Quidditch, Crochet, and Cigars: ‘After-School’ Activities?

After Splash, you may have found yourself swarmed with stickers, key chains, pens, and emails from a plethora of clubs you were cajoled into signing up for. While you may have been overwhelmed, you don’t need to join ‘em all in an attempt to be “well-rounded.” Pick one or two and get involved! I’ve compiled a short list of some of the most interesting activities. Of course, you’re free to decide on your own which to join. Check out all 496 clubs here.

Quidditch– Ever wanted to run around with a broom like a witch? Or Harry Potter? Members of BU’s very own Quidditch Team get to do this on a regular basis. Every Sunday afternoon they hold scrimmages on the BU Beach. They even compete in the Intercollegiate Quidditch World Cup. See their website here.

Extreme Croquet– Are tea, crumpets, and tweed your idea of a good time? Join BU’s International Extreme Croquet Society. The difference between extreme croquet and plain old croquet is that there are no “out-of bounds.” Anywhere is free game. Members play on the Esplanade, the BU Beach, and the Boston Common. Check out their site here.

Cigar Aficionado Society – If you find yourself rocking back in a chair, wearing a robe, armed with a glass of whiskey and a Cuban cigar (or something along those lines…), meet others like yourself at the Cigar Aficionado Society. They hold meetings every Friday at 5 p.m. at Churchill’s Cigar Lounge in Boston. They have also organized day trips to smoke shops in New England. Embrace your inner old man. Check out their Facebook page here.

Knitting Club– If your inner senior citizen is more crochet than cigar, join BU’s Knitting Club.
Knitting Club meets every Monday and Thursday evening from 7-8:30 pm in the GSU Backcourt. They teach basic knitting as well as higher level techniques. They have done charity work with Habitat for Humanity in the past and plan on volunteering with organizations like Head Huggers (making hats for someone who has undergone hair loss due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, burn wounds, etc.) They hope to organize a field trip to one of the nursing homes in Boston that has a knitting group. Check out their Facebook page here.

BU Outing Club– If you’re aching for the wilderness, tents, and bonfires, you don’t have to go far. Join BU Outing Club to see New England outside of Comm. Ave. Camping trips at Mt. Washington, kayaking on the Charles River, and hiking in the Dry River Valley are just some of the trips they’ve gone on. Check out their website here to find out more about trips.

Mind and Brain Society– MBS holds discussions and events about the mind, brain, and beyond. They have discussed the neuroscience of sex, held movie nights, and had faculty presentations. The society is also in charge of The Nerve, BU’s undergraduate neuroscience journal. Check their Facebook page out here to find out about events and meetings.

WTBU– WTBU is BU’s student-run radio station. They have music, sports, and talk shows. You intern on a show for one semester, and after that you may apply to be a D.J. on your own new show or an existing one. If you don’t want to be a DJ, there are other things you can get involved in at the radio station including tech and underwriting. Look at their website to find out more info.

Fashion & Retail Association– Whether you’re a real-life fashionista, a virtual one, or just like ogling at a pair of Jimmy Choo’s, BU’s Fashion & Retail Association (FAB) might have something for you. They hold entirely student-run fashion shows, screen fashion documentaries, host guest speakers, and take trips to New York. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion should join this club. Join their Facebook group!

Organic Gardening Club– Organic Gardening Club meets at one of BU’s hidden gems—the Greenhouse on top of the Stone Science Building. Members may care for their own plants up there. Every so often the club hosts potlucks at the Greenhouse, where members share food and drink, play music, and take in the wonderful view from up there. Join the Facebook group to find out about events.