Whether it be clubs, sports, social events, or all of the above, college life definitely has something for everybody. While it may seem daunting to choose what you may want to get involved in at college, there are several ways to get plugged into college life and figure out where your niche on campus is. For most of us, you will not find your niche of involvement right away, but you will find it. While the coronavirus pandemic may make it a bit harder to figure out what that niche maybe, it is still possible – you just have to think outside of the box. Today, I will be sharing how you can determine what YOU want to do to make your years in college the BEST that they can be even during the Covid-19 pandemic!
Do Your Research!
Before getting onto campus, look up clubs and organizations that may peek your interest. Most colleges and universities have a list of their clubs/organizations on their club website. I would most definitely look up that list and make note of which one’s you’re most interested in. In addition to looking up clubs/organizations that interest you on your college’s website, you can also see if the one’s that interest you have a social media page on Facebook or Instagram. Through doing so, you can most likely see photos of the club/organization’s membership body as well as the events that they do. Then, you can determine whether or not that club/organization is a good potential fit for you to get involved with. Moreover, I would also follow any club/organization’s social media pages, in order to receive updates on events. Whether they may be a club in your intended major, a religious group, a sorority, or an intramural sports team, or all of the above, knowing what clubs interest you will better help you to get plugged into college life.
Attend Club/Organization Fairs
While this may look a little different this Fall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, I would highly suggest attending any virtual activities that your college offers that allow you to learn more about student life. Although most of us are not sure what club/organization fairs will look like at colleges and universities across the country this Fall, the biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to follow clubs/organizations that seem interesting to you like previously mentioned. One of the best ways to become a part of a club/organization’s membership body is to simply message the club’s social media page to ask to join their potential email list. Club/organization’s email lists are great ways to find out about events, meetings, and fundraisers. With many colleges still doing plenty of events online, email lists are a great way to get reminders sent directly to you about all things going on on your campus, whether virtual and or in-person, especially for things that peek your interest!
Be OPEN!
Even though many aspects of college life may seem daunting or not of your interest, I advise you to remain open to the many possibilities that college life may bring. If your roommate invites you to an event that may not interest you at first, then STILL GO! While many things may not peek our interests at first, it does not mean that way may end up enjoying them and want to get plugged in even more. Staying open to the several opportunities that college brings is extremely important and helps us to grow into the strong, extraordinary people that we are to become in college and beyond. The possibilities in college are ENDLESS, SO GO FOR IT!
Get Out Of YOUR Comfort Zone!
My mother always tells me that the only way you get out of your comfort zone is when you grow. Indeed my mother is right! Want to attend an event virtually or in-person but don’t have anyone to go with?! GO by yourself! Interested in checking out a cafe or restaurant but all of your friends have plans?! GO anyways! Want to try out for a sports team or join a religious group but do not know anyone involved in them already?! DO it anyways! The possibilities are literally out of this world when we do things that make us uncomfortable. Getting out of our comfort zone is a nerve-racking feeling, especially on a virtual platform. However, once we do get out of our comfort zones we allow ourselves to grow and become who we are meant to be in the long run. Personally, I have found the times that were uncomfortable for myself to be the most rewarding times in my life. Guess what?! I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had not gotten out of my comfort zone and tried new things, alone or not, and I know you will only become your best self if you do just the same.
Stick with What YOU Like
To set the ball straight: you WILL NOT fit in with every club/organization’s student body or interests on your campus and that IS OKAY! The best part of attending college is the diverse student bodies and vast amount of clubs/organizations and activities to do. The best piece of advice I can give you is to stick with what YOU LIKE! If the Book club interests you more than the French club, then focus your time on attending Book club meetings and getting to know your fellow club members. It may take some time, but you WILL find your niche. Simply stick with activities from clubs/organizations and school-wide events that suit your interest, and it will come to you along with likeminded classmates who may become some of your best friends and potentially lifelong friends.
Pandemic or not, college life is daunting! However, if you put in the time and effort to get to know others and yourself, you will truly find your niche. While it may take time to find your place on campus, just know that it IS there waiting for you when you are ready!
XOXO – Katie <3
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