With the new semester beginning, new opportunities are arising when it comes to getting involved. Those who wanted to lay low during the fall now have a new chance at finding something they are passionate about. However, sometimes it’s a bit hard to decide when so many options are available. Below are five easy ways to get involved on campus that are super affordable and don’t take up as much time as one make think.
1. Dance Marathon
So I may still be a little high off of the excitement and passion of everything Dance Marathon is, but I highly recommend becoming a part of the organization if available at your university. At my college, Dance Marathon is the largest student-run organization dedicated to raising money for pediatric cancer patients and their families at the children’s hospital located directly on campus. Like some other options available around campus, I believe that Dance Marathon helped me become a part of the university and the surrounding community. I spent my weekends going door-to-door attempting to raise money for the kids. I also met so many new people in my group of various ages because it seems like the whole school participates in it (not really - we have like twenty-two thousand people at my university). I got to meet families at the hospital while also supporting a great cause. It’s an organization that leaves a smile on my face, and I’m sure it will have the same effect on you if you join.
2. Major-Oriented Clubs
Organizations and clubs exist all over campus. They exist for almost anything - baked delicacies, anime, ultimate frisbee. If one is unable to catch your eye, you can probably even start one and find other people who share the same passion as you. However, one club I joined that has proven to be extremely beneficial is a club oriented directly towards my major. Because my university has a highly-acclaimed graduate program for my area of interest, a couple of student-run organizations exist for students interested in the field to join. I’ve met so many new people in it that I can turn to when I need help with homework or advice on future classes to take that will benefit me. However, not all colleges have these types of clubs and organizations available on campus. That shouldn’t stop you from finding something you love because you can receive the exact same benefits that I did and still do. It’s definitely worth it.
3. Greek Life
Aside from clubs and organizations, Greek Life is another popular way to become involved within the university and surrounding community. A variety of chapters are offered among large colleges with a variety of people committed to each one. They’re a great source to allow an eager college student to become a part of something bigger the moment they first step foot on campus or later on in their college career. If someone is still interested in Greek Life but wants to experience something a little different, fraternities and sororities based on certain academic fields and religions exist. Members claim to receive just the same benefits and create the same relationships they would have if they joined a philanthropy-based house. Not to mention, certain chapter recruit twice a year, giving you one extra opportunity to join if you decide you want to try it out later!
4. Intramural and Club Sports
It doesn’t hurt to stay a little fit, and that’s where intramural and club sports come in. They’re great because they’re offered at a couple different levels of competition and in a variety of sports. Something popular at my school is Canoe Battleship. Small teams are together in a canoe and maneuver around a pool in an attempt to fill their opponents’ ships with water. For those with a high level of competitiveness in them, club sports are great because they feel like an actual team. You have practices throughout the week and participate in games on the weekends. It’s a great way to become friends with people of different undergraduate classes and also relive some of the glory days you may have experienced in high school.
5. On-Campus Job
Jobs, jobs, jobs. With homework and other meetings a college student experiences, holding a job might sound difficult. However, most employers on campus are reasonable and understand just exactly what you may be going through. They were college students once, too. I recently got a job in a clothing boutique next to the university and I work less than ten hours a week, and I still have plenty of time to do my homework and participate in other activities with my friends. Because of my job, I also meet so many new people when I’m helping them find outfits for a night out or for an upcoming formal. Who would’ve thought that getting involved on campus would put a couple extra dollars in my savings account?
These are only five ways to get involved on campus, but it doesn’t hurt to try something else. Hopefully, you will take these into consideration and find something you love. You won’t regret it when you’re making new friends instead of watching Netflix in your dorm room on a Friday night.
