The Top 15 Best Extracurricular Activities for College Applications

Studies show that roughly 19 million students attend college annually. With so many people seeking higher education, knowing how to make the most of your college experience is critical.

One of the best ways to do so is by picking the right college extracurricular activities. But with so many responsibilities to handle, how can you add more to your plate?

The best way to do so is by knowing what's available and what you can handle during your semester. If you're curious about some unique college extracurricular activities, we're here to help. Read on for a thorough guide on picking your extracurricular activities and a brief list of some excellent choices.

How to Pick Your College Extracurricular Activities

There are countless activities available to you, but that doesn't mean all are ideal. Instead, you should fine-tune your extracurricular activities to your schedule and interest.

Additionally, many people associate leisure or relaxation with their out-of-class work. While this is the case for some activities, not all of them are for leisure.

Some of the best career choices you can make are early extracurricular activities. Here are three factors to help you fill out your agenda.

Personal Interest

It's often difficult to find time to add more than what's mandatory. How can you find the motivation to squeeze in another task?

A great way to do so is to have an interest in the subject. These can vary from hobby activities like a gaming club or academic pursuits that will help your class work.

However, there are times when something may not interest you but still be a suggested choice. For example, you may choose to enroll in a line of skill-building workshops.

While you may not have a personal interest in interview skills, you'll benefit from having the ability later in life. Don't minimize your college activities list by only doing things that sound fun.

Available Time

Another critical factor is how much time you have available.

Studies show that some students study more than five hours a day. If you're chasing a particularly academic major, such as a STEM path, you may need to spend much longer studying.

Your classes and coursework will take up an immense amount of time as well. Additionally, many students are employed while they're in college, further eating into their time.

It's easy to see why an important factor is how much time you have on your hands. Between college essay writing, a full-time job, and planning for the next semester, it isn't always a great time for extracurricular activities.

Look at how much time you have available and consider the commitment that a new activity will bring. Do your best to avoid overwhelming yourself during the semester.

Relevance To Progress

Did you know that your extracurricular activities can build your resume? Some of the best resume builders are unique college extracurricular activities.

For example, think of what clubs are associated with your major. An English major may seek creative writing clubs, book clubs, or similar paths. These positions can help you network and, depending on your job within the club, lead to a spot on your resume.

There are also more professional extracurriculars you can chase. The same English major may join a school newspaper as a proofreader, editor, or contributor. After college, this experience carries as much weight as some professional experiences.

Consider what will help you in your professional and academic path. Finding these opportunities is a good way to stay ahead while also enjoying your spare time.

Types of Extracurricular Activities

Now that we know how to pick your activities, what's available? Extracurricular activities fall into four primary categories. However, many of these categories will intersect.

For example, many activities that appeal to your interests may also build your resume. Others may further your academic interests while also helping you build a social circle.

As such, you should consider which of these factors is the most important to you. It's also important to remember that you aren't kept to a single activity. You'll have plenty of semesters to experience new things, and you can have several out-of-class experiences over a single semester.

Academic

Most extracurricular activities fall under the academic umbrella. These are activities that are closely related to or furthering your academic interests.

If you're a political science major, you may look for political out-of-classroom activities. Student council positions, local rallies, or getting involved in a local politician's campaign are all good examples.

These positions are often ones that are closely linked to your interests since they're within your major. Consider what academic activities are available to your path.

However, it's easy to overload yourself with academic activities. These may feel like extra coursework, so pace yourself and research what you have available. 

Personality

Another category is extracurricular activities that match your personality. These are dominantly non-academic and non-professional interests. While you can often find a way to put them on a resume, these are more often for leisure.

A good example is local video games or board game clubs. These organizations are a great way to socialize and release stress, but you won't have a benefit to your academic life.

It's suggested that you have at least a few extracurricular activities that relate to your personal interests. They're a great way to keep yourself motivated and happy during heavy coursework weeks.

Community

Similar to personality activities are ones centered on community. Socializing during college is critical to your mental health.

Nearly 40% of students in college spend five hours or less each week socializing. Some students feel they get enough socializing done in class, but removing yourself from the academic setting is important.

Socializing is shown to have benefits for your mental health and motivation. But what sort of extracurricular activities will help?

Clubs related to your interest are a great place to start. Track meetups or local sports teams will help you meet new people and keep your body healthy.

Local coffee shops often hold poetry nights or open mics. Keep track of local events that you can attend to help you improve your social interactions.

You should also remember that many lifelong connections are made during college. These unique college extracurricular activities are part of your college experience, so don't pass them by. Take time out of your schedule to interact with your classmates.

Professional

Finally, many activities are professional. These include activities that are related to your path and will help you further down the line.

If you're going for another degree or something beyond your 4-year path, these will help with your college application. Professional activities include internships, apprenticeships, employment, and more.

Not all professional positions are linked to employment. Finding a leadership position among your school's clubs will help build your resume as well. 

A good rule of thumb is that something becomes professional if you would put it on your resume. Think of what resume builders you want and work from there.

Now that we better understand extracurriculars, read on for our brief college activities list. These 15 activities are a great starting point for you to think of what to add to your schedule.

1. Employment

One of the best things you can do during college is to find employment.

Employment is the ultimate resume builder, particularly if you find something related to your major. While this may not always feel possible, there are positions that are related to any major.

Hospitality majors can find a position in any restaurant or business and add it to their resume. If you're a psychology major, you could easily justify these positions as professional experience as well. Marketing, finance, and other business degrees will also benefit from these positions.

If you have a more clerical degree, such as an English major in the technical communication path, consider some desk jobs. Front desk positions, HR and PR jobs, and other similar jobs are a great choice.

The main difficulty with employment is how to work it into your schedule. Your classwork keeps you busy, so how can you hold a job?

For most people, you simply have to make time. Many students also don't have the choice of not being employed. Your choices will depend on your finances.

You may find it best to apply to positions that are semi-permanent. It isn't uncommon for students to quit a job mid-semester as their classwork piles up.

That said, longer-held positions look better on a resume. These are all personal choices, so do what's best for you without sacrificing your grades.

2. Internships

Similar to employment are internships. Internships are positions that are meant for students or trainees.

As an intern, your goal is to gain professional work experience. While some internships are fulfilling on a personal level, these are not leisurely positions.

Most internships are unpaid, which many students are turning against. An unpaid internship will help you gain work experience or satisfy academic and professional qualifications.

The same is true for a paid internship. Needless to say, you should prioritize a paid internship over an equal unpaid internship. You'll have to give the same time and effort, so why not get paid at the end?

Still, you should go on a case-by-case basis. Some unpaid internships may offer more impressive experience on your resume.

What's the difference between a paid internship and a job? The primary difference is that the internship is more closely related to your major. Typical college jobs may not help further your academic path.

3. Volunteering and Community Service

Employment and internships are good, but what about other ways to build your resume? These positions are often highly competitive. If you aren't able to get such a position, you still have many avenues open.

One of the best ways is through volunteering. Your college will have a plethora of opportunities to volunteer.

One way to do so is through community service. These options may include helping to clean up your college or helping during campus events.

Does your college have a nature section, such as a forest walk or arboretum? You can apply to help keep the pathways clean and safe. For some colleges, this is a paid position.

On your resume, these positions show that you sought something that needed doing and tackled the job. It's a wonderful way to show you're driven and ambitious.

Some tasks include:

• Community cleanup
• Helping senior citizens
• Assisting students in workshops and labs
• Helping to organize sports events
• Aiding your student dorm association

You can often find volunteer opportunities online or in the library. Explore your campus and see what's on offer.

4. Artistic Pursuits

Not everything during college needs to work toward building a resume. You need time to rest your body and mind. One of the most popular ways to do so is by chasing an artistic pursuit.

Studies show that creativity is linked to a healthier mind. Taking time out of your week to focus on an artistic pursuit can help improve your academic performance.

Think of what arts call out to you. Do you want to teach yourself to paint between semesters? Maybe the summer semester's relatively relaxed workload is a good time to take up an instrument.

Once you have the supplies for your pursuit, this is also free. If you're living on a budget, this is a great way to learn a new skill while relaxing.

However, most colleges will also offer lessons or workshops. Check your local art departments for workshops or lessons in creative pursuits.

5. Join a Casual Sports Club

Want to relax in a way that doesn't focus on the arts? Colleges almost always have some sort of casual sports club.

These opportunities are most often advertised in the gym or other recreation spots. The clubs will often depend on what your college has available. If you're in a landlocked state, surfing clubs or beach volleyball are less common, for example.

These clubs are often leisurely and filled with people trying to relax. You can keep your body healthy while meeting new people and networking.

6. Find Academic Clubs and Teams

Do you want your extracurricular time to be a mix of leisure and professional experience?

Colleges are chock full of clubs, teams, and interest groups. These organizations are perfect for networking, exploring new topics, and filling up your resume.

Explore what your college offers in relation to your major. Common clubs include:

• School newspapers or news sites
• Veterinary or medical associations and clubs
• Student government positions
• Debate club and other political experiences
• Creative writing or literary clubs

Your best options will relate to your major and interests. Think of what you'd like to spend your spare time exploring and see what your college offers.

7. Seek Leadership Experience

No resume builder is better than leadership experience. Thankfully, no place is better to earn leadership experience than your college.

What differentiates leadership experience from other resume builders? Many employers are more impressed by positions that show you taking charge. Management positions or team leader jobs are great options.

These are both professional and non-professional. A position as a resident assistant or working in student government will show these qualities.

Another great way to do so is to organize your own club. Do you have friends who would like a professional excuse to spend time together?

Create a club together and keep track of organization and leadership. You'll have an incredibly relaxed time with friends while still being able to put the position on your resume.

8. Build Technological Skills

In today's age, technological skills are ever-present and critical. You can further your career and interests simply by learning some of these skills.

For example, why not teach yourself how to code over a summer break? Having such an introduction to a skill that's becoming more popular every year will help you in your career.

You also can focus on less difficult skills, such as improving your typing. Find a few common programs to learn, such as the Microsoft and Adobe suites that the professional world uses.

By doing so, you're keeping more avenues open for what you can explore later. These skills may also blossom into a hobby or a new path in life.

9. Get Involved On Campus

Have you found yourself walking through your campus and wanting changes? You may wish there were more activities related to your interests or feel some things need improvements.

The best way to do so is to be the change. Your college campus offers a great number of opportunities to get involved.

One of the most common ways is through the Student Government Association or SGA. However, these are time-consuming positions that often require running for election. Most students that do so are political science majors and are doing so to further their careers.

Instead, consider creating a club or starting petitions for change. You should also work to understand as much about your campus as possible. Learning such things can help you enact change.

10. Political Activism

While you're enacting change, why not get involved off campus as well?

Colleges are common places for political activism. Many students will hold rallies, walks, and protests throughout the campus. These actions often take place off campus as well.

Politics are intimidating, but you shouldn't ignore them. Consider what political talking points are important to you and help enact change.

11. Travel When Possible

One of the best college extracurricular activities is actually leaving the college campus.

If you live on campus, you spend nearly all of your time inundated with academia. From studying to clubs to worrying about your next semester, you'll need a break.

As such, you should consider traveling during breaks. Spring break, winter break, and summer break are three ideal windows during your school year.

Many college students live on a strict budget. Your travels don't need to cost you a fortune and take you across the world. Think of local towns you've wanted to visit or state lines you can easily drive across.

These vacations are perfect for keeping your head clear and keeping you motivated. Always prioritize your health over professional and academic pursuits.

12. Spend Time Away From Class

Want time away from school but can't swing a vacation? Find ways to spend your time outside of the classroom.

Look up some local coffee shops or bookstores you can spend a day in. Breaking your routine will help improve your work. You'll also avoid burnout, keeping your grades from slipping.

13. Seek Social Settings

As critical as socializing is, it isn't always convenient. You may need to seek out social settings to work them into your extracurricular schedule.

For example, look up local concerts or group meet-ups. Think of your hobbies and what you'll enjoy most. These places are the most likely to have people you want to socialize with.

Still, don't hesitate to leave your comfort zone. Use your socializing days to explore new things and meet exciting people.

14. Create a Business

Did you know that about 60% of businesses start in college? Entrepreneurship is one of the strongest ways to build your experience.

Think of what skills you have and how you can work to professionalize them. Artists can start a freelance career, while coders may build a website. There's no limit beyond your creativity, so brainstorm your startup and get to work.

15. Explore Academically

Finally, you shouldn't hesitate to explore academically. Many students lock themselves into a path during high school and find they don't enjoy it as much as they expected.

Think of electives and activities outside of your major. Explore these experiences and see if you may have another path waiting for you. 

If you decide to shift paths, put deep thought into your choice. Doing so can lose some college credits, extending your time in college.

Building the Perfect College Experience

Finding the perfect college extracurricular activities depends on your interests and desires. Think of how you can build your resume with professional and academic experiences. Never underestimate socializing and do your best not to overwhelm yourself.

For more informative reads, be sure to browse our site. You can also apply to join us at the Honor Society to help build the ideal college experience.