Co-hosted by Campus Activities and the Student Association on Aug. 22 on the Peace Quad, UFEST stands out as the academic year’s most welcoming tradition, presenting a vivid snapshot of Binghamton’s student organizations. With tabling running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event introduced attendees to hundreds of campus clubs, local vendors and organizations.

“UFEST is one of the biggest annual events that occurs at Binghamton University,” Shlok Dharia, SA’s executive vice president and junior double-majoring in computer science and mathematical sciences, wrote in an email. “Although many would say it is just for freshmen to find a club, sports team, on campus job, or fraternity/sorority to join on campus to pass time, I think UFest is for everyone, even seniors. That’s because UFest is the place where you not only find a club that pertains to you, but you find friends, a group of people that you can call family, a place to call home away from home. These organizations start off as something to do or a hobby, but become something much more.”

Dance & Music

Binghamton University features a rich ecosystem for dancers, bands and the musically inclined — establishing the perfect atmosphere for embracing your inner virtuoso. Many dance and music organizations gather in the Fine Arts building for weekly meetings and rehearsals, offering a myriad of dance styles and music genres. Many of these organizations provide opportunities for students to join the E-Board, perform in showcases, choreograph dances and make friends based on a shared passion for the arts. Some cool organizations to check out include: Evolution Dance Company, Black Dance Repertoire, BU K-Pop Club, Binghamton University Caribbean Steel Drum Band, Unkai Daiko, Paradox and even the Bing Swifties club.

Cultural Organizations

Have trouble finding friends? Find a community that shares more in common with you than you realize. Binghamton University is a cultural melting pot. It’s an inclusive place meant for making your mark, often with others who can appreciate or relate to your identity in a meaningful way. There are organizations offering a piece of culture from around the world — honoring traditions, highlighting art forms, language, history, systemic struggle and pride. Each organization is welcome to all, only requiring students to take an interest in the culture or just want to make friends. Some cultural organizations include: African Student Organization, Asian Student Union, Corazoncitos, Caribbean Student Association, Arab Cultural Student Association, Shades and Rainbow Pride Union.

Arts & Media

Many organizations create opportunities to learn or get hands-on experience with different styles of art and media such as magazines, publications or fashion. The wide variety of artistic extracurricular activities is great for students looking to expand their creative skills and express their passion for the arts. Some organizations include: Business, Entertainment, Advertising & Media, Binghamton Art Club, Binghamton Poetry Club, Imagination Craft Works, Stylized Artists’ Club, Hinman Production Company, Film Production Society, Storytelling Workshop Club and RENA Fashion Magazine.

Volunteerism & Miscellaneous

Joining campus groups like volunteer organizations, fraternities and sororities is one of the easiest ways to meet new people and build a lasting community or friendship circle. Since Binghamton offers a plethora of clubs dedicated to various causes, getting involved allows you to give back to the community while instantly expanding your circle. Exploring these types of organizations helps transform a large campus into a small, welcoming network of friends who share your values and passions. Some organizations include: Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program, Binghamton Students for Autism Acceptance, BU Acres Farm, Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Chi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority and Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority.

Student Association & SA Businesses

SA is a student-run government on campus chartering many organizations and businesses, hosting hundreds of events each semester. SA has positions that are open to students in congress, the executive board and the judicial board. Some of its businesses and services include: Food Co-op & Café, Art Co-op & Supply Shop, Harpur’s Ferry Ambulance, Binghamton Sound, Stage, and Lighting and OCCT Shuttle Buses.

Special Interests

There are many special interest clubs and organizations on campus. Students with specific fascinations or hobbies can dive deep into campus life with a variety of clubs that unite people with the same interests. Offering video game play, anime discussion, pop culture, unique topics and group activities, there is no shortage of fun. Just some of these unique clubs include: Binghamton Cheese Club, Rhythm Games Club, Board Game Group, Campus Survival Games, Chess Club, Mafia Club and Minecraft Club.

Sports, Health and Wellness

Health and wellness organizations are dedicated to teaching healthy living and empowering students to make informed health decisions. Club sports offerings include basketball, baseball, soccer, badminton, cycling and swimming. Additionally, tons of important health organizations on campus can offer insight into great causes and information regarding the medical field. Some organizations include: Harpur’s Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service, American Medical Women’s Association, Biomedical Engineering Society, Binghamton Abortion Advocacy Coalition and Binghamton University Chapter of Pretty Girls Sweat.

Academic Advocacy

Academic advocacy acts as a foundation and support system for students and their future success. It helps students identify and overcome barriers that hinder their academic performance and allows them to make connections with students who are interested in the same field. Some organizations include: Active Minds, oSTEM, Binghamton Bookworms, Linguistics Club, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Business Fashion Society and Society of Automotive and Aerospace Engineers.