How and Why to Escape the College Campus Bubble

How and Why to Escape the Campus Bubble

Most colleges, including Lewis & Clark College, offer a vibrant campus life that makes it easy to stay within the boundaries of campus activities. With access to world-class academic resources, student organizations, and recreational opportunities, many students find themselves in what is often called the “campus bubble”—a self-contained environment that meets most of their social and academic needs. While this bubble can be a comfortable and engaging space, it can lead to students feeling trapped or isolated from the greater community. It is essential for students to escape this sphere and step beyond campus to fully enrich their college experience and prepare for life after graduation.

Why Get Out of the Campus Bubble?

Engage with the surrounding community
Communities surrounding most Universities often offer thriving arts scenes, diverse cultural experiences, and environmentally conscious initiatives. By stepping off-campus, students can immerse themselves in a city full of innovation and activism. This engagement allows students to connect with different perspectives, communities, and ideas, which fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Career Opportunities
Most cities surrounding US colleges offer different opportunities for internship and employment in a vast variety of business, science, the arts as well as in nonprofit opportunities. Once outside the bubble, you can take advantage of all these varieties of opportunities, thereby getting unique experiences complementary to your academic studies as well as offering some level of greater and intimate real-life knowledge forming the potential basis for whichever career the student might want to pursue in the future.

Build confidence, independence and Real-World Skills
College is obviously focused mainly on education, but not necessarily for a life after graduation. For most, it will be essential to step out of the bubble to better prepare for the next - or for some - the final chapter following college graduation. Engaging with life outside of campus will offer an important realization of what the future holds as well as to help build a level of independence and confidence that life beyond college will require.

How to Get Out of the Campus Bubble

Getting Off-Campus With Internships

A common complaint that people have with the college bubble is that it creates an environment in which sometimes students can avoid learning practical “real world” skills, such as workplace etiquette. One way that students can combat this is by being a part of an actual workplace during college. Internships are available for most disciplines year round, so students can intern whenever their schedule allows, or multiple times throughout their college career.

Some students might worry that an internship would interfere with their ability to fully engage with their classes, especially if they have a busy course load.

However, there are multiple ways to work around this:

Virtual Internships

Particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic, many internships are offered online. This can be beneficial for students located in less populated areas to have access to opportunities associated with larger cities, such as a large New York publishing company, or one of the many businesses based in Los Angeles, such as Disney. Another pro of virtual internships is that they can be flexible with working hours, making it possible for students who have classes during the typical nine to five workday to participate in an internship and complete the work when it is convenient for them.

Internships For Profit or Credit

While many college internships are (sadly) unpaid, finding a paid internship is incredibly valuable to students who might otherwise be too busy to add an internship to their schedule. These lucky students are able to decrease or drop their work hours, whether they’re at a local coffee shop or leading campus tours; that time is then devoted to the internship. However, in situations where this option is not available, some universities offer opportunities for internships to count as college credit. At Lewis & Clark, students are able to either take a non-departmental internship through the Career Center, or earn credit through a department-specific internship. Taking an internship for credit also allows students to take fewer on-campus classes, therefore freeing up time to spend on their internship.

Lowering the Course Load

In situations where a flexible virtual internship is not an option, nor is it possible to work or class with an internship, finding time when you can reduce your course load may be the best way to complete an internship. As previously mentioned, opportunities are available year-round for most types of jobs, so students can find summer internships that won’t conflict with their class schedule. Or, if the student is in a position to take one less class in a term, they can devote that time to an off-campus internship. In this case, it might be ideal to build a class schedule that leaves you free one or two days a week to devote primarily to the internship.

Clubs That Get Off Campus

Being stuck on campus without reliable transportation or people to adventure with can lead to students feeling isolated and trapped. One way to solve this phenomenon is by joining clubs that make trips off-campus, often providing transportation and a group of people to go with. Participating in activities outside of the college classroom leads to a more beneficial and enjoyable college experience. While more research has yet to be done on the advantages of off-campus experiences specifically, the opportunity to participate in potentially new experiences and interact with a wider group of people and environments can only be productive. Additionally, many college clubs offer these programs at a reduced cost to students who are on a tight budget.

Outdoor Programs

Many colleges have outdoor clubs that students can be involved with at various levels. Lewis & Clark has an expansive College Outdoors program that offers opportunities such as new student trips, day trips and longer excursions, outdoor gear rentals, and more. By getting outside (and getting some exercise in the process) students can improve their health, mentally, physically and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a space for learning that can not be done in the classroom, such as how to go white water rafting, or what to do when your van breaks down while hauling inflatable rafts. These fun activities are conducted in a safe, school-supported environment with peers and friends, making outdoor clubs an ideal way to get off-campus.

Religious Groups

Another way for students to leave the campus bubble with a community from school is through religious organizations. Depending on the college, students may not be able to connect with a large number of peers who share their spiritual beliefs. Finding a place off-campus to be a part of these communities can provide students with a sense of belonging and support. Additionally, attending regular gatherings off-campus with a group from school can be a great way to make friends, and help make the disparity between the “real world” and campus life feel smaller. Lewis & Clark has a Center for Spiritual Life, which can help students find resources such as religious groups on campus, or local religious communities who are willing to offer students rides to regular meetings. If your school doesn’t have resources to help you connect to religious groups off campus, it’s worth reaching out to these groups on your own. Most faith-based communities seem more than happy to help transport students to gatherings whenever possible.

Other Ways to Get Off Campus

Explore the Surrounding Neighborhoods
Many universities are situated near cities or towns that offer diverse cultures, economies, industries, and communities. Whether you’re in a bustling metropolis or a quieter town, exploring the surrounding neighborhoods provides a valuable opportunity to experience life beyond campus. These areas are often just a short drive, bus ride, or Lyft/Uber trip away, making them easily accessible for students. Exploring off-campus helps you connect with the local environment and opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Most cities are home to nonprofit organizations dedicated to causes like social justice, sustainability, and community service. Volunteering with these groups allows students to engage with local residents and contribute to meaningful causes. In addition to making a positive impact, volunteering offers students the chance to develop essential skills, expand their networks, and build lasting relationships with people outside the university community.

Attend Local Events and Festivals
Check out the event calendars of nearby towns and cities for cultural festivals, music concerts, public lectures, and other unique gatherings. These events provide a break from the pressures of college life while exposing students to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Attending local events can help broaden your worldview, enrich your college experience, and foster connections with the community around you.

Leaving the campus bubble may not always be easy; it takes some effort to locate and take advantage of these resources in your local community. But it’s worth it. Getting off campus enhances the college experience, preparing students for both personal growth and professional success in the real world.