Did you know that UC Merced is home to over 200 active student clubs and organizations? That’s a lot of opportunities to get involved, make new friends, and pursue your interests on campus.

Whether you’re looking for a way to stay active, meet people who share your hobbies, or make a difference in the community, there’s a club at UC Merced that’s perfect for you.
With so many clubs to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you find the right club for you:
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Think about your interests. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are you interested in sports, music, art, or something else? Once you know what you’re interested in, you can start looking for clubs that match your interests.
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Check out the club fair. Every fall, UC Merced hosts a club fair where you can learn about all the different clubs on campus. This is a great opportunity to meet club members, ask questions, and get a feel for which clubs are the best fit for you.
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Ask around. Talk to your friends, classmates, and professors to see if they’re involved in any clubs. They can give you firsthand information about what it’s like to be a member of a particular club.
Once you’ve found a club or two that you’re interested in, the next step is to get involved. Here are a few tips:
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Attend club meetings. This is the best way to get to know club members and learn more about the club’s activities.
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Volunteer for club events. This is a great way to show your support for the club and get more involved in its activities.
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Run for a club office. If you’re interested in taking on a leadership role, consider running for a club office. This is a great way to make a difference in the club and gain valuable experience.
There are many benefits to joining a club at UC Merced. Here are just a few:
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Meet new people. Clubs are a great way to meet people who share your interests. You can make new friends, learn about new cultures, and expand your social circle.
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Develop new skills. Clubs offer a variety of opportunities to learn new skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
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Make a difference. Many clubs are involved in community service activities. By joining a club, you can make a difference in your community and help others.
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Have fun! Clubs are a great way to have fun and relax. You can participate in activities that you enjoy, meet new people, and build lasting memories.
Here are just a few of the many clubs that you can find at UC Merced:
Academic Clubs:
- American Chemical Society
- Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting)
- Business Honors Society
- Computer Science Club
- Engineering Scholars Society
- Honors Program
- Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honors Society)
- Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society)
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
- Student Research Symposium
Cultural Clubs:
- African Student Union
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- Asian Pacific American Student Alliance (APASA)
- Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
- Filipino American Student Association (FASA)
- Hmong Student Association
- Indian Student Association (ISA)
- International Student Association (ISA)
- Japanese Student Association (JSA)
- Korean Student Association (KSA)
- Latino Student Association (LSA)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Polycultural Alliance
- Southeast Asian Student Association (SEASA)
- Student Veterans Association
Interest Clubs:
- Anime Club
- Art Club
- Board Game Club
- Book Club
- Creative Writing Club
- Dance Club
- Drama Club
- Environmental Club
- Film Club
- Food Club
- Gaming Club
- Gardening Club
- Hiking Club
- Language Clubs
- LGBTQ+ Club
- Music Club
- Photography Club
- Sports Clubs
- Travel Club
- Yoga Club
Getting involved in a club at UC Merced is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills, make a difference, and have fun. With over 200 clubs to choose from, there’s sure to be a club that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Get involved today!
Category | Number of Clubs |
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Academic | 10 |
Cultural | 15 |
Interest | 25 |
Sports | 10 |
Other | 10 |
Club | Description |
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American Chemical Society | The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a professional organization for chemists and chemical engineers. The UC Merced chapter of the ACS provides opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn about new research, and develop their leadership skills. |
Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting) | Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honor society for accounting students. The UC Merced chapter of BAP provides opportunities for students to develop their accounting skills, network with professionals, and prepare for the CPA exam. |
Business Honors Society | The Business Honors Society (BHS) is an academic honor society for business students. The UC Merced chapter of the BHS provides opportunities for students to develop their business skills, network with professionals, and prepare for graduate school. |
Computer Science Club | The Computer Science Club (CSC) is a student organization for computer science students. The CSC provides opportunities for students to develop their computer science skills, network with professionals, and prepare for a career in the tech industry. |
Engineering Scholars Society | The Engineering Scholars Society (ESS) is a student organization for engineering students. The ESS provides opportunities for students to develop their engineering skills, network with professionals, and prepare for a career in the engineering field. |
| Effective Strategies for Finding the Right Club |
|—|—|
| Think about your interests. |
| Check out the club fair. |
| Ask around. |
| Attend club meetings. |
| Volunteer for club events. |
| Run for a club office. |
| Common Mistakes to Avoid When Joining a Club |
|—|—|
| Not doing your research. |
| Joining a club that’s not a good fit for you. |
| Not getting involved. |
| Not taking advantage of the club’s resources. |
| Not having fun! |