10 Ways to Get Involved in College

This post covers 10 ways you can get involved and feel more connected on your college campus. 

Whether you just got to college and are realizing getting involved is harder than it was in high school, OR you’ve been at college for a bit and still just don’t really feel like you’re “a part” of it yet, you are not alone. 

Don’t get me wrong, the balance can be hard. You’re at college for your studies, but you also want to have fun and make friends. You need to “build that resume!!”, but there’s sooooo many choices and you’re soooo busy. 

While balance is tough, here are some ways you can get involved that won’t break the bank or consume all your time:

*Disclaimer: I’m not putting “join greek life” as a tip because the thought behind these ideas is that they’re totally (or at least mostly) free! If you want to rush and have the means to do so, go for it! It’s a great way to get involved. But if you’re looking for other ways to get involved, I got you. 

1. GET ON CAMPUS!

If you’re making an effort to meet more people on campus, the first step would be to BE on campus!😂

If you already live on-campus, get out of your room! Take advantage of common areas, study lounges, etc. Even doing the bare minimum like going to class and eating in the dining hall helps you feel like you’re a part of campus life. 

If you live off-campus, make an effort to stay on campus for more than just your classes. Study in the library, eat on campus every now and then, or grab coffee on campus. 

Along with this…

2. GO TO FREE THINGS

Chances are, you’re already paying for em’! Grab some friends and go to the cheesy bingo nights and movie showings. People work hard to put those on and you’ll probably walk away with some sort of free food or a raffle prize.😉

See 10 ways to maximize your college experience

3. GET A JOB ON CAMPUS

I’ve had many friends tell me this is how they made friends and/or felt like they were a part of their campus. (I mean, you’re literally contributing to the functioning of your school in some way so that’s pretty cool!)

You’re killing 3 birds with one stone:

✔️ getting involved
✔️ making money
✔️ building that resume!

4. JOIN HALL COUNCIL/APPLY TO BE A RESIDENT ASSISTANT

If you’re interested in campus life things like holding floor meetings or hosting fun dorm bonding activities, consider joining hall council. Take it a step further and apply to be an RA!

5. TRY STUDENT GOVERNMENT

If you’re more interested in the inner workings and decision-making of your school, consider joining student government!

6. JOIN (OR CREATE!) A CLUB

Chances are your school has a gazillion clubs you can join. You don’t have to fully commit yourself to something the first week of school, but get informed about who is meeting when and attend some meetings for clubs that seem even remotely interesting to you.

Read my Ultimate Guide to THRIVING During Welcome Week for more info on how to navigate the gazillion clubs.

I would recommend looking at clubs that are both related to your major and something that’s just for fun! (Ex: a future educators organization and an intramural volleyball team!)

If you’ve tried everything and just can’t seem to find your thing, or you’re super passionate about something there isn’t a club for yet, start one! (Think about how cool of a resume builder that is- not only did you start a club, you were also the president!! ;))

7. GO TO SPORTING EVENTS

Being in the student section and cheering on your team while learning fun chants is a sure way to help you feel like you’re a part of your school. 

I don’t know what your college’s football scene is like, but if football games aren’t your thing, look for other sporting events to attend! My school’s women’s basketball games are SO fun, I always have a good time and feel like I’m “a part of” the school cheering on the team.

Ask around and see what sports your school is known for and what’s fun to watch!

8. CHECK OUT CAMPUS MINISTRIES AND GET PLUGGED INTO A LOCAL CHURCH!

If you are going to college with any faith background whatsoever (or you’re interested in it!), I cannot recommend college ministries enough. 

At my school’s orientation, I was given a flier with a list of all the campus ministries and there were a TON. You can usually find a list somewhere on your school’s website.

Take a look at these and narrow down the ones you want to try out and then follow through. Be intentional about actually going to the ones you want to try, not just saying “I’ll try it when I have a chance”.

I know it can feel intimidating to walk into a “church” setting, but don’t let this stop you from trying out a campus ministry. Grab a friend and try it out! There’s absolutely no commitment for coming back a second time if it’s not your thing. 

Some national college ministries you can see if your campus has are:

The Baptist Student Union
The Catholic Student Union
Chi Alpha 
Lutheran Student Center
Salt Company 

You can also check out the young adults ministries at local churches. (For my Texas people, THE PORCH is awesome!)

Okay these last two ways are kinda random but hear me out:

9. TAKE A FINE ARTS CLASS/CLUB EVEN IF IT’S NOT RELATED TO YOUR MAJOR

If you did a fine art (band, choir, acting, dancing, art, etc. ) in high school or just have a side interest in something but aren’t majoring in it, don’t let that stop you from still being a part of it in college! 

Even if only as a creative outlet. Take a dance class, go on an art field trip, join an a cappella group, do something kinda out there! Not only will you have fun, you may just make some friends!

10. EAT IN THE DINING HALL

I know, sounds like a weird way to “get involved” on campus, but this is literally your hub for where so many people are at the same time. 

It honestly does help you feel more connected to your campus when you see familiar faces in the dining hall. (Nothin’ like running into Bobby from math class, am I right?)

One of my good friends is a girl that was in my roommate’s public speaking class. We kept running into her at the dining hall and ate together a lot and now we’re besties!

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That’s all! Praying y’all start to feel a sense of belonging at your school. It may take some time and that’s okay.

What ways have you gotten involved at your school?