Find Your Pack: A New Husky’s Guide to Student Interest Groups

by Shreya Anil Mishra, MS in Project Management ’26

Starting a new university journey is exciting, and getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to make the most of it! At Northeastern University Silicon Valley, an awesome way to connect, learn, and have fun is through Student Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups are communities of students who share common interests, passions, or goals. They help you meet new people, build skills, and create lasting memories.

What are SIGs?

A SIG is a student-led group that are recognized by the Silicon Valley campus. They’re open to all students regardless of program or background, creating a welcoming environment for anyone eager to dive into new experiences or deepen existing passions. Every semester, a Student Involvement Fair on campus helps students find out more about the groups that are open to join; this September, the campus 10th floor was packed with activity. But don’t worry if you missed it: SIGs are open to new members year-round.

Diverse SIGs to Explore

Northeastern in Silicon Valley offers a wide variety of SIGs. Each of these were started by a student or group of students here on the campus. They do not have to be related to any specific type of activity or topic, and they are not officially grouped into categories. But the groups that are currently operating can be broadly thought of in a few areas.

Academic & Tech

Passionate about computing, data, or product development? These SIGs provide hands-on learning, networking, and professional growth:

• ACM-W NEU, Silicon Valley: Empowers women in computing through advocacy, mentorship, and community-building.
• Adobe Club at Northeastern: Sparks digital creativity with workshops in design, illustration, and content creation.
• AI & Data Club: Connects aspiring data scientists for practical machine learning projects, events, and challenges.
• Google Developer Student Club: Brings together future developers for hands-on coding, Google tech sessions, and hackathons.
• Multimedia Information Group: Enables exploration of data science and machine learning in multimedia research projects.
• NU AIG (Algorithm Interactive Gaming): Combines gaming fun with learning algorithms through design, play, and tournaments.
• HuskyCode Club: Provides collaborative Leetcode and coding practice sessions to sharpen problem-solving skills.
• NeuroDrive Club: Explores autonomous driving and deep learning through simulation-based research and teamwork.
• NU PM (Project Management): Builds leadership and teamwork through project management skill sessions and peer support.
• NuXR: Delves into extended reality (AR, VR, MR) with hands-on demos, collaborative projects, and tech talks.
• Aspiring Product Managers Club: Guides future product managers with mentorship, case studies, and peer learning activities.

Sports & Outdoors

Looking to stay active, meet fellow fitness enthusiasts, or unwind in nature? Join groups like:

• Bay Area Golf Club: Unites golfers for social rounds, tournaments, and fun networking on the greens.
• Hi!King: Organizes student hikes, outdoor adventures, and team-bonding events throughout the Bay Area.
• Badminton Club: Connects badminton enthusiasts for friendly matches, skill-building, and social play.

Creative & Arts

Bring out your artistic side, whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out:

• Artful Huskies: Grows a creative community where artists of all levels collaborate on group projects and exhibitions.
• Husky Moves: Promotes wellness and fun through beginner-friendly dance classes and movement-based social events.
• NU Readers Book Club: Brings book lovers together to discuss monthly picks, share reads, and host author events.
• Adobe Club at Northeastern (also welcomes artistic expression!)

Cultural & Social

Celebrate diversity and connect across cultures and communities:

• Huskies Beyond Borders: Celebrates international diversity by organizing events and support networks for global Huskies.
• Husky Moves (yes, it’s also cultural and social!)
• The Board Game Club: Builds friendships through casual board game nights and social play on campus.

Revive an inactive SIG

When student leaders graduate and new organizers don’t volunteer, approved and established SIGs can become inactive. If you’re interested in student leadership, a great place to look first is to see if you’d like to adopt one of these leaderless clubs. Campus staff will be able to share information about previous events and activities, so you’ll be starting off with some insights.

• Black Engineering Students Society SV: This group worked to combat some of the isolating effects of underrepresentation by creating a network and shared space for Black students in tech fields.
• Code Guardians: This group presented workshops, code challenges, and network opportunities for students interested in building their cybersecurity skills in their field.
• Data Club: A big tent group for students, faculty, and staff with an interest in data.
• NU Game: This group for gamers connected students who are passionate about designing, building, and writing games.
• NU Project Management: A group that organized events that connected students to Project Management professionals and associations, as well as facilitating workshops and skillshares.
• NU PWR Professional Womxn’s Roundtable: A group that focused on network-building and skill-sharing amongst women working in any discipline.
• Public Interest Technology Group: This group connected students who were interested in harnessing technology for social impact.
• Silicon Valley Hackers Club: For both experienced and beginner software developers, this group was a place to collaborate on fun projects and learn from peers.
• Ultimate and Flag Football Club: A sports group that organized both drills and pickup games for any student who either played ultimate frisbee or flag football, or wanted to learn.

Why join or start a SIG?

Joining a SIG helps you:

• Build friendships with like-minded Huskies
• Grow leadership and communication skills through event planning and group activities
• Connect with industry professionals and peers alike
• Explore passions outside of academics for a balanced college life

How to get involved

New Huskies can find all active SIGs, contact info for their leaders, event announcements, and more through the Student Services office and the online SIG directory at Student Interest Groups.

And if you have an interest that you don’t see represented, we encourage you to create your own! Official SIGs must have at least two student co-founders and one faculty or staff advisor, be open to all Northeastern in Silicon Valley students, and commit to a schedule of at least two events per year. The full set of guidelines are listed on the Student Life site. When you have your team established and your plan in place, submit a SIG proposal to become officially incorporated.

Questions? Email [email protected] for guidance and support.

Whether you’re coding, hiking, painting, dancing, or exploring cultures, there’s a SIG ready to welcome you. So get out there and show your Husky pride by joining one (or more!) of these vibrant communities today!

Welcome to campus life at Northeastern University Silicon Valley, where every new connection starts with a shared interest.