The first thing most people think of when they think of extracurricular activities is sports. Organized sports in college occur at several different levels, with the top tier being run by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). There are three divisions to the NCAA, and over 300 schools in it. The NCAA organizes athletic competitions between different schools, but most schools also have their own individual clubs and leagues that allow students to participate against one another.
Large colleges also have a wide variety of extracurricular clubs that you can join. Common types of clubs include political clubs (e.g. Young Democrats or Young Republicans), religious clubs and clubs that emphasize certain schools subjects (such as a poetry reading club or speech and debate club). Clubs at large universities are frequently run through a student activities office and meet on school grounds (often at a student center, if the university has one). Some clubs may require dues; others may be funded by the college itself (or not require much more than just a space to meet).
Recreation centers have become an important focal point to extracurricular activities in college, especially at larger universities. In addition to being a location where sports are played and where students work out, recreation centers also hold a variety of extracurricular classes, ranging from teaching students how to play a sport to learning how to do an activity they may not have been exposed to before, such as yoga or rock climbing. The dues for recreation centers are often paid as part of a student's tuition.
Due to the rising cost of attending college, many students find themselves needing to work in their spare time. Many colleges offer job opportunities at the institution itself, including being able to work in the dorms, in food service or at the recreation center. Additionally, through a career center, colleges will often help students find short-term jobs or internships during the summer or breaks; these opportunities will be more tailored toward the student's major and can help him secure a job after he graduates.