No matter what your interests, there are always clubs on campus you can join and while this may not seem like something you need, as a freshman, it is a great way to meet people with the same interests and broaden your horizons beyond your dorm room.
Go to the campus center, the lounge or the Office of Student Activities and look for fliers or postings on the bulletin board. You will find history clubs, media clubs, political clubs, religious and ethnic clubs and clubs that focus on a particular college major or subject. You can write for the student newspaper, ski, play tennis or run with other people who like to do the same thing.
Beyond the ‘special interest’ clubs, there are some colleges that have fraternities and sororities that also offer activities and topic-focused clubs and events. Community service outreach has become a popular way for students to give back while enjoying the company of other students who have the same interests and values.
If you want to START a club on campus, go to the Office of Student Activities and talk to one of the staff members to find out if you can organize a group around your interests. In most cases, you will be allowed to organize the club and use the services of the student activities office to help promote and advertise your new club.
A club will typically meet or have an event on the same day of the month or week so members know where and when the club will congregate. They will probably also have bylaws and ground rules so that all members know what is expected of them and how the club wishes to promote its identity and function.
Some college clubs charge a membership fee, or hold fundraisers to raise money for activities and events. Check with the club president or the Office of School Activities to get the particulars on the club you wish to join so there are no surprises.
You may feel you have little time for club membership, given your commitment to study and other campus activities, but you will find that, even if you cannot participate in every club event or meeting, your club membership will reward you with new friendships and participation in things you enjoy. It is important to feel involved, confident and balanced to make your days at school as fulfilling as possible. So, don’t write off the idea of a club until you have tried one or more to see what this experience is really like!