College is such the opportune time for personal growth and exploration, with young students investing their energy in finding the right path of study, in the friend group that makes them feel most fulfilled, and in paving the first trail toward independence and adulthood.

Yet students often, unfortunately, overlook Student Organizations on campus. These inexpensive groups offer a way to meet others with like-minded interest, to indulge in an enjoyable craft, and to network within the pulse of Denver.

And no, I’m not talking Chess Club. DU has a vast array of weird and awesome clubs at your disposal that, if given the chance, you might find actually appealing.

Consciousness Technologies: Through presentations, group meetings, and community projects, this group aims to define and understand the often overlooked relationship between technology and spirituality. How can we use scientific mediums in order to work on improvement of the self? DUCT meets Fridays at 5:00 pm.

DU Cooking Club: Interested in picking up some new culinary tricks of the trade? The DU Cooking Club hosts all sorts of events and community meals, as well as personalized classes. Check their website for upcoming events, while classes meet Friday at 2:00 pm in HRTM 117.

Needles for Needs: A community-driven group with a love for hands-on creative fun, Needles for Needs teaches hobbies like crocheting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, and knitting. Classes are held Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in AAC 313.

DU Film Society: On Sundays at 6:30 pm in the Driscoll Underground, DUFS meets to explore and support independent student work in the industry, and to discuss new ideas, skills, and methods. Check out their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information about screenings, meetings, and general news.

DU Francoscope: For French students, or just the average Francophile, DUF holds periodic events like holiday parties, cooking classes, plays, museum trips, and movie nights. And without weekly required meetings, this club is simply focused on enjoying French culture within the Denver community.

Explore Denver: Did you know that you can automatically receive discounts or free admission to events around Denver, just because you’re a student? Check out their Facebook page to find discounts on sporting events, plays, museum passes, concert tickets, and more. All you need is your DU ID and password.

Harry Potter Storytime Club: if you’re a self-professed J.K. Rowling fanatic, the Harry Potter Storytime Club meets every Tuesday at 8:00 pm in the Mary Reed basement. This is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the group members’ lighthearted and theatric readings of the series.

Late Night @ DU: With the mindless amount of drinking and partying that surrounds American college life, it’s refreshing to find a group of people dedicated to finding a social life that doesn’t revolve around such. Events are on Thursdays, Friday, and Saturday night after 7 pm and can range from live music, to comedy performances, to slam poetry.

Skintight Outrage: Are you a comedy nerd? Skintight Outrage is an improv comedy group that performs free every Wednesday night at 8:30 pm in the Lindsay auditorium. Auditions are held at least once per academic year, and the group rehearses Sundays at 2:00 pm.

DU Music Culture Club: For the music lovers, MCDU offers weekly get-togethers where members offer opinions, share different tastes, connect local musicians, and organize events regarding the Denver scene. Meetings are open to all, and are held Tuesdays at 8:00 pm.

DU Outdoor Photography Club: Whether your purpose is fun or for building a portfolio, the Outdoor Photography Club is a means to support your craft and meet other artists. Once a quarter, excursions are hosted to get outside and practice your skills; otherwise, classes are held Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.

Sarah grew up outside of Boston and made one of her best life decisions to move to Colorado at the age of 18 to pursue both a degree in Psychology and Creative Writing at the University of Colorado at Boulder. After falling in love with the mountains, the music scene, and the lively culture, it was clear there would be no return to the East. Sarah is an avid writer and reader of poetry and short fiction, and is working towards a career in journalism. She has both a Husky mix and a kitten (hence the incessant amount of animal hair stuck to her at all times), and in her free time, is either exploring the vast mountains with her fur baby, or planning the next Western road trip.