During my first year at CSUN I was a commuter. It was a lonely experience, but it really didn’t have to be! If I knew then what I know now, I would have done a lot of things differently. While it was easier to be social and get involved once I lived in the dorms, there are a multitude of ways to get connected while living off campus and commuting. Here are 7 of them!
1. Join an organization- any organization!
In the movies, freshmen show up to college and the first three people they meet become their best friends forever. That’s super convenient, but in real life, sometimes the people you meet immediately are not the ones you want to keep. Give yourself a chance to meet all kinds of people by pursuing one of your interests. CSUN has several clubs and organizations that meet on campus. There are about 300 different clubs ranging from philanthropic organizations to sports and hobbies. You can find information about most of these organizations on the school’s website, and keep an eye out early in each semester when clubs do their recruiting for new members.
2. Create a Club!
This may sound complicated, but if you are interested in a club or organization that does not yet exist at CSUN, odds are, other people will be interested as well! Senior year, I got together with one of my best friends and we found a faculty advisor to help us create a small group that continued long after we graduated. This can be an incredibly enriching experience as a student- one that will help develop your business sense and leadership skills, and look great on your resume.
3. Spend time on Campus.
CSUN’s campus features several places to hang out and eat. As a commuter school, a large percentage of the population is in-and-out, taking their classes and rushing off to their jobs and lives. But if you rush off campus immediately after classes, you’re missing the most important social time! Plenty of students can always be found at CSUN’s many coffee stands and small food joints. Say hi to one friendly looking person, or invite a friend from class to have coffee, lunch, or dinner. Even staying on campus to study in the library or student union will make it more likely to meet people; eventually everyone will put their books down and you might make some friends!
4. Volunteer!
CSUN has a large volunteer program called “United We Serve.” Through this organization, you’ll be able to get hooked up with a variety of opportunities. Volunteering looks great on your resume, makes the world a better place, and is a great way to meet awesome people! Some recent volunteer opportunities with United We Serve have included fundraising walks and youth mentoring.
5. Check the website and bulletin boards.
CSUN hosts a killer lineup of events each year. They regularly invite renowned speakers to share their wisdom, free for students! There are also things that come up throughout the year- free movie nights, carnivals, festivals, etc, but this event lineup won’t just be handed to you- you’ll have to be on the lookout. Regularly visit CSUN’s website, and look up once in a while when you walk the halls, as you may occasionally see fliers about these events! CSUN also has an email list you can get on to be informed about exciting developments.
6. Work on Campus.
You probably need a job anyways- and campus employers are more likely to be willing to cater to your class schedule! There are so many on-campus job options whether you’re interested in hospitality and food service or more inclined to pursue work in administration. If there is a place you enjoy hanging out- whether it’s CSUN’s student gym, the library, or the student union, ask the most official looking person there if they are hiring. Time spent working on campus is more time that you will be close to the action.
7. Visit the Dorms.
You don’t need to live in the dorms to hang out in the housing complex! CSUN has a large housing complex with more than 2000 students and almost 50 Resident Advisors who are each required to plan a certain amount of events per semester. Take a walk around the complex, as there are often events posted via flier. Then visit the Satellite Student Union- also part of the dorm complex. They offer movie nights, a place to study, and even meal plans, if you are so inclined.
Bonnie Sludikoff received a BA in English and Film from CSUN in 2006. She currently works as a freelance writer, and is getting ready to tour with her one-woman show “That’s What She Didn’t Say” @NotYourBonnie