More Than a Degree: Top 5 Ways to Maximize Your College Journey

A complete university experience features a vibrant life outside the classroom setting. Student life includes active participation in our community. According to Gallup-Purdue University, involvement in campus life increases student confidence and success in life after graduation. Students at Northwestern are encouraged to pursue wholistic wellness that includes social activities.

Let’s explore 5 involvement areas that will enhance your college experience.

1. Living Area Programs

Did you know around 30% of UNW students commute? Northwestern supports our commuter students as well as our residents. Commuter Life leaders offer specialized programs for commuting students. They host gatherings on campus and events in the Twin Cities metro — to meet you where you are. Commuter Life provides events that are commuter-exclusive alongside events bridging commuters with the broader campus community.

For students living on campus, opportunities begin just outside your door. The Northwestern community includes Residence Life teams for each dorm area. Staff and student leaders host gatherings designed to connect residents with one another. We encourage students to find rest and rejuvenation through fellowship. Residence Life events may be with your hall, your entire dorm, or across multiple residence areas. One event to highlight is “Battle for the North” — a skit challenge between first-year dorms that is also a charity fundraiser!

2. Spiritual Development

At Northwestern, spiritual growth is as central as academic growth. We build our community’s life and schedule around a shared walk with God. Chapel is a pillar of the Northwestern experience. Chapel activities happen each weekday, with daily offerings that use distinct formats to appeal to different students. In addition to chapel, students attend worship events, weekly residence-based bible studies, and service efforts.

As an emerging adult, this new season of life is an opportunity. Develop your own faith practices and deepen your personal relationship with God. Cultivate your spiritual growth with the variety of events and experiences at Northwestern.

3. All-Campus Activities

Refresh your rhythms of school by attending large events that bring together the whole student body. All-campus activities occur regularly on weekends, and most weeks include athletic contests or performing arts shows. We have theatre productions in season all year long, and auditions are open to any student. Our award-winning choral and instrumental ensembles host stellar performances. Watch for our special combined concert in December: “Christmas at Northwestern.”

Campus traditions are a highlight for students every year. In the fall semester, celebrate Homecoming Week! At Homecoming, contribute to a Living Area competition team and attend the season’s largest football game. Not a football fan yet? We have a dozen other men’s and women’s varsity sports where you can cheer on the Eagles!

In the spring, attend showcase events like Five16 Film Festival. Student producers, actors, and cinematographers combine their talents into short films displayed at a red-carpet event. Sunburst Festival is a UNW block party that invites local performers and food trucks to our campus green. We can’t depart for summer without a final night enjoying music and activities together!

Student organizations like Core and Tapestry sponsor events based on student interests. Core focuses on community engagement, and Tapestry specializes in topics of belonging and culture. Their event schedules are constantly evolving with fresh ideas and engaging content. So, you’ll always have interesting options available to you!

4. Student-run Clubs

For students who don’t prefer crowds and loudspeakers, we recommend exploring Northwestern’s diverse club roster. Clubs at Northwestern center around academic interests, cultural engagement, shared activities and hobbies, or another passion area. Northwestern has over 30 active clubs each year, and students can establish new clubs!

At UNW, we say clubs are “by students, for students.” Clubs are smaller community groups that provide a welcoming space to experiment with new interests or to stoke existing passions.

5. Leadership opportunities

Ready to take your involvement to the next level? Apply for leadership positions!

Every club and student organization at Northwestern places students in critical leadership roles. Other areas of campus or academic departments have positions too, such as the Student Business Board. Student leaders find a unique joy in contributing back to their community.

Campus leadership develops practical skills for your resume and for life after Northwestern. Embrace the opportunities available during college, to help you stand out in the marketplace. Involvement in the UNW community is a pathway for investing in every future community you enter.

Some of the most meaningful college moments happen beyond the books. At Northwestern, getting involved helps you build community, grow in faith, and prepare for what’s next!