Going to lectures and doing readings is all well and good, but what are you going to do with your free time this year (all two-hours- a-week of it)? And how are you going to find people to spend that time with, people who share your interest in dressing up like an 11th-century peasant and making your own leatherwear? By joining one of U of T’s many student clubs, of course! Here are some of the more interesting ones.
Salsaholics Anonymous
Do Latin rhythms send you into a compulsive frenzy of sexy, feverish dancing? Is all that’s hanging in your closet right now are two-dozen ruffl e-sleeved shirts and a pair of black pants? Then you need Salsaholics Anonymous, my friend. A club for people who just have to salsa, Salsaholics holds lessons for beginner ($4 per class) and intermediate level ($6) dancers every week. No partner is required, and workshops for more advanced dancers are also available. After every class, students take to the streets for Sidewalk Salsa, which is either a chance to show passers- by what you’ve learned, or a surefi re way to embarrass yourself in front of strangers.
Society for Creative Anachronism
Most students are unaware that aside from being home to one of the foremost universities in North America, St. George campus is also the site of the Royal Citie of Eoforwic, capital and greatest city in the Kingdom of Ealdormere. So get out your tunic and bobkin and join the Canton of Eoforwic, otherwise known as the U of T Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA is dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages in the present day. Activities include fencing, archery, armoring, leatherworking, and of course brewing. You can even try to brain one of your classmates with a mace at their next heavy weapons combat event.
Model united Nations
If you’re tired of showing off your debating skills by successfully convincing your friends that Paul was not in fact the most talented member of Wings, the Model United Nations is for you. The club puts on many events throughout the year that help students hone their public speaking and debating abilities. If you’re good enough, you might even get the chance to represent U of T at the annual North American United Nations conference, which simulates the real-life workings of the UN over four days in an exotic locale.
Critical Area Studies Collective
This group has the ambitious goal of altering the very basis of how academia is practiced at U of T. Founded just last year, CASC is seek- ing to refocus areas of study such as political science, philosophy, and history away from Europe and North America and to incorpo- rate non-Western modes of thought into the curriculum. This serious and rapidly growing organization, which has the support of many U of T profs, is set for making some waves in the coming year. If they’re successful, look for New College to become the most prestigious institution at U of T.
Raelians at U of T
The Raelians are part of a religious group that believes that all life on Earth was created by extraterrestrial scientists from the civiliza- tion of Elohim. They are seeking to spread His Holiness Rael’s message of universal love and world peace throughout the university. They hold “sensual meditation gatherings” on the second Sunday of every month. Ask about their “Adopt a Clitoris” program.
Commuknit
It sounds like a socialist plot to control the world’s yarn supply, but it’s actually some- thing even more bizarre: a community out- reach program that seeks to support street youth through a knitting initiative. We’re guessing it’s some kind of guns-for-mittens program. For more information about to get involved in your club of choice, check out the Student Activities website at www.sa.utoronto.ca
