OPINION: Make time to become more involved

Becoming a part of the college community can be difficult with all of the time students spend on classes and studying, but being involved is an integral aspect of college life. Joining various clubs, organizations and sports teams is crucial for students to feel welcomed and at home.

Involving yourself in clubs or groups that align with your hobbies can be beneficial in finding people with similar interests. Spending time with people doing an activity you both like is a great way to find friends and practice your craft.

Clubs and organizations help you feel connected and make friends and can help your health. Studies show that students who feel more connected with their environment have a lower chance of depression, higher functioning immune system, and a better chance at avoiding a restless night's sleep.

With more than 700 organizations to choose from, there is one fit for everybody. With a search engine made to find different organizations that students can join, it is easier than ever to be involved. Even with a busy schedule there are some clubs that can be fit in.

It is typically easy to attend club functions and events, as most of them take place on campus. Many organizations take place in Talley Student Union, which is fairly close to many residence halls on central campus. For those organizations that meet off campus, there is usually some sort of system worked out where students without access to transportation can get a free ride.

If you are not sure what kind of club you want to be involved with, try out multiple and see which one you enjoy most. Finding the right fit for you and your interests is important.  Trying out different clubs and organizations can take up a lot of time, so make sure to balance your extracurricular activities with time spent in the classroom.

With upwards of 12 credit hours for full time students, piling on more activities can lead to more stress. This can simply be reduced by managing your time and being organized. Make sure to keep your studies first and keep on top of your grades.

Some organizations can help you gain experience pertaining to your career. By joining these types of clubs you can obtain valuable resources. You can get experience, make friends going into the field, and make valuable connections into the workplace.

There are some organizations on NC State campus designed to make students feel included and connected. Being surrounded by diverse opinions and people in such clubs can show you different perspectives and make you more open-minded and tolerant.

Students at NC State have so many opportunities to learn, make friends, and better themselves as a person. They should become more involved to make themselves more connected to the NC State community. Students can get valuable experience and connections for a future job, or simply go to have fun. For the sake of a fuller university experience, students should take time out for clubs and organizations to better themselves and their campus.