Let’s face it: freshman year is a lot. It’s simultaneously exhilarating and daunting, and the beginning of what people call the best years of your life. I personally fluctuated between “yes! I get to be in charge of my own experience!” and “dang, I have to be in charge of my own experience.”
The biggest tip that I’d offer to incoming freshmen is to get involved on campus as much as possible. It’s the same advice I received as a high school senior, and as basic as it sounds, I can attest that it’s the best advice you’ll get. Why, you ask?
there’s a lot to learn
Joining the crochet club freshman year might be the best thing you’ve ever done… or you might discover that you’d rather never pick one up again. Either way, you’ve learned something new. Spreading your wings wide freshman year is the best way to learn what you like, what you don’t, and to try things you’d never attempt if you stayed inside your comfort zone.
meet new people
Whether you join a club, participate in one of your dorm’s (slightly cheesy) hall activities, or rush a sorority, getting involved on campus is a surefire way to meet the people who could be your future best friends.
You can experiment
Thinking about changing your major? Getting involved in a relevant club is a low-stakes way to decide if it’s something you’ll enjoy investing your time in. Certainty comes from action, not overthinking; the sooner that you take a step forward, the sooner you’ll know if it’s the right one.
networking and leadership
When you join orgs as a freshman, you get a head start on building the experience that will make it possible to obtain leadership positions in your junior and senior years of college. When you invest time and energy into an organization early on, you’re laying a foundation for both the community and the skill sets that will help you to soar later on.
It can boost your GPA
It’s been proven that extracurricular involvement typically has a positive impact on your grade point average (GPA). It can also lead to a higher sense of belonging and a better chance that you’ll return as a sophomore.
Now you might be thinking, I’m convinced, but how do I get involved? That’s a great question, the answer to which I’ve perfected over a year of trial and error. Here are my top 6 tips:
- Go to the Involvement Fair
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During the Involvement Fair, FSU’s active clubs set up tables, and you can talk to them about anything club-related. They’ll give you details, dates, and email lists; everything you need to get a feel for what their club is about. It’s the best way to see the hundreds of club options and get a quick vibe for each one.
The Involvement Fair happens at the beginning of each semester. In the Fall, it’s usually at the Civic Center, and in the Spring, it takes place in the Tully Gym.
- Market Wednesday
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If you miss the Involvement Fair, Market Wednesday is the next best thing. Campus organizations set up tables and line Legacy Walk, and you can talk to them about anything club-related. From professional fraternities to Intramural Battleship, there’s something there for everyone. Plus, you can also stop by the many thrift-related pop-ups that set up shop there, too.
- Club Downunder
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Whether it’s live music, stand-up comedy nights, or Greek life fundraisers, something is happening at Club Downunder (CDU) 99% of the time. Show up, see who’s there, and talk to people!
- Stalk Instagram
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I’m serious! Most campus organizations at FSU have active Instagram pages that advertise their next meetings and events. Following local coffee shops like Calvin’s Coffee House and Patchwork Coffee is a great place to start. They’re also always hosting events on behalf of interesting organizations.
- Talk to Everyone
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This is especially true in the first few weeks of freshman year. Everyone’s looking for something to do and others to join. Don’t be afraid to talk to that classmate or ask that upperclassman about the organization they run. Talking to people is, without a doubt, the most efficient way to figure out what’s happening on campus.
- Say “Yes” to the Side Quest
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If your friend is afraid to go to Swing Dance Social alone, go with them! If your roommate’s planning on checking out an open mic night, volunteer to drive. Most of the fun side quests available on campus are hosted by student organizations, and by being down to explore the unknown, you might just find the extracurricular you’ll spend the next four years in.
Although the above lists may seem like so much information, use this as your guide to getting involved at FSU! Being a freshman can feel isolating and scary, but getting involved allows you to start building your community here.
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