Find Your Tribe: The Benefits of Campus Clubs, Associations and Organisations

Get ready with us to find your tribe!

Whether you are a fresher or an OG aka stalite, you have probably had a thousand and one people walk up to you inviting you to join an association or organisation and maybe you have wondered how that would be of any benefit to you, or you were just not interested. Well, we hope to change your view on campus clubs, associations and organisations as we unravel how joining any of these groups may mean finding your tribe and the possibilities or benefits that getting involved with them will avail you. 

Building Lasting Friendships

Being in the university can be a very daunting place, especially for first-year students who may feel overwhelmed with the new experience as a whole. Joining a club or an organization, however, provides a space to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests. Whether you are passionate about debate, sports, human rights, tax or arts, there’s likely a club that caters to your interests. These shared interests create a solid foundation for building lasting and lifelong friendships.

Discovering New Interests

You have heard that university is a time of exploration and self-discovery, and the four walls of the classroom are frankly not going to give you that, but you know what will? Yes, joining clubs and organisations. When you step out of your comfort zone, by joining any of these groups, you get to discover new passions and interests you never knew you had. Whether it is learning advocacy or alternative dispute resolution, trying your hand at coding, or getting involved in social activism, campus organisations offer a safe space to explore new ideas and activities.

Networking Opportunities

The people we meet today, are our connections in future. Networking is a crucial aspect of career development and campus clubs provide an excellent platform to expand your network. With campus clubs, associations and organisations, the possibilities of meeting amazing people are endless. You get to meet not only your peers but lecturers and alumni who may offer mentorship, internship and job opportunities.

Sense of Belonging

Campus clubs and organisations offer a sense of belonging and community. You will feel more connected to your school community which will provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Involving yourself in activities can also help you develop a sense of pride and loyalty towards the organisation and the school at large.

Developing Leadership Skills

Clubs, organisations and associations are student-run, which offers you as a member the opportunity to take on leadership roles. Whether you’re organising events, managing budgets, leading a team or creating content, these experiences will help you develop and enhance essential leadership skills. Serving as a head allows you to practice decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills which are transferable to any career. Leadership roles also look great on your curriculum vitae or resume, setting you apart from other candidates in the job market.

Enhancing Academic and Professional Skills

Many organisations are directly related to academic disciplines or career paths. For example, a law student might join the Debate Society, while an Accounting student might get involved in the Finance or Tax Club. These organisations offer practical experiences that complement your classroom learning by providing workshops, competitions, networking events, and seminars. By participating in these, you can deepen your knowledge in your field of study and gain hands-on experience that will give you an edge professionally.

Creating Lasting Memories

Finally, some of the best memories of your university life will come from your involvement in campus clubs, associations and organisations. From late-night brainstorming sessions and weekend trips to organising events and participating in competitions, these experiences are the moments you will cherish long after graduation.

In a university setting, finding your tribe is more than just making friends, it is about creating a supportive community that helps you grow academically, professionally and personally.

Ready to find your tribe? Start by browsing through campus clubs, associations and organisations to find ones that align with your passions; show up to meetings, events and activities to get a feel for the group; and start building connections. 

May the Force be with you!