Student Life
At Western University, we pride ourselves on offering the best student experience inside and outside of the classroom.
While here, you can explore your interests by attending social events or joining a student club, playing extracurricular sports or, if you live on campus, becoming involved in your residence community.
In this section, you will read more about student life at Western.
Learn more about campus life at Western.
Orientation Week
Orientation Week at Western is a week-long event that focuses on welcoming you, helping you meet other first-year students and giving you a chance to learn about the different aspects of life at Western.
Indigenous Services’ Indigenous Student Transition Program hosts orientation events for incoming Indigenous students in the summer and beginning of September.
Clubs and Societies
General Clubs
Joining a club opens up many opportunities and allows for a balance between academic life and extracurricular activities. With close to 167 student clubs at Western, there is something for everyone. Clubs you can join include:
- Creative Writing Club
- Electronic Gaming Association
- Fashion and Lifestyle Society
The Indigenous Student Association raises awareness about Indigenous postsecondary matters, along with supporting cultural events on campus, such as the pow wow, or hosting social events throughout the year.
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement is a peer-based network at Western that helps to transition Indigenous students to graduate studies and to support their retention.
Infinite Reach: Métis Student Solidarity Network is a group of students who work together to enrich and enhance their postsecondary education experiences.
Student Union
At Western, you are represented by the University Students’ Council (USC).
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.
The USC administers a Health and Dental Plan that is specifically designed to supplement provincial health care and meet students’ health care and dental needs.
The USC’s Indigenous Relations Coordinator addresses relevant Indigenous issues and integrates Indigenous perspectives into USC programming, bringing awareness to work toward reconciliation, as well as coordinating events and student engagement on campus.
Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)
Society of Graduate Students is the advocating body for graduate students at Western. It hosts social events and offers members a Bus Pass and an Extended Health and Dental Plan through Ancillary Tuition Fees.
Athletics
Varsity Athletics
Western is home to the Mustangs. Varsity sports range from basketball and football, to figure skating and lacrosse. The Western Mustangs participate in both Ontario University Athletics and Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
Read more about Western’s varsity athletics.
Recreation and Intramurals
Western’s Student Recreation Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that houses 5 gymnasiums, a 20,000 square-foot fitness centre, squash courts, swimming pool, ice rink and running track. All students receive a membership to the rec centre as part of their fees.
Western offers one of the largest intramural programs in Canada. 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. You can participate in many different sports, regardless of your skill level, with different divisions from recreational to competitive. Some intramural sports offered are:
- Beach volleyball
- Flag football
- Inner tube water polo
- Quidditch
Student Services
Accessibility at Western
If you have a disability that requires academic accommodation and support, Accessibility at Western is available to help. It is important that you reach out to 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)
PrideWestern is a student-run service that supports and celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex, asexual, queer and questioning students and their allies at Western. Events hosted by PrideWestern have included speakers, annual Pride Week, movie nights and socials. At the Pride Library, you can access materials by and about the LGBTQ community.
Food Support Services for Undergraduate Students
Food hampers and a food bank are available on campus. These services are a University Student Council initiative dedicated to reducing food insecurity among undergraduate students.
Child Care
There are many child care facilities near Western.
Learn more about child care options.
Security
The Western Special Constable Service takes your safety very seriously and aims to create a safe and secure environment for you. Special Constables patrol campus and work with student groups to provide safe walks home and safe workspaces on campus.
Foot Patrol is a free service at Western that assists in keeping campus a safe place to study, work and live. They are a volunteer-driven service who provide safe escorts for community members.
