By: Cazzy Lewchuk, Staff Writer
From September 15 to 17, the SFSS held their semesterly clubs outreach event on xʷtatəl̕ləm ʔə ƛ̓ səltaɬ sme:nt / Xwta7ltáw̓txw tl’a Lheḵw’lhúḵw’aytn — which are the new Indigenous names for Burnaby campus appointed by four Host Nations in their respective hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh languages. The Peak attended the event and interviewed eight of over 100 SFU clubs.
Listen to the pronunciation of xʷtatəl̕ləm ʔə ƛ̓ səltaɬ sme:nt and Xwta7ltáw̓txw tl’a Lheḵw’lhúḵw’aytn at www.sfu.ca/content/sfu/main/about/truth-reconciliation/our-actions/indigenous-naming.html These names translate to learning place/house of Burnaby mountain.
Music Discussion Club
“A unique part of Music Discussion Club is that we are centred around consuming music whereas a lot of other music-oriented clubs at SFU are more focused on creating music,” said club president Elliot Taylor. “This creates a special place for people to bond over their favourite artists or genres and learn how others are connecting with music.” They added,
“Even if you feel you don’t have a lot of music knowledge, our club is a great way to learn more about all the different kinds of music that are out there.”
Meetings are held every Monday from 5:30–6:30 in Blusson hall, room 10011. They liken meetings to book club “but for music,” where each week members submit albums and vote on which one to listen to for the next one. You can follow along with these choices on their Instagram. Halfway through the semester, the club organizes a Jeopardy!-style music trivia event. They also do activities like karaoke nights and listening parties. Perhaps most excitingly, members are eligible for a discounted ticket to a group concert every semester, which is subsidized by the club.
Instagram: @sfumusicdiscussionclub
Discord: discord.com/invite/QBWeCaQV82
Hiking Club
This club is for “anyone who loves the outdoors, from those who enjoy strenuous trips lasting most of the day, to those who like a literal walk in the park,” Shawn Oborne, the club’s “official mascot,” told The Peak — “There’s no costume, I’m just a guy.” He explained, “We typically host a hike every weekend. We try to alternate between easy, intermediate, and hard hikes so everyone of all skill levels can join us.” Hikes this year have included Elk Mountain, Saint Marks Summit, and the Coquitlam Crunch.
Hikes are planned on Discord. The club has been hiking for four years almost every single weekend. Oborne mentioned they also have a “sister club,” the SFU Backpacking Club, which organizes overnight trips.
Instagram: @sfuhikers
Discord: discord.com/invite/8TPcP4QS2E
Students Refugee Action
This student-led group helps prepare six new refugee students to arrive in a new country each year, and guides them through university life. They also offer support to students in SFU’s Diverse Qualification pathways, which helps those who have struggled with grades due to systemic barriers by giving them alternative ways to apply for university. The club is organized in collaboration with the Student Refugee Program, a branch of the World University Service of Canada, which helps bring and support refugees from across the globe to Canadian post-secondary institutions. World University Service of Canada is a non-profit that facilitates university committees to aid their mission of educational and economic empowerment for young people.
Students Refugee Action also runs awareness campaigns around refugee empowerment and arranges “social activities such as picnics, escape-rooms, community kitchens, and our upcoming annual kayaking trip,” said president Debbie Alier. In partnership with the SFSS, the club also facilitates an award for $10,000, eligible to one full-time refugee undergraduate student per year. The next application period will open in spring 2027.
“There’s room to get involved whether you have five hours a week or five hours a semester,” Alier continued. “Students should join our club if they want to be part of something that has a real, direct impact: we are not just raising awareness in the abstract, we are helping specific students access university and build a life here. It’s also a genuinely welcoming team, so it’s a great fit for anyone looking to find community on campus while doing meaningful work.”
Instagram: @wusc_sfu
Email: [email protected]
UPhoto
This club is open to students with an interest in photography. According to events executive Manal Kashif, all skill levels are welcome, whether one is just starting out or experienced. Students can develop and learn skills while connecting with other shutterbugs. UPhoto often facilitates what they call “photowalks” at various locations to find new subjects to capture. So far this year, they’ve visited Deer Lake Park, the Shipyards, Lighthouse Park, and collaborated with UBC Photographic Society to capture blooming cherry blossoms.
When asked what makes UPhoto unique, Kashif said “its ability to be very innovative and ever changing. There’s so many event ideas and concepts we come up with each year such as contests and workshops which help us showcase the club to a wider audience. It allows us to make everyone feel welcome from a beginner friendly photography space to advancing your technical skills.” Their September contest theme is local architecture, and the winner will receive a $25 gift card. Submissions can be posted through Instagram or Discord by September 30.
Instagram: @UPhotoClub
Discord: discord.com/invite/pYpxfDpda8
Foodie Club
This is a place to socialize, meet like-minded people, and of course, eat delicious food. Co-president Keira Sandrin stated, “We believe good food is where the real connections begin!” Foodie Club hosts a few major events every semester, on campus and elsewhere. They have had board game nights, picnics, and restaurant outings. Past visits and caterings include Miso Taco, Joe’s Italian Deli, Paella Guys, and BAK’D Cookies.
If you were in the vicinity when they were boothing, you might recall members Keira or Josh wearing a giant Cheetos bag costume!
Instagram: @sfufoodieclub
Discord: discord.com/invite/NadVjNpUu9
Young Women In Business
“If you are looking for a place for sisterhood, empowerment, and building your professional skills, we are the perfect club for you!” stated Reet Bhatti, vice president of marketing strategy. The club hosts member events with a focus on networking, philanthropy, and professional development. Their mentorship project connects current business leaders with interested students. There are also longstanding WISE Workshops tailored to specific skills and topics as needed for members.
The club values fun and social activities. Bhatti noted, “Our executive team just went to an exec retreat in Whistler and had a blast!”
Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn: @YWIBSFU
Creative Writing Club
The Creative Writing Club is open to any student with an interest in creative writing, even if they are not currently engaging in the practice. Media coordinator Nia Davis-McGregor encouraged variety in “all forms, including poetry, prose, song lyrics, screenplays, essays, and literally anything else that falls under that umbrella. We aim to be a comfortable and welcoming space for students to share their writing, practice giving and receiving feedback, grow their writing skills, and connect with fellow writers within the SFU community.”
The club meets weekly with activities including timed free writing with prompts and workshopping each other’s projects. They are planning open mics and movie nights later in the semester. Members can also be printed in The Opal Tome, an original anthology published by the club.
Instagram: @SFUCreativeWriting
Artists Club
Willow Storkey, president, told The Peak, “Our club is for everyone, regardless of their experience with art or what medium they enjoy creating in! Lots of people assume art is only drawing, but we include and celebrate all kinds of art, such as music, writing, sculpting, crafting, scrapbooking, and so on! We love helping the SFU community come together and connect in a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment.”
The group holds weekly meetings and additional events. Past workshops have included pride-themed crafts, making perfume, and designing leather keychains. Artists Club provides opportunities to try high-quality art supplies.
Instagram: @SFUArtists
