There’s always something exciting happening in downtown Toronto, and our campuses and student residence are right in the heart of the city!

There are many ways to get involved with GBC, even while studying online. You can join a student-led club, participate in Athletics & Recreation teams and activities, join George Brown's Black Student Success Network and Indigenous Initiatives, or find new opportunities to develop your skills through the Experience Record.

We know it can feel overwhelming, but all first-year students experience this.

Just remember, you belong here and you are not alone!

New Student Orientation programming is an amazing opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and faculty, get important information about your program and its expectations, and what services and supports are available at the college to guide your success. This is also your chance to learn about all the awesome ways you can get involved both on and off campus.

Make sure to attend your academic orientation, as this is where you'll find out specifics about your program and meet your faculty before classes start.

Depending on what program or student group you fall under, there may be additional orientation programs offered to you, both online and in person. So, take the time to read about them and register your attendance to the ones that will benefit your transition into the college.

But orientation isn’t just for when you are a new student. Be sure to check out the Orientation Events Calendar that is regularly updated to include all the exciting things happening throughout the semester, and the Transitioning Semesters page with workshops to help you strengthen and build your soft skills to complement your in-class learning. Entertainment, information sessions, keynote speakers, discussions, workshops, personal interest classes, drop-ins, games and challenges. There really is something for everyone.

We’ve also put together a comprehensive site for your online learning needs at George Brown to help you become a successful remote learner. Find out about the college platforms used and how to navigate them, using Brightspace, personal and academic strategies you can use to be successful while you’re studying in a hybrid format.

After you've settled into classes, service and support fairs are hosted at each campus and online so you can find the help you need to be successful. Check out and follow the Orientation & Transition IG page for regular updates.

The Student Association (SA) runs student centres and services at the Casa Loma, St. James and Waterfront campuses, and offers programming online and in-person, too. These spaces are where you can access services to de-stress, network, study, have lunch and take a break from your day.

The Student Association functions as the central student government representing the interests of George Brown College students. The Student Association focuses on representation, advocacy, delivery of services and the operation of businesses to support its overall mandate.

There's lots to check out, so here are a few links to get you started:

• Health benefits
• Community Care Centre
• Recreation & events
• SafeWalk
• Academic support & advocacy
• Jobs on campus

Stay up-to-date with the SA by subscribing to their newsletter and following them on Instagram.

The Student Association's clubs & recreational networks are a series of activities and programming focused on the overall well-being of GBC students outside the classroom. You can get involved and meet other students with similar interests, learn something new or just have fun.

The benefits of joining a student-led club or recreation network are not only the opportunities to develop leadership and soft skills such as communication and teamwork, but also the relationships you'll build.

Examples of programming and activities include non-traditional sport activities, groups that support your in-class interests, self-defence programs, student-led recreational programming and activities that aid in stress management.

Recreational Networks & Clubs

Clubs at GBC are a great way to bring connections in areas of cultural interest, personal interests and social movements.

This is your chance to interact with a wide variety of people, expand your skill set or find a new interest. Student clubs promote campus life and are inclusive and open to all.

Creating a club is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Find a common interest or belief that you share with other students
2. Fill out the club's application on the Clubs page
3. Submit your completed club application online

Have questions about clubs or networks? Contact:

Phone: 416.415.5000 Ext. 6003
Email: networks@sagbc.ca, or clubs@sagbc.ca

Do you know what will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd as you graduate and move into your field? It's all of those networking and soft skills that you developed that complement the learning you did in class!

That's why, at GBC, we created the Experience Record, a space where you can find opportunities to further your skill development through activities, events and employment. Critical thinking, adaptability and communication are just some of the skills you will need to succeed in whatever you do, and we want to ensure that you have opportunities to develop these areas.

The Experience Record portal helps you collect a comprehensive list of the opportunities that you have been involved with, the soft skills that you gained from those experiences, and houses a list of your Experiential Learning and Work Integrated Learning courses that you have completed.

All these things together create a rich profile of experiences that will support your reflection and capacity to speak to your skills and give you a professional edge.

Connecting Black students and allies at George Brown College, the Black Student Success Network (BSSN) is a community of Black students, faculty and staff dedicated to encouraging the success of Black students at George Brown and beyond. The BSSN provides a safe space in which to meet, share, socialize and learn from Black community members and allies.

Not sure where to start? The BSSN advising team can refer you to the right College service for your needs. Take advantage of mentoring, tutoring and specialized supports and events to help you succeed.

You can also visit the BSSN at St. James Campus, 200 King St. E., room B130. Opening hours may vary but are generally a few weekdays from late morning to early afternoon.

If you identify as a Black student, sign up to join this great network and get more specific details. You'll hear more about upcoming opportunities, events and ways for you to get involved and feel supported!

The Indigenous Initiatives office promotes knowledge-sharing and works to support students in achieving their academic, work and life goals at the College.

Indigenous Initiatives provides many helpful services for Indigenous students, including: 

• Student centres and study spaces on each campus
• Specific funding, scholarships and awards
• Indigenous Self-Identification, which helps ensure you can access the services
• The Indigenous Mentorship Program, which offers peer-to-peer academic mentorship, workshops, activities and leadership opportunities
• Access to elders
• And more!

Throughout the year, the team also presents many events, teachings and workshops to promote understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture for both Indigenous students and the entire community.

To keep up-to-date with their events and services, sign up for their newsletter at georgebrown.ca/indigenous.

For more information, you can reach them at indigenous.services@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000 ext. 3969.

At GBC, our Athletics & Recreation team supports student health and wellness through fitness centres on campus, on-demand classes, rec activity days, intramural and extramural sports and more.

Please note you need a physical student ID in order to access the fitness centres.

Make sure to follow @GBCRecreation on Instagram for all the latest information, programming and events!

And finally, if you need some workout music inspiration, we found these great free playlists on Spotify that you can use too!

Stay connected with us through our main GBC social accounts. Our social media channels are the best way for you to stay up to date on events, announcements, contests and much more.

Each academic and service area also has social media channels which share relevant information and opportunities for you to stay informed and involved based on your interests and needs. And make sure you use #MyGBC when you post things and tag us so we can see all the amazing things you're doing!

Get Connected

• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• TikTok

MyGBC Podcast

Life as a George Brown College student is full of opportunities for success at school and beyond! In this weekly podcast, through captivating interviews, we spotlight different services, supports, groups and many more topics that matter for our Huskies. From highlighting academic supports and human rights services to providing tips for managing finances and wellness, there’s something here for every student. You can find the #MyGBC Podcast on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube!

In module 5, you learned about how you can get connected at George Brown, from joining a club to trying a fitness challenge. Being connected socially also means you are connected to your well-being!

In the next module, you will learn how as a George Brown student you have access to many health resources, including your Student Health Plan, WeSpeakStudent.com, counselling services and peer supports.

WeSpeakStudent.com enables students throughout Canada to receive the best possible customer service and enhance your health and wellness awareness. Services cover domestic and international students, with compassionate and confidential health and wellness care, and an online portal to submit your claims. Check it out today!