Transitioning to college comes with many challenges, but one of the most noticeable is the sheer number of students. Compared to the national average of approximately 850 students per high school, a higher education institution usually has thousands of students, each from different parts of the nation and the world. At Mississippi State University, there are 23,510 students enrolled as of 2024, with students representing all 50 states and more than 75 countries, according to the MSU International Institute.
Therefore, you are bound to meet students with cultural backgrounds you have likely never seen or interacted with before. In fact, you are likely to see dozens of different cultural groups if you try hard enough to find them. This diversity is showcased each year at MSU’s International Fiesta, which celebrates the beauty of different cultures around MSU. Many participating clubs sell food, have games and activities and perform eye-catching performances representing their culture.
While going to those events gives you a small taste of each unique culture, having the chance to experience a culture in its fullest potential is even more impactful. That is where joining a cultural club comes in. Organizations like the Latino Club and the Filipino Culture Association are open to all students of any background to join, learn and explore the rich culture that is offered. All of these vibrant and unique clubs offer a deep perspective to each respective culture and its people.
Even if you already identify with a culture that is different from the norm, joining the corresponding club or organization promotes community within that culture and can foster a sense of belonging early on in the school year.
Making friends and finding a community at a large university is an intimidating task to approach, but with a cultural community found within one of these cultural clubs, making friends and finding a family on campus becomes a much simpler and more approachable task to approach.
Joining a cultural club not only offers a family that will stick with you for years, but also important exposure to culture. Considering the current political climate, it could not be more important to be aware of differences in perspectives and to appreciate and respect them. One way you can get started is by joining these cultural clubs.
When asked why people should join cultural clubs, SASE President and Co-founder Yen Nhi Nguyen, a senior majoring in Computer Science, was confident about the positive effects.
“Not only do you get to surround yourself with a welcoming community that you identify with, but also the clubs act as an experience for your individual growth,” Nguyen said.
Overall, if you are overwhelmed with the number of ways to get active on campus, one wonderful way you can is by joining these cultural clubs. To get started, you can look to Cowbell Connect, MSU’s website for campus organizations and activities. Whether you are interested in finding new friends, experiencing delicious food or understanding the nuances within different cultures, you are bound to find plenty of options.
