How to find your people here at SAIT

From “lunch?” to BFFs for Abby and Ashley

Abby and Ashley are in second year Film and Video Production.

Abby and Ashley both started in Film and Video Production last year. They were a bit shy during the first week (like the rest of their class!), but after having lunch together, they quickly became close friends.

Their advice varies from simple tips like changing your routine and being open to meeting new people, to more direct approaches like going up to someone and starting a conversation.

💬 Abby: Even if it’s not the building where you have most of your classes, go to a random building and sit down at a table. I sat down at a random table and someone came up to me and started talking. Everyone here is super welcoming and pretty easy to talk to, even outside of your specific program.

💬 Ashley: I'd say we have such a great, diverse group of people, you're bound to find someone you have something in common with. It's worth the chance to go up and talk to somebody. Even if it doesn't go well, they probably won't remember you since there are so many people here — you really have nothing to lose.

👉 Tip: Spend time in common areas where it’s easier to strike up a conversation.

Friendship on and off the field for Ty, Aram and Finn

Ty from Business Administration, Aram in Academic Upgrading and Finn from Bachelor of Business Administration.

Ty, Aram and Finn aren’t in the same program, but they’re on the Trojan Men’s Soccer team and that’s where their friendship grew.

Playing sports is a great way to make new friends, but friendships can form around any shared interest. They nominated Finn to be the group’s spokesperson.

💬 Finn: Find extracurriculars you can do or clubs you can join, because that’s how you'll find people with similar interests.

👉 Tip: Follow your interests — join clubs or volunteer with a local organization.

From friends of friends to friends for Bogdan and Eva

Bogdan, from Software Development and Eva, from Administrative Information Management.

Like many other SAIT students from the Calgary area, Bogdan and Eva knew each other through mutual friends before coming to SAIT. After discovering they would both be on campus this year, they meet up for a bite when they can.

Reach out to people you already know — whether your classmates or they are someone in your extended network who is also at SAIT. Meet up between classes and make a new friend.

💬 Eva: Just sit next to somebody, spark up a conversation and that can go a long way.

💬 Bogdan: I'd say the same thing, talk to your classmates and you'll make it a long way.

👉 Tip: Be approachable — you never know who will introduce themselves — or say ‘hi’ yourself.

Shared vibes for Filiz, Nico and Gio

Filiz, Gio and Nico from Interactive Design – User Experience.

Filiz, Gio and Nico all had the same Technical Communications class in their first term of Interactive Design. There they discovered a similar sense of humor and shared values.

For this group of friends, their advice to others trying to meet new people on campus is simple — start small and build from there.

💬 Gio:  Just say ‘hi’ to people. Everyone's probably in the same boat, but if you put yourself out there, you'll find people are glad you did because you started the whole thing for them. That's how you build that connection.

💬 Nico: You can even start with similar interests. For me, I like fashion, so when people have cool outfits, I start with a compliment. Ask them where they bought it. Something simple.

👉 Tip: Start (or join!) a study group with your classmates.

 

You’ll notice a common theme in all these answers — find something you share, be open to new connections and start a conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple “hi” to kickstart a friendship.

Looking for a ready-made group?

There are tons of ways to get involved on campus and connect with other students outside of your program.

• Meet new people through a Saitsa student club.
• Play cricket, rugby, fastball or Esports with a Trojans club.
• Get involved in campus initiatives including co-curricular activity and even study abroad.
• Join a campus-wide committee — there’s Black Empowerment and Excellence, the Neurodiversity Alliance, Pride at SAIT and Women in Trades and Technology.