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On-Campus
College is a time to grow and to learn. However, all of your education will not take place in the classroom. In fact, a good portion of what you learn will come from the activities you are involved in and the people you interact with on a daily basis. That's why it's a good idea to participate in extra-curricular activities on-campus. It gives you a chance to interact with your peers, and sometimes your professors, in a non-academic setting.
Clubs
There are clubs for just about every interest imaginable. From hobby clubs (chess, martial arts, hiking, art, dancing, drama), to cultural (ethnic, gay/lesbian, nationality), or academic/pre-professional (subject majors, pre-law, pre-med, accounting, engineering). Clubs are a great way to meet friends and make contacts, in addition to participating in an activity you enjoy. If you can't find a group that interests you, form your own! Most schools will allow you to charter a club by submitting a petition signed by a pre-set minimum number of students (usually around 25 or so).
Sports teams
Joining a team (whether for school competition or intramural) fosters a camaraderie in a way that few other organizations can provide. Not only are you building friendships, but you are also learning to work together and to depend on each other. Participation on a sports team also promotes school spirit. And let's not forget the discipline and exercise that also comes along with all the training and practice!
Fraternities and Sororities
Joining a fraternity or sorority provides you with the opportunity to make lifelong friends with others who share your interests and values, and also serves to make a large campus seem smaller. In addition, fraternities and sororities allow you to actively participate in community service, philanthropy, and on-campus leadership. You will be able to interact with alumni on both a social and a mentoring level, which will help you as you enter the workforce. Last, but certainly not least, there are the social functions to consider. Belonging to a fraternity or sorority is one way to make sure that you have a very active social calendar!
School Newspaper
Want to keep up on campus and community activities, sharpen your writing skills, enhance your resume, and make friends all at once? Then consider joining the staff of your school's newspaper; it's not just for journalism majors. If you have an interest in writing and staying on top of what's going on, then this is an activity you should try. But newspaper staffs don't only need writers; they need photographers, ad salespeople, fact-checkers, just to name a few positions. So go check it out; there just may be a job for you!
There are many more ways to get involved on campus; check your student handbook or Office of Student Affairs for more information on what your school has to offer.
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