In college, there is only one thing worse than being overly stressed and wrapping yourself deeply into a cocoon of your own sheets. Having absolutely nothing to do.
College can become monotonous and understimulating. The first two years are especially rough. After freshman year, it’s very difficult to branch out and meet new people. You are forced to recycle the ‘dorm friends’ for an excessive amount of time. Although friendships forged in the tiny shoeboxes of Bean or open pastures of LLC may have some merit, most of them have an expiration date and need to be left behind with the rest of your sordid freshman year past.
But seriously, not surrounding yourself with people who share your interests can be very isolating. Not socially stimulating yourself can damagingly effect both your academic performance and happiness. Most of us have an idea of what intrigues and excites us, and although we may not be the masters of our trades, we do gain some sort of joy and fulfillment from them.
But you don’t have to keep beating the dead horse of freshman year friendships. A fantastic way to pursue a passion of yours, and create long-lasting friendships, is to join a student organization at the University of Oregon.
I know what you’re thinking. “Oh come on, I spent years in high school slaving away at the Chess Club just to get into college. I don’t want to do that again.” 
The beautiful thing is: you don’t have to. There are many unique organizations at the UO to cater to every passion, interest and speciality that could possibly exist. Have a look around and see what sounds exciting to you.
If you like making films: Try The University Film Organization
This is a dynamic and creative group to join whether you’re a veteran filmmaker or looking to learn new tricks. The group creates a community to connect students who are interested in filmmaking with each other while concurrently providing workshops on script reading, film score, editing and beyond. It’s a great way to get involved and learn more about film.
The University Film Organization meets every Tuesday at 7pm in Lillis Hall Room 112. If you’re interested in getting in contact with the group, visit their Facebook page or email them at [email protected]. Also make sure to check out their hilarious promo video!
If you like dancing: Try the Duck Street Dance Club
This group is ideal for those that find balance and joy in dancing but don’t want to be part of a highly competitive group. The Duck Street Dance Club specializes in hip-hop choreography and provides relaxed, fun and free dance workshops all term to dancers from beginners to experts. If that isn’t enough to swoon you, the club also performs at UO basketball half-time shows.
The Duck Street Dance Club typically meets once a week on Mondays or Wednesdays in the Fir Room of the EMU. If you’re interested in getting in contact with the group, you can hit up their Facebook page. Also, take a look at their YouTube channel to see many of their awesome performances!
If you care about the environment: Try Envision Magazine 
Although there are many incredible publications on campus to become a part of, Envision Magazine is particularly unique in that it documents the environment. Articles at Envision range from sustainability projects to little-known parks to anything and everything pertaining to nature. Envision isn’t just open to writers – it also facilitates photographers, videographers, editors and more.
If you’re interested in getting in contact with the magazine, visit their Facebook page or email them at [email protected]. Also take a look at their Vimeo channel to watch some informative (and gorgeous) videos about the environment.
If you want to help change the world from Eugene: Try UO’s UNICEF
Now, for those that want to make a difference in the world while still attending school here in Eugene, UO’s UNICEF group is right up your alley. The group helps orchestrate fundraising and campus awareness for the international children’s rights organization. It recently held a bake sale in November that raised $130.91 for UNICEF!
If you’re interested in getting in contact with the group, comment on their Facebook page or email them at [email protected].
Ultimately, there are a plethora of student groups to pick from. Choose the right one for you. Get to work on something you care about. Meet people who share the exact same passion. It could be the best decision of your college career.