer, become a student ambassador or peer mentor, or take an on-campus role. Each one builds skills employers value.
Getting involved is about more than having fun. It helps you build your CV, practise your language skills, grow your network, and feel part of your school community. This guide covers the main ways to get involved, how to start, and how to balance it with your studies.
New to campus?
Learn how to meet people and build a community during your first few weeks.
Why Getting Involved Matters
Build Career Skills
Leading a club, organizing events, or mentoring other students builds teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that employers look for.
Grow Your Network
You meet students, staff, and alumni who can become friends, references, and job contacts after you graduate.
Feel at Home
Being part of a group gives you a regular routine, people to talk to, and a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
Ways to Get Involved
How to Get Started
- Go to the club or involvement fair. Most schools hold one at the start of each term. Sign up for a few groups that interest you.
- Check your school's student life website or app. Many schools list every club, event, and volunteer role in one place.
- Visit the international student office. Ask about international student groups, peer mentoring, and ambassador roles.
- Start small. Attend a few meetings before you commit. Then choose one or two groups you enjoy.
- Step up over time. After a term or two, consider joining a committee or taking on a leadership role.
Tip! Some schools offer a co-curricular record or award that lists your involvement, volunteering, and leadership roles. Ask if your school has one. It can be a useful extra document to show employers.
Know Your Work Limits
Paid roles, including on-campus jobs, usually count toward your student visa's work hour limit. Rules differ by country, and in some countries even unpaid roles can count as work if they are like a job. Before you accept any role, check your visa conditions or ask your international student office. Country guides: part-time jobs in Canada and F-1 work rights and on-campus jobs in the US.
Warning! Working more hours than your visa allows can put your student visa at risk. If you are unsure whether a role counts as work, ask before you start.
Keep your studies on track
Learn what to expect from your new academic system and how to balance it with student life.
Balancing Involvement and Your Studies
- Put your studies first. Your student visa depends on staying enrolled and making progress.
- Choose quality over quantity. One or two activities you take part in regularly are better than many you rarely attend.
- Plan around busy times. Step back during exams and big deadlines, and tell your group in advance.
- Look after yourself. If you feel tired or stressed, it is okay to say no. Read about looking after your wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Student clubs and societies are open to all students, including international students. Some sports teams have try-outs, and some clubs charge a small membership fee.
No. Most clubs welcome new members all year. Many schools also hold a second club fair at the start of the next term, and roles like peer mentor are often open only to students who have already completed a term.
Add a section called "Leadership and Activities" or "Volunteering." For each role, list your title, the organization, the dates, and one or two results, such as "Organized three events for 150 students." Specific results stand out to employers.
Getting involved is one of the best ways to make the most of studying abroad. Start with one activity you enjoy, keep showing up, and you will build skills, friendships, and memories that last well beyond graduation.
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