Anyone who has attended university will tell you what a hectic place it is, and it is not just the study. In no other place in the world will you find a swirl of different races, religions, cultures, interests and careers all existing together in such a limited amount of space. That's what makes it interesting (and sometimes concerning) to attend. A brief scan of the clubs and societies existing on campus will reflect the type of society that exists at university. Interests range from societies based on nationalism, religion, and sport to the more eccentric such as the 'Medieval Club.' Other clubs are simply based on getting together, partying and getting drunk.
This is why life at university can bedouble edged.
On the one hand, there is an ideal atmosphere for Da'wah, as people tend to be more open minded, and therefore an environment of friendly discussion and argumentation is sustained. This contrasts with the hostile attitudethat is often present elsewhere. The other edge is much worse. University has a host of traps, trials and temptations in every direction, waiting to ensnare a heedless Muslim.
To make things worse, Shaitan is ever present, ready to give that extrapush to send one over the limit. Whilst taking advantage of the knowledge and experience gained at university, a Muslims must constantly protect themselves against erroneous influences, andconstantly remind themselves of their real aim - attaining the pleasure of Allah, Most High. The best place for protectionis to join the Muslim community on campus, as the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Verily Satan is the wolf of a man just as the wolf is (the enemy) of a flock (of sheep). Heseizes the solitary sheep that strays fromthe flock. So avoid the branching paths; itis essential for you to remain along withthe community."
[at-Tirmithi]
In addition, the local Muslim student associations can offer all the basic needs of a Muslim, such as prayer rooms, facilities for Jumu'ah prayers, Halal food, and even extra Islamic educational curriculum. The best thing about it however, is that it gives Muslims an opportunity to meet and befriend other Muslims from all around the world.
The bigger universities, besides providing basic needs such as prayer facilities, the ISOCs offer many other activities such as regular talks by local and international speakers, halaqas, free lunches, regular Islamic educational video sessions, Seerah, Tafseer etc classes, Ramadan Iftar events, as well as general support for wider activities/needs of the Muslim community, and halal food providers on campus.
There can really be no excuse for students not to be familiar with their local student organisation. In fact, membershipis not only for students, but anyone may take part in the activities. Student organisations are the few places in our community where concrete things are achieved. The benefits of taking part can be enormous. The losses of not being active can be regretful.