By Vadim Smolyakov (SP Interest Groups Chair)

Sidney-Pacific is without doubt the best graduate residence in the universe! This is largely due to the talented community of graduate residents such as yourself with a diversity of interests. But how do you connect with peers who share the same passion for activities and interests you enjoy? Interest groups were created just for that: to bring together students with similar interests. With interest groups you can connect, meet new friends and plan events!

Interest groups have over 15 main groups with over 20 subgroups. To sign up: check and save the “I’m interested” box next to each interest under your account page, and you’ll be added to the group e-mail list. Also check out the main interest group page for an overview of the most popular groups: https://s-p.mit.edu/myacct/interest_groups.php Are you a Star Trek fan and want to catch a movie? E-mail the movies mailing list. Do you prefer the outdoors and a weekend-long hiking or a cycling trip? E-mail the trips, cycling and hiking mailing lists. Interested in discussing the controversial topics of modern day education? E-mail the academics list or an SP officer chair. You can reach any officer in person or by e-mail at: http://s-p.mit.edu/people/officers.php

Subsidy amounts for interest group events. Courtesy of the author.

Interest groups negotiate funding for group activities each semester. Claim it! Interest groups provide a subsidy of: $5/person for 2-5 people, $7/person for 6-7, and $10/person for 8-15 people. Advertise an event through interest groups, save itemized receipts, and e-mail sp-interestgroups-chair@mit.edu for reimbursement. It’s as simple as that! More SP participants equals more funding for activities you enjoy! For more information visit the interest groups main page: https://s-p.mit.edu/myacct/interest_groups.php

Dive In!

Number of residents in each interest group category. Courtesy of the author