I know, I know, it’s one of the first things everyone tells you when you are going to start college: “You need to get involved on campus!” You hear it throughout the entirety of your orientation, from every family member you know, and even from your professors once you start classes. “Is it really that important?” you think to yourself. You just started school in a completely new environment and are trying your best to adjust to your new surroundings, while also wanting to having a social life and make sure you get good grades. The last thing you need is another responsibility to worry about. So, are joining clubs and doing other activities on campus really worth it? Here are five reasons why it is important that your involvement in college goes beyond just the classroom:
1) It is a great way to meet new people.
When you first start out at college, the only people you really know will probably be your roommates, people who are in your classes, and maybe some people you went to high school with. By getting involved in clubs and activities on campus, you have the ability to meet a whole new group of people that you may never have crossed paths with otherwise. Once you get to know enough people, your school, no matter how big or small, will begin to feel like your home away from home, and everyone you meet will begin to feel like family.
2) It helps you to get connected within your college.
By getting involved on campus, you are making yourself known around your college. Not only will you have the ability to meet different students, you will also begin to meet professors, advisors, and counselors. Before you know it, everyone will know who you are! You might think that this is something you would not want to happen, but it is. The faculty and staff at your school are your first link to internships and jobs after you graduate, so by showing them you are willing to get involved, and are able to balance clubs and activities with your schoolwork, it will definitely help to make them remember you.
3) It might help you to figure out what you want to do in the future.
Many incoming college students either have no idea what they want to major in, or they have having trouble choosing just one major from many they are considering. When you get involved in numerous clubs and take part in a variety of activities, it can make you see what you like to do and are passionate about, and, therefore, will give you a clearer idea of what you want to major in and spend your life doing after you graduate.
4) It looks excellent on a resume.
Having several clubs and activities on your resume looks great to potential employers. It shows them that you like to get involved, can balance a variety of responsibilities, and go above and beyond what is asked of you; you do not just stick to doing the bare minimum.
5) It’s fun!
The more clubs and activities you join, the more fun you will have! It adds a whole different element to your college experience by allowing you to do something productive while simultaneously allowing you to do something you love and enjoy.
So, the next time someone tells you to get involved on your college campus, and you wonder if it is really worth it, just go for it, and you will see just how worth it it really is.
