By:Shivang Shingala

Life is tough sometimes, and it gets even harder when you move to a whole new country. I have been through this journey and have experienced quite a lot of things which is why I am writing this now. It can help you avoid certain mistakes and help you know things that would have taken a bit longer for you to know on your own.

1. Attend SSU Events  

 The Sheridan Student Union is one of the best and most active student unions across Ontario. I recommend that you keep checking the SSU website for any upcoming fun events organized by the team, and the best thing is that most of the events have prizes and cool swag to win so that you won’t be investing your time for nothing! 😉 

2. Work at the SSU

 Apart from that, you may find job opportunities as well, for a vast variety of roles (including being on the Board). As a Board member, I work with other students to speak out on issues students face and approve policy changes that can make a positive impact on student lives. Interested in getting involved or seeking all the potential jobs the SSU offers? Take a look at the job board any time of year!

 3. Use Our Spaces and Get Active!

Apart from that, all the facilities at Sheridan have started to open, the best the Gym and the sports courts. This can be a great opportunity for you to blow some steam and get in shape.  

 I had to study online for a year which made it very tough for me to get involved with Sheridan and feel like a part of it. However, as the world recovered from covid, Sheridan started to open up a bit.  

4. If you’re classes are virtual, try studying offline too

There were not many ways that I was able to get involved with Sheridan so studying offline as well made me feel like a part of the Sheridan community as it was the closest thing I could experience for “Sheridan Life”.  

 Slowly I started looking for other opportunities and came across the Member of the Board of Directors role (on the SSU website). I looked at it as an opportunity to get involved with Sheridan and help other students. It was also an opportunity to develop some essential skills. Participating is not the only way to feel like a part of the Sheridan Life.  

5. Keep it Simple 

Being a part of the Sheridan Life can be as simple as sitting in the cafeteria with your friends, or having a cup of coffee with your friends by the lake on a pleasant sunny morning. It can be as little as that! 

 Don’t forget, our SSU food services are open now, so if food is your way of connecting, we’ve got you covered.

6. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

I think shyness and language barriers are the two things that restrict students from getting involved as they feel that they will be joked upon due their accent, or they will be laughed at because they mentioned something that seemed stupid. However, this holds no weight at all in real life. Everyone is supportive and helpful regardless of anything here and all you need is a little confidence to make your voice heard.  

Public speaking events at a small level could help the students overcome shyness and develop the confidence they need. One way to get comfortable is to join SSU clubs like Toastmaster at HMC or Davis that focus on bring students together and supporting international students.

7. Stay Connected to friends and family from back home

The best way to stay connected with people from different time zones is find a neutral time spot where both the parties could spare some time to catch up with each other, may it be through a video call or just through simple texting. Sometimes it gets tough to manage the difference in time zones but I would recommend that you somehow manage to talk with your family or friends twice a week so that you can share things with them which will help you feel good.