With more than 600 campus organizations to choose from, students have the opportunity to participate in activities ranging from the Alpine Ski Team to the Zoroastrian Student Association.
While time spent in meetings and running around to activities and events may keep students frazzled and exhausted, it's worth the effort, most say.
"Learning happens outside the classroom just as much as it happens inside," said Fiona Rose, Michigan Student Assembly president.
The benefits of getting involved extend beyond meetings, friendships and even the University.
Students expressed diverse opinions about why they chose to become involved in extracurricular activities and the benefits they have gained.
"It's such a large university, and being involved in a team or organization helps to make it smaller and more personal, and you can have an impact on your environment," said Mira Sahney, president of the Society of Women Engineers.
LSA sophomore Colleen Hoy also noted the effect extracurricular activities have on making the University seem smaller
"(Participating in extracurricular activities) makes the University seem tons smaller," said Hoy, who is treasurer of her sorority and a member of the University Activities Council's Homecoming Committee. "I felt sort of lost just taking classes."
Many students said they became involved in extracurricular activities because they believe education is not confined to the classroom.
Becca Coggins, LSA senior and president of the Panhellenic Association, said her extracurricular activities have been a valuable experience.
"There's so much more you can learn outside the classroom," she said.
Susan Wilson, Student Activities and Leadership director, noted the importance of activities outside the classroom in the academic experience. She said extracurricular activities are more correctly defined as co-curricular activities.
"(Co-curricular activities) are part in parcel with the educational experience at U-M," Wilson said.
Larry Powell, president of the Interfraternity Council and an Engineering senior, also said he believes extracurricular activities and academics are intertwined.
"Being involved with extracurricular activities gives me a greater focus on University life, which I feel transcends directly to academic achievement," he said.
Students also expressed the desire to make an impact on the University through their extracurricular experience.
"I wanted to make a difference," said Nicholas Kirk, an LSA junior and president of the College Republicans.
He said that with the University's liberal reputation, he wanted to give "life" to Republican views on campus.
"My decision to become involved with extracurricular activities has really paid off," Kirk said.
With the wide range and large number of student groups on campus, students may have difficulty picking one - or even several. Judy Lawson, assistant director of experiential learning services in the Office of Career Planning and Placement, said students should look for a group that fits their own interests - not one that fits into a graduate school application.
"Look for things that genuinely interest you rather than do something because you think it's what you're supposed to do," Lawson said.
But extracurricular activities can also give students benefits that extend beyond their undergraduate career.
While graduate schools stress the importance of strong numerical credentials such as grade point averages and test scores for prospective applicants, they also note the importance of involvement in extracurricular activities.
Katie Horne, director of admissions for the University's Medical School, said that while a student's academic record is typically the most important factor in deciding admissions, "extracurricular activities are very important."
"It's so competitive that you have to have the academics and the extracurricular activities," Horne said.
David Ardis, assistant director of admissions and student services for the University's School of Business, said that extracurricular activities can be beneficial to students applying to the Master's of Business Administration program, demonstrating that a student is well-rounded.
"Extracurricular activities help to round out an applicant's application," Ardis said. "We want the smartest people. The best people. But we also want well-rounded people."
Lawson also said involvement in campus activities is important for students who are planning on applying to graduate schools.
"(Graduate schools) look for students who are energetic and motivated," she said. "A reasonable amount of involvement is very important."
She said students gain skills from their extracurricular experiences that graduate schools value. Leadership, time management, communication and teamwork skills are the top benefits of being involved, she said.
However, admissions officials repeatedly stressed the importance of academics.
"No amount of extracurricular activities overcomes a poor academic record," said Dennis Shields, assistant dean and director of admissions for the University's Law School. "A student's primary concern should be to do well academically.
"If (students) are spending 35 hours overall on extracurricular activities and 10 hours on studying, that is the wrong balance. This should be reversed," he said.
Horne echoed Shields' opinion. "(Extracurricular activities) are one of six or seven important factors. The academic record is probably the most important," she said.
Extracurricular activities also help students who are looking for employment after graduation.
"Employers very much value students who are active and involved on campus," Lawson said.
She said employers are "skill-based" in their outlook. "Skills are viably gained outside the classroom."
Wayne Millette, assistant director for leadership education in the Student Activities and Leadership Office, also noted the importance of extracurricular activities in the job market.
"Co-curricular activities give the student the ability to build people skills," which he said is important in the job market, especially for students hoping to hold management positions.
Todd Garland, a first-year MBA student, said he participates in activities that directly relate to his career goals.
He participates in organizations such as the Marketing Club and the Entrepreneurial Club "to hopefully better my career."
But most of the student leaders and student participants on campus can neatly sum up their involvement exactly like Carmela Kudyba, an LSA sophomore and member of the equestrian team.
"I would be bored if all I had to do was study."
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
LSA sophomore Jake Derenthal studies on the Diag earlier this week. Taking advantage of unoccupied time is one of the keys of time management.