Tristan Summers, staff contributor
College is about much more than classes, assignments and exams. Some of the most meaningful parts of campus life happen outside the classroom, at sporting events, performances, club meetings and other student activities. These events give students the chance to support one another, build school spirit and feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. While academics should remain the main priority, students should make more of an effort to attend sporting events and extracurricular events because they strengthen community, create a more memorable college experience and bring more life to campus.
One of the biggest reasons these events matter is because they build connection. It is easy for students to fall into a routine of going to class, returning to their dorm or apartment and repeating the same pattern every day. Over time, college can begin to feel narrow and repetitive. Campus events break that cycle. They bring together students from different majors, organizations and friend groups in one shared space. Whether it is a basketball game, a soccer match, a theater performance or a club-hosted event, these gatherings remind students that college is a community, not just a list of responsibilities.
Sporting events are one of the clearest examples of this. When students show up to support their teams, they create an energy that cannot be reproduced in any other setting. The crowd becomes part of the experience. Athletes spend countless hours practicing, training and representing the school, and student attendance is one of the clearest ways to show that their work matters. A full student section, loud support and visible school pride can change the environment completely. Even for students who are not especially interested in sports, attending a game can still be valuable because the experience is about more than the score. It is about being present and contributing to school spirit.
The same idea applies to other extracurricular events on campus. Students involved in music, theater, student government, service organizations and clubs also put in time and effort to create something meaningful. When attendance is low, it can make those students feel overlooked. When attendance is strong, it shows support and creates momentum for the campus as a whole. Showing up for these events is a simple but important way to invest in other people and in the culture of the school.
Attending campus events also helps students have a more balanced college experience. If every day only revolves around academic pressure, deadlines and stress, students can quickly become disconnected from the larger purpose of college. Extracurricular events offer a break from that pressure. They give students a chance to enjoy themselves, build friendships and create memories that often last longer than anything learned in a lecture. Many graduates do not just remember the classes they took, they remember the moments when campus felt alive.
Part of the challenge today is that many students have become less present. Phones and constant digital entertainment have made it easier to stay in a room and harder to engage with what is happening around us. Instead of going to a game or attending a campus event, many students choose to scroll through social media or stay distracted by a screen. Phones are not the main issue, but they have made it easier for students to observe life rather than participate in it.
No one is saying students need to attend every event. People are busy, and college comes with real demands. However, making time for even a few games, performances or campus activities can make a real difference. A stronger campus culture depends on student presence. If students want a more connected and memorable college experience, they need to do more than just attend class. They need to show up.