The Importance of Participating in Extracurriculars While in College
This article outlines the benefits of participating in activities outside of courses.
By Xavier Royer — January 25, 2023
High school guidance counselors and other advisors stress the importance of academics while in college to the extent that it may even seem like the only thing that matters. However, in my experience, participating in extracurricular activities are almost just as important and beneficial. It is important to understand that college is not necessarily only about academics. College is a journey to finding your future and creating a pathway. Extracurriculars are a great way to find this pathway. This article will outline the benefits of participating in activities outside of courses.
Venturing Outside of the Dorm Room
While your dorm room will become your safe space, it can also feel confining. Routines may start to feel boring and repetitive. Extracurriculars are a great way to break up the mundane routine of class, homework, and sleep.
Dorm rooms can feel incredibly isolating after even a couple of days. Feeling isolated for extended periods may lead to decreased mental health symptoms such as heightened anxiety and depression. It is important to find things to do that stimulate your mind and provide social interaction. Humans are inherently social and require interaction with others to say healthy. Activities outside of your courses are a great way to fulfill these needs.
Meeting New People
Extracurriculars are great places to meet people inside and outside your chosen major. It provides an opportunity to meet people with similar ambitions. Or, if you prefer, you can find a club or organization beyond what you would normally consider and expand your horizons.
Many schools offer a wide variety of clubs. Intramurals and club sports are usually very accessible for athletic students. E-Sports and other tabletop gaming clubs are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to compete but are not athletically inclined.
Religious students may find a corresponding faith-based community on campus. Honors programs and other academic organizations can help students engage in their academics outside of the classroom. Often, individual departments will feature organizations specific to their field.
Another great representation of extracurriculars is Greek Life and Divine Nine organizations. Fraternities and Sororities are a great way to connect with your peers and those who have participated before you. Greek Life is also a great way to make connections and inroads that are helpful when looking for future career paths. Some examples of extracurriculars on my small college campus alone students can participate in Model UN, Statesman Allied, Film Club, and Business Club.
Curating a Well-Rounded Resume
Though you may not know your path after college, you want to prep are for any decision your future self may make. This, of course, includes a good GPA and solid knowledge within your chosen field. It may also include the things you did outside of your class load. Future employers or admissions counselors may look at what you did in your free time. These can be especially important when going into competitive programs or fields.
While I would not encourage anyone to try anything that would invoke detrimental anxiety... I encourage you to find at least one thing to get you out of your comfort zone. A good goal for all first-year students would be to join at least one organization or club during their first year. This will get students to attend social activities and school engagement.
Going to college can be intimidating and maybe even a little bit scary. Most of the time, students are in a new place with entirely new people. Sometimes it can be hard to make friends. Extracurriculars are a great way to battle these challenges. Though it may seem scary and embarrassing to some, there is nothing to worry about. College is the place to find who you are and push the boundaries you previously put on yourself. Most importantly, college is the place to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Xavier Royer
I am currently a full time instructor at a William Penn University, a small private university in Iowa. I am the lone political science faculty member there. In my time teaching, I have already connected with an incredible cohort of students in ways I could never have expected. Partnering with SAGE will allow me the opportunity to help even more students across the globe navigate those tricky questions.
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