Your time in higher education shouldn’t be just about your academics. Your social life is important and greatly impacts how you perform in other areas of your life.
There are many ways to meet new friends, get support from and get involved with your communities and gain networking and social skills. It may be overwhelming, but you are not alone. You belong here! Check out some ways to get involved with student life at George Brown:
Many services and student life groups put on events all throughout the semester. From chill craft sessions to skill workshops to social nights out, there’s something for everyone.
See Student Life Events Calendar
Connecting Black students and allies at George Brown, the Black Student Success Network (BSSN) is a community of Black students, faculty and staff dedicated to encouraging the success of Black students at George Brown and beyond. The BSSN provides a safe space in which to meet, share, socialize and learn from Black community members and allies.
Not sure where to start? The BSSN advising team can refer you to the right service for your needs. Take advantage of mentoring, tutoring and specialized supports and events to help you succeed.
You can also visit the BSSN at St. James Campus, 200 King St. E., room B130. Opening hours may vary but are generally a few weekdays from late morning to early afternoon.
If you identify as a Black student, sign up to join this great network and get more specific details. You'll hear more about upcoming opportunities, events and ways for you to get involved and feel supported!
Sign up and learn more about BSSN
The Indigenous Initiatives office promotes knowledge-sharing and works to support students in achieving their academic, work and life goals at George Brown.
Indigenous Initiatives provides many helpful services for Indigenous students, including:
Throughout the year, the team also presents many events, teachings and workshops to promote understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture for both Indigenous students and the entire community.
Find out more about Indigenous Initiatives
George Brown is committed to creating equitable, inclusive and safer learning, working and living environments for all Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual & Aromantic (2SLGBTQIA+) members of our community.
Here are some ways that 2SLGBTQIA+ students are supported at George Brown:
The Student Association (SA) runs student centres and services at the Casa Loma, St. James and Waterfront campuses, and offers programming online and in-person, too. These spaces are where you can access services to de-stress, network, study, have lunch and take a break from your day.
The Student Association functions as the central student government representing the interests of George Brown students. The Student Association focuses on representation, advocacy, delivery of services and the operation of businesses to support its overall mandate.
There's lots to check out, so here are a few links to get you started:
Stay up-to-date with the SA by subscribing to their newsletter and following them on Instagram.
Clubs, run by the SA, are a great way to engage with your peers about cultural interests, personal interests, academic and professional networks and social movements.
This is your chance to interact with a wide variety of people, expand your skill set or find a new interest. Student clubs promote campus life and are inclusive and open to all. Clubs also have access to skills training, professional development, awards and recognition, and more.
Nobody else knows what you’re going through to balance school, work, and personal life better than your peers. At George Brown, there are numerous ways to get support from or with peers. Plus, there are often plenty of job opportunities to become a peer mentor or tutor yourself and help others!
Peer Mentor+ promotes a culture of community and mutual support for well-being. Their goals are to increase student mental health, resiliency, and inclusion. You can get one-on-one mentorship support to talk about school or social challenges, get help with Accessible Learning Services intake forms or scholarship applications, and make connections towards finding your community.
They also host the Calm Zone at St. James Campus, a place where you can take a quiet break between classes to regulate yourself with low-stimulating activities. Peer Mentors are available at the Calm Zone to chat or work alongside you, help create connections, and provide direction to more resources.
Whether you are a current international student looking for support or advice during your time at George Brown, or a current student looking to go abroad, there is support for you with International Student Services, such as with:
An easy way to get involved with campus life, while also building your soft skills, furthering your career clarity, and developing a sense of leadership, is by joining the Volunteer Squad (V-Squad)!
The V-Squad provides many opportunities throughout the semester to get involved with the George Brown community, enhance your student experience and network through completing volunteer hours at events and other programming.
George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.