08/27/2021
One of the best ways to make friends, find support and feel at home at the university is to join a student club or organization.
Students will be more successful academically, socially and emotionally if they start building a community by doing what they enjoy, whether that’s working on a Formula SAE race car, dancing or finding religious fellowship, says Sarah Rine, director of Student Activities and Leadership. There are also academic clubs related to specific colleges and majors, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and Joy Tong Women in Business.
“We know that mental health starts with friends, so we encourage students to join clubs in their departments, related to their interests, or that connect to their identity or their community,” Rine says.
“We want students to find a place, because when students feel more comfortable in their own skin, then they feel more comfortable in the classroom.”
The Engagement Fair, held on the Recreation Complex Fields this year right after Convocation, is a great place to check out many of the more than 250 student organizations. The UML Engage website is another place to search for clubs. Or students can stop by the Club Hub in University Crossing and see what’s going on.