The Ultimate Guide to Joining Clubs in College

Joining clubs in college is fundamental to getting the entire college experience. I’ve been a member of many clubs, quit a lot of those same clubs, move up the ranks within some and even re-joined others. To sum it all up–joining clubs in college isn’t always that simple.

The truth of the matter is some clubs aren’t really clubs (ie: they don’t hold meetings and you’re not sure what’s  going on) and some clubs just don’t fit into your schedule and sometimes you’re just not as into them as you thought. These tips and suggestions will help you find clubs you love and thrive within them!

1. Join a club that interests you.

Obviously. While it’s great to want to be active in your college community, joining clubs that you have no interest in doesn’t benefit any part involved. Even if it’s something like jousting that you have no experience in, join anyway! You’ll learn and there will be other members who don’t know much about the club either.

2. Don’t avoid joining for fear of not knowing anyone.

While it’s always nice to join a club with a friend or a club where you know you’ll already have built in friends, don’t be afraid to join a club full of strangers. This is a nice way to make friends who share a similar interest as you or are also looking to explore something new.

3. Pick a club whose meetings and events fit into your schedule.

This is really important. In life, you never want to half-ass anything and this should apply to clubs. Even if you really love a club, if their meetings and events are during times where you have class or work, you’ll never go. Put off the club until next semester when you might be able to fit it into your schedule.

4. Make your presence known.

Don’t just sign in, sit in the back and then leave when the meeting is over. Make an effort to be an active member in the club by participating in events, chatting with other members and offering input when necessary. Doing this will leave a great impression and give you value as a member.

5. Work your way up.

Leadership positions in clubs are amazing for a resume! After being in a club for about two years I was able to advance to a board position. Not only is it really cool to be able to be in a position of power for my favorite club on campus, it’s also taught me a lot of things–including things I didn’t think I’d need to learn like how to stop a giant bucket of water from leaking all over a hardwood floor during a concert. It’s also given me opportunities to meet comedians and musicians–side note, definitely join the club on your campus that organizes events! It’s a great club.

A nice way to do this is to become friendly with those already in the position you want. Seeing what he/she does will help you learn more about the position. Also, don’t be afraid to apply as a freshman. It’s possible to get it and even if you don’t, it’s great for showing your dedication for when you apply next year.

6. Hang out with club members outside of the club.

Making friends in college 101–if you like someone in your club or class, make sure you hang out with them outside of it to turn it into a more stable friendship rather than a meetings/class only one. This can start as simple as, “Hey, after the newspaper meeting tonight do you wanna grab dinner?” or “You live in the Ivy Dorm too? Let’s walk to the club meeting together!”

7. Attend the activities fair.

In the beginning of the year, most colleges throw a huge activities fair where each club sets up a table and has members there providing information.

This is your time to ask questions about the club to members of the club. As someone who has helped man booths for a club, questions are encouraged and we’re always more than happy to answer them. Feel free to write your e-mail down at a ton of tables if you’re not sure what to join. You can always unsubscribe later!

8. Actively reap the benefits.

When you’re in a club, don’t simply exist in the club. Get the most out of your time by actually gaining something out of the club whether it be leadership experience or friendships. Joining a club is only the first step–being an actual member of the club is a whole other story.

Avoid sitting in the back and playing a passive role and if you plan to add the club to your LinkedIn or resume, make sure you accomplish things worth sharing whether it be helping to lead your club to the regional competition or volunteering at a fundraiser for it.

9. Give the first few meetings a chance.

If you’re on the fence about a club, attend the first meeting. You don’t need to commit to anything–it’s kind of like going on a first date. The first meeting might not be an accurate reflection of the club (typically they pull out all of the big guns and sparkle here) so try to attend the first three meetings before making a definite decision on the club.

10. If there’s nothing for you, consider making a club.

Research your campus’ policy for creating clubs on campus and also make sure nothing similar has been created before. After doing so, post around your college’s Facebook or use word of mouth to find others that might be interested in this club. This is a great way to round up like-minded people and it also looks great on the resume to add that you founded and created a club on campus.

What is a club you love or hope to join?