One of the best things about university life is the diversity of activities! There are hundreds of opportunities to expand your mind and find something that you’re interested in. The University of Iowa has over 500 student organizations, from clubs, fraternities/sororities, and athletics! You are bound to find a group of people that will welcome you for who you are and what you’re interested in. 

In this post, I’ll be focusing on clubs. I am in multiple clubs, including service-based and hobby-based clubs. Some of my favorites are Hawkeye Optimists, ArtHawks, and D.I.R.T. But, as is always the case, there are some time conflicts with all the clubs I’m in. Some people I know who have multiple clubs on the same day will go every other week, switching out which clubs they go to each week. But, this might not always be practical, especially if there’s a club that seems to interest you a lot. Some of the best advice I’ve received is to go to a few meetings of the clubs you’re interested in during your first semester and figure out which ones you enjoy most. Then, by staying in just a few (2-3) throughout your time at the university, you get more benefits from going to every meeting (or possibly even being a board member). This will help to not only manage your time but also maximize your enjoyment and interest in the clubs. Plus, leading a club can be a fun adventure and can allow you to meet more people and get closer to those involved.

Obviously, though, you should spend time trying out new things. Exploring campus and all the activities the university has to offer is the premier college experience, and it is most exciting during your freshman year!