New university students are often known to pack on a few pounds, a tendency commonly called the "freshman 15." In fact, researchers at Cornell University found in a 2003 study that freshmen gained an average of 4.2 pounds in their first 12 weeks on campus. It's easy to blow off exercising with so much academic work to do. University students, though, need to stay active. Most campuses have an intramural program with a range of sports, from flag football to ultimate Frisbee. The levels range from serious players trying to win championships to coed teams having a good time. If you don't want to play on a team, find a pick-up basketball game or ride a stationary bike in the gym.
Some professions almost require you to show work samples to get hired. Gaining experience in a career-related extracurricular activity not only is fun, but can set you apart during the interview process. For example, take future journalism. Aspiring journalists need to learn on the job, not just in the classroom. Strong clips, or published articles, can land you an internship at a newspaper. The same goes for aspiring photographers, copy editors and radio hosts.
Almost every profession has a student group or professional fraternity, ranging from the Alpha Chi Sigma chemistry fraternity to the Omega Tau Sigma veterinary fraternity. Professional fraternities are typically coed. The organizations have meetings that discuss the profession and bring in guest speakers. It's not all work, though, as the clubs have parties, barbecues and fundraisers such as car washes. Membership in a professional organization may lead to networking opportunities that can help you down the line.
Mention a college "Greek" fraternity or sorority and the movie "Animal House" comes to mind. Certainly, the Greek system has its share of parties during the semester. Many people join these groups to have an active social life and meet potentially lifelong friends. Members, though, often participate in charity events and gain leadership experience by governing the fraternity or sorority. In fact, all but two U.S. presidents have participated in the collegiate Greek fraternal system since the system was founded in 1825.