There are few places as exciting and lively as a university campus. There's so much to see, so much to learn, and, as volunteer writer Natasha Jung explains, so many ways to get involved. Post-secondary life is about finding yourself, about uncovering the interests, the pursuits, and the passions that will define your adult years. Often times, this process begins with the simple act of volunteering. Read on to find out how to get started, and how to take advantage of the myriad volunteer opportunities university has to offer.

It's the beginning of a new semester (or perhaps even the beginning of your university career) and you want to start the year off right. Whether you're in first year or fourth, let the start of the school year inspire you to get involved.

Why volunteer at school?
Volunteering is a great way to apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world as well as to do things you didn't even realize were possible. Each time I've taken on a new volunteer position, regardless of whether I had taken on a role in a similar capacity before, I always learn something new. You may not realize it in the beginning, but you'll be surprised at how many opportunities you'll have to apply the skills you learn through volunteering in other aspects of life.

1. Develop new skills: School's not just about learning in the classroom; it's about learning by providing yourself the opportunity to develop new skills. Volunteer for something you may not necessarily have experience in but are willing to put the effort into learning - you may surprise yourself!

    

2. Create connections: It's about more than being popular. Creating connections includes making friends, meeting mentors, meeting your potential employers and more.
   
   

   It was through volunteering that Natasha Jung discovered one of her passions - event planning.

   Not to scare you, but it's tough making friends at school. I did the college thing for two years, transferred, then spent three years in university. Starting off my post-secondary studies was hard enough, let alone transferring schools and having to start all over again. Some of you reading this will agree with me that when making friends in class, you'll often find that you're only friends for that semester and once the class is over, you go your separate ways. Most student clubs offer the option to get involved on short and long-term bases, which means that you'll have that common thread connecting you for more than just one semester - possibly even beyond graduation. 
   
   Meeting mentors is something that happens often without you realizing. Through volunteering, you'll most likely meet people who have been with that particular group for a longer period of time and are usually in leadership positions. These are the people who have been there, done that and can help you learn the ropes.
   
   Meeting your potential employers can happen when volunteering, believe it or not! These are the people running the organization or connected to it in some way. Show them what you're made of and how you're eager to learn, as it may pay off in the future. 

    

3. Fall in love: Sure, you could potentially meet the love of your life by joining a student club or volunteer group, but what I'm actually referring to is discovering your passion. Allow yourself to explore different opportunities and find something that resonates with you, adds value to your life and lights a fire within you to try new things and discover your hidden potential. I started volunteering by planning events at the age of 10. I continued this in many different roles and organizations. I discovered that I love planning an event and enabling people to connect with an organization, a cause or a community - now I'm employed as a full-time event planner!

1. Do your research: Ask your classmates if they're involved in any extra-curriculars. If not, maybe you can join some together! Research online to find out what opportunities are available. Go to events - Clubs days, workshops, info sessions and more are available for you to take a 'test drive' of the different groups out there.

    

2. Take the plunge: How?

• Student clubs: There's usually a list of these on your school's website with contact information. They can range from cultural groups, to special interest groups, activity groups and more. 

   

• Faculty-related clubs: Great idea to volunteer for these to stay very focused within your area of study.

   

• Cause-related organizations: Help build a school, donate medical supplies, reach out to troubled youth, collect food and clothing donations...the list is endless. If there isn't a specific club for a cause you're passionate about, chances are that there are still clubs that would be willing to donate to your cause.

   

• Recreation: Get active while making friends! Schools often offer drop-in sports, dance and fitness classes, intramural sports and sometimes even trips you can sign up for. 

   

• Create your own: Don't see something that interests you? Start your own club! Chances are that there are others out there that are interested in the same thing as you. Two of the coolest clubs I've seen include a bubble club (members would go around campus with bubble wands and soapy water, spreadin' the bubble love) and moustache club (members would grow moustaches or wear fake ones at events and take photos to show their appreciation for them - Chuck Norris was a favourite). Check with your school's governing Student Society for instructions on how to get started.

Final note: However you choose to get involved at school, it’s important to pick something that aligns with your values, and to do it for the right reasons. There's nothing wrong with volunteering to bulk up the resume, but if you're signing up for everything under the sun and not performing at your highest potential and actually making a valuable contribution to the organization, it'll do more harm than good to your reputation.

Hope these words on how to get involved this school year have been helpful. Upcoming post: How to make the most of the time and energy you invest in extra-curriculars. Now go get 'em, tiger! ;)