Now that you’ve had a chance to settle into campus and your first semester at college is well underway, it may be time to start thinking about some fun ways to branch out. Many college freshmen like to explore clubs and extracurriculars as a way to broaden their campus social life.
Most universities offer hundreds of options for students looking to beef up their schedules; from student organizations to quirky clubs, there is usually something for everyone. If you have no idea where to start, ask yourself what your friends are doing, how you would like to spend your free time on (or off) campus, or, if you don’t see anything you like, maybe think about starting your own club or extracurricular activity!
Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of the whacky clubs other colleges offer, like:
Humans vs Zombies, Goucher College
Humans vs Zombies may have began at Goucher College in 2005, but it quickly evolved into something much greater. Now it’s played on college campuses across the U.S. and even as far as Australia and Zimbabwe. The aim of the game is simple: if you’re a human, try to stay that way. If you get tagged by a zombie, you’re “it” and have to convert as many humans as possible. The zombies win when all human players have been tagged and turned into zombies. The humans win, however, if they survive long enough for the zombies to starve. That said, the founders do encourage players to adapt rules as needed! Since this club is so popular, it may even be offered at your school. Be on the lookout for students toting bandanas, dart blasters, and socks – they may be a good indication there’s a zombie outbreak on your campus!
Canoe Battleship Club, University of Minnesota
Playing Battleship in a canoe? Sign us up! The Canoe Battleship Club meets weekly to attempt to sink each other’s canoes in a pool. When they’re not battling for fun, members can be found battling for fundraising, battling for beef jerky (yes, you read that right), and sometimes, they just socialize – no battling needed. Those who run the club even get to boast fun titles like Grand Admiral (President), Officer Core (Vice President), Enlistment Officer (Communications), and more. It’s nice to see them keeping their club in ship-shape!
Mustache Club, Carleton College
Not much is known about why Carleton College’s elusive Mustache Club was founded, except that it’s always been devoted to the “growth, appreciation and awareness of mustaches” through an annual tradition of students growing out their ‘staches for winter. Even women can join if they’re willing to shave their face – minus the upper lip area, of course. While a mustache may seem like a silly symbol to some, the money raised by selling mustachioed merchandise frequently aids abuse victims. Sufficed to say, don’t bash the ‘stache!
Clown Nose Club, Penn State University
If you have a fear of clowns, the Clown Nose Club may not be the right extracurricular for you. All phobias aside, however, the club strives to put a smile on people’s faces through positive and genuine interaction. Members, identifiable by the red clown noses they wear, host several events throughout the school year in appreciation for various community members they encounter regularly (i.e., campus librarians, bus drivers, etc.). Sounds like their hearts are as big as their noses!
Childish Games Commission, Kalamazoo College
Bring your stuffed animals! Kalamazoo College gives its students the unique opportunity to come together and release their inner child with games like Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag, Quidditch, board games, and more when they join the Childish Games Commission. The club also hosts sleepovers, builds forts, and livens up school-sponsored events by bringing Slip N Slides to Spring Fling. After all, it’s more fun to slide into Spring Fling than into someone’s DMs.
Squirrel Club, University of Michigan
UMich definitely isn’t the only university campus to take interest in their resident squirrels, but they are perhaps one of the few to start a Squirrel Club dedicated entirely to feeding their furry friends. The club itself is pretty simple, meeting regularly to feed the squirrels and, well, that’s about it. If your campus is full of squirrels, this may be one of the easier clubs to get started. It’s a little nutty, but we’re here for it!
Hammock Club, Calvin University
While the Hammock Club became well-known at Calvin University, the act of hammocking is now fairly popular on college campuses across the US. There are even resources devoted to helping students start their own Hammock Club at their school. Members will typically post about where they are or will be hammocking for others to come join and hang out. Literally. It’s one of the more laid-back clubs – if that wasn’t already obvious.
If any of these clubs or activities seem extra appealing to you, but aren’t offered at your school, consider starting your own club. Not only is it a great leadership experience to add to your resume, but it’s also a fun way to meet people you may not have otherwise gotten to interact with on campus. Launching a new extracurricular activity can be a little intimidating if it’s your first time, but an academic advisor can tell you exactly where to start and help your new club hit the ground running.
