Being on a large campus for the first time can be scary. Trying to fit in with your peers and find groups you enjoy and have interest in can be difficult for freshman, or for anyone really. Even though we are already two months into the Fall semester, there's still plenty of time to get involved and stay active on campus!
Last year as a freshman, I wanted nothing more than to simply go to class, go to work, and take lots of naps and watch TV in my spare time. Unfortunately for me, I had a roommate that refused to let me do just that. Within the first few weeks of school she dragged me to as many clubs and events as she could. Although I complained like a 5-year-old and made a big fuss about not being able to "vedge", I was really grateful she made me go with her. In the long run, I ended up staying in some of these clubs, as well as going out and joining some on my own.
To start your search for being involved on campus, start with the list of clubs your school has to offer. There you can find information about whichever club fits your fancy and find out when they meet. It is never to late to join a club in the year, or at least have that club in the back of your mind for the next semester.
One of my favorite clubs I am part of here at Bridgewater State University is Program Council. This club basically runs a good majority of the events that happen on and around campus, including open mic nights, BINGO nights, and so much more. We are one big family who all hang out together volunteering and coming up with new ideas for events to host throughout the year. The great thing about this club is that you can join at any point of the school year. Plus you can win cool prizes if you go to events/meetings or volunteer for events. I have met a lot of my friends through this club, and everyone there is so nice and really all-around wonderful people.
Even if you do not wish to join a club, do not hesitate to go to events around your campus! There are so many options, between sports events, famous guests on campus, or other fun activities, there will always be more things to do than sit around in your dorm watching TV and twiddling your thumbs. You never know who you might meet, or the long-lasting friendships that could develop. All you have to do is show up! Get a friend to go with you for the first meeting just to check it out, or brave it on your own, because, you are an adult now, doing things independently is in the criteria.
By joining clubs on campus, I have become more involved in general, and have met so many wonderful people. Besides Program Council, I am also part of a club called Feed The Bears. We work with the Food Bank on campus and help raise awareness to food insecurity within the schools. I now also run one of the clubs I joined last year, which has been an amazing experience so far.
Don't let the jitters of being a freshman or transfer get in the way of being active on campus. You never know what the end results will be if you just stay in your dorm. So get out there and join some clubs, or at least go to events on your campus!
Program Council
Tuesdays @ 5 p.m.
RCC 201
Feed The Bears
Tuesdays @ &:30 p.m.
RCC 210
Odyssey (The Odyssey Online)
Anyone can join! Most schools have a chapter, I'm the Editor In Chief of BSU's Chapter! Email me for more information: hwright@student.bridgew.edu
