At the start of every school year, the Activities Fair at Indiana University Kokomo sets the tone for student life. It’s not just tables and flyers, it’s a chance to meet people, try something new, and get involved on campus. With so many student-run clubs, there’s truly a place for everyone, whether you want to connect with people in your major, develop work-ready skills, or build friendships while exploring Kokomo.
When I first came to IU Kokomo, I thought college would just be about going to class and finishing assignments, but I quickly realized it’s also about building connections and finding your community. The Activities Fair makes that easier by bringing everyone together in one place. This year’s fair was held Sept. 9th–10th, 2025, and it reminded me how many opportunities there are to get involved with. Each table represented a group of students passionate about something whether it was business, service, sports, or the arts.
When I joined Women in Business as a freshman in 2023–24 and later served as marketing director during my sophomore year, I didn’t just gain leadership experience, I made friends, explored Kokomo through club events, and built skills I’ll carry long after graduation.
Clubs at IU Kokomo open professional doors and getting involved in one is an investment in your future. Being active in Women in Business helped me add leadership experience to my résumé and taught me how to work on a team outside of class. Employers value involvement in student organizations because it shows initiative, teamwork, and leadership. Talking in an interview about projects you’ve organized, events you’ve planned, or responsibilities you’ve taken on can set you apart from other candidates. It proves you can balance academics with real-world experience, which is exactly the kind of skill set companies want.
Joining clubs also gives you hands-on experience you can’t get in the classroom. Whether you’re managing a budget, running a social media page, or planning a campus event, you’re building practical skills that translate directly into future careers. Just as important, clubs are about networking. The people you meet in college may become your future coworkers, business partners, or even the ones who connect you to job opportunities.
I spoke with Jensen Huser, a junior and vice president of the Accounting and Finance Club. She helps organize events and connect students with networking opportunities and internships. For her, the best part of joining clubs has been the friendships: “Without joining clubs early in my college career, I wouldn’t have built the same strong friendships I have today.” Her advice for new students is simple: “Get involved. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep going, but you might just find something you love.”
From my experience with Women in Business and Jensen’s with Accounting and Finance, it’s clear that clubs make the IU Kokomo experience richer. They open doors to leadership, career growth, and, most importantly, community.
It’s not only about career prep. The friendships I’ve made are what I value the most. As someone who isn’t from Kokomo, joining a club gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t have before. Student organizations make it easier to find your community, and many host events off campus, giving you the chance to explore Kokomo. Through IUK clubs, I’ve attended a pottery night, gone bowling, seen movies, and enjoyed countless in-club celebrations.
Belonging to a club opens the door to opportunities that help you discover the city and make memories you’ll never forget. If you’re an incoming freshman or even just curious about IU Kokomo student life, my advice is this: go to the Activities Fair and try out a club. You never know what you’ll discover, but chances are it will make your college years more fun, more connected, and more meaningful.
