As the biggest opening event of the school year, Quad Day is one of the first impressions of college culture and the University for incoming freshmen. Over 600 registered student organizations will fill the lawn and surrounding pathways to the Quad on Sunday, advertising their organizations through colorful T-shirts, decorative tri-fold boards and loud voices. Every club has to make the day count.  

But attending students should too.

Amid the bustling crowds, it can be hard to figure out where one fits in among the variety of RSOs, ranging from the professional to the fun and obscure. Many students will make a beeline for the Greek community booths. Others will be attracted to the sports clubs.

Thinking back to my freshmen year on Quad Day, I was unsure about which RSOs I wanted to join. I remember seeing girls throughout the event wearing their sorority apparel and signing up for other organizations. Ultimately, I ended up joining a sorority. Though it’s been a major time commitment, I have never regretted my decision and have made many great friends as a result.

But if Greek life or sports isn’t your thing, then what?

With over 600 possibilities, no one should leave Quad Day without finding an organization to join.

Out of the represented RSOs (there’s actually over 1,000 in total on campus), different clubs can incorporate a range of themes, including politics, religion, media, the sciences, technology and many more. These organizations can provide long-lasting friendships, as well as impressive additions to your resume. Whether an RSO incorporates your major or not, you can gain valuable experience in leadership, networking and organization.

Classes aren’t the only way to prepare for life after graduation. Participating in clubs on campus can be whatever you want them to be, and the experience can really positively affect your time at the University professionally, academically and socially. Some can even help you determine a future career or gain contacts within your interested field of work.

Quad Day is there to help incoming freshmen get started.

I’ve seen countless freshmen sign up for as many RSOs that interest them and be flooded with a never-ending supply of emails as a result. Remember to only sign up for clubs you can see yourself attending and monitor your email to keep from being overwhelmed.

Whatever your dominating interests are, determining the amount of time you have to devote to an organization can be a difficult decision. The type of clubs you choose may require a large amount of the time you need for classes, studying and maintaining a social life.

Quad Day is about choosing the organization that has the right balance for what you are looking for, whether that’s a minimal time commitment or something to keep you busy throughout the week.

When you step onto the Quad on Sunday, take it all in and remember that at a university as big as ours, there is bound to be an organization that offers what you’re looking for.

Olivia is a junior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].