A New Student’s Guide to Getting Involved

Surveys conducted by the Division of Academic and Student Affairs of students at NC State have found that being involved on campus gives students a stronger support network, makes them more likely to graduate (and on time), helps them develop diverse skill sets, and makes them more marketable to employers when they graduate. In addition, those students feel a greater sense of belonging to the Wolfpack and make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Here you’ll find:

A better understanding of what involvement is
Resources to learn about avenues for involvement
Ways to find involvement before and when you arrive to campus

Tips for Getting Started with Involvement

Getting involved on campus can be an exciting–and sometimes intimidating–process. There are so many opportunities, events, activities, and ways to get engaged. From student organizations, to residence hall activities, concerts and intramural sports, to religious and spiritual connections, your involvement is yours to make! If you’re unsure where to get started or you’re just looking for inspiration, consider some of these tips and tricks:

Try something new

Getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new and exciting is a great way to make connections, find new interests, and jump into your college experience head first. Connect with individuals in your residence hall or living community, university departments, organizations tabling on campus, or events and activities showcasing something new you find interesting.

Get Involved

NC State has over 650 student organizations registered on campus. There are scores of interest areas, categories, and types of organizations out there, and chances are good you will find something you might be interested in.

It’s okay to not do everything

Sometimes, getting involved can feel overwhelming. When there are so many options, decision-making can be really hard and learning how to protect your time, capacity, and wellness needs are an important part of finding good balance. It’s okay to try lots of things–and it’s okay to just try one thing at a time. Your journey is what makes sense for you and remember that the goal is finding meaningful, engaging involvement for yourself and building connections through community.

Utilize Campus Resources

College is a transformative experience for many people. There are unique opportunities and challenges associated with the collegiate environment, and NC State offers a variety of resources to support our students. Consider familiarizing yourself with some of our campus resources as you get started with your involvement journey.

Get Involved

Browse Student Organizations

NC State Guides

Download the NC State Guides App

Attend University Events

Subscribe to the NC State Events Calendar

Follow NC State on Social Media

Campus Resources

New Student Programs

Addresses the holistic needs of each new NC State student to create a foundation of success.

Student Health Services

Highly qualified professionals provide top quality care and can assist with referrals to on and off campus resources.

Counseling Center

Our diverse staff is trained to address academic, emotional and social concerns that are common to college students and may impact overall well-being.

Pack Essentials

NC State and campus partners have developed many programs to support students in need of food, housing, financial, and educational security.

Wellness and Recreation

Together, we explore and grow in these six elements of wellness: purpose, financial, physical, emotional, social and community.

Disability Resources Office

Assists students with disabilities by determining access needs and coordinating academic adjustments in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Office of Equal Opportunity

OEO fosters an inclusive campus community of students, faculty and staff who value and inspire personal, academic and professional excellence.

Academic Success Center

Providing a comprehensive variety of free programs and resources that promote academic skill development and independent learning.

NC State Dining

Since 1982, NC State Dining has been serving the Wolfpack, offering award-winning options that are convenient, fresh, diverse and delicious.

Connect With Our Office

The staff of Student Leadership and Engagement are here to assist with your involvement journey. Contact us via email at ncstate-sle@ncsu.edu or stop by the Student Involvement Center in suite 4210 in Talley Student Union.