Benefits of Joining a Club in College

If you are looking for ways to improve your college education and have more fun, the right club can help.

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Do you remember opening your dream school’s virtual viewbook for the first time? How long did you spend reading through the long list of on-campus clubs and activities as you imagined your life on campus?

You got the grades, you slayed the application, and you’re finally here—and suddenly, the prospect of joining that college club you once fantasized about feels a bit overwhelming.

Joining your first club on campus takes bravery, whether you’re initiating a conversation with a representative at an activity fair or showing up to your first meeting as a stranger. Taking a small step outside your comfort zone can change the trajectory of your college career. Once you’ve reaped the benefits, you’ll realize those first few moments of awkwardness were worth it.

Engaging in college club activities is key to having fun, making friends, discovering meaningful experiences, and bolstering your first resume out of school. Read on to learn how to face your fears and what amazing things might happen when you take the leap.

Joining Your First College Club

The easiest time to join a new college club or campus organization is at the beginning of the fall semester. Student leaders are returning after a refreshing summer break spent planning for the year ahead. Your college probably has opportunities in place to help first-year and transfer students discover on-campus organizations, too.

First, pay attention to your student email inbox, and look out for flyers around campus. Almost every school starts the year with an activities fair, where many clubs will have a table you can visit.

Each club will have a display manned by a knowledgeable club representative who can answer your questions and provide information about meeting times and locations. You might even discover a few options for college clubs you didn’t know about.

Many students feel more comfortable attending an initial meeting once they know at least one person who will be there. A quick, friendly chat with a student representative can make a big difference.

Furthermore, student leaders expect many new students to try out new clubs at the beginning of the semester. The first club meeting is often part information session, part mixer. It’s lowstakes, with plenty of opportunities to get more comfortable with existing members.

Even if you miss the activities fair, the best way to begin is to show up. If you aren’t excited after the first meeting, you have no obligation to return. The student leaders shouldn’t hold it against you if you decide their organization isn’t for you after all.

Why Join a College Club?

You have a packed college class schedule, and adding another weekly obligation can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering if joining a club is worth it. Here are the benefits of trying out a new campus club this semester— many of which can benefit you long after you graduate.

You’ll Meet Like-Minded Peers

Not every student vibes with their roommates, and that’s okay. Sometimes living with peers is an easier, less emotionally fraught experience than living with close friends. Whether or not you get along with your roommates, however, you’ll want a few college pals to go to if dorm life is getting you down.

The best thing about joining a club is that you’ll automatically have something in common with everyone there. You’ll have things to talk about from day one, making club meetings an excellent gateway for making new friends. Your fellow club members often form your first social support network on campus, which makes every aspect of student life simpler and more fun.

You Will Make Professional Connections

Some campus activities focus on hobbies, but many organizations have some relationship to your major program of study. Club members often volunteer at industry-related events, host talks and conferences, and take trips off-campus.

You’ll meet plenty of professionals who can help you as you prepare to enter the workforce. These individuals can become mentors or help you land exciting internships in your field. They might even write a letter of recommendation that helps you get a job or a coveted spot in a graduate program.

You Can Take on Leadership Roles

Even a club unrelated to your future career can help you professionally. Club leadership positions look great on your first resume out of school. You’ll gain real, transferrable experience in organizing people and events.

Don’t worry about leadership roles during your first semester. If you stick with a club, the older members will begin graduating, and you might “inherit” a position naturally. By then, you’ll feel prepared for the demands of the role.

You’ll Gain Agency on Campus

What do you want your college experience to be? Joining a club is one way to take control of how you spend your time.

Most colleges require an “activities fee,” so it’s your tuition funding each club. When you commit to a club, you get a part in deciding how your school uses those funds. You’ll plan trips, service opportunities, campus programs, and more.

As you take on leadership roles, your agency will only grow. Ultimately, joining a club could be the perfect way to shape your college experience into what you dreamed it would be.

It’s Never Too Late to Join a College Club

Many students miss the first college club meeting of the semester and think they’ve missed the opportunity to join. In fact, many students don’t return after the first meeting, and most student leaders are eager to welcome new members all semester long. You might be the fresh, enthusiastic voice the club needs, so take a chance and try something new this term.