Clubs are a great way to explore your interests and reduce the stress about moving to college. With more than 200 clubs and organizations at Lehigh of various sizes and purposes to choose from, there’s a wealth of options to find what best fits your idea of a good time. Here’s a guide to making that process a little easier.
How do I find clubs?
At the beginning of each fall and spring semester, the club expo is a great space to explore clubs across the university. It gives you the opportunity to ask club members any questions you have so you can learn about the club. This will help you decide if it's something you want to be a part of or not. Another good way to find out information about a particular club is to look at their social media accounts and reach out to some of the students who are involved in the club. You can also ask your friends or gryphons for recommendations.
How do I pick the right clubs?
Make a list of the clubs that you're interested in and attend a meeting for each one. As you attend the meetings, narrow down the list of clubs you’re still interested in. Joining a club gives you the freedom to explore and get out of your comfort zone. You can pick a club that corresponds to your major and look great on your resume. Or you can join a club that involves something you’ve always been curious about but have never had the opportunity to try. Chances are, you won’t be the only one trying it out for the first time. Whatever it might be, think about what you would like to do with your free time that gives you joy and motivation.
How many clubs should I join in college?
You should join the number of clubs that you ultimately feel comfortable with. The idea is to develop close relationships with the people involved, rather than spreading yourself too thin trying to participate in as many clubs as possible. Many students join a single club to devote their time and balance club activities with their academic studies. Those with diverse interests find themselves joining multiple clubs, while still maintaining a set schedule. Do what you think is best for your own interests and don’t feel pressured to pursue all your interests at the same time.
What are the benefits of joining a club?
A college club is where you will expand your knowledge of a certain subject, whether it be something you plan on majoring in or want to try out to see if it fits your interests. What you learn can enhance your academic performance and supplement your resume. You will gain interpersonal skills through interacting with people from different backgrounds, who can mentor and connect you with a network of alumni and professionals. Likewise, it’s a great environment to make new friends. Doing something joyful will also limit your stress and help you channel your energy into productive activities.
How to make the most out of joining clubs?
When you finally discover a club that you’re passionate about, it’s always worth giving it your best shot. Not only will this commitment heighten your experience, but your effort will shine through on job applications and recommendation letters. If you’re interested in a particular topic, don’t hesitate to bring it up to other club members. Expressing your viewpoints is a great way to contribute to the growth of your club. You’re guaranteed to find like-minded people who share similar interests, and you can work together to develop club activities that cater to your hobbies or career goals. Also, take advantage of the resources Lehigh has to offer to customize programs and create events that bring educational value to campus.