How Do I Get Involved?

If you’re going to school online, especially if you’re going to  one of the best online colleges, you surely want to get involved, right? But how in the world do you get involved with your school when you do it online!? Seems like a brain buster or oxymoron! However, it is possible and why wouldn’t you get involved? College is all about the experience, and despite a common misconception, you aren’t “missing out” just because you decide to do your courses online… you just need to know how to do it right and not just sign in to your computer, do your assignment and sign right off.

If you are taking Online courses from a College or University that also has in-class courses, you more then likely have access to the campus just as any student would. If you are feeling a little lonely from taking online courses, go to the student library or a trip to the campus gym.

In addition to that, you can also join the clubs and before you start sipping on your HATE-ORADE, school clubs aren’t as nerdy as you may think. The football team and cheerleading squad is a school club, so join, join, join away!  If you can’t find a club that pertains to your interests, start your own! Maybe even start a club specifically for students taking online courses! Have your favourite online professor support your idea and sponsor you!

If you are in the same geographical location as some of the other online students, set up a study group. Now, the only way to find out about your “classmates” is to talk to them which leads me to my next topic.

Most online courses offer a forum and a chat room so you can socialize with the other students, and ask questions pertaining (or not) to your course. Start a conversation in there and get everyone chatting away! At the very least, your online class will be much more enjoyable if you have someone to talk to that can relate.

Lastly, you can go greek and nope, you don’t have to be on campus to do so! There are a lot of online sororities and frats, so why not join in on the fun, right?

And there you have it! The easiest way is to obviously go on campus and get involved, but when all else fails, pick up that handy laptop of yours and put it towards some social media, that’s not Facebook.

How Do I Get Involved With My School Without Joining Extra Curricular Activities?

So you want to be apart of your school, instead of it just being a building that provides you with classes and a lot of studying? However, you have no talent (doubtful! ), no time or desire to join extra curricular activities? No need for you to worry!! You can get involved with your school activities by simply attending them and showing your support. For example, grab your friends and:

• attend a football game
• go to the school formal
• help out/or go to fundraisers.

There are so many things you can attend that your College or University will host throughout the year. I have only listed my personal favourites. If you don’t have the time and are extremely overwhelmed with your program to make the effort to attend a party or sport game, think about volunteering with your school in an activity that is pertaining to your course. Maybe it’s Social Work or a Criminal Justice Major, whatever your major may be…. think of all the fabulous benefits community work will have for you. Not only do you get the community hours that almost every employer looks for when hiring, but when you are super tired the next day, you can justify it as you working towards your dream job!Voila!

I find that school events are always better with a group of friends. Gather together your best buddies and go to the football season opener, or basketball game! It’ll be a blast of a good time – I promise. Always better if you dress up in funky school colours as well!