Ah, college. A magical time where you can reinvent yourself any time you please. In fact, one of the best ways to do this and live your best college life is to dive headfirst into extracurricular activities. But how do you even start? Fear not, dear reader! This guide will walk you through it.
Step 1: Know Thyself (And Thy Schedule)
Before you sign up for every club that’s taking new people, take a beat. Ask yourself:
- What interests me?
- How much time can I realistically commit? Between classes, studying, and socializing, your schedule might already look like a Tetris game.
Once you’ve figured this out, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Explore Your Options
Colleges are like a buffet of activities. There’s something for everyone: sports, arts, student government, volunteering, and even niche clubs.
Check Your School’s Website: Most colleges have a list of clubs and organizations online. Bonus: some sites have a search feature so you can type in your interests.
- Attend a Club Fair: This is where all the clubs set up tables, try to outdo each other with cool posters, and bribe you with candy. Show up, wander around, and see what catches your eye.
- Ask Around: Word of mouth is powerful. Talk to your friends or dorm mates about what they’re involved in to see if they are involved in anything you would like!
Step 3: Try It Out
So you found a club or activity that sounds like your vibe? Awesome! Now go to a meeting. It’s that simple.
- Don’t be afraid to go solo. Lots of people go to their first meeting alone, and you’ll likely meet others who are in the same boat. P.S. it’s a great way to make friends who are like-minded!!
- Stay open-minded. Even if the first meeting feels a little awkward (shoutout to icebreakers), give it a chance. Everything has growing pains. Awkward today, besties tomorrow.
Step 4: Avoid Overcommitting
Joining a dozen clubs might make you feel like the most interesting person on campus, but burnout is real. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Start with one or two groups that really excite you.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back. Prioritize activities that make you feel happy, fulfilled, and align with your goals long term.
Step 5: Level Up
Once you’ve found your groove, consider taking on a leadership role. To do this, you need to think ahead and make sure you’re being active, that you’re kind, and you’re dependable. That way when elections come around, you’ll be first in mind! Being on the exec board of a club not only looks great on a resume but also helps you build skills like teamwork, organization, and communication.
Step 6: Make it Fun
Extracurriculars are supposed to be enjoyable, not another item on your to-do list. Find joy in the activities, make new friends, and let them enrich your college experience. Also, never say no to free snacks, they’re part of the college experience.
Final Thoughts
Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to make your college years unforgettable. Whether you’re joining the debate team, starting a knitting club, or becoming president of the “Midnight Pancake Appreciation Society,” the key is to dive in and have fun. Now go forth and extracurricular like an expert!
