“Socially, I cannot stress this enough: Join the speech team (also called forensics or the debating club). Cream of the crop in terms of intelligence and drive; traveling across the country, too (depending on your school’s interest and budget); scholarships; trophies; and lots of talking. If talking’s not your thing, then join a different club. A club or team is the fastest, easiest way to become part of college life.”
—Judith Pasko, California State Northridge
Now that I’ve convinced you to join clubs, sports teams, and service groups, how can you decide where you fit in best? Start by getting a complete list of the activities offered on your campus. You can find these lists in the student handbook, on the university’s Web page, through the dean of students office, or from the student activities board. You’ll be astonished at the great variety you find.
The offerings can be divided into these main
divisions:
a. Cultural arts groups
b. Fraternities and sororities
c. Intramural sports
d. Minority student groups
e. Political action groups
f. Publications
g. Religious groups
h. Service groups
i. Special interests (left-handed scissors users,etc.)
j. Student government
If you attended a very large high school, perhapsyou could choose from 30, 40, or maybe even 50 different clubs. Small high schools might offeronly 10 to 15. A large university, in contrast, can offer upward of 300 different clubs, organizations, religious groups, teams, fraternities, sororities, and service groups.
