Newbie 101: clubs and societies

Looking for a place to make the most of your university experience? Every journey starts with a step, and the RMIT Student Club program with over 60 hubs is the perfect place to begin. Dive into why you should join a club and a few tips to help you navigate with confidence.

With over 60 student-run clubs covering vastly fields like sports, culture, and academics at RMIT Vietnam, choosing one club to join in may be overwhelming to you. If that’s the case, you’re not alone! Here are a few insights I have learned on how joining a club has transformed my university life, and tips to help you start strong.

Why join a club at RMIT Vietnam

To begin with, joining a club is one of the best ways to meet various people who really connect with you over shared interests, passions, and goals. Let’s be real - university life is way more fun with friends by your side! These connections don’t just bring fun memories, they support you through the ups and downs, both academically and socially.

But there’s more to clubs than just friendships—they’re also an amazing way to explore your passions. As diversity and inclusion are at the heart of RMIT Vietnam’s student life, there’s always a space especially for you. Whether you’re looking to find your voice, make a social impact, or just enjoy a hobby, there’s always a place that offers you a nurturing environment for you to shine and belong.

Enactus Club performing at Club Day in Saigon South campus.

Last but not least, one of the best parts of joining a club is also the chance to build real-world skills beyond the classroom. RMIT student clubs run all kinds of events throughout the year, from business challenges and sports tournaments to exhibitions and creative projects. These are awesome opportunities where you’ll tackle real tasks, and develop practical skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. These invaluable skill sets make a difference for both your future career and personal interests. Not to mention they look amazing on your resume, too.

Overcoming the newbie nerves and apply to a club

It’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous about joining a club, especially if you haven’t had experience before or wonder if you’ll fit in. Let me reassure you: everyone starts somewhere, and RMIT clubs are super welcoming that first step of you. Let’s walk through my roadmap to help you join the RMIT clubs confidently.

The insightful talkshow at Sensory Symphony

Student listening to club representative introducing their club at Club Day.

Tip 1: Do your research

To begin, check out the Student Clubs webpage, where you can learn all the clubs, get an overview, and find links to their social media pages. Take some time to look at what each club is about, their highlighted events, and reach out with any questions. Clubs always love hearing from potential members and will appreciate your curiosity!

Tip 2: Do NOT miss Club Day and Induction Day

Club Day is an exciting event held every semester, where all the clubs come together to showcase what they’re about. Explore their booths, join fun games, enjoy lively performances, and, most importantly, meet the club members. It’s the perfect way to hear quick introductions and find out some clubs that spark your interest.

After that, make sure to join the Induction Day. This is when each club gives a comprehensive introduction of their structure, goals, and mission. It’s in fact quite a casual and welcoming event that helps you get a glimpse of the community you’re about to join.

Basketball Club vibing at Club Day in Saigon South campus.

Tip 3: Keep calm and apply

Now, it’s time to explore their application process. Each club has its own way of recruiting new members. Some, especially sports clubs, may require tryouts, while others will ask for a CV or a brief introduction about yourself.

Don’t let this application process intimidate you. While it is important to tailor your experience to the club’s goals, what matters more is your enthusiasm and passion. If you’re worried about not having direct experience, focus on what you do have, such as volunteer work, class projects, or side jobs. Teamwork, problem-solving, and skillsets you’ve gained along those experiences are just as valuable. In my experience, if I were applying for a marketing or media position, I might mention how I enjoy brainstorming creative ideas, organising sessions to develop new concepts, and collaborating with others to refine and finalise projects.

Conclusion

Joining a club is a fantastic way to balance studies with fun, build skills, and connect with inspiring peers. Whether you’re chasing your passions, building your resume, or simply looking for a supportive community, there’s a place for you to thrive. I hope that with my sharing, you’ll create lasting memories, connect with inspiring people, and grow in ways you never expected. So go ahead, take that first step, and dive into the vibrant student life at RMIT Vietnam!

This article is written by Hung Vu Viet, a Bachelor of Digital Marketing student at RMIT Vietnam, and does not reflect the views of RMIT University.

05 December 2024

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Newbie 101: clubs and societies