Have you ever been in a rut in life, and someone tells you to just “get yourself out there?” What does that even mean? As we’re still grappling with the pandemic, many of us continue to feel isolated and scared to start new things or go to new places. But, spring is here and it’s time to “get yourself out there”. Not sure how? Here are a few options:

1. Join a new club on campus

As a college student, the easiest way to meet new people or try a new experience is to join a club! I know the semester is already halfway over, but it’s never too late to join a group on campus, or at the very least start researching clubs to join in the fall. Check out USG’s Student Organization List to see what opportunities are available on campus!

2. Volunteer in your community

Another great way to participate in society that doesn’t require a lot of commitment is to volunteer! This could give you a chance to meet new people of different backgrounds, flex a passion or skill, and give back to your community. Depending on the organization, you’ll likely have a choice of volunteering regularly or just for special events. If you already know of an organization near you that recruits volunteers, try reaching out and seeing if they need extra help, or just search a website like VolunteerMatch to see who might need your help.

3. Audition for a choir, play, or musical

Feel like you need to get our of your shell? Performance can be a great way to open up and express yourself, whether through, singing, acting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. If you’re not sure where to find auditions, Facebook is a great place to start, or simply search performance groups near you and see what comes up!

4. Join a hobby class

I know we’re all in school already, so maybe taking a new class is the last thing on your list. But if you want to pick up a new hobby and make some friends with the same hobby, a class might be just the thing! You could learn how to cook, knit, play guitar, salsa dance – the possibilities are endless! If you’re the kind of person that loves to be “productive” in your free time, this would be perfect for you.

5. Attend a concert, festival, or convention

I recognize that this might still be out of people’s comfort zone when it comes to safety, but as the weather gets warmer there will be tons of outdoor concerts and other events all around the Baltimore-DC area. You could go see the Orioles play at Camden Yards, or catch the tail end of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Once again Facebook is a great place to find events like these, or your old pal Google can also help out.

So what the heck does it mean to get yourself out there? To me, it just means pushing through discomfort to try new things. How will you get yourself out there this spring?