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Why it matters to feel like you belong

As a ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder student, you have to manage multiple responsibilities. Getting involved in student organizations, leadership positions, volunteer opportunities or on-campus events may feel like a low priority. Yet, cultivating a sense of belonging and connection offers many benefits to your college experience and future.

Multiple studies show a connection between student involvement and positive academic outcomes, improved mental health, increased confidence and other benefits.


Improved academic performance

Students attend an I Love Mondays event on campus
Participating in extracurricular activities creates a positive link between belonging and academic achievement. Involved students often have higher GPAs and feel more committed to ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä, which can result in more persistence to graduate.

Find ways to connect with other students in your major or participate in academic activities.

  • Join student organizations related to your area of study or academic interests. Check out to search over 400 student organizations.
  • Explore the events, programs and leadership opportunities within your area of study or major.
  • Check out tutoring resources to support your academic growth and connect to mentors and peers.

Find support when facing discrimination

Acts of discrimination, whether overt or microaggressions, cause harm and can negatively impact a student’s college experience. Research shows a link between students experiencing discrimination and increased rates of depressive symptoms and lower GPAs. The data also shows that academic performance and mental health can improve when students become involved on campus and have positive peer relationships. Becoming involved can create a sense of belonging and community that offers a support system to help students navigate experiences of discrimination.

¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder is committed to equity, inclusion and social justice. Find community support and connection by exploring the many ways to get involved.

Positive impacts on wellness and mental health

Activities that encourage belonging help students to achieve goals and have more confidence. Involved students typically have more social support, which can positively impact mental wellness, counter depression and decrease the risk of suicide.

¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder’s Health and Wellness Services offers a wide range of programs, events and resources to support students.

  • Visit the Recreation Center to participate in fitness classes, intramural or club sports, Outdoor Pursuits and other classes or activities.
  • Attend Health and Wellness programs to learn, have fun and connect to resources. Check out Mindful Mondays, Health Huts and Wellness Wednesdays.
  • Register for a workshop to learn about topics like stress management, healthy habits and life skills.

Build a strong network

Students involved in campus organizations and activities can build a more robust network. Your network can help connect you to internships, awards, job opportunities and mentorship now and in the future. The Forever Buffs Network offers students and alumni a way to stay connected to the Buff community.

¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder has several departments to help students engage in the community, focus on the future and make the world a better place.

Enjoy your college experience

Being involved can make college more fun. Joining student organizations, attending campus events, volunteering and other activities can help you meet new people and make friends. Data shows that when you make five or more friends at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä, you are more likely to feel like you belong. 


Get involved!

Enhance your college experience, build relationships and improve your well-being by becoming involved at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder. The Center for Student Involvement and Division of Student Affairs promotes belonging, connection and a quality student experience.