Remember your freshman year activity fair, where you most likely walked away with a flyer from almost every club and organization on campus? All the free pens, frisbees, and stickers you could carry, and your name on dozens of follow-up email lists. You might even still be getting emails your senior year from clubs you thought you might join, but never did. And even if you’re not going to be joining that salsa club you took a flyer for freshman year, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still tons of other opportunities for getting involved senior year.
From intramural sports teams to academic associations that can open up doors in your career, we’ve brainstormed a list of all the opportunities you can take advantage of during your last year on campus.
- Try out a New Club. I’ll never forget touring schools my senior year of high school, and visiting one university that proudly boasted to prospective students about the Milk and Cookies club on campus. Yes, an actual student organization centered around munching on a classic combo of cookies and milk. While it might not be a club at every school, almost every university has dozens of student organizations that cater to all hobbies and interests. Whether you’re into knitting, skiing, film, or culinary treats, your campus probably has it. Check out your school’s activity fair and you’re bound to find a club that sparks your interest.
- Take a Fitness Class. Many universities offer classes through their fitness center, whether it be Zumba, boxing, or yoga classes. Not only are these great places to meet new people on campus, but they’re also a way to schedule a consistent workout into your week. These classes are much easier to look forward to than thirty minutes on the elliptical.
- Get Involved in the Performing Arts. Maybe you were the lead in your high school’s production of Romeo and Juliet once upon a time. Or maybe you’re entirely new to the world of performing arts. Either way, consider trying out for a role in a student production. If theater isn’t for you, check out other performing arts groups on campus, like dance companies or a cappella groups.
- Join an Intramural Sports Team or Start Your Own. Intramural sports are a great way to play a sport you love without the time commitment of playing on a university team. Look on your school’s intramural page to check out what sports they currently offer. Then either look into joining an existing team or grab your roommates, friends, or sorority sisters and start a team of your own!
- Look for Volunteer Opportunities. Volunteering and community service are rewarding ways to get involved while also making a difference in your community. You could help raise awareness for a cause close to you or a more hands-on volunteering experience in hospitals, schools, or animal shelters. Finding community service opportunities on campus can connect you to other students while giving back at the same time.
- Become an Admissions Ambassador: As a senior, you definitely know your campus inside and out. Why not share that knowledge with prospective students? Leading tours, meeting accepted students, and acting as the face of your university can be a fun way to share your college experience and represent your school your last few semesters.
- Take Advantage of Free Events on Campus. Even as a senior, you might not even realize how much your campus has to offer. You also might be surprised by how much of it is actually free. There are probably dozens of guest performances, fairs, and opportunities for free food outside the dining hall. These opportunities often pop up during welcome weeks, so be sure to check at the beginning of each semester.
- Rush a Community Service Sorority or Fraternity. While traditional Greek Life might be something you rush as a freshman or sophomore, community service sororities and fraternities often accept new members from every class year. They’re a great way to have the experience of a brother or sisterhood and getting to sport letters on campus. They also provide service opportunities in your community so you can give back.
- Apply to Be on Panhellenic Council. If you’re already in a sorority, but want an even bigger leadership role in the Greek Life community, consider applying to be on Panhellenic Council. Being on Panhel, the executive council that oversees all sororities on campus, gives you the chance to meet girls outside of your own chapter. You’ll also  work to maintain the values and presence of sorority life at your school.
- Become a Part of Your Residence Hall Association. If you still live on campus, becoming a part of your residence hall association is a great way to meet people in your building while also adopting a leadership role. You’ll have the chance to plan fun events during each term. (Ice cream socials during finals week, anyone?) You’ll also have a voice in the policies and changes in your building.
- Get Involved with Cultural Organizations on Campus. Explore your culture while getting involved on campus by joining a cultural organization. If you’re an international student, you can connect with other students from the same area. Or if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a language or culture you’re studying, a cultural organization is a great place to do so. You can embrace your background and meet new people.
- Look into Academic Associations That Align with Your Major. One way to boost your resume, while also getting to know a group of students with the same interests, is to join an academic association that aligns with your major. Meet other aspiring teachers in a group for future educators or collaborate on a runway show with your school’s fashion club. Not only will it give you an opportunity for hands-on experience in your field, but it’s a great way to connect with people pursuing similar career goals.
- Attend a Student Performance. While Netflix and Hulu are definitely entertaining, if you’re looking for something to do other than binge-watch with your roommates, consider going to a performance on campus. Whether it’s a musical, a dance showcase, or a comedy night, student performances can be an inexpensive and fun way to get out of your apartment on a Thursday night.
- Contribute to a Student Publication. Calling all aspiring writers, photographers, and graphic designers. If you’re looking to add to your portfolio and get your work published, contributing to a student publication is a great place to start. Check out your school’s list of on-campus publications to see which magazine, newspaper, or digital publication is a good fit for you.
- Research Social Justice Groups on Campus. Turn your passions and the causes close to you into a way to get involved at your school. From gender equality to human rights, there’s bound to be a group on campus that focuses on the issues you’re passionate about. This gives you the chance to collaborate with other students to take action and raise awareness.
- Represent Your Student Body on Student Government. Are you currently working towards a career in politics? Or do you would you simply enjoy representing your student body in a leadership position? Consider going out for a role on student government. If your university’s student government isn’t for you, find out if your individual college has its own student government, too.
- Show Your School Spirit by Going to Games. Whether your school goes all out for football season or your campus is more low-key, going to the games is an easy way to take advantage of campus life your senior year. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to buy a new piece of apparel from the bookstore?
- Get Involved with School-Wide Events like Relay for Life and Dance Marathon. Big events like Relay For Life and Dance Marathon usually bring together tons of student groups. Everyone from Greek Life chapters to sports teams show up to raise money for a cause while either walking the track or dancing all night long. Look into joining committees and taking up a role in planning these school-wide events. You could even create your own fundraising team.
- See If Your School Offers Alternative Spring Break Programs. If you’re still looking for spring break plans this year, do some research to find out if your university offers alternative spring break. These week-long community service opportunities give you a chance to travel, make new friends, and make an impact in your host community.
- Check Out Your School’s LGBTQ+ Organizations. Whether or not you identify yourself as part of the LGBTQ+ community, LBGTQ+ organizations offer spaces to talk about gender and sexuality with other students. LGBTQ+ organizations can also connect you to opportunities for activism and helpful resources.
How are you going to make the most of your senior year? Let us know in the comments below!
Opening image by Cat Aucker.
