Extracurriculars are a huge part of college life. Outside of classes, they’re where you meet people, try new things, and just have fun! At the University of Rochester, there are over 275 clubs and organizations to get involved in. The great thing about clubs and organizations here? It’s totally up to you which ones you want to join!
Before I even set foot on campus in my freshman year, I spent a lot of time scrolling through the UR CCC website, checking out all the potential clubs I could be a part of. It helped me get a rough idea of what I wanted to look for once the semester started. After narrowing things down, I looked through some of their Instagram pages to see what kind of events they hosted and what their vibe was like.
At the start of every semester, the University holds an Activities Fair where all the clubs set up tables across Wilson Quad. It’s a great way to meet people and learn about different organizations, but it can definitely feel overwhelming, especially when you’re a freshman. If big fairs aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You can also go to GIMs (General Interest Meetings) or GMMs (General Member Meetings). GIMs are the first meetings where clubs explain what they do and how you can get involved. If you like what you hear, you can start going to their GMMs and other club events.
There’s something for everyone here at the University of Rochester, whether you’re into sports, performing arts, Greek life, professional development, cultural organizations, volunteering, or even student government. And if, for some reason, you can’t find a club you love, you can actually create your own! I have a few friends who did, and the process is way more doable than you’d think. It’s just one more way the University of Rochester makes it easy to get involved with what you’re passionate about.
The best thing about the club atmosphere in Rochester is that it is chill! Most clubs don’t have a competitive application process. You just show up. (Some groups like performance ensembles might have auditions, but that’s about it.) For the most part, if you want to be involved, you’re always welcome to come to a club’s GMM!
I still remember my first Activities Fair. It was a hot, sunny day, and Wilson Quad was packed. I signed up for a ton of clubs just to see what was out there. After going to a bunch of GIMs, I ended up sticking with Mock Trial and Students’ Association Government. Both ended up being perfect fits for me because they aligned with my career interests, and I found some of my closest friends through them. Outside of clubs, I also got involved with on-campus jobs, like working for the Office of Admissions and conducting research at the Political Science Department, which helped me feel even more connected to campus life.
Looking back, getting involved outside of class enhanced my college experience. Clubs allowed me to meet new people, learn new skills, and take a break from academics when needed. (College can be difficult!) Whether you end up joining two clubs or twenty, the important thing is to put yourself out there and find the communities that make Rochester feel like home.