8 Tips for Finding the Right College Clubs for You

You’ve just started your freshman year of college. Everything is bright and new. It’s like a completely different world that you now get to play around in and explore.

You have a lot more freedom than you did when you were in high school, so you need something that you can fill that freedom with. Clubs are the perfect thing to do this. They allow you to try new things and meet interesting people that you wouldn’t have if you just stayed out of clubs through your entire four years of college. 

 How do you pick the right one for you though?  Keep reading for a few tips and tricks for finding awesome college clubs, or just starting one on your own.  

1. Visit the School's Club Fair 

Near the beginning of the school year, most colleges have a club fair to introduce themselves to prospective freshman. It's important that you attend this fair if you want to join any clubs. It gives you a chance to ask the representatives any questions that you have so you can learn what the club is about. 

You'll most likely sign an email list which doesn't sign you up for the club, it just allows the club to contact you when there will be a meeting.

2. Start With a Few and Narrow it Down 

Again, when you sign up for the email list, it doesn't lock you into a club. It just allows the club to get in contact with you when there will be a meeting. When you get these emails, it's important that you actually attend the meetings. 

This will help you decide if it's something you want to be a part of or not. Make a list of the clubs that you're considering and narrow it down as you attend the meetings. 

3. Delve Into the Strange 

So, you're not sure if you would be good at dancing, or if you even like it but what you do know is you're trying to keep that freshman 15 at bay and it seems like a better option than CrossFit. Ignore that whispering voice of negativity in the back of your brain and give it a try. 

Joining a club gives you a chance to explore and get out of your comfort zone. Don't just rule out a club because it makes you feel a little anxious.

If somewhere in your mind you think it might be fun to try, then don't hold yourself back. You'll regret it if you do. 

4. Start Your Own Club 

So you attend the club fair and every single booth is lame. There isn't a single club at your school that you're remotely interested in. Instead of pouting about it and not getting involved, create your own club. 

If you visit your school website it probably has all the details you need for starting a club. If it doesn't, or you can't find the information, you can also ask your RA or student advisor for advice. 

5. Consider Your Skills and Interests 

So before we said don't rule out the idea of a club just because it doesn't line up with your skill set. This advice is fine for some clubs but there are some like drama or music that are skill-based and have an auditioning process. 

Keep in mind that if you're a theater or music major and you join these clubs, it can look great on your resume later on down the line. So, maybe pick a club that corresponds to your major and then one you can do just for funsies. 

6. What Are Your Priorities?

While college clubs look great on your resume and are a ton of fun to be in, you need to think about your priorities. You're a student before anything else so you should think about how many times a week you'll have to be present in the club.

Unless you're part of an Honor Society or another club that asks for a fee to join, there really isn't much to lose if you stop attending it. Attend for a bit and then if it starts causing your grades to slip, drop it and repeat the process.  

7. Figure Out Your Schedule and Then Choose 

You can sign up for email lists and things but it might be wise for you to not commit to a club until you've figured out your schedule. You don't want to pay for a club just to remember later that it's meetings get in the way of one of your classes or work. 

Take the time to get a handle of your class schedule and study habits before you sign up for a club. 

8. Don't Join a Club Because Your Friends Are In It

If you go to college with a friend from high school that's great but you don't want to stick with them too much. This will prevent you from branching out and making new friends. To this end, don't join a club just because your friend or roommate is in it. 

If you both decide together to join the club or are both interested in it, that's a different story. 

How to Find the Best College Clubs for You 

Choosing a college club is an exciting but difficult process. You have to find out what will best for you in terms of your schedule and studies. Consider choosing a club that meshes with your major for extra brownie points on your resume.

Above all else when choosing college clubs, have fun with it! You only go to college once in most cases. Make the most of it! 

Thinking about joining the Honor Society? We have a ton of exclusive scholarships that will help you pave your path of success. Go here to put in an application.