Deciding to get involved on your college campus is a decision that you will not regret. Campus involvement opens the door for so many opportunities. Not only will you grow yourself, but you will also meet so many people that you may have never met otherwise. My freshman year I decided to get involved. I did not only decide to join a few clubs, but I started Young Life on my college campus.

Here are some ways to get the most out of college and meet people on campus.

1. Take advantage of events going on around campus.

Whether it be an event put on by a club, the RAs, or just a group of individuals getting together. Go to these things because you will meet new people and you will not regret it, especially when your other plans consist of eating Top Ramen and watching the latest Netflix series all alone in your dorm.

2. Take advantage of free stuff on campus.

No matter where you go to school, there will be lots of free stuff given away through out the semester. This stuff will range from free food to flu shots. Take advantage of it all, because chances are you are not the only one taking advantage of it. There will be lots of people there and you can make new friends.

3. Join clubs.

Joining clubs is the best way to get involved on campus. Through the different clubs there are many opportunities to grow as a person and experience life. Not only will you have lots of fun, but you will meet so many people that you may not have met otherwise. If it is not something you are interested in, try it out. You may end up having lots of fun. Who knows, you could meet your best friend in the club that you did not think was that cool. If you have tried some of the clubs on your campus and know they do not have what you want, create your own club with your friends.

4. Hang out in common spaces.

Chances are, your dorm has a lounge or lobby somewhere in it. This is a perfect place to chill and meet new people. There will be lots of events hosted here. If you do not have a TV in your room, there will be a TV there for when you just really want to watch HGTV or Disney Channel. The library is also a great place to do homework because there are always people there and you can meet new people. Either of these places are perfect when you have homework to get done but your roommate is already in bed at 9:00 clock.

5. Show your school spirit at sporting events.

Sporting events are not only fun, but they are a great place to meet people. Athletes also appreciate seeing you on the side lines cheering for them.

6. Get involved in the community off campus.

Whether your college is in a huge city or your college is the city, get involved with the events the permanent residents put on. This is not only tons of fun, but it gives you a chance to interact with adults who actually have their feet on the ground. Going to these events will also broaden your horizons.

7. Bring out your adventurous side.

Whether this means exploring the new place you will call home for the next nine months or going deep in the mountains. You will gain such great experiences through doing this. Find friends who enjoy doing the same kind of activities as you or make friends there.

8. If you are invited somewhere go.

At least for the first few weeks, if someone invites you to go do something, go do it. This person probably thinks you seem cool and wants to be your friend. Also, through the person who invited you, you will also meet more people who are potential friends.

9. Do not be afraid to make friends with people that you would not even have talked to in high school.

The first rule of college to remember is that you are not in high school anymore. There are no more popular people anymore. You are in the real world where everyone is equal. Everyone is there for the same reason: to find themselves and get a degree. Some of my best friends have come from people that I would not have talked to before I graduated.

10. Be yourself.

This is not high school and no one cares like they did back then. You have a clean slate to be you and to find who you are. People appreciate you being different because it means you are being you. So do not be afraid to go against the crowd or just go all out for events and stuff.

No matter what you do, enjoy yourself and your time of self-discovery.