Student-led clubs are a vital part of a flourishing campus life at University of the Pacific, where students can choose from 150 clubs and organizations to find connection, creativity and community.

From Math Club to a K-pop enthusiast group, Pacific’s clubs are as diverse as its student body, spanning academic interests, identity and cultural heritage, religious life, service, sports and dozens of niche hobbies. Together, they reflect a shared desire among students who want to connect with each other and be part of something larger than themselves.

“We’re seeing students step forward with a strong desire to belong, lead and shape their college experience through meaningful involvement,” said Maria Blandizzi, vice president for student life. “Whether that’s starting new clubs or joining service initiatives, they’re taking ownership of their experience. In response, we’re focused on supporting those efforts and creating spaces where they can thrive through purposeful social engagement.”

One growing trend at Pacific, and among Gen Z students nationwide, is the rise of “grannycore” hobbies—cozy, hands-on activities like baking, knitting and gardening. These slow-paced activities offer a welcome break from screen time and a meditative escape from the demands of academic life. At Pacific, clubs dedicated to baking, poetry, soap carving–even knot tying–are drawing in students who want to bond over creative outlets.

“I love origami, and in general, doing things with my hands,” said Celine Nguyen ’27 who is co-president of the Origami Club. “I'm a pre-dentistry major, so I wanted to find a club that would help me improve my manual dexterity skills. Origami Club offered just that and more."

“I always look forward to our biweekly meetings so that I can make cute folds, hang out with new friends that I've made there, and get involved with Pacific events like the Green Fashion Show that the club participates in,” she said.

If Pacific doesn’t already have a club for a specific interest, it’s easy to start one. A new organization needs five members, a faculty or staff advisor and a set of bylaws submitted to the Student Leadership and Involvement Center. This process has led to an uptick in the number of new clubs and organizations.

Beyond clubs, Pacific continues to expand Greek life offerings as a key avenue for student engagement, leadership and community building. This fall, Pacific welcomed two new chapters from multicultural Greek organizations: Lambda Theta Phi and Gamma Zeta Alpha, both Latin-based fraternities. These additions reflect Pacific’s commitment to expanding inclusive, culturally rooted spaces for student connection and builds on the university’s rich Greek tradition that dates back to 1854.

Joining a student organization isn’t just fun, it can have valuable benefits. Research shows that when students participate in structured leadership opportunities, they develop valuable professional skills, experience improved mental health, contribute more actively to their communities and are better positioned to land jobs after graduation.

As Pacific invests in new opportunities for student involvement, clubs and organizations remain at the heart of the campus experience. Whether attending a poetry night, organizing a volunteer drive or folding paper cranes, Pacific students are not just filling their schedules, they’re building a sense of belonging that will last far into their futures.