1. The Bee Club
Example School: Cornell University
According to research, American beekeepers lost nearly half of their bee colonies in 2022-2023, with bees facing survival threats such as pesticide contamination and habitat loss, even though bees are essential to our ecosystem.
To address this, universities like Cornell have established beekeeping clubs to educate students about the importance of bees and how to protect them.
Cornell’s Bee Club offers hands-on opportunities for students to learn about hive management, honey extraction, and the role of bees in pollination. Members often collaborate with local beekeepers and environmental organizations to promote sustainable practices. Club members also use collected beeswax to make candles, soaps, and other eco-friendly products.
2. Cheese Club
Example Schools: New York University, Northeastern University
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Universities like NYU and Northeastern have clubs dedicated entirely to the art and science of cheese, which is an unique student club!
For instance, Northeastern University’s Cheese Club hosts weekly themed tasting sessions (featuring fruit, premium, Italian, and crumbled cheeses, etc.), where members enjoy cheese and socialize.
New York University’s Cheese Club has hosted numerous events over the past few months, such as cheese trivia contests, cheesecake parties, and global cheese tours, showcasing their creativity!
3. Puzzle Club
Puzzles aren’t just a pastime—they’re a way to challenge your mind and build problem-solving skills. The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Puzzle Club, Puzzlers, provides a gathering platform for students interested in recreational or competitive puzzling.
During weekly meetings, members can complete puzzles at their own pace or learn and practice speed-puzzling techniques.
MIT takes it a step further with its annual Puzzle Hunt during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. Attracting over 2,000 people every year, it’s a competition where teams solve complex puzzles to uncover hidden treasures across campus. It’s a thrilling event that combines creativity, teamwork, and intellectual rigor.
4. Skydiving Club
Example School: University of Connecticut
For adrenaline junkies, the Skydiving Club at the University of Connecticut offers the ultimate thrill. This club trains students in the basics of skydiving, from safety protocols to freefall techniques. Training typically takes place from Twin Otters, where students start from there, and to the wind tunnel in Nashua, New Hampshire, after which members perform actual skydives from planes at Connecticut’s main skydiving locations. Students can also compete in skydiving regionally and nationally, both in the air and in the wind tunnel.
5. Storm Chasing Club
Example School: Ball State University in Indiana.
Storm chasing might sound dangerous, but Ball State University’s club focuses on observing and studying severe weather phenomena as a service to the Muncie area and the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency. Members learn how to track storms, analyze weather patterns, and contribute data to organizations like the National Weather Service, or to local TV and radio stations.
The club also hosts guest lectures from meteorologists, organizes field trips to the National Weather Service, and participates in forecast challenges. It’s a perfect fit for students passionate about meteorology or environmental science, and who have a passion for extreme weather and community service in general.
6. Theme Park Engineering and Design Group
Example Schools: Drexel University, Penn State University
If you’ve ever dreamed of designing roller coasters or creating immersive theme park experiences, this club is for you. Drexel’s Theme Park Engineering and Design Group works on projects ranging from ride mechanics to themed environments.
Members often collaborate with industry professionals and visit iconic parks like Disney World and Six Flags for behind-the-scenes tours. It’s a fantastic way to explore careers in engineering, design, and entertainment.
7. Paranormal Investigations Club
Example School: Ohio State University
For those fascinated by the unknown, the Paranormal Investigations Club offers a space to explore paranormal phenomena. Members conduct research, discuss differing views on the supernatural, and visit places in which mysterious happenings occurred.
Around Halloween each year, the club organizes outdoor adventure hikes, offering members a thrilling experience.
8. Quadball Club
Example School: Harvard University
Quidditch or Quadball, the magical sport from the Harry Potter series, has made its way into the real world. Quadball combines the best aspects of Rugby, Basketball, and Dodgeball
Teams compete on a field, holding broomsticks between their legs while trying to score goals with a volleyball and avoiding being hit by dodgeballs. More information on how to play the game is available here.
Why Join a Unique Club?
Joining a unique club isn’t just about having fun—it’s also a great way to stand out. Universities value students who show initiative, creativity, and a willingness to explore new interests. Even if your current school doesn’t have a club that matches your interests, consider starting one! It’s a fantastic way to develop leadership skills and build a community around your passion.
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