College is a time for you to further your education, learn about yourself, and make memories. One of the best ways to make your college years memorable is to get involved on campus.

There are hundreds of reasons why you should get involved during your college years, but I think that there are three major reasons to consider.

It gives you a way to meet new people

When I first came to UIS, I really did not know that many people. Sure, I met a few friends at orientation and while living in the dorms, but that was it.

Joining different groups on campus allows you to meet so many individuals. Some of them you will like, while others you might not. But, regardless, this gives you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests as you.

I actually met one of my good friends here at UIS because I joined the same student organization as her.

It teaches you how to balance your time

Yes, trying to balance classes, homework, work, friends, and extracurricular activities can be a challenge. But once you get into a routine and used to things, you will learn that it is not as bad as it seems.

The key to mastering this balance is organization. I would recommend investing in a calendar to write everything down in. Believe me, there are times when it will seem impossible to do it all, but I promise you it is possible.

It allows you to expand your horizons

There are so many different organizations and clubs here on campus. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved within a variety of groups. By doing so, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences.

You also would have something interesting to add to your resume. For example, I was a biology major, but I wrote for the school paper for all four years of college. It helps me stand out as someone who got involved in an area that is not science-related, and it makes me look like a well-rounded person.

I can honestly tell you that if there is one thing that I did right in college, it was getting involved on campus. Yes, I was incredibly stressed at times, and I had to pull quite a few all-nighters, but in the end, it was all worth it!