Whoever said college was just about going to class and getting good grades was missing the bigger picture. As an industrial design major who cares maybe too much about getting a “good education” at school, I’ve learned about the applications of design more through activities outside of class than sitting in lectures.

Don’t get me wrong. This University is filled with very practical courses and legitimate, award-winning professors. General education courses, art history lectures, four-credit hour studio courses that last a whopping two hours and 40 minutes twice a week — they all help me become a more knowledgeable human being. But I owe a lot to the organizations of which I am a member for making me a well-rounded problem solver, volunteer and designer.

You’ll find your niche

The Office of Registered Organizations provides 1,100 RSOs for students to explore. With a large, diverse student body and many clubs to account for the variety of students, you’re bound to find something that interests you, along with people who share those interests. There really is a match for everyone, no matter how weird you claim to be. From Actuarial Science Club, Society for Competitive Fighting Video Games to Women’s Underwater Hockey Club, the University is filled with extracurricular activities that help students unwind from stress, explore different viewpoints, socialize over a cultural or hobby-related interest, and even network with professionals. If you are not satisfied with what is available, students are welcome to start their own.

Out-of-class activities are essential to the college experience. You are bound to make new friends by trying new things, taking risks and finding people with similar interests. If you feel awkward meeting new people like I often can, bring a friend to info nights that spread knowledge about clubs, or try something related to what you did in high school.

On Quad Day, hoards of sweaty students, stacks of brightly colored handouts and poorly designed cardboard trifolds will greet you. My advice to you: Don’t get overwhelmed! Be excited about finding your niche on campus.

Voice your opinions, inspire change

There are numerous RSOs that allow students to advocate their viewpoints and help make the world a better place. Big Buddies, Illini Dance Marathon, Liberty in North Korea, and other mission-based clubs create communities for students to fix or bring awareness to campus or world problems. Additionally, many organizations invite their members to do volunteer work.

As a freshman, I had no intentions of rushing a sorority. Instead, I rushed a co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, because I volunteered previously in high school. The pledge process was exciting and welcoming, complete with fun social outings and gifts from my pledge parents. APO provides a great network of friends (nearly 500 students) while also giving its members the chance to do at least 24 hours of community service every semester on the campus, community and national level. Although APO is not directly related to my major, there are committees where I gained leadership, organization and communication skills — skills that are essential for any job after graduation.

For students who are looking for the community that a social sorority or fraternity offers but want to focus more on something more career-oriented, there are many cultural- and major-related fraternities. From business fraternities like Alpha Kappa Psi to the University’s only pre-medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, there is a broad spectrum of Greek life available to students.a

Get experience

I hate to say it, but finding a job or an internship these days is getting more competitive as we speak. Experience outside of class can be a great help to students.

After accepting my offer of admission to the School of Art and Design the last month of high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I just knew I liked doing crafts and making pretty things. I had experience designing and writing for my high school newspaper, so I decided to come out for info night for The Daily Illini.

This is one of the most significant decisions I have made in college thus far. Little did I know, two years later, I would be writing this column as the art director for the 2013-14 academic year. Little did I know that over the course of two years, working in the visuals department of a school newspaper would teach me innumerable lessons in time management, leadership, design and life in general.

Because of The Daily Illini, my threshold for stress has increased threefold. I’ve gotten to know a good friend, Adobe InDesign, who I spend time with every day. My professional skills are no longer nonexistent, and I get to rub elbows with some of the University’s most talented storytellers and creative thinkers on a daily basis. By no means are the problems I deal with at work ones that I encounter in the classroom.

A 4.0 can be impressive, but so can pushing yourself to be a leader outside of the classroom. 

For those who want to bring more outside-of-class meaning to their college experiences, getting involved outside of the classroom will help. Students can become better risk-takers, volunteers, socializers and professionals with preparation for the real world because of extracurriculars; what they offer can be just as important as what goes on in a classroom.

Eunie is a junior in Fine and Applied Arts. She can be reached at [email protected].