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How to stay social while living in St. Catharines student housing

October 23, 2025

Living in St. Catharines student housing at a vibrant community like Regent Student Living provides the perfect foundation to enjoy both your academic and social life. With thoughtfully designed amenities, welcoming neighbours, and a central location, you have everything you need to build meaningful connections and fully enjoy your off-campus experience. Below are practical ideas to help you stay engaged, meet new people, and make the most of your student life.

Tips for staying social in St. Catharines student housing

Take advantage of community amenities to spark interaction

Regent Student Living offers a range of amenities that encourage social interaction, such as lounges, shared kitchens, and fitness centres. Students can make the most of these spaces by:

  • Organizing casual events such as movie nights, game afternoons, or potlucks in the common room. Using a sign-up sheet or group message helps coordinate participation.
  • Use digital platforms for study groups, game nights, or book swaps.
  • Inviting neighbours to join fitness activities, turning workouts into opportunities to meet new people.

These spaces are more than just amenities. They can become the hub of your social life.

Start small by connecting with neighbours

Strong friendships often begin with simple, everyday interactions. Students can:

  • Greet neighbours in the hallway and start a conversation.
  • Ask about courses, hometowns, or interests.
  • Share snacks or baking experiments.
  • Lend or borrow small items such as kitchen tools or stationery to build trust.

Small gestures and consistent interactions often develop into lasting relationships.

Join clubs, groups, or campus events

Living off-campus does not mean disconnecting from campus life. Students can:

  • Attend orientation mixers, club fairs, or intramural sports.
  • Join academic societies, volunteer groups, or arts clubs.
  • Participate in local events in St. Catharines, including festivals, farmers’ markets, or community sports leagues.

These activities allow students to expand their social networks beyond their residence.

Create themed social routines

Establishing regular routines helps build community and encourages participation. Consider:

  • Food nights where students rotate cooking or ordering from local restaurants.
  • Study sessions in communal areas to work together on assignments.
  • Cultural nights to share music, films, or cuisine from different backgrounds.
  • Walking tours or coffee trips to explore neighbourhoods together.

Over time, these routines become social traditions within the student community.

Volunteer or get involved locally

Volunteering provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Students can:

  • Support local charities, libraries, or community centres.
  • Assist in organizing campus or city-wide events.
  • Offer tutoring, mentoring, or other student services.

Participating in volunteer work extends social networks and provides valuable experiences.

Attend co-learning and academic gatherings

Academic environments provide natural opportunities for social interaction. Students can:

  • Form study groups in lounges or libraries.
  • Schedule short breaks for coffee or games during long study sessions.
  • Collaborate on projects or assignments with classmates.

Shared academic goals create opportunities for meaningful connections.

Final reflections

Living off-campus offers students the chance to build friendships, take part in community activities, and balance their studies with a fulfilling social life. Using shared spaces, joining local and campus events, and establishing regular routines can make these connections easier and more meaningful.

Regent Student Living provides fully furnished St. Catharines student housing designed to support both comfort and social engagement. With thoughtfully designed apartments and communal areas, students can focus on their studies while enjoying a connected and active community.

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