College can be overwhelming at times. Between classes, homework and socializing, it can be difficult to even find a minute to sleep much less be active on campus. One of the most important steps to ensuring success after college is being involved. Extracurriculars are not only fun, but they also prepare you for future careers or interests. By becoming involved in clubs and organizations outside of class, you can make many friends as well as important connections that lead to internships and even jobs! There are many ways to get engaged and with proper time management, it will be a fun and rewarding experience.
A great way to get involved is to first find out what interests you. “Razorbash” occurs every August here at the University of Arkansas with many club booths set up with info pamphlets and mailing lists to receive club updates. Opportunities like these help give an idea which of the numerous clubs you want to join. Typically, however, not every club on campus is there. Most large state schools have hundreds of clubs, from College Republicans to Vegetarian Club! A list of all the registered student organizations (RSOs) can be found on the University of Arkansas Office of Student Activities page under RSO, complete with a paragraph about the club’s mission and contact information. See something that interests you? Email the club, asking for upcoming events and club meetings.
Intramurals are also very popular. While it is very difficult and time consuming to play a sport at a college level, intramurals have very little commitment and are just for fun. Even if you didn’t play a sport in high school, they are the perfect opportunity to try out a sport. A complete list of intramurals at the University of Arkansas with game schedules can be found on the intramural website. Attending a game is a great way to get show interest and see more about joining a team.
While clubs are very important, they aren’t the only way to be active on campus. Volunteering is an impressive and rewarding way to engage in the campus as well as the community. Whether with a club or on your own, spend a few hours every month helping at the local animal shelter, serving at the soup kitchen, or simply visiting at the nursing home. Volunteering is one of the simplest ways to get involved because there are always people and organizations that need assistance for which they may not necessarily be able to hire someone. Planning isn’t always necessary when it comes to volunteering, and many times you can go by yourself or with a group. Many schools also have a day or two set aside specifically as a day of service for the entire campus to get involved, such as Make a Difference Day. No matter which route you decide to take, volunteering is a great way to get involved.
One of the biggest organizations on campus is Greek life. It encompasses volunteering, sports, and socializing all in one. Sororities and fraternities each have at least one philanthropy they support heavily as well as volunteer opportunities with other charities and organizations. Most Greek organizations also promote the involvement of their members in on campus RSOs. For the sports fanatics, sororities and fraternities have their own intramural teams for almost every sport. You also have the opportunity for social functions and events, usually with fun themes. Greek life also provides many career connections through alumni. Getting involved with Greek life on campus is a perfect way to be active outside of the classroom, proving that you can balance class while still being very active on campus.
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