One of the most richly rewarding aspects of the university experience is that, given the sheer size of the student body, you can easily find likeminded individuals who share your same passion, however specific or esoteric. It wasn’t like that in high school, nor will it necessarily be like that when you head into the workforce. It’s something totally unique, and you have to take advantage of it at university.

But while it’s well and good to find people who share the same interest, how do you leverage that initial connection to create meaningful friendships? To do so, you have to expand beyond the confines of your common concerns.

A university club bonds over a shared interest, but they don’t truly become a friend group until they venture beyond that shared purview, hanging out and sharing laughs in a new context. That’s the intellectual reason. In truth, it’s just nice sometimes to have an excuse to go out and do something fun!

Here are six of the most fun group activities you can do with your club or organization.

Go Axe Throwing

If you really want to “throw” down, take your club or organization axe throwing as a way to get to know each other better. Not only is it ridiculously fun, it’s also often held in accessible venues. No prior experience is required either, as an axe throwing booking comes with a complimentary tutorial on how to throw.

Who knew that throwing an axe, and watching as it smashes into a wooden target, could be so satisfying? (Other than lumberjacks, who one assumes would know this intuitively!) For an unashamedly fun evening, full of throwing, eating and probably a healthy amount of selfie-taking, try axe throwing.

Belt out Some Karaoke

Sometimes you just need a trial by fire. Sometimes, in order to become better friends with those around you, you have to do what scares you. You have to hold up your vulnerabilities, in the form of a microphone, and belt out some Cher at them.

But seriously, karaoke is a great way to form a meaningful bond with people. It’s fun, it’s silly, and it’s ultimately low stakes. 

Take a Trip to the Island

Right across the Juan de Fuca Strait from Tsawwassen is Vancouver Island, which itself has contains a plethora of fun activities, experiences and sights. It’s a short, inexpensive ferry ride – an hour and half, at about $14 a head – and makes for a fantastic day- or weekend-trip.

Head to downtown Victoria to catch a glimpse of the dramatic provincial parliament buildings, the remains of the old colonial Empress Hotel, and the stunning inner harbour. Make your way north to Tofino for some world-class surfing (and equally world-class burritos). Spend a night camping at Sombrio Beach (weather permitting) or head to Cathedral Grove to see the massive, ancient Douglas Fir trees. There’s a lot to do on the island!

Host a Cook-Off

A potluck is never a terrible idea. But why just settle for a communal food gathering when you could throw in a competitive element? That’s essentially the concept behind the “cook-off”. Everyone comes prepared to make a dish, (usually outdoors on a BBQ, though a kitchen would suffice), and at the end, everyone casts a secret ballot for their favourites.

It’s a high-octane celebration of food and fun, and you’d e surprised how “into it” people get!

Solve an Escape Room

For clubs or organizations that want to work on collaboration and communication, try an escape room. You probably know what they are already, but in case you don’t the premise is simple: you’re put in a “locked” room and given a set amount of time to decipher clues within the room to facilitate your release.

It’s essentially a shared puzzle, and it can be thrilling to see people pool their knowledge and skills together in service of a common goal.

Have an 80’s Bowling Night

Bowling used to occupy a prime spot in the North American cultural imagination, but now, it seems, it has been sidelined to nostalgia. It’s “Throwback-y”, as some might say.

There are still bowling alleys out there, though, and you might as well embrace the nostalgic aspect of the sport. Host an 80’s themed bowling night, complete with the crimped hair, neon outfit and denim jackets. As Madonna once famously said: “Get into the groove”.

This New Year, plan a fun activity with your club or organizations, and turn your mutual interests into lasting friendships!