You’ll likely have numerous options for extracurriculars at university — the amount of choice may even be overwhelming. Since you’ll only be able to belong to a few clubs, organizations, and teams at the most, it’s important to think carefully about which you’ll join. Here are a few ways you can narrow down your options.
1. Pick Something You’ll Commit To
Avoid signing up for numerous extracurriculars because you think it will look good on your resume. Prospective employers may ask you questions about your experience and the skills you learned — it will quickly become obvious if you almost never attended meetings. Plus, employers know that university students have a busy schedule, meaning there’s no way you could have time to be a member of a large number of campus organizations.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Attend Alone
It can be tempting to join an extracurricular because you know someone else who wants to join, such as a roommate. However, it’s important to step outside your comfort zone in university — and joining a club on your own is a great way to do this. Besides, you’ll soon make friends at the extracurricular. Better still, these people are more likely to become your close friends because you’ll share similar interests.
3. Follow Your Passions
The most obvious way to choose the right extracurricular is to join a club for something you’re already passionate about. You may have played a sport in high school, have always been interested in volunteering in your community, or want to develop leadership skills through an elected position. Bear in mind that it’s better to join something you are passionate about instead of thinking about what will look good to potential employers. Not only do you want to enrich your time at university, your passion will come across when you’re talking about your experience, such as in job interviews.
4. Create Your Own Club
If you’re passionate about something that’s not represented at your university, consider starting your own club. Your university will have specific requirements to start a group, which will usually include meeting a minimum requirement for the number of members. This may be easier to achieve after you’ve been at university for some time and have friends you can invite to bring up your numbers.
5. Explore New Interests
Extracurriculars are also a great way to discover new hobbies and passions — you may even decide to change your career path. If an extracurricular peaks your interest, go to a meeting at least once just to see. After all, it’s difficult to know if you’ll enjoy or be good at a particular activity until you try. You may even like to try out a few extracurriculars at the beginning of the semester and then just join whatever resonates with you.
The great thing about extracurriculars is you’ll expand your circle of friends. If you want to entertain these friends at home, you’ll need to be living in an apartment that has enough space. A great alternative to Ontario Tech University residence is Foundry Simcoe. In addition to your fully-furnished suite — located just steps from campus — you’ll be able to spend time with other students in our community lounge. Plus, there’s reserved parking, pure fiber internet, and even balconies in select units. Apply now to join our waitlist.