How to ... get involved on campus: What to do with your free time
Mon 13 Nov 2017
Going to university is not just about learning by going to class and doing course work. University is also a place where you can broaden your horizons through activities outside the lecture hall. Get involved on campus and spend your free time meeting new people, having new experiences, honing your skills and challenging yourself.
Clubs to appeal to international students
Most universities offer a wide range of student clubs. Usually, at the start of each term, there will be a day or two when clubs and organizations are on display and you can get information about them and sign up. Whether its sports, games, political, social, arts, there should be a lot to choose from. To give you a flavor of the clubs and societies available to international students, have a look at what’s on offer at ONCAMPUS Boston.
Many universities will also have clubs for international students based on your home country or ethnicity, such as an Asian Students Club or more specific clubs, like Japan Club or Thai Club. For example, the Thai Club could include Thai students, but could also those students interested in Thai culture or cuisine or those studying Thai. Find out more of each of the clubs by talking to the club representatives on these open days.
Try something new
Joining a club is, of course, a great way to deepen a skill or interest you already have. For instance, if you are a chess player join the chess club. But also remember that clubs are a great way to try something new as well. Maybe you always wanted to sing? Play the guitar? Be involved in a theatre production? Play American football? Learn leadership skills? There are so many options out there, don’t limit your choices to things you are already familiar with! Also, keep in mind that you can join more than one club.
Choose a club to strengthen your vocational skills
Clubs are also a great place for getting practical skills that may help you get a job after graduating. For example, if you are interested in journalism or media, join the university paper or university radio station. You will get hands-on experience that could shape what you want to do after graduating.
Some universities may have an entrepreneurship club. A perfect club to join, if you are interested in starting your own business – perhaps even while you are at school. This means some clubs can help you get practical skills, aside from what you will be learning in class. Employers will look for skills like leadership, teamwork, multi-tasking, management, and negotiating, these skills can be demonstrated in the activities you have participated in outside of the classroom.
Whatever your interests may be, joining a university club is a great way to develop a strong social circle. Having good friends on campus is important for everyone, but is especially important for international students, who may be far away from their families and friends. Having a group of friends that share your interests will help you feel at home at university. By becoming involved in campus life, you can enhance your university experience and broaden your horizons. So, get out there and sign up for a club!
Check out the clubs and societies on offer at our ONCAMPUS USA centers
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