[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/pop-the-bubble—button.jpg” caption=”A new campus initiative called Pop the Bubble encourages McMaster students to explore Hamilton. “]McMaster students are being encouraged to venture out of Westdale and explore all that Hamilton has to offer through a new campus initiative called Pop the Bubble.

Created by the McMaster Office of Community Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, Pop the Bubble aims to increase civic awareness and “pop the campus bubble” by encouraging greater participation in Hamilton life.

To kick start their campaign, Pop the Bubble organized city bus tours for first year students and their parents on Welcome Day.

“The bus tours were so popular, we had to get an extra bus and it still wasn't enough,” says Ian Finlay, McMaster Students Union vice-president (finance), who helped guide the tours. Hailing from Hamilton himself, Finlay took pride in showing students around their new home. “It was a great way to help students and their parents see parts of Hamilton that they would otherwise probably not see.”

Pop the Bubble has since partnered with groups like the McMaster Students Union to provide information to the city's student citizens. A literature piece distributed on and off campus lists “10 Things To Do Before Graduating,” which includes attending a Tiger-Cats football game, climbing the escarpment stairs and hiking through Cootes Paradise.

However, the project isn't just about becoming a tourist. Co-ordinator Cookie Pais says that Pop the Bubble is just as much about civic-engagement as it is about city sightseeing.

“We want to provide students with the tools and resources they need to become engaged citizens,” says Pais. “We want students to stop thinking of their life in Hamilton as temporary. We want them to come to Hamilton, not just to McMaster.”

With that in mind, Pais hopes to ramp up the campaign in the New Year, with hopes that students will realize the benefits of “popping the bubble” before they get too far into their scholastic careers at McMaster.

“Make your interests applicable in Hamilton,” advises Pais. “If you're a jogger, try out a local trail. If you're an art aficionado, attend a James Street art crawl. Hamilton has something for everyone.”

If you're looking to become more engaged in your new hometown, check out the Pop the Bubble Blog for a list of Hamilton events and happenings, and keep an eye out for the Pop the Bubble campaign on campus next semester.