College is a whole new experience, and you may not know where to begin. The clubs, organization, and sports you were involved in during high school have finished and now you find yourself wondering what is next and what organizations college has to offer. With over 200 organizations and clubs, here at Longwood there is always something for everyone, but if you do not find the right fit you can always make your own.
The key to getting involved is to not jump in too quickly as soon as you get to campus. Taking your first semester off from being involved is understandable and is not often frowned upon. By doing so you allow yourself to get accustomed to being on your own, class schedules, and are able to devote time to your studies. If you find that you must get involved I recommend starting with one organization to get your feet wet before diving head first into a full schedule of activities.
The first way to discover organizations is to talk to upperclassmen peers in your classes, in your major, and even your professors. They have experience and can recommend an honor society, or club that you spend the rest of your Longwood career in. All you have to do is ask and they will most likely invite you along so that you do not have to go alone. If you are uncomfortable asking someone or if their suggestion does not work out, do not give up! This is not the only way to get involved.
The second way is to attend the Involvement Fair that will be held September 6 on Brock Commons. Most organizations have a table there with information as well as students to answer questions or sign-up sheets where you can write your contact information. You will leave this fair not only having decisions to make on which clubs to join, but also with pamphlets of information that you can look back at over your time at Longwood or refer to if you have further questions.
If you still are unable to discover an organization look for ones that spark your interest, or a hobby that you have fell out of touch with. College is about finding yourself and doing what you love, so why not get involved in organizations that will help further your career, develop new skills, and help you make friends that you will stay in contact with for the rest of your life. If the Involvement Fair did not help you find the right fit for you then log on to Lancer Link which is a website devoted to campus organizations and that list every organization as well as the contact information of a member if you would like more information.
Whether it is an honor society, fraternity, club sport, or student government there are many organizations you can get involved in and make new friends. So do not just stand there reading this article, get out there and start looking!
