College is the time to truly discover one’s passions, and one of the easiest ways to destress from classes and build strong friendships is through involvement on campus. Redbird Life is an online platform for Illinois State University students to explore opportunities on campus through registered student organizations and events.
On Redbird Life, students can search events and organizations based on their interests. Whether students are looking for a way to connect to their major or to try something new, Redbird Life has over 400 organizations and hundreds of events for students to connect and discover what they love.
Information systems student Luke Joergens said he found out about Redbird Life through his Thriving in College course, and he is looking to join an information technology or golf-related student organization on campus.
“The events available portion of Redbird Life is nice because you can always find something to do if you don’t know what to do, and it’s all in one place, so it’s convenient for everybody,” Joergens said.
In addition to connecting students within the community, Redbird Life navigates students to new opportunities to help them advance in their future careers.
History teacher education student Amanda Lasky is the Women’s History Club secretary, and she uses Redbird Life daily to send out mass emails and connect students to her organization. Additionally, she promotes Women’s History Club events through Redbird Life.
“You get out of college what you put into it, so I think it’s really important. Redbird Life is a really good resource to go and see what the University has to offer. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. It’s never too late to join organizations.”
Grace Pellock
Lasky said that last year she transferred to Illinois State, and becoming involved has made all the difference in her college experience.
“Being a transfer student coming in during a pandemic, I went home a lot last year. So, joining my club and being a part of an RSO has kept me here on campus,” Lasky said. “I don’t know if I would have gone to Festival ISU if I wasn’t a part of the club, so it’s definitely helped keep me here and get involved 100%, and I’m really thankful for it.”
Redbird Life continues to assist many Illinois State students in their pursuit of unique opportunities to become plugged into campus activities. For students already signed up for events or involved in an organization, there is a separate page titled “memberships,” which serves as an organizational tool for students as they balance responsibilities and details involving their organizations.
Public relations student Grace Pellock said she works on campus as a tour guide, and she always tells students to get involved with student organizations and events because it shapes their college experience.
“You get out of college what you put into it, so I think it’s really important. Redbird Life is a really good resource to go and see what the University has to offer,” Pellock said. “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. It’s never too late to join organizations.”
Pellock began using Redbird Life two years ago before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and now she uses it whenever she attends meetings and events for Alpha Delta Pi and Her Magazine.
Pellock said that for new navigators of Redbird Life, she encourages them to use the alphabetical list of over 400 organizations given the multitude of opportunities. For Pellock, this keeps her organized and allows her to gauge what stands out to her.
“I know it’s overwhelming because there are so many organizations, but get an idea and see what pops out to you, and then go from there to look into it,” Pellock said. “I think Redbird Life is really usable and friendly.”
Considering this is the first semester that many Illinois State students have had in person in over a year, several said that now is the time to step out of one’s comfort zone.
Sophomore Juan Escobedo said students should ask friends, faculty, and staff about how to get involved on campus and how to navigate Redbird Life now rather than later in the semester to make the most out of their time at Illinois State University.
“With a lot of us being out, we missed interaction with actual people, so I think this is definitely the opportunity to get back into it and meet a lot of new people,” Escobedo said. “You can find new opportunities and hobbies that you really like. You can just really enjoy yourself.”
Students still seeking opportunities to become involved can access hundreds of opportunities through Redbird Life today.
