College is a time for exploration and growth. Not only does college offer you the chance to prepare for a successful, meaningful career, but it also allows you to learn more about who you are and what you’re passionate about. Joining clubs in college is a great way to have a more well-rounded experience. Whether you are interested in academic clubs that help you gain new skills or hobby-based organizations that focus on making friends and having fun, clubs are a guaranteed way to enrich your college experience.
Benefits of Joining a Club
Joining a club in college is about so much more than just filling up your schedule. It’s also an opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive by meeting new people and exploring unique interests.
Meet New People
Meeting people in college can be challenging. Clubs provide a natural, more relaxed way to connect with others who share your interests. Rather than trying to socialize before class begins, clubs offer a great way to strike up conversations with diverse groups of people who have similar passions. These groups bring together like-minded individuals, creating a built-in network that can even turn into lifelong friendships.
Develop Your Skillset
Joining a club sometimes requires you to step outside your comfort zone, which is the first step toward personal growth. Through collaboration and communication, you’ll hone vital interpersonal skills crucial for both personal and professional success. This is especially true if you take on a leadership role within the club, which often requires scheduling and managing meetings and events, heading up projects, and problem solving.
Depending on the kind of club you join, you might even develop more hard skills or technical expertise. For instance, participating in the school newspaper can sharpen your writing, editing, and interviewing skills through valuable first-hand experience.
Improve Your Resume and Portfolio
Today’s job market is competitive, so finding ways to stand out from other candidates is important. Your extracurricular involvement might be exactly what you need to distinguish yourself from others during the hiring process. Joining clubs related to your field of interest allows you to gain hands-on experience that complements the skills you’ve learned in the classroom. Some clubs may also work on projects you can showcase in your portfolio, such as designing graphics for a campus magazine or organizing a charity fundraising event. Including these kinds of examples and your role in them highlights practical skills, dedication, and leadership.
Have Fun
Not every club has to be about advancing your future career or building your skills. Sometimes, joining a club is just about having fun. College can be stressful; it’s vital to have healthy outlets where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Participating in a club gives you a structured way to unwind. Whether it’s playing intramural sports, attending movie showings, or participating in gaming competitions, these activities help you maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal enjoyment.
How Many Clubs Should I Join In College?
While there are many benefits of joining a club, you should also manage your commitments wisely.
Start small
If you’re looking for clubs to join on campus, consider limiting yourself to one or two. This helps to avoid overloading your schedule, especially if you want to take on a leadership role within the organization.
Attend before committing
There’s nothing wrong with trying out a few different clubs before you actually choose to become a member. Attend a few meetings or events to see if the organization aligns with your interests and schedule.
Prioritize balance
Your academic and other personal responsibilities should remain top of mind. Overcommitting to too many clubs at a time can turn them from a fun activity to a source of stress. Plus, you might end up with overlapping meetings or forget about important club requirements.
Learn More About Villa
Villa Maria College focuses on creating an engaging community for all students. We have nearly 30 clubs and organizations for students to join, including animation, computer science, graphic design, newspaper, and gaming. We also welcome students to apply to create new organizations on campus. Get in touch with us today to learn more about student and campus life at Villa!
