Why Joining a Club at STLCC Might Be the Best Decision

July 21, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Campus Life

College can feel like stepping into a whole new world. New classes. New people. New experiences. Exciting, sure, but it can also be overwhelming.

Between getting use to professors, managing homework and, quite likely, working, it’s easy to think, “Do I really have time for clubs or activities?” But here’s the truth: getting involved in something outside of class might actually help you feel more at home, even do better in school and prepare you for life after college.

Clubs at St. Louis Community College offer more than just something to do. They can be life-changing in ways you might not expect.

Making Friends and Finding Your People

One of the hardest parts of starting college is feeling like you don’t know anyone. Even if you’re outgoing, it can be intimidating at times. That’s where clubs come in.

When you join a group that’s based on something you care about, such as a cultural organization, gaming club or hiking group, you’re surrounded by people who already share one of your interests. That makes starting conversations a lot easier.

“Some of the strongest friendships I have made at STLCC have been through my clubs,” said student Jessica Wynn. “I am part of Crochet Club at STLCC-Meramec, and before this club it was easy to feel like I was one of the only people at school with this interest, but I was able to form a tight-knit group of people who shared the same interests as me.

“I might not have even met my friends if it weren’t for our club because we all have different majors and life experiences, but now I feel like I have lifelong friendships.”

Friendships that begin in clubs often go deeper than just chatting in class. You’re working together on events, meeting regularly and sharing goals. That kind of teamwork builds strong bonds and can provide a sense of belonging to the community, which can help self-esteem and even your grades.

Building Confidence and Trying New Things

Clubs also give you a safe space to try things you’ve never done before.

Never planned a fundraiser, run a meeting or spoken in public? You’ll probably get the chance to do all of that and more.

Trying new things can be scary but it’s also how you grow. Clubs give you the chance to take risks without being judged. You’re surrounded by people who want to help you succeed.

And every time you step up, you build confidence; not just in the club, but in life.

“It's a huge boost,” said Shirley Roach, who is in several clubs at the Wildwood campus. “There's a world of difference between participating in high school clubs compared to running a college club. In college, and at STLCC specifically, students have a lot of the power to plan and operate their own events. Managing budgets and projects gives you a small taste of what adult work is like."

Roach is the president of the campus’ Pride Alliance Club and its Creative Writers Club. She’s also an active member of the Culture Club, the New Students Programs Summer Book Club and the Music Appreciation Special Interest Group.

Clubs provide hands-on leadership training for students, and they are maybe the best way to get leadership experience while at college. These leadership skills will help while in school but also provide the leadership qualities to put on a resume.

Wynn is also a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), which plans events for its campus. She said working toward a common goal has been an especially valuable life lesson that she believes will help her in her future work life and in life in general.

“I have experienced so much personal growth over the past few years because of the clubs I participate in. Through CAB, I was able to see what it was like to plan fun activities from start to finish,” she said. “We brainstormed ideas, made posters advertising our events, allocated funds for supplies/food, ran our events and we cleaned up our events afterward.

“During events, I spoke in front of large groups of my peers for events like bingo and trivia. Putting yourself out there can be hard but when you have a good team they support and encourage you to keep going. Ultimately, I have so much pride for my part in putting together and running each event.”

Boosting Your Academic Performance

It might sound backwards, but being busy with clubs can actually help you do better in class.

Studies show that students who are involved in campus activities often have higher GPAs than those who aren’t. Why? Because being part of a club teaches you time management. When you know you’ve got a meeting or event coming up, you learn to plan ahead, finish assignments early and use your time wisely.

Phi Theta Kappa, an academic honor society, is directly tied to your academic success. It provides opportunities to grow your leadership skills and might even help you pay for college

"Active PTK members have been recognized with state and national scholarships,” said Sandra Arumugam-Osburn, EdD, advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at STLCC-Forest Park. “They have also had the chance to network with other PTK scholars from around the world and learn from well-renowned thought leaders at our conferences."

Joining PTK shows your professors and future employers that you care. If they see you’re passionate about your academics and your community, they know you’re invested in doing something more.

Standing Out After Graduation

Employers don’t just care about your GPA. They want to know what kind of person you are. Can you lead? Communicate? Solve problems?

Clubs give you a chance to practice all of that.

Say you’re a member of the Veterans Club and help organize a supply drive to provide for veterans in need. That shows leadership, teamwork and dedication to a cause. If you help manage the Horticulture Club’s social media account, that’s hands-on experience in digital marketing. If you serve on the Campus Activities Board and plan a campus talent show, that’s project management.

All of these things look great on a resume and they give you real stories to share in job interviews.

College life can be stressful. Balancing classes, relationships, finances and the future isn’t easy. That’s why having a place where you can relax, laugh and connect with others is so important.

Clubs provide a break from academic pressure. They give you something to look forward to, especially on tough days. Whether it’s working on pottery with the Clay Club or playing with the Dungeons and Dragons Club on Friday night, having that outlet can do wonders for your mental health.

According to the American College Health Association study “Measuring Well-being in a College Campus Setting,” students who feel connected to their campus are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Clubs help create that connection. They remind you that you’re not alone and that your life is more than just grades and deadlines.

Exploring Passions and Discovering New Ones

Not sure what you want to do with your life? You’re not alone.

College is a time to explore, and clubs make that easier. Want to try your hand at being a journalist? Want to work with the LGBTQIA+ community? Learn how to cook meals from other cultures? Now’s the time.

Sometimes, these “just for fun” activities lead to big opportunities. Many students discover career paths through clubs they joined on a whim.

How to Get Started

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some tips:

Visit the STLCC clubs page – This is the most current list of clubs and contacts to get involved. Remember, if you don’t see a club that meets your interest, you can always start one by going to the same website and find the “Club Resources” section.
Visit the Club Expo – During the second week of each semester, clubs set up tables and give out info. The location will vary depending on the campus and if it’s the fall or winter semester but walk around and talk to people. You don’t have to commit to anything right away. You can learn about all of the opportunities and see what speaks most to you.
Try a few before choosing one – It’s okay to attend a couple of meetings and see what feels right. Clubs welcome new faces with open arms.
Bring a friend – If you’re nervous, go with someone you know. It’s always easier to try new things with backup.
Don’t be afraid to start your own – You get the theme here? If you can’t find a club that fits, maybe it’s a sign you should start one. STLCC makes it easy to apply and start something new. Go to the College’s clubs page and scroll down to the “Club Resources” section.

Final Thoughts

College isn’t just about going to class. It’s about discovering who you are, who you want to become and what kind of life you want to build.

Joining clubs and getting involved in campus life gives you the tools to grow, connect, and thrive not just in school, but far beyond it.

So, the next time you see a flyer for a group meeting or an event happening on campus, take a chance. Say yes. Show up. You might find a hobby. You might find a calling.

You might even find yourself.