This post will explain the different types of school clubs, and the student organizations every college student should join.
My first day of college this year was a little less exciting than usual, and I bet it was extra disappointing for incoming freshmen. While we can’t change the predicament we find ourselves in this year, we can make the most of it.
It’s hard to make friends in college and having to be socially distanced definitely hasn’t made it easier. That being said, clubs and organizations are a great way to meet new people and become a part of different communities on campus. Many organizations are switching to online approaches, which means it’s a perfect way to meet people at your new school.
Here are the 5 bases you need to cover to hit a home run with your time in college (yes, I know there are only 4 bases in baseball). Below, I’ll share the different types of school clubs you should consider joining ASAP.
P.S. These are just suggestions! Don’t forget to do as little or as much as your time allows.
Table of Contents
Career Related
Summer is barely over and half of my classmates already have internships lined up for next year. Meanwhile I’m still trying to get a cute picture for my LinkedIn account. Joining an organization on campus that focuses on your career goals is the best way for you to gain experience to put on your resume.
Hopefully the career you’re following is something you enjoy, so that’s a guaranteed. The other thing to take into consideration is a small versus large group, while small clubs allow you to have more responsibility and potentially learn more, a larger club could provide better connections and networking opportunities. That’s more likely a personal decision you have to make based on your career field, goals and personal skills.
Either way it will be impressive on your resume and an exciting talking point for interviews.
What I do: I’m currently involved in a Marketing club for the largest fashion organization at Cal.
Emotional and Mindful Health
Just writing about working makes me tired, and that’s why focusing on your mental and emotional health is vital. This couldn’t be truer than now where we spend such little time with other people. While this will look different to every person, it’s important you find a club that not only caters to your emotional needs (the activity) but that creates a community that makes you feel safe.
My personal recommendation is that this organization be separate from your social circle, a space where you can go for comfort, a home away from home. Some suggestions are a meditation club, religious community, mindfulness practicing organization or a mental health support group.
What I do: I’m a member of a religious organization on my campus.
Creative
Do not skip over this. Creative endeavors aren’t only extremely beneficial to your emotional health, but creativity is one of the strongest indicators of success. Unlike what you might have been taught, everyone is creative, it’s simply a matter of honing that skill.
This doesn’t mean you have to become a painter; it just means you do an activity that engages your creative mind. Some suggestions are improv, painting, drawing, writing, filmmaking, band or songwriting.
What I do: I am part of a club that connects aspiring photographers, makeup artists and models to stylists (me) where we work together on fashion shoots.
Physical Health
Some people like going to the gym, some people lie. Just kidding, going to the gym is a great way to stay healthy, and may I suggest you find a gym buddy? Making it social is super important but make it a social distanced activity.
How do you stay healthy if you don’t like the gym? Well there are thousands of ways to exercise sans-gym. One of the great things about college is that there are so many clubs on campus you can really try out whatever you want until you find something you like. Not only is it great to find perhaps a lifelong passion but it’s also an amazing way to make friends.
While the typical intramural sports may come to mind, they may not be as feasible during the times of corona. Some other ideas are dancing, hiking, skiing, surfing, yoga, and Pilates.
What I do: I take ballet classes and occasionally go hiking with my friends, by occasionally I mean when I need to get a cute picture for my Instagram story.
Just for Fun
There is really not much I can say here because everyone has a different conception of fun. For some people it’s discussing medieval literature, for others it’s dancing on tables at frat parties. The sky is the limit. (Or maybe not — you could join an aerospace club, if that’s a thing at your school.)
What I do: I’m in a sorority. If it’s good enough for Elle Woods, it’s good enough for me.
What types of school clubs are you most excited to get involved in?
These ideas aren’t set in stone, and they can totally overlap, too. Dancing is a great way to get exercise and be creative. Painting is both creative and mindful. Being in a robotics club is both great for your career and for fun.
The takeaway? Just remember to make sure you’re having a bit of everything, doesn’t matter how you get there.
What organizations are you a part of? Have any questions about the groups I’m involved in? Let us know!