Student Organizations

College is a great time to participate in student organizations that focus on your interests!

A student organization is a student-run association that promotes common interests and engages all sorts of students.

Getting involved with student organizations can help you better engage in campus life and enhance your overall student experience. You might be interested in recreation, honors societies, cultural groups, or professional development organizations. If you cannot find something you are interested in, consider starting your own student organization!

Some of the benefits include:

Benefits of joining a student organization:

Meet people with similar interest

Develop your leadership skills

Networking Opportunities

Learn how to work with a diverse team

Give back to the community

Expand your resume

Access to career development & resources

Practice Time Management

Have fun!

1. Academic and Professional

These are the most common types of student organizations. Built around majors, careers, or academic interests.

5. Recreation and Sports

Any sport you are keen on or any hobby you might have, you will find a club or organization of students who have the same passions.

9. Creative & Performance Arts

For expression and performance. Examples include: a cappella groups, theater productions, dance teams, creative writing or poetry clubs.

2. Community Service

There are many opportunities for students to get involved within the community, give back and engage in civic activities.

6. Student Government

Suppose you want to get more involved and make sure you and your classmates have input when the school's board makes critical decisions. In that case, you may want to check out a student government society.

10. Greek Life

They do social events, philanthropy, leadership roles, alumni networking. Often you are required to pay dues. Fraternities are typically male and sororities are typically female.

3. Media and Publications

Run by students, for students. Work on your creative writing skills, join your college or university's student newspaper, radio station, podcast, media production, or magazine.

7. Religious and Spiritual

Many faith-based societies are formed by students who want to keep in touch with their culture and network with others from the same background. This can be especially important if you are far away from home.

4. Cultural & Identify-Based Organizations

Spaces for community, support, and celebration of identity. Network with people from the same background as you or who share a similar view of the world.

8. Special Interest & Hobby Clubs

Examples of categories are gaming, anime, chess, photography, film, fashion, cooking, gardening, book clubs, or outdoor.

Visit your college's website and/or associated student's website. Attend their Open House or Kick-Off event at the beginning of each semester. You can also join during open officer meetings or participate in their events!

Things to consider

Try narrowing the list of possibilities to just a few organizations that genuinely align with your goals, passions, and hobbies.

What do you care about? (This can be people, places, causes, events, trends, cultures, etc.)
What skills, knowledge, or insights do you want to develop?
What energizes you or restores your well-being?
Is the student organization about something you care about and want to continue with?
Is the student organization about something you are interested in but have yet to try?
Is the student organization about something that advances your academic or professional interests?
How often does the organization meet?
Is there a membership fee?
What opportunities exist for me to hold a leadership position?
What activities does the organization plan?
What made current members join a specific organization?
What fun activities does the organization offer?