“A college education should equip one to entertain three things: a friend, an idea, and oneself.” — Thomas Ehrlich
This quote truly captures the essence of the college experience—especially the idea that college is about making friends and finding yourself just as much as furthering your education. One of the most significant yet underappreciated aspects of attending a public college is the sense of community, and aspiring or current public college students need to learn how to take advantage of that. Let’s explore how a strong campus community can enhance your educational experience as well as your personal growth.
Why campus community matters in college
Making friends is important—that goes without saying. But there may never be a better opportunity to reach out to new people, foster connections, and build friendships that could potentially last the rest of your life. College is often the first time students are away from home for a long period of time, and forming new friendships is important for emotional support and growth. Whether it’s through a study group, peer support network, extracurricular activity, or collaborative project, on-campus experiences are all bolstered by a school’s general sense of community, which provides students with a strong support system for the ups and downs of their academic lives.
Related: Finding a Diverse College Community in 3 Easy Steps
How to find your community
Taking advantage of orientation programs when you get to campus is a great way to start your search for community at a public college. Samanta Migatz, Assistant Dean of Students at Elmhurst University, said in an article by U.S. News & World Report, “At Elmhurst University in Illinois, for instance, students are divided into groups based on their first-year seminar course. This is so that when they start classes a few days later, there will be some familiar faces in the room.” First-year orientation is a great way to meet and bond with new people that you might be sharing a class with in the future. If you decide to live on campus, your dorm or residential hall is also the perfect place to start building your community. Getting to know your neighbors, engaging in res life activities, and attending floor meetings are all fantastic ways to meet and connect with like-minded individuals.
Beyond these immediate sources of community bonding, there are a few other ways to search for your place on campus.
Extracurricular activities
Because their student bodies are so large, public universities often have hundreds of student organizations covering a wide range of interests, from academic and professional groups to cultural and hobby clubs. Joining a student organization is one of the easiest ways to meet people who share your passions. Whether it’s a debate club, a robotics team, or your mom’s old sorority, you’ll find a space where your interests are celebrated and contributions are valued.
If you enjoy physical activity or played a sport in high school, joining a sports team or recreational club is another great way to find community. Public colleges typically offer a variety of intramural sports, fitness classes, and outdoor adventure programs. Whether you want to go D-I or just play for fun, participating in sports with others is a great way to build trust in relationships.
Campus resources
Make sure you also keep an eye on your college’s events calendar and attend as many events as possible, especially during your first semester. From guest lectures and cultural festivals to career fairs and social mixers, these events provide opportunities to meet new people and explore different facets of campus life. And who knows? You might learn something new or have a wild experience at a campus-hosted concert!
Many colleges also have online platforms and social media groups for different classes, clubs, and interest groups. Taking advantage of these virtual communities and message boards can help you stay informed about events, find study partners, and connect with peers outside of your immediate social circle. This could help you branch out and see what’s outside the initial bubble many new college students build for themselves.
Related: Where and How to Find Free Events in College
Remember, the effort you put into building your own college community will pay off in terms of emotional support, academic success, and lifelong connections. So dive in, explore, and find your people among the vast student body at your public college or university. And most importantly, have fun! You’re in college, after all.
There’s no shame in looking for guidance on one of the biggest journeys of your life. Have the best experience possible with the help of CollegeXpress and Our Best Advice for Freshman Year of College!
