Mizzou makes getting involved easy

Aug. 26, 2025
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu

Welcome to the University of Missouri, Tigers! You’ve just landed on this big, beautiful campus — full of excitement, new possibilities and, let’s be honest, a few where-do-I-even-start moments. One of the biggest questions: How do I make friends?

Don’t worry; Mizzou makes it easy.

With more than 750 student clubs and organizations, there is no shortage of ways to get involved. But that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to blow off steam exercising or making a difference by serving your fellow students, there are plenty of ways to find your people and start feeling at home.

Here are a few ideas to get started.

Bookworms, unite

Maybe your idea of fun involves getting lost in a good book and then dishing about it with fellow lit lovers. Mizzou has you covered.

Silent Reading Book Club: Join this no-stress, bring-your-own-book gathering for readers of all kinds. Whether you're into fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels or anything in between, bring whatever you're reading and enjoy an hour of quiet time with fellow bibliophiles. No group discussion, unless you want to. Contact Megan Ballengee, community engagement coordinator for Mizzou libraries: meganballengee@missouri.edu
BYOBook Club at Mizzou Libraries: If you love the idea of a book club but hate being told what to read, this is the group for you. Each month has a fun theme, such as “books with red covers,” but think of it as a gentle suggestion, not a rule. No pressure, no matching titles, just a bunch of book lovers doing their own thing and having fun together. Contact Megan Ballengee, community engagement coordinator for Mizzou libraries: meganballengee@missouri.edu

Lend a helping hand

Looking for a feel-good way to get involved? Helping others is a great place to start, and Mizzou has many opportunities to support your fellow Tigers and make campus a little brighter for everyone.

Tiger Pantry: Powered entirely by students, this campus food pantry runs on volunteer support to serve fellow students, staff and faculty who count on it. Volunteers commit to a semester and kick off their service with an all-member orientation to prepare for the meaningful work ahead.
Truman’s Closet: First impressions matter, especially at job interviews and career fairs. Truman’s Closet offers access to professional and business attire through a campus lending service. Whether you’re preparing for an interview, attending a career fair or stepping into a new job, you can borrow the right outfit to help you look and feel your best.
Peer notetakers: Volunteer through the Mizzou Disability Center to take notes and share them with students with disabilities. This is a great way to refine your own academic skills while supporting your fellow Tigers. Notetakers receive a small stipend.
Peer tutoring: Help your fellow Tigers succeed by becoming a tutor. Supporting your classmates as they tackle tough subjects is not only a feel-good way to give back, it also helps you sharpen your own skills and deepen your knowledge.
Language partners: Connect with non-native English-speaking and native English-speaking students to practice conversational English one-hour per week. Whether you're strengthening your English speaking or helping someone grow, you'll create a lasting friendship and gain a global perspective. Become a partner today to be a part of conversations that build confidence

Furry and feathery friends

If taking care of animals is your happy place, Mizzou has several volunteer opportunities to connect with creatures big and small:

Raptor Rehabilitation Project: Work alongside veterinary faculty and students and community members to care for injured raptors and permanent resident birds. In addition to hands-on animal care, volunteers can support the project through groundskeeping, administrative tasks, promotions and fundraising. You’ll also have the opportunity to educate the public by giving presentations across central Missouri.
Wags Therapy Dog Program: Brighten the day of patients at MU Health Care by volunteering alongside highly trained therapy dogs. As a volunteer assistant, you’ll help ensure each visit runs smoothly by supporting the handler and maintaining important safety protocols. Your presence allows handlers to focus entirely on their dogs, ensuring every visit is safe, comforting and impactful. And yes, you’ll also get plenty of time to interact with the furry friends.

Movin’ and groovin’

If your favorite way to let off steam is a little friendly team competition, power lifting or a moment of Zen with fellow yogis, Mizzou has a workout to match your vibe and your mood.

Intramural sports: Find your people and have a blast through the world of intramural sports. Whether you get involved individually or as part of your residence hall, fraternity or sorority chapter or campus organization, there’s a spot for you.
Club sports: For the more serious competitor, Mizzou offers student-led, student-run teams that go up against other colleges and universities across the country. Many of our teams are highly competitive and strive to be national champions.
Esports: If you’re into video games and enjoy multiplayer video game competitions, this might be the outlet for you. Teams practice and compete in a 5,000-square-foot training facility on campus.
Group fitness: With more than 100 group fitness classes during the semester, there is no shortage of ways to get your body moving while making friends and having fun along the way. Whether it’s indoor cycling, dance, Pilates, yoga or strength training, Mizzou has something for every fitness level.

ARTSragiously fun

Want to add a little drama, color and creativity to your campus life? Whether you’re into spotlight moments or quiet masterpieces, these opportunities are your backstage pass to the Mizzou arts scene.

Museum of Art and Archaeology: Join the campus arts scene and volunteer as a gallery guide, in the Museum Store or with special events. Whether you’re welcoming visitors or sharing the stories behind the art, it’s an enjoyable way to connect, create and be part of something inspiring.
Theatre productions: If you love the spotlight, audition for a campus play. Prefer being backstage? Apply to work behind the scenes with sets, lights or costumes. Either way, theatre is a creative way to make friends and bring stories to life. Contact: mutheatre@missouri.edu

Find your roar

From championing student voices to planning Homecoming and other campus-wide events, Mizzou offers many ways to lead, make an impact and shape the Tiger experience. Step up, speak out and help make campus even better — for everyone.

Student government and councils: Mizzou’s student governments are a platform for growth, influence and meaningful contribution. If you’re looking to find your voice and lead with purpose, here’s your chance to shine.
First Year Council: The year-long social and professional development experience is designed just for freshmen and first-year transfer students. The aim is to equip participants with important leadership skills and professional collaboration experiences that will help them support the Mizzou community through service and leadership.
Student-Made at Mizzou: This is a national initiative that allows students to sell handmade products and services online, including occasional pop-up and in-person events. Just launched this fall, the group is accepting applications for student leaders to manage Mizzou's program. Both vendor and student leader positions are open to all students.

Don’t forget, there’s always something happening at Mizzou: Catch a game, join a campus event or discover something new happening today: calendar.missouri.edu Looking to get more involved year-round? Explore getinvolved.missouri.edu