Finding New Hobbies through Clubs at Auburn University
By Cole Bedics*
The Sustainability Office’s theme for this winter season is “Becoming You,” and we want to share some ways that you can explore your interests and take advantage of all that Auburn University has to offer!
The prevailing notion is that you go to college or to school in general to learn, and while this is true, some argue that college has its value in helping young people find out who they really are. Often for the first time, a student is given the freedom to explore and decide what they want to do with their lives and who they are. Besides this broad independence that college provides, Auburn specifically offers a plethora of opportunities for students to try new things and new hobbies with Auburn University’s clubs!
Personally, I believe participating in Auburn clubs has been the most important thing I have done during my time as a student. These clubs have helped me foster my interests, find new ones, and above all, make relationships with the community and people who help define me. It would be a mistake for a student at Auburn not to at least give these clubs a look.
Starting a new hobby can be difficult; things like learning to dance, fish, sing, and exercise, are all made easier when you can do them with a group. Here are some of the clubs offered at Auburn, and by no means is this an exhaustive list; there are more than 700 organizations on campus. To find more clubs or to get more information about those listed below, visit AUinvolve.
Sports Clubs
Playing a sport is an easy way to stay fit, have fun, and pick up some new athletic skills. Auburn has sports leagues that range from casual to competitive, with a variety of sports from rugby to cricket, football to rock climbing, and everything in between! To sign up for the intramural leagues, meaning a league just at Auburn, visit Auburn’s Recreation and Wellness website. Auburn also has sports clubs where you can travel and play other schools’ club teams. This offers a competitive atmosphere for students who want to get into the game! Trying out a new sport can open doors to new interests, friends, and opportunities for growth that all help you in your journey of becoming you!
Discover your athletic niche with Auburn University’s sports clubs
Permaculture Tigers
Gardening is a great way to get outside and is a fascinating and complex hobby that can turn into an obsession. The Permaculture Tigers Student Association specializes in the gardening practice known as permaculture. This is basically gardening in the most sustainable way, utilizing natural processes instead of working against them. This great group of people has their own garden plot at the Auburn Community Garden that you can participate in maintaining and learn the basics of regenerative agriculture and gardening. They welcome all students, so if you want to learn more about sustainable gardening, consider the Permaculture Tigers!
Put sustainability into action with the Permaculture Tigers
For the Bees
“Every flower that ever bloomed had a bee that believed in it” -Unknown.
Taking this unattributed quote, the For the Bees at Auburn University is a perfect place to bloom as a person. In this club, you can learn the ins and outs of beekeeping. They also maintain a native flower garden that helps support pollinators. Not only do they teach about how to garden and bee keep; they also create wax crafts out of their hives and sell their own honey! Find them on the concourse to learn more or visit them virtually to find out how you can get involved!
“Our purpose is simple—we are dedicated to educating others on the importance of bees” – For the Bees AUinvolve
The Auburn Circle
Are you interested in art and humanities? Well, Auburn has an organization for you with the Auburn Circle, a student-run organization that produces literary and art magazines. Their magazine, which is produced three times a year, is outstanding, produced to a professional level, and promotes the artists and writers around the Auburn community. They are not limited to just publishing, as they also hold events. This semester, for example, they are having an open-mic night with UPC for poets, singers/songwriters, and comedians on March 26, at the Student Center Starbucks. They accept new members at the start of each semester, and all students are welcome!
The Circle “serves as a forum for the artists, writers, photographers, and designers of Auburn University.” – The Circle AUinvolve
Fly-Fishing Club
I may be slightly biased to this club as I am a member, but the Fly-Fishing Club at Auburn University can offer students a lot more than a fish on the line, although they can help make that happen, too. You get to go on trips, group fishing, fly-tying nights, and conventions. The best way to learn how to fish is to surround yourself with people who do and want to teach you. Newcomers and all skill levels are welcome! Auburn may not be Colorado, but believe it or not, it is a great place to fly fish. Come discover the beauty of East Alabama and maybe catch a fish too with the Fly-Fishing Club at Auburn University. You’re sure to make some great friends along the way!
Come see East Alabama with The Fly-Fishing Club at Auburn University
College is more than classes and degrees; the resources at Auburn allow all students to seek out new opportunities and interests that help you in your quest of “becoming you.” Whether you are looking for something new to try or are seeking to connect with like-minded people around campus, there is a place at Auburn for you. Picking up a new hobby can be intimidating, but starting out with a group instead of solo can lead you on a journey that is valuable and rewarding. As you start the spring semester and this season of exploration, take a look at Auburn’s clubs and organizations. They could hold the experience you are looking for!
Cole Bedics serves as the Engagement Coordinator for our office.
