Student Clubs: Adding Spice to Your Student Life?
October is over, marking the end of the initiation month for many students in Antwerp. It was the time of year when students in white lab coats were a common sight around the city. But what’s the scene with student clubs and initiations in 2024? What are the perks of joining a student association? Let’s explore together!
1. Finding your community
Student clubs organize welcome rituals to make it easier for participants to connect with others. For example, if you are new to your major or to the city, this is a fun way to make new friends at the beginning of the year. “You really get to know people differently at a baptism than in class, it’s less superficial, you play games together and you see off together, it really creates a group feeling.” Explains PSW- praeses Max. Technica-praeses Thibault also emphasizes the sense of togetherness that comes with a student union: “The positive thing about baptisms and student unions in general is that it’s an opportunity to make a lot of friends and create a sense of belonging.”
2. Integration into the club
Integrating yourself into a sorority will undoubtedly ensure more spice in your student life. Student clubs organize other activities besides welcome rituals and events. They also volunteer, organize study sessions, fun quizzes to get those brain cells working extra hard and much more. Balance is key! Rebecca from Mythica experiences many benefits: “Being a member of a club like Mythica has many advantages, you get to know people who share the same interests, and you really must socialize compulsively. There is often a lot of pressure from society to get everything out of your student life so the activities of a student club can really make that quest easier.”
“Technica was a great opportunity to meet new people. Student clubs can also help you advance in your career and help you find the balance between studying and having fun.” Adds Technica speaker Thibault.
3. A safe space
Student associations can also really be a safe space for students. Not only do you meet new people there, but it can be a place where you feel accepted and safe. Often there are also designated confidants in a club, you can go there as a member if you just want to get some things off your mind or ask for some advice. “We really have designated member representatives and contact persons in our club. That’s how we want to create a safe space within the club. It is nice to know that your interests are shared, even if they are not so mainstream. You’re accepted anyway.” Explains Rebecca.
Pushing boundaries
Studying further can be super scary: moving to a dorm, alone in a new city and a completely new routine: scary! Of course, student life is not just about studying you learn to gain experiences and push your limits. In a student club you can do both! For example, you organize activities together (which looks super good on your resume btw!) and get to know the city in a different way. According to Rebecca, in a student club you learn to pierce your safe bubble: “A club can push your boundaries when, for example, you have to participate in activities that may not be 100% your thing at first and you would never do them on your own, but at the end finding them mega cool. In the club there is room to try but also to fail. The collective nature of a student club is very interesting. You get to know new people and parts of yourself. You can really pierce your safe bubble that way.”
To look at it from a different perspective, we also spoke with Maarten Druyts, the neighborhood director for the City of Antwerp who also works with student clubs. We asked him if there was an increase or decrease in the number of baptisms in Antwerp, if there are any changes in activities, and what he sees as the main challenges for the clubs.
“The number of baptism applications has remained relatively stable this year, with around 200 activities on public property. While the number of applications remains the same, we do see a shift in the nature of activities: smaller groups, a decrease in alcohol consumption and a more playful approach. Where previously a more rigorous drill approach was sometimes common, associations are now opting for creative, playful activities that create a positive atmosphere.”
“Student associations are currently in an exciting phase and societal shift where they are discovering new ways to engage members and maintain their relevance. The dynamics of student unions differ from other youth organizations due to the rapid turnover of praesidia and the need to be constantly innovative, but that’s exactly what makes it a wonderful challenge to continually create meaningful, connecting experiences. Young people appreciate a respectful, fun approach and seek connection to activities that challenge them in positive ways. As a city, we can provide a supportive framework, while associations find their own way in engaging and enthusing new members. The changes in nightlife and broader society give associations an opportunity to be innovative and connecting, which keeps them attractive to new generations.”
Student associations are really not the past. Being a member has its advantages, you can meet new people and really form a whole new community, push your boundaries, and it can be a safe space. Sounds good to me! Of course, this also means that clubs have to be innovative and open to new ideas, habits and activities, which is challenging but also very exciting and enriching :).
One thing is for sure, with their lectures, networking events, TDs, gala balls, careerdays, volunteering and so much more, student clubs provide a vibrant Antwerp student community. Whether you are a member or not, without student clubs our student life would surely look a lot more boring.
