One of the ways that you can get involved at your university is by enjoying some of the many on-campus activities that are available. College is a great place for you to explore new interest or get better at new ones, and many of these activities cater to those types of interests.
On this page, we’re going to take a brief look at some of the activities that you can expect to see when you attend university in the United States.
Athletics
As we discuss in on our Sports and Entertainment page, sports and athletics are a huge part of American campus life. Joining college sports teams is a favorite pastime of students, whether they are international students or they are from the United States. Many universities offer traditional sports.
Here are some of the sports that you will see on the average college campus.
- American Football
- Rugby
- Field Hockey
- Soccer (Football)
- Ice Hockey
- Tennis
- Lacrosse
- Softball
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Skiing
- Golf
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Martial Arts
- Cheerleading
- Dodgeball
- Volleyball
Both intramural sports and competitive sports are enjoyed by student athletes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversees all of the inter-collegiate sports that are played throughout the United States. Even if you don’t play sports, you can watch games that occur on your campus as well.
Career and/or Major Associations
If you are attending an American university for a particular major or toward a particular career, there is probably a student organization that is directed toward you and your interests. These organizations frequently help prepare you for the working world. They may take you to seminars or conferences related to your major, or offer help with papers and/or other subjects related to your program of study. Talk to your advisor or those within your program to see if there is one of these groups at your university.
Postgraduate Associations
If you are attending university for postgraduate studies (frequently referred to as graduate school in the United States), there may be an organization for those who are pursuing Master’s and/or Doctorate degrees. These organizations are about networking and/or they assist with adjusting to postgraduate life. They may also offer benefits to those in particular programs, like seminars and conferences, as well.
International Student Associations
If you are an international student at any university or college in the United States, there is likely an international student association on your campus. Take some time to get involved with these organizations; they usually consist of both graduate and undergraduate students. The purpose of these organizations is primarily social; they help to connect you to others who have decided to attend your university as an international student.
Sororities and Fraternities
These organizations are usually national organizations that have a particular chapter at the college or university that you are attending. They are usually represented by Greek letters, and are sometimes referred to as “Greek life” organizations. Some of them are social organizations, others focus on doing service projects and activities, and others may be honors organizations that are associated with your major or area of study. More information about Greek life can be found on your university’s website or at the websites of the Greek organization(s) that you are considering joining.
Performing Arts Clubs
Performing arts clubs and organizations are great if you are interested in music or theatre. Some of these groups are associated with the performing arts department at your college or university; others were started by students and are primarily run by students. You may even get a chance to perform on a stage, in front of a crowd, if you want to. If you have any talent in performing arts, chances are you can find a musical group or theatre group that meets your interest.
Other Activities
Even if you do not get involved with a group or organization on your university campus, there are still a number of things you can do. Student life organizations will frequently throw fun events that you can attend alone or with some of the friends that you have made. Some of these include movie showings, game nights, competitions, career fairs, shopping trips, and a number of other activities that may appeal to a large contingent of students. You can often find calendars on your university’s website that can give you more information about the locations, dates, and times of these activities.
If you are looking for a group to join while attending your college and/or university, your international students’ office and/or your student union can help assist you in finding one. You may also be able to find a list of organizations on your university’s website. Either way, getting involved with on-campus activities is a great way to network and have fun while attending university in the United States.