Quick Guide to Getting Involved at College

There's so much to do on a college campus! Too much, you might think, with all the options you have. Here's a quick breakdown to get you involved in student activities.

Although college is primarily a time for learning, it’s also a time for having fun. One of the best ways to do this is to get involved on your campus! There are so many ways to get involved through student organizations, campus events, Greek life, or academics. It’s also a great way to meet people and make new friends.

Club and organizations

Most colleges and universities have a variety of student clubs and organizations, and a list of these can normally be found on your school’s website. It can be overwhelming to try to get involved in every club that sparks your interest. I recommend finding a couple organizations related to activities you enjoy and investing your time in them. This way you still leave time to focus on the other aspects of your life. The organizations I’m involved in the most are some of the campus ministries. I regularly attend three or four of ministry events a week. These not only helped me find things to do but also helped me form some of my closest friendships.

Related: National Clubs Celebrating Diversity on Campus

Campus events

Campus events are another great way to get involved. I attend Florida Southern College and am required to earn a certain amount of “passport points” each year by attending events. I wasn't sure if I would like this at first, but it’s broadened my horizons by making me attend events I wouldn't have gone to otherwise. I recommend attending events with a friend or a group of friends. It makes the experience more fun and gives you an incentive to attend. On Sundays, I like to look at the events going on for the following week. This way I can try to plan events according to my schedule. (Unfortunately, sometimes events are during my scheduled classes, but grades are more important!)

Greek life

I’m not involved in Greek life, but I know many people who enjoy it. Many students like the sense of community it gives, as well as the charity events involved. Some people also join to establish a core group of friends. Greek life is pretty prominent on my campus. During my first week here, I was even asked if I was going to join a fraternity. Greek life can help you build strong friendships and can become a big part of your life. Just remember that it’s a big time and money commitment. Greek life is a good way to get involved if you have the time and resources to be part of it. Some of the busiest weeks on campus are rush weeks; these are the weeks when students are able to join a fraternity or sorority. The whole campus becomes a recruiting ground and there are Greek life events every day!

Related: 10 Colleges That Get Greek Life Right

Academics

Academics can be an aspect of college social life in a couple ways. One way is to join an honor society or a social-professional fraternity. The kind of society you can join depends on what your school offers and also on what your major is. These societies can introduce you to new people who have similar interests. Many are major specific and can introduce you to people in your major who you may not already know. You may also be able to find network connections related to your field of study, which could lead to future internships and jobs. There are also academic clubs you can join. These vary by school, but there are some organizations that most schools have wherever you go. Some popular clubs at my college are Student Government Association (SGA), Enactus, Criminology Club, Adam Smith Club (a business society), and the Philosophy Club.

Related: What Science Clubs and Activities Do Colleges Typically Offer?

As you can see, there are many fun and easy ways to be active in your college community. So find something you like to do, whether it’s an organization, event, Greek life, or academic society. And have fun!

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About Noah D. Valletutti

Noah D. Valletutti

My name is Noah Valletutti, and I am currently pursuing a Healthcare Administration degree at Florida Southern College. I have always enjoyed writing, and I thought it would be fun to share with others! I am also a huge geek/nerd and may hide references in some of my writings.

 

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