6 Reasons to Get Involved on Campus
Getting involved on campus is one of the best things you could do as a first-year student. Not only will it give you a reason to get out of your room the first week, but extracurricular activities are a great way to meet other people and really personalize your college experience.
If you haven't decided on a college yet, keep extracurriculars in mind when looking at a school just as much as academics and athletics. Ask your admissions counselors what different kinds of student organizations they have and about events on campus.
On that note, here are our top six reasons why you should get involved on campus.
1. Make friends
By joining a campus club or organization, you’ll meet people from across campus that you hadn’t before because they aren’t in your hall, classes, or on your athletic team. This opens the door for you to get to know people who share a common interest, which can lead to lifelong friendships!
2. Explore interests
College is a clean slate, so don’t be afraid to try things you’ve never done before. Have you always wanted to try theatre, student leadership, or another activity? Now’s the time! Joining different clubs or organizations helps you explore new things and figure out what you like with zero pressure.
3. Stress relief
Getting involved on campus is a good way to make sure you take regular study breaks and lets you clear your head from other responsibilities. Being a part of an organization can become an outlet for any stress you’re experiencing at school, as well as gets you out of your room for a change of scenery.
4. Build your resume
Future employers are going to look for examples of teamwork, leadership, communication and collaboration skills. Working with others to reach a common goal through campus organizations gives concrete examples of your initiative, leadership skills and ability to manage projects. Additionally, some clubs are academic or career focused and can be a stepping stone for several job opportunities.
5. Networking opportunities
Joining a club can connect you with alumni who feel an affinity to the organization, and they can help open doors to opportunities later down the road. Plus, many academic organizations have national conferences which you could attend and network with professionals in your area of study.
6. Become a better student
Additional responsibilities, whether it be a campus job or involvement in campus organizations, can make you a better student. Being an active student leads to higher retention, higher graduation rates and higher GPA as you learn to set priorities, create a work/life balance and increase your time management skills.
How do I get involved?
Many colleges will have an involvement fair at the beginning of the school year to showcase the different kinds of clubs and organizations you can be a part of to students. Going to this lets you "browse" through clubs and see which ones interest you, as well as connect you to current members for more information.
Attending events held by different clubs is another great way to get involved. You get to see the club in action and it helps you decide if being a part of that is for you. Even if you don't want to be part of every organization, going to events is still a great way to engage yourself on campus and connect with others.
At Bluffton University
Learning at Bluffton University goes beyond the traditional classroom. Our wide variety of student organizations are key outlets for students to expand their knowledge and real-life experiences.
Whatever your interests – from academic pursuits to sports and recreation, from community outreach to student government – Bluffton has nearly 60 different co-curricular organizations on campus. And if you can’t find the group you’re looking for, you can start your own!