College is a time to grow and expand who you are. Branching out to meet new people, diving into your faith, and getting involved in groups that share your values can be overwhelming. Whether you just joined the AU family or have been here awhile, there are lots of places to make friends. Thankfully, our campus makes it easier to find your people!  

Campus Events  

Our Student Activities team works hard to create events that encourage branching out and meeting new people on campus. From speed friending to murder mystery nights, Student Activities hosts more than 100 events every year. In addition to campus-wide events, look for events hosted by your residence halls, the South Carolina School of the Arts (SCSA), athletics, or your college/school. Going to events helps you meet new people while having fun!  

Campus Ministries  

Students can participate in seven campus ministries: BCM, RUF, CRU, FCA, Eternal Tribe, Men’s ministry, and Women’s ministry. Each campus ministry is different, so it is good to explore several options before you pick one to find what you like best. (More on this tomorrow!)  

Clubs and Organizations  

Finding “your people” organically can be difficult, so joining clubs and organizations can help you find friends who share your values. An excellent place to learn about clubs is at the Expo or AUnited. There are many options, so explore different opportunities to find what you love.  

Student Employment   

Campus jobs can expose you to new people and friendships while earning professional development. Even with a student schedule, you can connect with professionals in your field. Check out Handshake or visit the Office of Student Employment to find available campus positions and resources.  

Campus Recreation and Fitness
If your favorite form of exercise is competitive sports, intramurals are for you! These can be fun or serious, depending on the sport and your team. You can join a team or sign up as a free agent and be assigned to a team. Make an account on IMLeagues to sign up. If you’re looking for something more serious, then club sports might be for you—they just started in the fall of 2023. Browse AUnited to find one that interests you.  If you’re more of a group exercise person, sign up for the free fitness classes in the Student Center! These classes vary each semester but can include student favorites like yoga, Pilates, strength training, and more! 

Join the Trojan Army 

If you love cheering in the student section of athletic events, you should join the Trojan Army! For just $10, you get a free T-shirt and a card that allows you to earn points just for showing up and cheering on the Trojans. You can redeem those points for Trojan gear throughout the year. As an AU student, you get into every athletic event on campus for free. With more than 160 home games each year, you will have ample opportunities to earn points, get rewards, and make new friends!  

Get on Social Media 

If you are looking for professional connections and community, LinkedIn is where it’s at. It’s a great place to post your professional development and network while in school. I love seeing my friends post projects they have done in class and what they are learning through their internships.  

There are so many Instagram accounts associated with Anderson University that it’s hard to know where to start. Here are my top five, plus a few specific to you to keep an eye out for.  

1. @AndersonUnivSC – the official Instagram channel for Anderson University. Follow this account to learn about everything happening at AU. 
2. @AUTrojans – We love our athletes! Here, you’ll find all things athletics, both at home and away. 
3. @AUStudentInvolvement and @AUFirstYear – a great place to start your first year; student involvement includes everything from student government to clubs to the first-year experience. 
4. @AU411 – Student Activities loves to have fun, and they plan some great events. Make sure you follow them and watch their stories for all the details! 
5. @DiningAtAU – From mealtimes and locations to fun events and daily menus, our partners at AVI Foodsystems have your back on Instagram.

In addition to these large accounts, look for smaller communities like your residence hall, campus ministries, clubs, individual athletic teams, campus resources, and colleges. Following these accounts will help you stay in the know for all your campus communities.  

Our campus community is bursting with opportunities and ways to get involved. I can’t wait for you to find your people!