5 Areas To Getting Involved On Campus And Its Benefits To Your Success

Bolaji Badmus

If I asked you what your major reason for being in the university is, I'm pretty sure you'd say "to get good grades and earn a degree" or "to be a graduate". Well, while it's true that the major reason you're in the university is to acquire tertiary education and earn a degree, there are also a bunch of things in-between that are just as important.

I was going through my LinkedIn page one time and I came across a post from Mike Bloomberg. The part of the post that got me was about getting involved on campus. Here's the post 👇🏽

Although the post was about covid 19 & school reopening, he started it with what made him find greatness beyond the classroom on campus, INVOLVEMENT!

The university is like a world on its own. It is so much more than sitting in class and listening to lectures! (yes, I discovered that). It's supposed to be a holistic experience. A lot can testify to the fact that getting involved on campus can be very beneficial, Bloomberg being one of them. The degree you earn only qualifies you for a job, but your activity and involvement in a myriad of things on campus sure comes with lots of benefits because sometimes, one might not see the opportunities he so desires until he gets involved!

However, I went and did the research for you. Yes, I've gathered here a few areas that you can explore as to getting involved on campus. These may not be new to you though, but instead of you sitting in your hostel all day streaming Netflix😂, let's discover some things you can get involved in.

C'mon...🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏽‍♂️

1. Joining Student Union Government

One of the ways of getting involved on campus is joining the student representative body. The student representative body or student union is the generally recognised and independent student organisation with the purpose of representing fellow students on issues affecting them, both within the campus and externally. 

You can get involved in the union by becoming active in a committee, attending meetings, or by running for an office and becoming an elected officer.

Being involved in student unionism can build your leadership and representation skills, building you for the future.

2. Volunteerism

Volunteerism is an activity most students don't really know enough about, and it has numerous benefits. 

Volunteerism is generally the act of providing your time, skill, and services for the benefit of other people or for community service without getting paid.

There are various organisations you can volunteer for. Volunteering can take you really far in your career. Some of the benefits of volunteering are that you get to make a difference, meet and connect with new people, helps you develop new skills, and build your confidence.

3. Joining Campus Media.

The campus media is a sure way to start getting involved on campus. You can join media organisations if you have a thing for writing, speaking, and communication generally. This stands as a breeding ground for your skills as you practice them on campus. 

Moreover, campus media can be a platform for you to pass your messages to a number of fellow students on campus, make authorities accountable and make your voice heard. Joining campus media organisations also opens doors to opportunities you can't think of. There are various media organisations that you can join and get involved in, like the amazing platform, the Association Of Campus Journalists, LASU (ACJ-LASU), and a host of others.

4. Membership in Clubs and Societies

There are various clubs and societies on campus that you can join for involvement. This not only covers academia but also non-academics. Joining clubs opens you to opportunities concerning the purpose or what the club/society is about. You get to meet people and maybe find purpose through that.

Also, joining clubs and societies relating to your line of study helps you to know better and perform well in class simply because you get to practice what you're being taught.

5. Attending Campus Events

Annually, there are series of events that take place on campus, from inaugural lectures to LASUSU week. More attending of events and less sticking in your hostel. You don't jam success or opportunities by remaining in one place. You have to go out. These events organised on campus benefits students one way or the other. Learn to attend events that add value to your studentship.

Other ways are:

• Participate in sporting activities
• Are you academic? Take tutorials
• Engage in religious activities, etc.

School is not restricted to the four walls of your lecture hall and your hostel though. The holistic experience you get from campus is embedded in getting involved. Get out of that corner. Spread your wings. There's a whole lot you can do😉😁.