Connecting to a community
Connecting to a community can be empowering for your growth, sense of belonging, strengthening your identity and as a source of support.
Communities are often places where new friendships can flourish. Not only do you find yourself meeting people who are like you in some respects, you also meet people who have different perspectives and experiences from you, expanding your worldview and knowledge.
Belonging to a community, particularly for diverse students from equity groups, can be deeply supportive. You can engage in collective support, address issues, advocate for change, and develop friendships and strategies that empower yourself and your identity. Connecting to your community can help you navigate university and wider society as well as increasing your awareness of where you can go for support.
Within communities, you can explore your passions and interests and ultimately connect with others in a space which reflects your values. This makes the process of creating friends easier as you can connect around common interests and/or goals. Knowing that everyone is seeking a common experience of community and connections can be a great way to overcome initial nerves of approaching social situations and making new connections.
Discover more about student communities.
Find people who are ‘like you’—people who you can relate to and create meaning with around shared experience.
Sterling
Te Herenga Waka staff member