Get Involved

You finally get that acceptance letter, which says Stony Brook wants you. This is one of the best moments of your life, you are super hyped, you can’t believe it, and all you can think about is how much you are going to enjoy this new experience. Flash forward a year or two. You are now considered a college pro; others think that you know the ropes, but you still really have no idea what your campus has to offer. While you are lying in bed, planted in front of the TV, or constantly checking your cell phone, there are many amazing activities that you are missing out on.

What kinds of clubs are there? You name it and SBU has it! There are activities geared towards freshman (like dances, breakfasts, and social luncheons) and activities for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. No matter what your status, there are activities that will make your SBU experience a memorable one. There are always so many programs going on like Latin dance night, movie nights, and outside festivities. On a more academic level, each department at SBU is always doing something to ensure that students are active. Departments will have guest lecturers, meet-and-greets, and “come on out and see what your major is about” events.
 

Meeting new people and becoming part of something big are good enough reasons to join clubs, but there are also other reasons for doing so. When finals approach and you feel the weight of the whole world on your shoulders, going out and getting involved can help relieve some stress. And when you are feeling down, getting involved in clubs can help you connect with others who can offer help and support.
 
I once was that student that did not get involved. When I first arrived at SBU, I felt a bit out of place. As a new student in a new atmosphere, I felt quite overwhelmed and intimidated. What made the transition into college especially difficult was the fact that I commute. Not living on campus made me feel like an outsider. In the first weeks of school, I felt lost and did not know what to expect as far as the social scene was concerned.
 
But one day, I decided that I had simply had enough! I told myself that I was going to get involved and that this process would be a memorable time in my life. I decided to make the most of my college experience. These four years are about so much more than just learning and earning a degree; college is about having fun and living a little. So I set myself a goal and I reached it. I started out by going to the gym on campus, and then I found a job on campus, and eventually I got involved with several other programs as well. After making more of an effort to get involved, my experience here at SBU has become more enjoyable. It’s great to meet your academic goals, but it’s even better to interact with all kinds of people and make lasting friendships!
 
So whether you are a freshman or a senior, come on out and see what Stony Brook has to offer. Get out of bed, make new friends, and create opportunities for yourself that will lead to great and exciting things. It’s a new year, a new semester, and a new beginning, so let’s all make a new resolution: no matter what our status, let’s get involved!