College is scary. For freshmen, the first day on campus is a combination of joy and fear. Months of eager anticipation lead hundreds of developing minds onto the rolling green hills of Mississippi State, its red brick buildings rushing with fresh waves of possibility while faces of all ages wander the drill field, seeking those who can lead them in the right direction. Not only do they wander in search of Dorman but also sometimes in search of a group of students with common interests. The good news is upperclassmen are here to lead the way to your next class and to a future full of opportunities awaiting every student. Whether your interests lie in music, art, nature or athletics, MSU has a club for you.
For those who feel most at home at a concert, Music Makers might be the right fit. Music Makers Productions is a non-profit production company responsible for booking, producing and promoting large music events in Starkville. In recent years, thanks to the hard work of Music Makers, students have been able to see and hear Zac Brown Band, Robert Randolph, Girl Talk and more.
Mary Leigh Morris, ticketing chair for MMP, said, “We all have a strong desire for the live music scene in Starkville to grow.”
For those interested in the music business, applications for Music Makers can be turned into Suite 300 in the Union by Aug. 26. More information on Music Makers Productions, such as applications and upcoming events, can be found on its web site, msuconcerts.com.
Other students feel comfortable in a world of visual art, and the Anime Club has plenty to offer in that realm. The MSU Anime Club was formed in 2006 by a group of friends with a shared love for all things anime. The club meets each week to discuss anime culture and view episodes from its favorite anime series. The club also participates in regional events such as Anime Weekend Atlanta and Kami-Con. For more information on MSU Anime Club, students should attend one of the weekly meetings on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in McCool 109.
For those concerned about the environment, Students for a Sustainable Campus can help provide some peace of mind. Created one year ago during the first Mississippi Alumni and Students for Sustainability Environmental Leadership Summit, this group of determined students have come together with the goal of making positive environmental change at MSU. According to Liz Kazal, the group was met with positive feedback by  students on campus.
“We immediately realized that there was not only a need for environmental improvements here at MSU, but also a passion by the students to start the change now,” Kazal said.
The group believes by changing the way MSU thinks about the environment, it can benefit not only Starkville but the Southeast region. It has been working to implement the MSU Green Fund, which would fund energy efficiency and on-site generation projects. SSC is a group that is working hard, attending regional conferences and setting important changes into place on State’s campus. For students interested in joining SSC, contact [email protected].
For students who like to mix play and prayer, Ultimate Frisbee Outreach is a unique experience offered on campus. According to its Facebook page, UFO meets once a week for a game followed by a brief bible study, followed by another rousing round of ultimate frisbee. The group is open to those of all denominations and athletic abilities. For anyone interested in turning his or her ultimate frisbee game into a truly spiritual experience, check out UFO on Facebook, or contact [email protected].
                  MSU offers many other ways to get involved on campus, from improv comedy to fashion shows to ballroom dancing and more. For a complete list of all campus organizations, visit one.msstate.edu. With the help, support and fun provided by joining a club or organization, students can further their interests, discover a passion they never knew they had and, hopefully, learn college does not need to be scary at all.