Must college students get plugged in with Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) in their freshman year? Will it be too late if you join in your second or third year?
Similar to many other universities, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a wide variety of RSOs, which give students the opportunity to “get plugged in” on campus. This essentially means that students are involved on campus.
Events at NSU, like Freshman Connection or N-Side View Day, often put RSOs on display for prospective and incoming students, while pushing the idea that students should get plugged in as soon as possible (i.e., during their freshman year).
Personally, I think that getting involved as soon as possible makes the transition of adapting to college life much easier. RSOs give ample opportunities to connect with your college community and meet new friends. This type of social engagement is crucial to the college experience.
This does not go to say that it’s “too late” to join RSOs in your later college years, but sometimes it can feel more difficult since many organizations have formed groups or “cliques” as the years went by. While it is completely natural for people to form groups in this way, it can be intimidating to those of us who struggle to put ourselves out there or just have a little anxiety when it comes to socializing.
Therefore, joining RSOs during your freshman year can make this transition feel a little bit easier. Torin Merchant, freshman music education major, shared a similar philosophy when it comes to joining RSOs.
“I think it’s better to get involved as soon as you can. Freshman year is the perfect time to start because everyone’s trying to make friends and figure things out, so it’s less intimidating,” Merchant said.
Merchant got involved during her first year at NSU with KNWD, the student-run radio station, but she feels there’s always time to get involved later as well.
“It’s never too late to get involved. It might feel a little more intimidating later on, but there are always opportunities to meet new people and try new things,” Merchant said. “What matters is that you go for it when you’re ready, and honestly, it can still make a big difference no matter when you start.”
There is never a need to join an RSO as soon as possible, no matter how it may seem so. NSU offers many opportunities to get plugged in besides just at the start of your first semester.
“People’s interests and schedules change, so it’s great when clubs are welcoming no matter when you show up,” Merchant said. “RSOs can seriously shape your college experience in the best way, and there’s something out there for everyone if you’re willing to try it out.”
Paula Fontenot, senior hospitality management and tourism major, took a year before joining Tau Beta Sigma and the Hospitality Management and Tourism ambassadors.
“I would encourage people to at least look into things they would be interested in once they first arrive on campus and go from there,” Fontenot said.
Although she doesn’t regret waiting, Fontenot shared that she feels that she missed having the full experience by waiting a year.
“I think that it is so important to feel included or involved in something,” Fontenot said. “Waiting is fine, it is never too late to join anything, whether it is your first or last semester, you should be able to do what you want and still feel included.”
Avery Pritchard, freshman English major, has gotten involved in several RSOs during her first year at NSU, including Alpha Beta Alpha, NSU’s library fraternity and Argus, NSU’s Art and Literary magazine.
“I don’t think freshman year is too early, nor do I think sophomore year is too late. I think it depends on what you think you’re capable of,” Pritchard said.
Pritchard shared that joining RSOs during her freshman year helped push her out of her comfort zone and ultimately was best for her college experience.
“I came into the fall semester thinking that I wouldn’t join an organization because I wanted to give myself time to adjust. ABA was then pitched to me and the rest is history.” Pritchard said. “I don’t think there is a perfect time to join an organization, so long as you go into it with an open mind and ready to socialize.”
Ella Robinson, sophomore business administration major, had a similar plan to Pritchard’s original idea.
“I was waiting to see how busy I would be with class and work to see if I would be stressed out by adding extra activities and I’m glad I waited. There is no way I would have time for that right now,” Robinson said.
Robinson found that joining RSOs was not in her best interest, and she only realized this by taking her time to adjust rather than rushing into anything. Audrey Gorum, freshman vocal performance major, is taking the time to adjust as well.
“Taking my time to pick organizations that I am interested in is very beneficial to me because I don’t think it would be good to pick something you’re not having fun being involved in,” Gorum said.
Gorum doesn’t feel rushed to get plugged in. “I feel like there is never a specific time that you have to get involved on campus,” Gorum said. “You can always take your time going to informationals and deciding what you think is best.”
Taking time to assess proved beneficial for Robinson and Gorum, while getting plugged in was more beneficial to Pritchard. When or if you should join an RSO truly is based on individual experience.
Joining RSOs can be a great way to meet people and feel connected, or maybe it would add a bit too much to your plate. Do not feel pressured to get plugged in as soon as possible or, vice versa, don’t feel pressured to take your time.
Whenever you feel like you are ready, that’s the time. In the end, it’s all about what’s best for your college experience.
