If you take a survey of senior students or recent graduates of advice they have for students in their first year of university, one of the most common words of wisdom are "Get involved".

Getting involved in campus life can be time consuming, but it can also be a lot of fun. Here's why it's worth the bother to get involved:

1. To have something else to do besides attend classes.
2. To meet other people who have something else in common with you, other than the fact that you attend the same university.
3. To make your résumé look better.
4. To do stuff you never had the chance to do before, like learn Irish Folk Dancing or Chinese harp.
5. To make life more interesting.
6. To be able to tell your great-grandchildren 80 years from now, "I was president of my university's ________!!!" (fill the blank with the appropriate club name)
7. To give yourself a cheaper alternative for entertainment, instead of movies or clubbing.
8. To be recognised by more than the 5 people who usually sit near you in class.
9. To keep yourself/your singing voice/your hair fit and active.
10. To do things you enjoy with people who enjoy them too.

Now follow our step by step guide on how to get involved.

Sharon did her first degree in Communications in Malaysia, her home land. Now she's pursuing her dream of dance by studying at an arts school in Australia. Copyright © 2003 iamnext.com. May not be used without permission.

Related reading:

• Flow chart on how to find a club to get involved in
• Meet people and make friends in your dorm and on campus
• 10 things to do to make the most of your time in university