Help your child to Diversify their College Activities

In addition to classroom studies, college life offers an array of activities for students to participate. Parents should encourage their children to take advantage of as many new endeavors as possible in order to broaden their horizons. Read more to learn why your college student should diversify their college activities – and ways to get them involved.

Encouraging college students to broaden their horizons and get involved in campus life is crucial in the development of a well-rounded individual. Campus life does not have to be a one-way street of classes, exams, and papers. There are many ways to get involved – through athletics, clubs and organizations, residence hall associations, student government and much more.

While their college or university probably offers more than enough groups and activities to keep them busy for the duration of their stay at school, sometimes it's nice to get a change of scenery and a break from college life. Becoming active in the community outside of school offers many benefits while allowing them to give back to the community they now call home.

Ways your Student can get Involved

Step 1: Have your child visit the student services office where they can check out some of the postings for student groups and activities. Consider student government, student newspapers, minority groups and volunteer positions.

Step 2: Encourage them to stop by the athletic department, music department and theater department, where they'll be able to participate in sports clubs, orchestras, choirs, plays and much more.

Step 3: Have your child visit the offices of what they’re interested in – such as the school of journalism, school of business or school of science. They'll find many groups related to different majors where you can learn about the subject and meet new friends. These types of activities look good on résumés, too.

Step 4: Have them ask about group activities in their dorm. They're often organized solely for the purpose of helping people get acquainted.

Step 5: They can always consider joining the Greek community on campus. It can be a good way of getting to know people and making a large campus seem smaller.

Why your Student Should get Involved

They could find a possible career path. If college students limit themselves to activities that they are already comfortable with, then they could miss out on a possible career path that they find truly exciting. By participating in an extracurricular activity that they have never considered before, they could end up having a whole new perspective on what they want to do with their life. So, if your child is the type of student who is interested in art, encourage them to mix it up a little and try joining a new club. Encourage them to try something new like writing for the school newspaper or volunteering for the campus radio station. You never know…they could find the career of their dreams.

Campus involvement will look good to potential employers. Employers want well-rounded individuals who are interested in growing and learning about new ideas. Students should definitely be involved in activities that pertain to their career path, but they should also be involved in maybe one or two other activities that show they can be a flexible and diverse employee. For instance, even if they won't be dealing with the general public in their chosen career field, employers for that career will still want an employee with good communication skills. Think drama club or debate team.

They will meet and make friends with a variety of people. College is a melting pot of diverse cultures, lineages, and ideas. Being involved in different activities will allow your child to meet a variety of people and learn about their different cultures and ideas. They can use this opportunity to learn as much as possible while making new friends along the way.

They will build self-esteem. By putting themselves out there and trying something new, it will help your child build their self-esteem. They will be proud of themselves for opening up to new experiences. If they try something new and succeed, they will gain the confidence to keep trying new activities. Activities can range from sports to clubs – all offer new experiences.

Your child will expand their leadership skills. Part of being a leader means being able to adapt to new ideas and experiences. Encourage your child to become involved in an activity that challenges them. A person who does not feel the thrill of challenge will not progress into being a leader.

Keep in mind that while your child should diversify their college activities in order to be a well-rounded person, they also shouldn't spread themselves too thin. Help them to understand that they shouldn’t be involved in so many different activities that they don't have time for your school work – that is the main reason they are there, after all. Have them find a few activities that they are interested in and that pertain to their possible career path(s), and then find one or two activities where they can challenge themselves and be open to new possibilities.