Probably the most common problem that many incoming University students experience is that it initially appears difficult to establish any sense of community. Of the 40,000 students who attend the Twin Cities campus, only a small portion actually live on or near any of the three campuses. Many others commute from home or reside in other neighborhoods around Minneapolis and St. Paul. A mantra many new students will hear repeatedly is how important it is that new students get involved in whatever they might find interesting.
There are hundreds of organizations for students to become involved in, either to meet others with similar interests or enjoy particular activities. Political, social, artistic and academic student groups exist, as do religious and athletic organizations. It is important, though, that students thoroughly investigate a few student groups, as extracurricular involvement occasionally can be time consuming. Despite the time investment, student groups offer opportunities unavailable to the uninvolved.