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Whether you’re living on campus or commuting to school, college is a time to experiment with independence. College students can choose their own classes, make their own friends, and decorate their dorms according to their own styles. And while exploring diverse areas of study and deepening intellectual curiosity is a pivotal element of the college experience, it’s only one aspect of those four significant years.

College is also a period to define one’s life outside of academia and get involved on campus. On-campus activities are one of the most important elements of a college experience, helping students to get to know themselves and others, build a community, and develop long-term skills.

From clubs and sports teams to jobs and volunteer work, there are countless ways to play a part in campus life and explore new areas of interest.

Finding the right balance between college activities and classwork can be a challenge for any student, so it can be crucial to determine which activities are worth the time.

Some activities, like major-based clubs or a college publication, can enrich one’s intellectual experience, while others are more focused on building friendships or maintaining physical health. All of these types of activities are worthwhile as long as they don’t distract a student from their academic goals.

Getting Involved On Campus

As a new student, one way to see what the school has to offer for extracurriculars is to attend a student activity fair. This can be an opportunity for students to survey the different activities and clubs on campus and talk to current members about what they do and the types of time commitments involved.

Here are some other ideas for how college students can get involved on campus.


💡 Quick Tip: When shopping for a private student loan lender, look for benefits that help lower your monthly payment.

Assess Current Interests and Skills

Many students may have already begun to take part in extracurricular activities during their high school years. Perhaps they were on a sports team, took part in Model UN, or were part of the school choir.

Students will find that many universities offer continuation of the activities they were involved with in high school, though they will generally have to reapply or audition.

Even if a student-athlete doesn’t make it onto a college varsity team, they can try out a club sport instead. Larger schools may have more varied clubs and activities, but smaller schools will offer more opportunities for students to have their voices heard.

There may be less competition to make it into a school play, for example. Whatever size a school is, there are ways to get involved and continue to develop skills cultivated during high school.

Recommended: 2 Ways a College Athlete Can Make Money

Find a New Hobby

College extracurriculars can also be a great way to experiment with new interests, whether a student has long had the desire to explore an area, or is simply intrigued by a new idea.

Most colleges have activity fairs early on in the school year as a way for clubs and activities to advertise to new students. This is a wonderful way for students to find out what clubs are available, and to get to meet the students who are already involved.

Students may get overzealous and sign up for too many clubs and activities at first, so it’s important to assess which of these pursuits are worth sticking with and which can be politely left behind.

Recommended: Crash Course: A Student’s Guide to Money

Flex Your Inner Athlete

Playing a college sport, whether it’s trying out for varsity or joining an intramural team, can be a great way to get involved. The community that’s fostered through team sports is perhaps unmatched among other college activities, with athletes spending multiple days a week in practice, at games, and socializing off the field.

Physical activity can be one effective way to combat depression, which is on the rise among college students. If a sports team is too much of a commitment, a dance or yoga class can be a good way to meet people and stay in shape, or simply hitting the college gym.

Recommended: Balancing Being a Student Athlete & Academics in College

Get Creative

Students interested in creative expression will find a wide range of ways to get involved on campus. Trying out for a college play, auditioning for an acapella group, or joining the jazz band are great ways to meet other students and explore one’s artistic side.

College theater clubs and musical groups allow students to invest in a meaningful project and ultimately perform for their campus communities and can help improve a student’s sense of confidence and self-worth.

Visual artists may want to join a figure drawing group, and writers may be interested in joining a creative writing or poetry workshop with their peers outside of class. There are countless ways to tap into the creative bug on campus and perhaps even discover a new artistic interest to pursue beyond university.

Recommended: 3 Summer Jobs Ideas for College Students

Go Greek

For some students, Greek life forms the backbone of their social lives during college. Rush or recruitment events for fraternities and sororities provide an array of activities for potential members in an attempt to draw students to their particular organization. Pledging will take up much of a student’s time as well before they finally join the ranks of their house.

Once involved in Greek life, students often find a built-in community waiting for them. Sororities and fraternities often sponsor campus-wide events and parties or facilitate volunteer opportunities for members.

While Greek life is a great way to build friendships on-campus, it can be all-encompassing at times. It’s important for students to be able to strike the right balance between their fraternity or sorority and the rest of their lives on campus, including their classes.

If a student is interested in joining a social club that’s not Greek, or the school they are attending does not have Greek life, there may be other social clubs offered.


💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Try Your Hand in Media

Lots of colleges and universities have student-run newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV stations. Participating in one of these media organizations can be a great opportunity to meet students and get acclimated to the campus.

Joining the school newspaper will allow students to explore their campus from the inside out, researching topics that affect the community and publishing their work.

Writing for a literary magazine is also a wonderful way to get involved, with students being able to help solicit work and screen submissions.

College radio stations are also a classic staple of campuses—running a radio show, whether it’s talk radio or playing a certain genre of music, is a wonderful way to connect with the community, even if you’re doing it via radio wave.

Recommended: 6 Reasons to Go to College

The Takeaway

Getting involved on campus helps students build community, maintain a sense of productivity and accomplishment, and explore potential career avenues. The connections made through on-campus activities can be the most enduring of one’s college career since they’re often based on the passions a student will continue to enjoy after graduation.

On-campus involvement can also be a major form of stress relief from the heavy workload that college entails. Taking a break from the library by going to rehearsal for a play or music group, or by practicing with a sports team, can be one of the best ways to take the edge off a day of intense studying or classwork.

Physical activity, whether through a college team or a yoga class, helps improve health and releases endorphins that can improve one’s mood as well.

While getting involved in multiple on-campus activities can be highly beneficial to any student, it’s important to balance extracurriculars and academic work, making sure to allot the proper amount of time for studying so that one’s interests outside of class don’t eclipse everything else.

Another aspect of a successful college career is figuring out how to cover the cost of your education. Private student loans can be an option when other forms of aid, including federal student loans, scholarships, and grants aren’t enough.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOIS0723028

Heading off to college is hands down one of the most thrilling times in a young person’s life. It’s the chance to get to know yourself and your passions, close the childhood chapter of your life, and prepare for the future ahead.

But, before you can do all that, you’re going to need to pack.

Not quite sure what to bring and what to leave behind? Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a college packing list that covers all the essentials from dorm room needs to toiletries and beyond.

What to Pack for Campus Life

Hang on — before we dive into this list, we need to discuss the all-important first step every student should take in their college essential checklist planning, and that’s to reach out to your new roommate.

Once you know who that is going to be, it’s a good idea to reach out and get a feel for their likes and dislikes, how your can work together on a decor theme for the room, and if you can split the cost for shared goods, like microwaves, mini-fridges, or any other items you may share along the way.

Once you know what your roommate is responsible for you can get on your way to make your own checklist.

Shower and Toiletry Needs

Packing up for college means compartmentalizing everything in your daily life. And, for most people, their days begin with a shower. Here are a few of the items needed to set students up for a hygienic semester ahead.

Shower caddy: This is a very important base. Because students will likely be sharing communal showers they will need to cart their goods back and forth to the bathroom, so a sturdy caddy is key.

Bathrobe: On a related note, you’ll be traversing back and from the bathroom for showers. A bathrobe makes it easy to cover up.

Washcloths and towels: This isn’t an item students will want to share. Purchase a few matching sets in a unique color so students always know which color is theirs.

Flip-flops: Again, students will likely be sharing communal showers with many other students. Avoid any potential foot fungus with a simple pair of flip-flops.

Toiletries (Shampoo, Soap etc): Keep it clean from head to toe with shampoo and conditioner. For an added bonus, try a shampoo bar, which will dissipate when it’s done, leaving no plastic bottle pollution behind. Pick up your favorite scent before heading off to college so every time you open the bottle you are reminded of the sweet smell of home.

Toothbrush and toothpaste: It’s easy to pick up a simple toothbrush at any pharmacy, but students could also level-up with an electric brush, or even go for a subscription-based brush so they never have to remember when to replace the brush heads.

Deodorant: Students will be living in close proximity to one another, making it important to stay on top of hygiene and smelling nice. Look for a signature deodorant scent before leaving home.

💡 Quick Tip: SoFi offers low fixed- or variable-interest rates. So you can get a private student loan that fits your budget.

School and Office Supplies

Headphones: Yes, headphones can be used for entertainment, but they can also be a valuable tool in a student’s office supply area too. That’s because, again, you will be sharing a small space with another person so finding peace and quiet may be difficult for study and work time. But, it’s nothing a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can’t fix.

Memory cards or USB flash drives: Students will likely need to transport data files from home to printer, to class, or delivered straight to a professor. Have a few of these handy just in case.

Laptop: Though a typically expensive item, a laptop is critical for a college or university education. It’s how students can get their work done in the dorms, in class, or anywhere in between without having to head to the library for free computer use every time they need the internet. Some schools may have recommendations for laptops based on programs and the requirements for processing power or software.

School Supplies: Sure, the high-tech stuff above is great, but make sure to kick it old school too and purchase a few pens, pencils, highlighters, index cards, and notebooks so you can jot down notes, ideas, and more whenever you need to or if your computer runs out of battery.

Thinking about your current study habits can be a good place to start when evaluating what school supplies you’ll need as you head off to university. Don’t forget textbooks!

Surge protector and extension cords: Because there will likely be multiple students using up all the plugs in a dorm room, it’s a good idea to purchase a surge protector and a few extension cords to protect the electricity from overload.

Recommended: College Freshman Checklist for the Upcoming School Year

Kitchen Supplies

Microwave: A microwave can be a college student’s culinary best friend. Find a sturdy one that can handle reheating food and drinks, or even cook up entire meals.

Mini-fridge: Another college kitchen staple is the mini-fridge. Make sure it’s big enough for two roommates and all their in-room dining needs.

Dishes: College students need something to eat off of. Pack up a small collection of plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery before move-in day.

Food containers: Save any leftover goodies with some plastic food storage containers. Keep it simple with a few stackable options.

Coffeemaker: Come on. This is college we’re talking about. College kids deserve to have coffee on tap, but the next best thing is remembering to pack a good coffee maker. Prefer tea? An electric kettle may be your new best friend. Review school policies on having electric appliances in a dorm room.

Room Needs

Under-bed storage: College dorms can be tight. The average dorm room clocks in at just 180-square feet. But, a few key items can make it not only feel a touch larger, it can also make it feel more like home.

Pillows: Take a few pillows to college — a few functional pillows or sleep and another couple of throw pillows for added flare.

Linens: Students should check with their college or university for their dorm room bed sizing, but odds are it’s a twin, or twin XL. Get two sheet sets so students have one to wash and one to make the bed at all times.

Mattress pad: Look, dorm room beds aren’t exactly known for being the most comfortable things on earth. But, an easy way to upgrade student bedding is to purchase a mattress pad or feather bed.

Recommended: College Planning for High School Students

Cleaning Supplies

Going to college means students will now have to fend for themselves, and that goes for household chores too. Here are a few items all students need to get the job done right.

Laundry detergent: Find a favorite scent and stick with it. A good idea may be to find a detergent that works for both colors and whites, just in case the college student in your life forgets the laundry rules.

Vacuum: Keeping a dorm room tidy is easy with a small vacuum. Even a dust buster will do.

Paper towels: Stock up on paper towels to clean up any accidents, or to double as napkins when needed.

Wipes: Keep cleaning simple by purchasing a few canisters of wet wipes and use them regularly to disinfect surfaces.

Recommended: Using Student Loans for Living Expenses and Housing

Preparing to Pay for It All

Looking at this list, it’s clear that getting everything on your college packing list can get expensive. But, rather than stress about if you can afford cleaning supplies, linens, and office supplies, students can financially plan for what’s ahead by looking into all their college funding options, which may include savings, grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

If you still have funding gaps, you may also want to consider applying for a private student loan. These are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Students who have good credit (or cosigners who do) typically qualify for the best rates and terms. Just keep in mind that private student loans don’t offer the same protections, such as government-sponsored forgiveness programs, that come with federal loans.

💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

The Takeaway

Getting ready for college requires a lot of planning, packing, and organizing. To create your ultimate packing essentials list, think about your current day to day routine — what items do you use the most frequently?

It can be helpful to break the items on your packing list up into categories like school supplies, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom so that you can compartmentalize and review smaller pieces at a time. With all your essentials in hand, you can focus on the big picture… like picking the right college major and figuring out how you’ll cover the cost of your college education.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIS0723027

SPAC stands for “special purpose acquisition company,” and these entities act as a shell that can raise money in order to acquire another active company that wishes to go public.

Companies that want to have an initial public offering (IPO) can use SPACs to make it happen. SPACs themselves are publicly traded, and some investors are buying SPAC shares in an effort to get in as early as possible on companies going public — but it’s rare that the average investor will have access to SPAC shares.

But SPACs, like many investments, are not something you want to jump into without doing some homework first. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed new rules to make SPACs more transparent, and limit conflict-of-interest in these mergers.

What Is a SPAC?

SPACs are legal business entities that don’t have any assets or conduct any sort of business activity. In effect, they’re empty husks. That’s why they’re often called “blank check companies.”

As for their purpose, SPACs can be used to take companies public. So, instead of going through the traditional IPO process, many companies are instead using SPACs to get themselves listed on the stock markets.


💡 Quick Tip: Keen to invest in an initial public offering, or IPO? Be sure to check with your brokerage about what’s required. Typically IPO stock is available only to eligible investors.

SPACs and Acquisitions

As for how a SPAC takes a company public, the process is basically a reverse merger, when a private business goes public by buying an already public company.

Here’s a step-by step:

•   A SPAC goes public, selling shares and promising to use the proceeds to buy another business.

•   The SPAC’s sponsors set their sights on a company it wants to take public — an acquisition target.

•   The SPAC often raises more money to acquire the target. Remember, SPACs are already publicly traded, so when it does acquire a target, the target is absorbed by the SPAC, and then becomes public too.

Recommended: What Happens to a Stock During a Merger?

So, why would a company want to use a SPAC transaction to go public rather than go the traditional IPO route? The simple answer is that it can be much faster and easier.

For instance, a merger between a SPAC and its target can take between four to six months, whereas the traditional IPO route can take 12 to 18 months.

How Do I Invest in SPACs?

SPACs are designed to raise money so that they can acquire their target. To raise money, they need investors, which is why they’re generally publicly traded. In theory, retail investors can invest in SPACs — in most cases, a brokerage account is all that’s required. But a 2022 SEC analysis shows that very few retail investors actually gain access to SPAC shares.

5 Things to Know Before Investing in SPACs

Before you pursue what could be a risky investment, run through this list of considerations:

1. Failure to Find Target

SPACs exist for one reason: To acquire a target company and take it public. But there’s a chance that some could fail to do so — something that prospective investors should take seriously. The clock is ticking, too. If a SPAC does not acquire a target within a specific time frame — typically two years — it could liquidate.


💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

2. Investor Dilution

SPAC investors also run the risk that their shares could be diluted, or lose value. Meaning: The folks running the SPAC may throw in additional funding that can erode the value of those shares.

That dilution can happen during the merger process. As the merger takes place, fees are paid, warrants are exercised, and the SPAC’s sponsor receives 20% ownership in the new entity. All this can take ownership from investors’ shares, diluting them.

3. Poor Performance

Some companies that go public via a SPAC transaction don’t do so well after the merger. Their stock values don’t perform as many investors have hoped. This is yet another very real risk that SPAC investors must contend with.

As SPAC targets are private companies, investors can be limited in the amount of research they can do on the targets. Their financial records may be difficult to find. As a result, investors are basically relying on the due diligence of the SPAC sponsor. So there’s an element of trust — and risk — at play.

What investors should know is that many companies that have gone public through a SPAC underperform compared to the broader market at large.

4. Big Names Can Cloud Investor Judgment

It can be easy to get caught up in the hype around certain SPACs. Whether the SPAC itself is targeting a particularly noteworthy company to take public, or if it’s being managed by a big-name investor or famous person, the glitz and glamor may blind investors to certain risks.

It may be fun to think that you’re getting in on an investment with a celebrity. But that doesn’t mean that the investment they’re attached to is necessarily a good one, or the right one for you.

5. Uncertain Future

SPACs, in recent years, were a hot commodity. But since there are some significant risks involved in investing in SPACs, regulators stepped in to make some changes that would protect average investors.

Given the lack of transparency around SPACs and the general fast-and-loose approach that the markets are talking to them, the government and other watch dogs are already calling for some reforms.

Among them: Tamping down on SPAC hype, like protecting investors from misleading information or expectations, enhancing disclosures, and being more forthcoming about the risks to investors.

The Takeaway

There’s a lot to consider about SPACs from an investor’s point of view. But the important thing to remember is that SPACs are speculative, risky investments. Investing in SPACs will likely require a high risk tolerance for most investors, and it’s a good idea that you have your other financial ducks in a row before dedicating any money to it.

Whether you’re curious about exploring IPOs, or interested in traditional stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you can get started by opening an account on the SoFi Invest® brokerage platform. On SoFi Invest, eligible SoFi members have the opportunity to trade IPO shares, and there are no account minimums for those with an Active Investing account. As with any investment, it's wise to consider your overall portfolio goals in order to assess whether IPO investing is right for you, given the risks of volatility and loss.

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