Your college years are the optimal time for self-discovery. For some, it's their first time moving out of their hometown to a place where they don’t know anyone, and no one knows them. For others, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start to learn and experience new things. Wherever you’re at in your college life, getting involved in student activities is something that will enrich your overall college experience and provide you with memories to carry on for a lifetime. Now I know with the size of UCF, it’s easy to feel lost and you might find yourself wondering how or what you can do to get involved. We’re here to help you sort through some of your options and discover an outlet to make new friends and feel more connected to your fellow Knights.
Where Do I Begin?
With over 800 student organizations on UCF’s campus, you are bound to find something you will enjoy! If you already have an idea of what you might be looking for, you can filter by category to narrow down some of your choices.
Academic Clubs
Another great way to learn about what UCF has to offer is by talking with friends or peers. This way, you can get a first-hand perspective on what some organizations entail or potentially find a Knight to join with you and alleviate some nerves! You can also try taking a look around campus on bulletin boards, browse social media, or chat with professors to get a clearer idea and discover organizations you might be interested in! Listed below are just a few of the clubs and activities offered at UCF.
Whether you are already accepted into your major, or still trying to figure out which path to take, joining an academic club is a great way to get involved. Major-specific clubs are perfect for learning more about the subject outside of a classroom and meeting people who are in the same field of study. Here are some popular options for a few majors:
If your field of study is Business, try checking out…
- American Marketing Association
- Business Opportunities for Student Success
- Financial Management Association
- Investment Banking Society
- Sales Club
- & so many others!
If you’re studying Engineering, try checking out…
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Biomedical Engineering Society at UCF
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
For those studying Sciences or Medicine check out…
- Association of Pre-Nursing Students
- Global Medical Missions Alliance
- International Medical Outreach
- Knights of HOSA Future Health Professionals
- Pediatric Association of Caring Knights
There is an academic club fit for every major. If you’re not seeing any above that sparks your interest, or relate to your field, don’t fret! Open up your laptop and begin browsing on UCF’s Knight Connect to find other opportunities for academic involvement.
Greek Life
Another popular route for students is joining a Greek Life organization on campus. UCF currently recognizes 41 active Fraternity and Sororities, with their mission being to provide a safe and valuable experience for all undergraduate students involved in this tight-knit community. Not only is Greek Life the perfect way for students to make new friends, it is also a great opportunity for philanthropic involvement, developing a network, seeking academic assistance, and becoming a leader in your chapter. There are a variety of different and diverse Greek Life organizations to get involved in on-campus, including Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and Academic/Career, making it a great path for students to consider.
Sports Clubs
Looking to stay active but don’t necessarily want to play competitively? Look no further! UCF offers a variety of different intramural sports that are the perfect combination of competitiveness and fun. Intramural Sports generally come with a lot less commitment than Club Sports or Division 1, making it a more casual and enjoyable experience for students. You can choose from over 40 different teams, including Badminton, Lacrosse, Sailing, and Volleyball, to maintain a healthy lifestyle while having a great time with friends.
Student Government
For Knights devoted to making an impact on UCF’s campus, consider joining the Student Government. There are three branches of Student Government that all serve students in unique and valuable ways. The Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches at UCF all provide students with tremendous amounts of transferable experience and skills that they’ll be able to carry on throughout their life. Consider applying to be a part of this influential organization to form strong relationships with administrators, learn more about yourself as a leader, and interact with others in a community made for expressing ideas and formulating change.
Volunteer UCF
Volunteer UCF provides students with the opportunity to meet new people, as well as gain knowledge and a deeper sense of purpose through their experiences. With more than 200 community organizations involved, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get started with something they are passionate about. If you’re someone looking to enrich your life in a way more meaningful than through just academics, then volunteering in your community will be perfect for you. Some community organizations worth checking out are Knights Give Back and the Alternative Break Program.
There will always be a lot to juggle during your college years. At some points, you may feel as if you couldn’t possibly put more on your plate! However, getting involved in organizations on campus is a great way to give yourself a brain-break and do things you enjoy. There are plenty of benefits to getting involved on your college campus, including making new friends and discovering new interests, that will enhance your overall college experience. Make the most out of your time at UCF and get involved!
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