How to Find Extracurricular Activities in College

Students participate in extracurricular activities to develop skills, meet people and experience everything college life offers. Students must consider the many available options before committing to one (or more) that sparks their interest. Learning about activities their school provides and how to find them is the perfect place to start.?

Although much emphasis on extracurricular activities happens during high school, these activities can still be beneficial for students in college that want to amplify the college experience.?

Participating in extracurricular activities offers many benefits to students that can balance these extra responsibilities with school responsibilities. While studying (and obtaining good grades) is important, college students must focus on aspects outside schoolwork for a well-rounded experience.?

Any college student that wants to meet people, learn new skills and become more involved in the college community should consider extracurricular activities. However, choosing the activity that is right for you means assessing your values and interests.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?

Extracurricular activities are activities students perform outside of their standard school curriculum. Usually, extracurricular activities relate to different interests or passions that a student has, such as music, community service or sports.?

These are great opportunities for students that want to develop new skills or abilities, but they also give students a chance to meet like-minded individuals. Additionally, extracurriculars look great to future potential employers, so having some of these experiences may benefit young professionals after graduation.

Education is vital to landing a great job after finishing college, but experience is also essential. Sho Dewan, a talent development trainer and career coach, conducted a survey on LinkedIn showing that many people agree that experience is an absolute must for qualified and attractive candidates. Extracurriculars help students learn skills and gain valuable experience in an alternative type of environment from traditional work experience.?

Examples of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities focus on a structured activity or purpose, but this falls into many categories, from arts to hobbies to sports to educational clubs. Numerous extracurricular activities at most colleges are available, so students may feel overwhelmed.

Students may choose to continue with an activity they began in high school, but many extracurricular activities don’t require this. Those with or without experience may join many groups with other college students.?

• Religious/faith-based organization
• Student government
• Fraternity and sorority?
• Community outreach/volunteering group
• Political and social activism
• Intramural sport
• On-campus and off-campus job
• Internship
• Mentoring/tutoring group
• Educational club (e.g., debate, language, science, etc.)
• Career or technical organization
• Cultural organization
• Arts club (e.g., marching band, choir, drama club, etc.)

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities offer considerable benefits to students, but each activity is a little bit different in what it may teach or allow students to experience. Many of the benefits college students experience from extracurriculars are?the same as those of high school students.?

When participating in extracurricular activities, students may develop:

• Better social development and opportunities.
• Greater interest in the community.
• Improved academic performance.
• Productive breaks from schoolwork.
• Increased self-esteem.
• Broader worldviews.?
• Greater stress management skills.?
• Better time management skills.

Another benefit of extracurriculars is that job recruiters may see this information on your LinkedIn profile or resume and use this to start a conversation with you. Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture, says this is a good method to make the initial message more natural. It also helps you feel a little more at ease as a potential candidate, so having this extracurricular experience may encourage more job opportunities after graduation.?

Drawbacks of Extracurricular Activities

A few of the drawbacks that students should consider before enrolling in extracurricular activities include:

• Less time for schoolwork.
• Potential tiredness or exhaustion.
• Additional expenses (depending on the activity).
• Denial of important priorities.?

Most of the drawbacks of extracurricular activities will not become a problem for students focused on time management.

Where to Find Extracurricular Activities on Campus

Contacting specific campus offices, such as the Office of Student Life (or the equivalent on your campus), is a great place to start searching for extracurricular activities.?

Additionally, students may want to ask involved students about their organizations and how new people may join.?

During the initial weeks of a new semester, members of various extracurricular activity clubs or groups will usually showcase their activities to prospective members. If your school has a student fair or activity day, this is an excellent opportunity to find new activities that interest you.?

If a student struggles to find extracurricular activities, obtaining help from a resident advisor may be a good idea. If they don’t have the answers, they can put you in touch with someone else that has more information.?

Students should find out what options are available, attend the first meeting to see what the group is like and have an open mind.

Tips for Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activities for You?

Students should consider extracurriculars that seem exciting or match their skills and existing interests. With so many options, students will find at least a few opportunities that match what they already enjoy or care about doing outside school.

Additionally, students should consider their future and how different extracurriculars will contribute skills, knowledge or experience. Educational clubs or organizations focused on career growth are helpful for these types of goals.?

Choosing an extracurricular that is useful to you or others is a smart move. This will ensure personal growth and meaningful experiences happen during these activities, making them well worth a student’s time.?

Think outside the box to determine which extracurricular activities best fit an exceptional college experience.?

Top Takeaways?

How to find extracurricular activities in college

• Extracurricular activities are activities that groups or organizations do together with a shared goal.?
• College and university campuses have a variety of extracurriculars, so students may find many options that suit their interests, academic goals, skillsets and more.?
• To choose a suitable extracurricular activity, students must consider all options their school provides and what they wish to gain from the experience.

(Reporting by NPD)