Welcome to college! Yes, you’re there to learn, but in addition to studying and taking classes, universities offer students countless opportunities to join student-run organizations on campus. Getting involved is a great way to build your resume, gain insightful experience, explore interests, have a good time, make new friends, and maybe even make a difference in the world.
Intramurals
Do you like to play sports but aren’t necessarily equipped to be a collegiate athlete? Intramurals may be right for you! Many universities offer students the opportunity to join intramural leagues—recreational sports leagues that allow you to form your own teams with friends or join teams as an individual—free of charge or for a small fee. Sports can range anywhere from volleyball and basketball to inner tube water polo and broomball, which will allow you to play the sports you love and maybe even try something new. Intramural sports are a great way to blow off steam, get some exercise, and be part of a really fun college organization.
Greek Life
The Greek system may not be the right choice for everyone, but if you are interested in sorority/fraternity life, joining a house can provide numerous ways to gain leadership and philanthropic experience. Joining the Greek system will be a lot of fun and give you a very social college experience, but it will also give you a great opportunity to be a part of a long-standing tradition, raise money for charities, and bolster your resume. Before going to college, you may not be aware that in addition to the traditional fraternities and sororities typically portrayed in the media, there are honors fraternities for certain majors, service fraternities, and cultural fraternities that all bring students together based on common interests. Joining the Greek system and becoming a leader within your chapter can be a great resume builder and help you make connections with alumni down the road when you are looking for a job. Many of the top politicians and businessmen in America were members of the Greek system in college, and you could be next!
Clubs
College clubs are another great way to get involved on campus, and can be formed around anything you can think of: the more traditional, like a book club or chess club; the more obscure, like a squirrel-watching club or Harry Potter society; even the political, like Young Democrats or College Republicans. Whatever you’re interested in, your university is likely to have a club dedicated to it, and if not, maybe you can be the one to create it! Becoming an active member and taking on leadership positions within the organization is a great way to stand out on your campus and gain crucial experience. Having clubs to list on your resume can also be a great conversation starter in an interview and help you become a dynamic, interesting candidate.
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