How to Get Involved on Campus

Many students are heading back to college or just getting started and are wondering how to get involved. Campus involvement is great for both your social life and your academic life. It is important to remember that college isn’t just about the classes, but it is also where you’ll develop some of the most long lasting professional and personal relationships you’ll have in your life.

1. Run for Student Council- Don’t let the petty high school campaigns ruin this for you. In college the student council is a lot more about making changes on campus than a popularity contest. This is a great way to develop skills when it comes to working in large groups to make stuff happen. Leadership is always a great thing to have on a resume if you’re just entering the workforce.

2. Join a Club- This is not as nerdy as it sounds. When it comes to college there are clubs for everything. You’ll be able to make friends with other students who have the same interests as you. If you’re unable to find a club you want to join, start a club of your own and get a professor to sponsor you.

3. Consider going Greek- Joining a sorority or a fraternity is certainly not for everyone and you need to keep in mind that these organizations will take up a lot of your time. However, joining a house gives you instant networking with house alumni that may be very valuable after you graduate and enter the workforce. Remember, Greek Row isn’t all toga parties and sleepovers you’ve also got to clock in some serious service hours.

4. Join the Newspaper or Radio- Almost all college and university campus’ house their own newspaper and radio stations. This can be a great way to get your name out. You never know, you may be hosting the most popular radio show on campus. If you work for the college paper, then you’ll be spending time on campus attending events and interviewing faculty and students.

5. Spend Time on Campus- In college, there is never a shortage of things to do. If you’d like to meet people and make friends, then you need to go where the people are. Work out in the Student Activity Center. Study in the library. Eat in the cafeteria. You’re sure to start seeing some familiar faces eventually.

Now that you know how to generate a social life, don’t let it rule your academic life. People often say that in college there are three things: sleep, school, and a social life; and that you get to pick two. This isn’t always the case, schedule your time and make sure that all three are getting and adequate amount of time.