Why Get Involved in a Club or Society?
Updated: Apr 27, 2020
By: Erin Boyle
The first time experiencing anything different will always be nerve-racking. Starting university in a city you aren’t familiar with brings the nerves to a new extreme. As much as one thinks they are prepared for their first day of university, no one can mentally prepare you for how you’re going to feel when sitting in a lecture hall with two hundred other people wanting to pursue a career similar to you or, maybe you’re like me and you’re unsure of what you want to be when you’re older (which is even more nerve-racking). For my fellow first year students or even students in upper years, if there is one piece of advice that I could give to help the nerves disappear it would be: join a club or society.
University can seem so big and there can be times where you feel as though you are just a student number in a sea full of people. I did not realize that when I came to university I would turn into such an introvert. Joining a club really helped me to break out of my shell and get rid of some of the anxieties I was feeling towards communicating with my peers.
A club offers a sense of belonging. By joining a club, I feel as though I have people around me who I can always turn to for advice or just for help with finding a building on campus (it’s easy to get lost around here). Clubs are a great way to expand your network and they offer tons of support throughout the year. Although semester one is coming to an end there is still a chance to sign up for clubs and societies starting in January. Take advantage of what Carleton has to offer. Personally, I do not know what I would be doing if I did not join CUSS. It is societies and clubs like this one that foster creativity and friendships. The people that I have met this year because of this wonderful society are some of the most genuine people that I have ever met. Clubs and societies really allow you to branch into groups with people who share common goals and interests with you. Below are 6 reasons why I think everyone reading this post should go out and join a club:
Support system.
You will meet people who genuinely want to help you achieve your goals. Upper year students in these clubs have gone through all of the stresses of first year and many are eager to help you get through them successfully. (Remember you’re not the only one experiencing nerves, there are tons of other people in the same boat).
Friendships.
The people in these clubs could possibly end up being your new best friends. When moving to a new area (if you’re like me and you’re hours away from home) friends are what will get you through those rough nights when all you want to do is eat chocolate and cry over an assignment you forgot about.
Take your mind off school.
Let your mind relax after a long week of midterms and assignments. These clubs are a way to take the pressure off of school and focus on something that really interests you.
CCR/ Volunteer.
Many clubs and societies offer volunteer experiences and opportunities that could go towards your co-curricular record.
Events.
What better way to network and meet other people in your area of interest than to participate in events held by a club that interests you. These events range from awesome dances to networking nights with real professionals.
FUN.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. There is so much fun to be had when joining a club!
There is nothing that I look forward to more than when I get to meet with the people in my club and we all talk about our week and share funny stories.
So my fellow Ravens, go explore all of the wonderful clubs and societies around campus. There is something for everyone’s area of interest. I promise you will not regret it.