There is a stigma about UCI where people call the campus “socially dead” because it may not have the most eye-catching student socials. What I realized this quarter is that is not necessarily the case. There are many opportunities for finding events that fit your interests at UCI; it’s a matter of traveling out of your comfort zone and getting involved in these events to discover a community that fosters socialization from your interests. For me, as an ASUCI (Associated Students- UCI) Intern in the Multimedia and Art Lab commissions I help put on events for students’ entertainment. So whether its showcasing art through Art Lab events (this quarter it was the Halloween-themed Dark Lab) or attending a screening of It: Chapter Two with Multimedia, ASUCI events are great opportunities to meet new people or simply find on-campus entertainment. Being a part of the organizations that plan these events makes these events even more enjoyable as the behind-the-scenes process includes group bonding activities that allow me to have a good time with my fellow teammates. The most fascinating aspect of getting involved in clubs on campus is that the student body seems to become more familiar. As you meet new people in your involvements you gain connections to other groups of people on campus and soon your network of acquaintances and friends continues to grow.
If you know me, you know I also like to stay in touch with my creative side. This quarter I am taking drama classes that required students to watch UCI Drama’s production of Company the Musical. Even if attendance to this show was mandatory, I would have watched it regardless because theatrical productions are always fascinating to me. Needless to say, the show did not disappoint. The entire cast and crew involved in the production were all inspirationally talented and their efforts made the show worthwhile. Company wasn’t the only show I was able to watch as by just being a student within the drama department you are introduced to a variety of shows that you can either watch or even be a part of- student-written plays, facility-sponsored projects, you name it.
Involvement overall does not need to mean joining organizations, it could mean supporting on-campus events or even by just being a student of one of the schools at UCI. There is rarely a dull moment at UCI if you just find the resources to guide you to events that keep your social life active- and this is always rewarding in the long run!