Activities

There is much more to an MIT education than study and research in classrooms and laboratories. Numerous activities and groups are available that complement academic pursuits and provide opportunities for students to grow and develop new interests or lifelong pursuits. Student organizations help students develop leadership skills, build important life skills, and make connections with others through social interaction. This section describes just a few of the activities that add to campus life.

There are over 450 co-curricular student organizations at MIT, including the Outing Club, the Solar Electric Vehicle Team, the Debate Team, the FM local broadcasting station (WMBR), the MIT Society for Women Engineers, the Student Art Association, Model UN, and interest groups focusing on dance, chess, ham radio, and strategic games, to name a few.

Many students are actively engaged in service work. Groups such as Amphibious Achievement and the Educational Studies Program sponsor active social and public service programs. For example, the Educational Studies Program provides opportunities for MIT students to work with area high school students and tutor middle school children.

MIT also has a number of cultural and identity groups, including the Black Students' Union, the Latino Cultural Center, the Asian American Association, the Native American Student Association, and the South Asian American Students Association. Over 30 international student organizations sponsor a rich array of programs, including discussion groups and social events. The International Students' Association, for example, sponsors a newsletter, assemblies, and other events. For members and allies of MIT's LGBTQ+ community, G@MIT organizes weekly awareness programs and discussion groups, and sponsors social events throughout the year. The Graduate Women at MIT (GWAMIT) works to promote the personal and professional development of women in graduate school at MIT. MIT also has over 30 religious groups that represent a diversity of faith and spiritual interests. 

For more information, contact the Student Organizations, Leadership, and Engagement Office, Room W20-500, 617-253-6777.