Six great ways to get involved on campus

Illinois is home to more than 44,000 students, so finding where you fit in may at first seem like a daunting task. But with more than 1,400 registered student organizations, 97 professional/social fraternities and sororities, sports teams, music groups, cultural houses, volunteer projects, student government, student employment, and research opportunities, campus offers many outlets to find your community! Here are some tips on getting started:

1. Go to Quad Day! It’s the annual exposition for many RSOs and student groups looking to recruit new members at the beginning of the school year. This is the best way to get a sense of the variety of organizations on campus and talk to current members about their experiences.
    
2. Talk to your peers! Hearing about other people’s involvement can help make you aware of possibilities. Interested in joining a club soccer team? Ask that kid in your dorm who always walks around in cleats and grass stained shorts. Chances are, he knows about how to join a team. Talking to advisors and professors can also help you get involved.
    
3. Consider rushing! Although not necessary for a social life on campus, many students decide to join a fraternity or sorority. In addition to the social frats and sororities, professional and honor societies offer additional opportunities.
    
4. Sign up for newsletters! Many of your academic departments have email newsletters that RSOs and employers use to advertise. In addition to your academic department, signing up for newsletters from places like the Office of Volunteer Programs or the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts can expose you to various activities and groups.
   
   From these newsletters, I have personally learned about some of my tutoring and volunteer activities. I joined the Illini Mentor Program my freshman year after reading about it in the OVP newsletter. This has definitely been one of the most impactful activities of my undergraduate career as I have developed many great skills, had the opportunity to work with the community, and created meaningful relationships with fellow mentors.
    
5. Google! With so much out there, a quick Google search of “[insert activity here] UIUC” can help you discover campus opportunities. I play the viola, so when first coming to Illinois, I used this method to find the student orchestra I participate in.
    
6. Make your own RSO! Still not finding what you like? Don’t fret! If you and four friends have an idea for a novel organization, you can officially create one and recruit others who share your interest.

So, as you can begin to see, Illinois offers countless outlets to help you explore your passions. Whether you join a brotherhood, volunteer on weekends, enjoy squirrel watching, dance, or play broomball, you can find other students to share in your interests.

While the sheer number of opportunities can seem overwhelming, once you start figuring out where to look, getting involved at Illinois will be the highlight of your time on campus!