What are the benefits of participating in Extracurricular Activities?

The transition from high school to post-secondary education such as a college or universities initiates a change in student routines, social roles and teaching methods. These changes require students to be flexible as well as adaptive, these changes also allow students to develop a sense of autonomy that is not developed in primary education settings (Oliveria 1). Students should know that the skills and lessons needed for future careers are not always taught in undergraduate courses. Many of these valuable lessons and experiences are obtained outside an academic setting.

Through multiple case studies, evidence shows that students who achieve academic success spend their idol time participating in recreational activities. Participating in extracurricular activities also helps to engage ‘at-risk’ students, thus decreasing the drop-out rate of college students (Reddy 1). Engaging in extracurricular activities at one’s university allows for students to develop a voluntary and positive connection with their school. Recreational activities also account for a decrease in the number of remedial classes offered to college students. Research suggests that extracurricular activities assist in enhancing, maintaining, and strengthen the student-school relationship. Eliminating the opportunity for students to engage in these extracurricular activities cancels out the last chance to foster the sense of belonging that students have at their college or university (Gerber 50).

Extracurricular activities can be helpful in teaching students about themselves, allowing them to develop self-identity differentiating what they like and dislike. This can assist in choosing majors, and future fields of work