At UC Davis there are so many ways for students to have fun, expand their horizons, meet other students and find their place in the Aggie family—everything from academic enrichment to recreation to community service and much more! Here are eight ways you can get involved at UC Davis:

1. Join a club

Literally hundreds of clubs are registered with the Center for Student Involvement at UC Davis. You can search the AggieLife website to find a club that matches your interests. If you can’t find a club that fits, you can always start a new club.

2. Connect with a student community group

UC Davis has numerous student life centers that have services and programs for building community and offer students support with issues related to gender, sexual orientation, ethnic identity and heritage.

A number of spiritual groups for students belong to the UC Davis University Religious Council.

Or, if you are someone who is filled with Aggie Pride, consider joining the Aggie Pack, which is the largest organized student spirit group in the country!

3. Get active

Located in beautiful Northern California, UC Davis is well-situated for students to enjoy a slew of outdoor activities. Campus Recreation has tons of offerings for you to enjoy: Go on a backpacking trip, learn to horseback ride, play your heart out with the Cal Aggie Band-uh!, learn woodworking, etc.

If fitness is a big part of your daily lifestyle, then the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) is the place for you. The ARC is open seven days a week (view exact hours) and current UC Davis students can use the ARC for free. The ARC also has programs (which may require additional, low fees), including Group Exercise classes, Dance Series classes, Martial Arts Series classes, personal training, rock climbing and Rec Sports.

4. Lead the way

Exercise your political savvy and run for office through the UC Davis student government: Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD). Elections for executive and legislative positions are held annually during winter general elections. Check out this page on student government or visit the ASUCD website.

Another way to flex your leadership muscles is to become a student advisor to UC Davis administrators. The dean’s office at several colleges and professional schools around the university, in addition to the chancellor’s office, have student advisor positions available. These positions can be a great way to build your own professional network and for you to help bring the student perspective to key UC Davis officials.

5. Volunteer with a big UC Davis event

There are tons of events on campus throughout the year that are hosted by students and they are always looking for more helping hands. The largest of these is Picnic Day, which is believed to be the largest student-run event in the nation. They have everything from two-hour shifts to board positions available. It can be a great way to meet friends, get some great experience for your resume and have fun being a part of this long-time Aggie Tradition.

6. Go Greek

Becoming part of a fraternity or sorority can be a great way to build lifelong connections, make friends, learn leadership or event management skills and to get involved with community service projects during your time at UC Davis. There are more than 65 sororities and fraternities at UC Davis, each of which is distinct. Visit the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life website to find the fraternity or sorority that is right for you.

7. Go beyond the classroom

UC Davis is home to more than a dozen living-learning communities in the residence halls, which provide students with the opportunity to live in the same hall or on the same floor with folks who have similar interests. Living-learning communities are more than a place to live—they foster an educational community that supports its residents. Learn more about how to apply.

Getting research experience as an undergraduate can be big plus on your resume, but it also enriches your time at UC Davis by giving you increased access to hands-on learning opportunities around your academic interests. The Undergraduate Research Center, located on the second floor of the Student Community Center, offers services to help students engage with and fund research, present findings, publish and get awards, whether their research interests are in the sciences or arts.

8. Work on campus

Getting a job on campus can be a great way to meet new people and earn a little extra money in your pocket. Read our 5 Steps for Finding a Job or visit the Internship and Career Center (ICC) where they have a ton of services to help you land a job or internship.

What I wish I’d known as a freshman: