Between going to classes and studying, every student has a hobby, and whether yours is climbing up iced-over waterfalls or just kicking back with a good book and discussing it with some friends, there is a home already waiting you at one of the University of Colorado's more than 800 student groups and clubs.

"Clubs are a great way to combine resources," said Justin Sutherland, a CU junior and event coordinator for Theta Xi, the university's only outdoor sports oriented community. "Everyone knows how to do something, and everyone combines their knowledge and experience so that the whole group has more opportunities together."

By pooling their resources, members of Theta Xi will spend this semester going ice climbing in Ouray, camping at the Great National Sand Dunes, snow caving in Rocky Mountain National Park, sponsoring a ski-fest for multiple sclerosis and a taking a cruise in the Bahamas for spring break.

According to Sutherland, the group rates and insider deals offered by joining student groups are the best way to maximize every dollar you spend doing whatever it is that you love to do.

Meeting people

Of course, let's not forget the other important benefit of club membership: who you're doing it with.

"Our trips are a blast, but we also offer a group of friends," said Sarah Miller, CU senior and president of Alpine Club.

On top of some intense travel experiences throughout Colorado, an Alpine Club membership this semester also includes discounted rates at local climbing gyms and gear stores.

"It's a fun way to get involved on campus, and it opens up the opportunity for leadership roles," Miller said. "If you're looking to get outside with a group of fun and motivated people, we basically offer that as the backbone of our club."

Although CU has several organizations for students with interests in outdoor activities, the remaining 700 or so appeal to everything else. For students interested in community services, there's the Volunteer Resource Center; for those interested in student government, try the University of Colorado Student Union.

From fashion and music to cultural identity, there is a student group waiting for you.

"Our club is for anyone and everyone who thinks it would be cool to read a book and talk about it," said Alex Wedemeyer, CU grad student and general coordinator for the student group Literaria. "Literaria is anything having to do with literature in English. Anything from traditional English lit to contemporary novels and literary criticism -- it really makes literature accessible to anyone who is interested in it."

Club guide

Find the full list of potential student groups by typing "UCSU Club Guide" into the search engine on CU's home page and following the links. Or, if you are interested in starting your own club, you can always visit the Student Organizations Finance Office in Room 231 of the University Memorial Center.

"We've never turned a group away," said Terri Smith, office manager at the finance office. "As long as you aren't violating any laws or any other individual's rights, you can pretty much conduct your group however you see fit."

According to Smith, basic requirements include having three interested members and a $25 deposit. She also recommends visiting www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/sofo for more details.

So whether you're looking to get involved with an existing group or exercise your creativity by starting your own, student groups are unique, fun and cost-effective way to do it.