Student Life
At university, you can explore your interests, inside and outside of the classroom.
You will have the opportunity to attend social events or join a student club. You might also like to play extracurricular sports or, if you live on campus, become involved in your residence community.
Orientation Week
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is jam-packed with events, activities, concerts, tours and welcome ceremonies. From educational seminars to social events, the week is designed to connect you to the university community, your faculty, your residence or off-campus society and, most importantly, your fellow students.
Indigenous Student Services offers Welcome Week activities and events coordinated by an Indigenous student at McMaster for Indigenous students. These events and activities are centred around culture and Indigenous ways of knowing and being, allowing Indigenous students to connect with ISS, programs and other Indigenous students 1 week before classes begin. IHLL collaborates with ISS Welcome Week on events and activities.
Clubs and Societies
General Clubs
McMaster has almost 290 student clubs you can join.
Clubs are divided into 5 categories:
- Academic
- Cultural
- Recreational
- Religious
- Social Issues
Clubs are the cornerstones of student life on campus. They allow you to come together with other students who have similar interests, backgrounds and ambitions for a shared experience.
Indigenous Student Clubs
The McMaster Indigenous Graduate Students club (MIGS) supports Indigenous graduate students at McMaster and creates opportunities for scholarly dialogue about graduate research interests and shared experiences.
The Co-operative of Indigenous Studies and Alumni (CISSA) is a group of young Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals focused on promoting Indigenous knowledge and culture through strategic projects with local Indigenous communities. The CISSA also works to raise awareness of issues facing both local and international Indigenous communities.
The Indigenous Health Movement (IHM) is a network for young Indigenous and ally leaders to initiate reconciliation in the field of Indigenous health across Canada. The IHM aims to sustainably foster Indigenous health through community-centred, student-led chapters across Canada that engage with Indigenous knowledge, narratives in health, and teachings from medical practice to advocate for equitable access and appropriate care to decrease the disparities in Indigenous health.
The McMaster Indigenous Health Conference (MacIHC) is an interdisciplinary event held in Hamilton, Ontario. The conference is a partnership between students, Indigenous community members and the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge. Every year, MacIHC brings together McMaster students, community members, Elders and Knowledge Helpers, front-line workers and academic researchers to discuss various topics related to Indigenous health.
Student Union
Your student union plays an important role at university. The union advocates on behalf of students on campus and in the community. Members may also organize your Orientation Week and student clubs.
At McMaster, you are represented by the McMaster Students Union.
Athletics
Varsity Athletics
McMaster is home to the Marauders varsity sports, which range from basketball to wrestling. The McMaster Marauders participate in both Ontario University Athletics and Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
Read more about McMaster’s varsity athletics.
Recreation and Intramurals
McMaster offers recreational sports and leagues that you can participate in, regardless of your skill level. Recreational sports include dodgeball, soccer and hockey.
Joining a team is a great way to meet other people and stay active, whether you are continuing to play a sport or starting a new one.
Student Services
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
If you have a disability that requires academic accommodation and support, Student Accessibility Services is available to help. Contact the office as soon as possible to ensure the appropriate supports are in place for you at the beginning of the school year.
Safe Spaces (LGBTQ)
The Pride Community Centre provides a contact point for McMaster students who may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or queer, and their allies. The Centre, a “for-students-by-students” service provided by the McMaster Students Union, offers educational programming and access to resources of interest to the LGBTQ community.
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC)
You can find information about spiritual learning, community, and support on campus through the Spiritual Care and Learning – Student Success Centre | McMaster University. The SCLC provides a multicultural network of information, resources, spiritual leaders, as well as prayer and spirituality spaces at McMaster.
Child Care
Child care is available at McMaster’s Children’s Centre, which offers high-quality care and learning for children ranging in age from 18 months to 5 years.
Security
McMaster’s Security Services takes your safety very seriously and aims to create a safe and secure environment for you to study. Red assistance phones are available across campus and are monitored by security.
You can also download the McMaster University Safety App for your smart phone.
