Newswise — Going away to college is an exciting experience for most freshmen, but it can also be intimidating to leave their homes, family and social networks behind to enter a campus community where they may know only a few people. For these reasons, it is essential for students to get involved in student organizations when they begin college, according to UC San Diego's Student Organization Leadership Office Director Emily Marx.
Marx oversees over 400 student organizations on UC San Diego's campus and encourages and facilitates student involvement in student organizations on many levels.
According to Marx, the benefits of joining organizations on campus are numerous.
"Students can create a community and find a niche on campus," Marx said. "They can also gain new experiences and improve leadership and communication skills. Plus, getting involved helps students balance college life and manage stress while gaining career enhancing skills."
Underscoring these benefits, the 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement conducted by Indiana University found that students who participated in collaborative learning and educational activities outside the classroom were more satisfied with their education and more likely to remain in college. However, finding the right college group isn't always an easy process. Making friends and creating new social networks can be nerve-racking for students, but the risk of attending a group information session for the first time is worth the reward, according to Marx.
"Students shouldn't be afraid to try something new," she said. "I encourage them to stretch their comfort zone until they find a group or opportunity that is the right fit."
But how do students know if a group is right for them?
"They can talk with other students about the activities they are involved in," Marx said. "They can also explore opportunities that reflect their interests."
Students on all college campuses can find social opportunities by contacting the center for student involvement at their university. They can also research campus organizations, student governments and recreational programs on the web, Marx said.
Approximately two-thirds of UC San Diego students are involved in student organizations during their time at UC San Diego. A poll of student organization principal members conducted in June, 2007 found that a large majority of the students thought their experiences in college groups were very rewarding. "Students who actively seek out opportunities to engage in campus life have a far more enriching college life than those who do not," Marx said. "My hope is that students venture out, explore, connect and make their college experience meaningful and rich."
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