The hope blog

Ayla R. | October 13th, 2026 | 5 min read

For many university students, finding a sense of community is just as important as succeeding academically. The University of Toronto (UofT) HOPE club is working to create a welcoming community where students can gain meaningful experiences and empower their community.

Led by President Lauren Chang, a third-year student double majoring in Psychology and Criminology, the UofT branch of HOPE intends to foster community and empower students to engage in volunteer work. Lauren strongly identifies with HOPE’s mission and hopes to expand the branch’s impact while creating more opportunities for students.

           “Inclusivity and community are very important. As a commuter student, there can be less of a sense of  community on campus, so joining clubs can                     help create that feeling of belonging.”
              – Lauren, President of HOPE UofT

Building Community

The UofT branch of HOPE aims to support students to be empowered and get involved in their community. 

For Lauren, creating a sense of community is particularly meaningful. University can sometimes feel disconnected, especially for students who commute. Student clubs can provide an opportunity to meet people and become connected to campus life.

Students do not need to have extensive experience to become involved. According to Lauren, two qualities stand out:

          “Respect and appreciation are really important. Those qualities make someone a good fit for the club.”

Being open to others and having a passion to empower your local community makes students a great fit for HOPE.

Beyond Academics: Building Professional Experience

One of the UofT HOPE branch’s goals is to provide students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

While university students often spend much of their time focusing on coursework and grades, Lauren believes students should also have opportunities to get involved in their community and gain practical experience.

          “A lot of students focus on academics, but they don’t always focus on                        gaining experience in the professional field that could be helpful for                        their career.”

This idea will shape many of the branch’s future events. HOPE UofT hopes to organize speaker events featuring professors, and professionals who can provide students with insight into different career paths.

The branch is also interested in connecting students with organizations to support youth and promote greater understanding of mental health and related issues. These partnerships could give students opportunities to volunteer, learn about different fields, and contribute to organizations making a difference in their communities.

For the UofT branch in particular, we hope to place a focus on invisible or less visible health conditions and experiences. These may not be immediately apparent to others but can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. By highlighting these experiences, the branch aims to encourage greater understanding, reduce stigma, and create a space where individuals feel seen, supported, and comfortable having conversations regarding such challenges.

Growing the HOPE UofT Community

Looking toward the future, one of the branch’s major goals is to increase general membership and strengthen its social media presence.

The team hopes to increase engagement through a combination of digital and in-person events. The branch also wants to make its online presence more cohesive and engaging, including creating Instagram Reels and other content through @uoft_HOPE.

Collaborations with other student organizations will also be important. The goal is to have both online and in-person events to boost engagement and foster connection between students.

          “Sometimes that one-on-one connection with students can make a difference. Tabling gives you the opportunity to have an informal conversation                    and encourage students to join.”

The branch also hopes to organize social events at the beginning or end of the academic year, creating opportunities for students to connect outside of academic and professional settings.

Advice for First-Year Students

Oftentimes, first-year students can feel overwhelmed as they start university. With countless clubs, volunteer opportunities, academic commitments, and career-related activities going on, many students do not know where to begin in their journey.

Lauren’s advice is to take things one step at a time and to stay involved in the community.

          “Go with the flow. Don’t stress too much about the future or about your peers. Don’t be anxious to do everything. You don’t want to burn yourself                      out. Take the opportunities that come your way.”

This is especially important when dealing with imposter syndrome. Seeing the accomplishments of other students can sometimes make it feel as though everyone else is ahead.

          “When you see everyone’s accomplishments, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to compare yourself to everyone else.”

It can be easy to compare yourself to the people you see online and feel overwhelmed. Staying focused on yourself and not getting caught up in the comparison trap should be a priority for first year students starting their university journey. 

Moving Forward

As the UofT branch of HOPE continues to grow, its vision remains centered on creating a community where students feel encouraged to get involved.

Through aspects such as volunteering, professional events, social activities, leadership opportunities, or community initiatives, the branch hopes to give students experiences that extend beyond academics.