It’s easy to stay at home, watching Netflix and doing homework. It’s harder to show up to a new club, cheer loudly at a sporting event, visit a new dining hall or attend an event. But getting involved matters. 

Nora Clark-Giles, the assistant vice president for student health and well-being, knows the investment in yourself is worth it. “This is the time to explore. You can learn something new or prioritize an activity of interest. And you don’t have to do this journey alone—engaging on campus will help you build a community to maximize your college experience.”

Follow these steps to take advantage of all the campus has to offer.

5 Steps to Getting Involved

Take time to reflect.

The student experience is more than what happens in the classroom, and the activities you engage in as a student will inform your goals and shape your future beyond TU. According to Erica Lokshin, director of health promotion and prevention education, “In 10 years when you look back at your time at TU, you’re going to remember the events that you enjoyed, the new activity you got excited about, the event that had a big impact and the friends you made along the way.”

Engaging in activities on campus has been linked to higher GPAs, an increased sense of belonging (especially for students far away from families and friends) and a greater sense of purpose.

“This is not the place to sit,” says Matt Lenno, assistant vice president for student affairs. “This is the place to experience, to grow and to learn about life. There’s so many people to help you if you if you fail, and without the challenge, you won’t be able to grow.”

Whether it’s getting better at a skill like badminton or pickle ball, becoming the field hockey team’s No. 1 fan, checking out different parts of campus or joining a club, think about how you want to explore and challenge yourself beyond the classroom at TU.

Designate time for exploration.

Students may find themselves overwhelmed by academic demands, stress, time constraints and anxiety. According to Mollie Herman, director of the counseling center, these challenges are common among students but taking breaks, mixing up routines and getting connected on campus can help.

“Taking the chance and going out on campus helps students feel more independent and more confident,” Herman says. “Getting outside and in different environments can improve your mood, sleep better and help manage your stress.”

The time it takes to find what you want to do and how you can do it is a good investment for your overall well-being.

“There’s so much to get involved with, and if you think there’s nothing, you can make something,” notes University Residence Government president Olivia Fletcher ’25. “There is truly something for everyone.”

Find events and opportunities by regularly visiting Involved@TU and the master events calendar. Also, check out the list of student clubs and organizations.

Share your goals and aspirations.

Your community begins to build with this step. Share your goals and aspirations with a roommate, family member, friend, classmate or colleague to make it real and for extra accountability.

"You’re not the only person that feels nervous or anxious—there's always someone else that knows how you’re feeling,” says Fletcher. “Once you learn how to feel comfortable being uncomfortable, you can go beyond what you think is possible.”

Find someone who can share in your journey of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Get out there and do it.

The possibilities to engage in the campus community are endless.

With more than 280 groups to choose from, find a club or student organization that’s right for you. Including academic and professional clubs, you can also find something related to the arts, culture, Greek life, politics, media, leadership and much more.

Campus recreation has several opportunities to enhance physical well-being such as a full gym, specialty fitness classes and open courts and fields.

Towson Tigers athletic events happen all year round, most offering free tickets to students, so you can put on your game face and root for your favorite Tigers.

The Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility hosts opportunities for students to do purposeful work and be engaged members of the community. University Residence Government hosts events and programming directly in dorm rooms. Events happen every day, some with free food, but all with the opportunity to meet new people and be part of something bigger than yourself.

Engagement doesn’t require anything organized, either. Go on a walk. Try a new dining hall. Pick a new place on campus to study.

Celebrate every win.

As you begin or enhance your campus engagement journey, take time to acknowledge the small wins. “Check in on your success. Small victories should be celebrated,” notes Lokshin.

Whether it's signing up for a group fitness class, reserving a ticket for a show or a game or deciding to eat somewhere new for lunch after class, you should be proud of yourself for trying something new. Remember, this investment in yourself will benefit your overall well-being and help you thrive during your time at TU.