How to Get Involved in Campus Organizations

My own college experience started with nervousness at how to go about meeting new people. It sounds irrational now, but not everyone has the confidence to just walk around meeting new people. My ideas of how to make friends went as far as study partners in classes and the hope that I'd get along with my roommate.

I'd completely discounted the idea of campus organizations. Once I found out that there were so many things a student could do to get involved, I was ready to join. For an incoming freshman, the extracurricular world is your oyster. College campuses offer something for everyone. Since student life pretty much centers around these activities, they are heavily advertised, especially at the beginning of the semester and at freshman orientation programs.

If the thought of getting involved in a campus organization makes you break out in a fearful rash (e.g. "What do I do? Where do I go? Which one is right?" syndrome) have no fear. Figuring out what interests you and where you'd fit in isn't as hard as it seems. As someone who was involved in at least ten different extracurricular activities throughout college, I can attest to the fact that there are great rewards in joining campus organizations.

For those who are still unsure, here are some tips to help you get out there and get involved. Trust me. It's a lot more fun than sitting in your dorm room watching "South Park."

1.Do some research beforehand - If you've still got some time before classes start, check out what your college of choice has to offer. Campus websites have links especially for student run organizations. Surf around and find the ones that might interest you. Though you'll get a better feel for what's available once you actually start, it never hurts to have a heads up on what you'd like to do with your free time.