The top ways to get involved on your campus will help make your college experience more fun and rewarding. From student organizations to getting a job, there's an idea for an array of interests and situations.
Ten Top Ways to Get Involved on Your Campus
1. Participate in community service.
Whether you join a student organization devoted to community service or take part in a single project, community service can broaden your horizons. You'll build your resume, gain valuable skills and feel a sense of pride in giving back to your community. In addition, community service projects often take you away from school and help you become more familiar with the area surrounding your campus, exposing you to a host of new resources.
2. Join a pre-professional organization.
Groups like the Society of Women Engineers and Student Education Associations provide activities of interest to students planning on entering a specific profession. Connecting with others in your major is a good way to build a support network and learn from older students who have gone through the courses and scheduling issues you're facing right now. In addition, you can learn from experts in the field, attend conferences and apply for organization-specific scholarships.
3. Join a fraternity or sorority.
The Greek system is a popular choice for college students looking for structured social opportunities, an extensive alumni network and philanthropic projects. Living in the sorority or fraternity house can help you develop lasting relationships and make a large school seem a bit smaller.
4. Find an on-campus job.
College students often need money. Instead of heading off-campus for a job, why not work for your school? You'll learn more about university services, make some new connections on campus and likely find your managers much more forgiving of exam week schedules and other facts of student life.
5. Participate in research.
When it comes to getting involved on campus, don't forget about getting involved in the academic life of the school. Many research projects need student assistants. Ask about opportunities for receiving class credit or becoming a paid assistant. You'll build your resume while getting a better picture of the scope of the work your college accomplishes.
6. Get involved in residence life.
If your school has a dorm system, you may be able to take part in hall government, oversee a recycling program or even become part of the hall staff to mentor younger students. Make new connections with others who are just a few steps away. What better way to get more involved than in the place where you live?
7. Attend campus social events.
Campus social events, including dances, movie nights, crafting and more, provide a welcome study break and are safer alternatives to wild college parties. You may also find that you're interested in joining the sponsoring organization.
8. Attend special lectures, performances and presentations.
Most colleges bring in visiting lecturers, authors, theater groups and more. These guests help develop the vibrant life of any college or university. As an added bonus, you just might find a new friend who shares your interests sitting next to you.
9. Join an intramural or club sports team.
You don't have to be a varsity athlete to enjoy sports in college. Club and intramural teams can offer you the same camaraderie and exercise. Club teams practice regularly and may face off against other schools in competition, while intramural sports usually involve teams assembled by dorm floors or large groups of friends. There's something for every taste, from archery to flag football.
10. Pay attention.
Outside of specific events you can attend or groups you can join, one of the top ways to get involved on your campus is to pay attention. Look at flyers on bulletin boards. Read announcements in the school paper. Check the schedule at the student union. By being more aware of all of the opportunities available at your college or university, you'll find ways to fill your schedule in no time.
