IU has hundreds of clubs and organizations for students to choose from, making it difficult to find the right one to commit to. A student’s busy schedule only allows them to devote time to a few clubs at once, so here is a guide to help you find clubs that are the right fit for you.
Identify your interests
First, figure out what hobbies or activities you want to pursue. Some people look for clubs closely aligning with their major or academic goals, and some want to choose a club based on an interest they pursued in high school. Others may want to try something completely new. In my opinion, it is good to get involved in a diverse set of clubs.
I used to think I had to join clubs solely aligning with my professional goals or ones that looked good on my resume. However, I realize now that this is not the case. While organizations connected with your major are important for getting experience in your chosen career path, getting involved with clubs related to your hobbies or ones that allow you to try something new are equally important. They can provide a way for you to unwind and relax or focus on other interests that are important to you.
“Most students should think of what they want to do for fun when joining a club,” Char Jones, vice president of operations at WIUX, said. “So much of college is focused on having a successful career after college, and while that is important, sometimes it's just nice to do something for yourself.”
Consider the size of the club
Some students work best in an environment with fewer people, whereas others thrive in larger organizations. If you are nervous about meeting a large group of people, you have to decide if it is something you want to try or if it will be counterproductive. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is equal parts intimidating and rewarding.
Do research
The beINvolved website is a great source to explore all the clubs and organizations at IU. You can use the categories filter to narrow down the options by theme such as arts and entertainment or sports, but also school. Social media is also helpful in discovering new clubs and organizations. A club’s posts can help inform the overall goals and values and upcoming events you might be interested in.
Go to the call-out meeting
Once you create a list of clubs of interest, attending a club’s call-out meeting can be really helpful. Clubs provide important information like schedules and application deadlines while introducing you to current members. You also have the chance to meet others like you who are considering joining. Attending these meetings can help you understand the environment of the club, which can further guide you in deciding if you want to join. Even if you don’t end up joining the club, it's a good way to meet people and learn about what you value in an organization.
Stay up to date
It is very important to keep up with updates for the clubs you are interested in, especially things like application deadlines or call-out meeting dates. You can find most of the information by following the organization on social media, joining its GroupMe or subscribing to its newsletter if there is one.
