Graduate student Karen McGillicuddy has everything she needs for a successful college experience:

Textbooks for her major, Japanese literature? Check.

Dell Inspiron laptop? Check.

Collection of red, blue, orange and neon green juggling balls, and a unicycle?

Check on the balls; she's working on getting the unicycle.

After a full day of classes at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, McGillicuddy finds respite among the Rainbow Jugglers, an organization of juggling and unicycling enthusiasts at UH.

"It can be refreshing when I'm feeling weighed down and pessimistic because of schoolwork," said McGillicuddy, 22, of Honolulu.

Many students like McGillicuddy agree: The college years shouldn't be only about cramming for tests and spending all-nighters on papers. School clubs offer students a more well-rounded college experience, giving them a chance to socialize outside of classes, relieve stress and simply have fun.

It's hard to not have fun at a gathering of the Rainbow Jugglers, a mix of laid-back students and professionals. At a recent meeting, about a handful of playful characters — one donned a fancy top hat with his T-shirt and shorts — honed their skills with rainbow-colored clubs, silicone balls and even cigar boxes.

"It's another avenue that students have to get out and meet other people, and get away from the normal academic environment," said Steve Case, founder of the Rainbow Jugglers.

A peek into the offerings at other college campuses islandwide makes it clear that many students seek diversions far from academia: organizations range from Frisbee and underwater hockey teams to fan clubs for singer Barry Manilow and the former TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess."

Marites Fiesta, director of Student Activities & Leadership at Chaminade University said students often ask about clubs because they want to connect with other students or to share interests.

"When the fit is there, and students are open and willing to invest their time in the people and activities, the benefits are enormous," Fiesta said.

Student organizations promote activism, public service and social and cultural interaction; develop leadership, life and vocational skills; and cultivate a sense of community spirit, she said.

"Getting involved is fun and valuable," Fiesta said, "and college should be meaningful and memorable, both inside and outside the classroom."

MEETING PEOPLE

For Russell Smyth, a visual- communication major at Hawai'i Pacific University, being part of the Fantasy Gamers at HPU gives him more than a reason to play video games.

"I enjoy meeting new people who have the same interests as I do," said Smyth, 22, of Kane'ohe.

The group of 25 students meets at least once a month to challenge each other at computer and video games — "Halo" and "Final Fantasy" are among their favorites — or "tabletop" games like "Dungeons & Dragons," Smyth said.

"Fantasy Gamers is purely a social club and it has nothing to do with academics," he said. "(It's for) ... people who want to join a club with like-minded students, have fun and forget their problems at school."

Like Smyth, many other college students join a campus club to meet other students and share a common obsession.

UH journalism major Jackie M. Young, a returning student, has founded two clubs: one devoted to Manilow, and another to anything related to "Xena."

"If you have an interest, it's so much more fun if you can share that with others who think the same way you do," said Young, of Honolulu.

Members of Manilow Menehune and Xenites Hawai'i — numbers are 15 and 60, respectively — have a strong, mutual adoration for the "Copacabana" singer and kick-butt warrior princess. Xena gatherings happen about once a year, and involve costume contests and video viewings. Manilow meetings take place several times a year, with members mostly sharing their "Barry-bilia," Young said.

Young, who gives the impression of strong concentration on whatever subject is at hand, while making it clear she doesn't take herself too seriously, will be the first to say her clubs are unusual, but "I'm an unusual person myself," she said.

Still, they are her passions, and she encourages other students to find theirs, as well.

"Students should have outside interests to broaden themselves beyond the classroom," Young said. "It's very important for students to play as well as study."

The laid-back McGillicuddy, who has found playmates among the Rainbow Jugglers, moved to Hawai'i last year from Fredericksburg, Va. Joining the club of about a dozen active members has been a way for McGillicuddy to make friends while she's thousands of miles away from home.

OTHER REASONS

Getting involved in an organization offers other advantages during the college experience, said Chris Nakahashi, 22, of the Chaminade Paintball Team.

"Clubs help you have a lot of opportunities you wouldn't have if you weren't in a club — things like community service projects," Nakahashi said.

While the Kaimuki resident joined the team to satisfy his paintball passion — he's been an avid player for the past nine years — he's also found satisfaction in helping others.

The group tutors at elementary schools and participates in beach cleanups, said Nakahashi, an environmental studies major.

"It's also about health and fitness," he said.

Getting in shape was one of the main reasons Maria Canoy, 22, got involved with the Frisbert Flying Disc Association at HPU.

"I wanted the exercise," said the Pearl City resident. "Frisbee has a lot of running involved. It's sort of like soccer, but it's not as dangerous."

Playing Frisbee with other club members — about 15 to 20 are active ones — is also a way for the international marketing major "to relieve stress from school," she said.

Exercise and stress relief are what drew Nu'uanu resident Michelle Smith to UH's Hawai'i Underwater Hockey Club, an organization open to the public.

The international sport, around since the 1950s, is similar to regular hockey but involves shorter sticks, a 3-pound lead puck and the ability to hold one's breath for long periods.

While the reasons for participating in a student organization vary, the common thread is best expressed by Nakahashi, the paintball player.

"What I enjoy most are the friendships and all the good times we have," Nakahashi said.

JUGGLERS, GAMERS BROADEN HORIZONS

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.