Student Organizations? YES, Please!

Students transitioning to college can experience a range of emotions: excitement, loneliness, anxiety, expanded freedom, and more.  But never fear! Strong social networks aid in coping with drastic life change. Regardless of background, involvement in student organizations can be a key to success for many students. Research shows that student organizations can satisfy this need for social belonging, personal growth, and identity development, ALL things that are developing during college years.

Support from a student organization can provide a home away from home for those longing for belonging and depth of friendship. During COVID-19, it is common to leave the dorm only when necessary. These necessary restrictions also mean reduced interaction with fellow students.  These restrictions, however, do not change the fact that social belonging is a key factor to academic success for many students. Student organizations provide a community for social formation, leadership opportunities, and exposure to diversity of everything from skin color to hometown. Student organizations can provide an open and honest arena for questions and a place to experience personal growth. College is a launching pad for future career as well as family goals. Experiences in clubs, along with the general college experience, help provide a place for students to seek wise counsel, develop leadership skills and form their personal identity.

If you are interested in getting involved in a student organization at the University of Kentucky, visit their Campus Labs platform BBNvolved to display the many options in one place. Look through the list and find a group that interests you. Get involved soon after arriving on campus. Be persistent and don’t be quick to give up. It might take a few weeks or even a few months to find the best fit for you. Developing friendships takes time, especially in larger organizations. If you have consistently had a negative experience with a student organization, don’t be discouraged, just try a new one. Find your niche! Research shows that, if you do, you are more likely to achieve success during your college years.

To learn more about student organizations at UK, visit BBNvolved.

If you are having issues getting connected or issues with a student organization, please e-mail studentorgs@uky.edu or set up a time to talk to an involvement advisor by emailing getinvolveduky@gmail.com. You can also request an appointment online.

Freeman, T. M., Anderman, L. H., & Jensen, J. M. (2007). Sense of belonging in college freshmen at the classroom and campus levels. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 203-220.

Mankowski, E. S., & Thomas, E. (2000). The relationship between personal and collective identity: A narrative analysis of a campus ministry community. Journal of Community Psychology, 28(5), 517-528.