There truly is something for everyone at Florida State, which is one of the many reasons I feel so lucky to be a student here. Whether you’re interested in business, pottery, or musical theatre, FSU is the best place to water your garden.
I’ll admit, however, I was a little trepidatious coming into a big school, unsure where I would find my niche, but like many of my friends, with a little confidence, I was able to find my footing. For my oldest, dearest friend, that sense of belonging was found in FSU’s Club Downunder.
Club Downunder (CDU), located downstairs in FSU’s Student Union, is an entirely student-run entertainment organization. The organization hosts events from game nights to DIY sessions to improv nights to concerts. However, this doesn’t even begin to capture the expanse of CDU’s repertoire. CDU is truly one of a kind.
To get a closer look at the inner workings of CDU, I sat down with my friend and classmate, Aishat Lawal.
Her Campus (HC): What resonated with you personally about CDU?
Aishat Lawal (AL): I really liked how CDU was completely student-run because I felt like it was a place where I could be creatively free without fear of a higher-up censoring me or dulling my sparkle.
Having the opportunity to collaborate solely with our peers is fundamental during such formative years. As college students, our potential for creativity and growth is at an all-time high. It’s so special to have a haven to foster it.
HC: What is your position at CDU currently, and how did you get there?
AL: Right now, I’m a programming intern, after a year of being the lectures coordinator. I decided to come back as an intern after a semester abroad. Even though I couldn’t be hired as a staff member for only one semester, I was happy to work unpaid because I am so passionate about what the organization stands for.
I find that this anecdote depicts just how impactful extracurriculars can be. Aishat’s willingness and eagerness to return to CDU, even serving in a supporting role rather than a leading one, proves her true adoration for the organization.
HC: What has been your favorite CDU event that you’ve planned?
AL: My favorite event that I’ve planned during my time at CDU was a lecture with writer-director-editor Sean Baker in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Spring 2025. I’ve loved Sean’s movies since The Florida Project (2017), and it was a dream come true to get to share my love for him with my peers in that way.
I attended this event myself, and thoroughly enjoyed it (shout out to you, Aishat!). I’d just watched the six-time Oscar-nominated film, Anora, and found out that I could not only attend a lecture from its director, but on my college campus, free of charge, and planned by my best friend… is there anything better?
HC: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time in CDU?
AL: I would say the importance of collaboration. None of the events that I’ve planned as a lecture coordinator or intern would have been possible without the help of the other three departments in CDU (production, public relations, and hospitality), for which I am so grateful. It truly takes a village.
It’s clear to see that CDU is a well-oiled machine. Producing tens of successful events each semester proves the efficiency of its dynamic.
Next time you find yourself in the FSU Student Union, head downstairs and visit Club Down Under. There’s always more to FSU than just what’s on the surface. Sometimes, you need to look under!
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