Okay, so it's the first (official) week of school, and you're still trying to knock out the kinks in your schedule, right? Being on campus for the first time or returning to campus is no easy feat, but luckily each semester is basically a blank slate for you to make a name for yourself, and there's no better way to do that than to *dramatic pause* get involved. So here are a few tips that should help you understand the whole package of getting involved on campus.
What?
Getting involved, of course! Getting involved includes any campus-related activities going on and your entrance into their communities. So, whether you're climbing ropes in the forest with OE (Outdoor Education) or singing it a cappella, you're getting involved!
Why?
There are many reasons why you should get involved on campus. First and foremost: your future. Little do you know, these groups on campus can very heavily impact your future and the decisions that you make. Wanna be a lawyer? Try out the debate team and refine those skills. Interested in social justice? There are tons of groups on campus that will cater to your thirst for knowledge in that area. Secondly, it's a GREAT opportunity to make friends! Imagine being in a room full of people with similar interests as you, it makes the "friend-making" portion of the semester go by so much more smoothly. Basically, you can use these groups to build traits and relationships that could last you a lifetime. And, honestly, what would you reaaaally be doing that prevents you from making a few meetings a semester?
Where?
Colgate! (Like the toothpaste). Colgate actually has a huge selection of both faculty and student-led organizations on campus that should be explored by everyone. And if you don't feel like there is a group on campus that aligns with your interests, you can always make your own! Just write up a proposal and do all the technical work and you can make all your dreams for this campus come true. Go ahead, do you.
How?
There are tons of opportunities to get involved on campus. There's this event called Activities Fair on campus (usually within the first 2 weeks of classes), where all groups on campus basically showcase their organization. While walking through the gallery of groups, feel free to stop by the ones that really interest you and discover what they're really about! Figure out how to join them and stop by a meeting or two toward the beginning of the semester to see if they're a good fit for you. Keep an eye out on Campus Distributions to know when exactly Activities Fair is, you do not want to miss it! If there are a few groups that miss your eye during Activities Fair, there's always the word of mouth. Find out what kinds of groups your friends are in, and see if those groups interest you as well. (DISCLAIMER: lots of groups might gather your attention at Activities Fair, but you are only ONE person. My advice would be to go to the meetings of all of the groups for maybe a week or so and once you seem to get the hang of things, choose your top two or three options. Don't spread yourself too thin).
Who?
You! You is kind. you is smart, you is important. And you is getting involved.
Best of luck on the rest of your semester with your new-found groups and friends!
