University societies are a great way for students
to meet new people with a common interest,
much like after-school clubs. They cover a
variety of topics, including: academic, sporting and general
interest. If it exists, there is probably a society
for it!
I will outline some key information about
societies here.
General interest societies or clubs cover a range of topics: from wellbeing to drama societies, students get involved in activities that they are interested in, such as creating fundraisers, going on trips and weekly games, activities and quizzes.
Academic societies support students studying specific subject areas, creating a community by bringing together learners who are on the same course but may not be in the same classes. These societies can help students form study groups and informal seminars, as well as providing a brilliant way to swap reading lists and books.
Sports societies can be for both competitive and casual players, and students can pick and choose which elements they want to be involved in. Some sports societies, like football and basketball, take part in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league. Different societies can also take part in varsity competitions between universities too.
• They are associated with a students’
union (SU), which is independent from
the university. Students will automatically
become a member of their SU unless they
ask not to be. They are led by students for
students.
• Most sports and societies will have a
membership fee – these vary from society
to society. To pay these, students can
pay online or in person at their SU. The
payment is not associated with the tuition
loan and is separate from their studies,
even if they are joining an academic
society.
• For trips, societies may ask for additional
payment, which may be discounted. Trips
could include travelling abroad, going to
the theatre etc.
• Societies are run by students who are
likely to have been members themselves
previously. They are voted in for different
roles and volunteer to run the society
under the supervision of the SU.
• During the first few weeks of university
(commonly known as Freshers’ Week, but
many universities now call it Welcome
Week or Welcome Fest), students attend
fairs where they can meet the students
who run the clubs and societies and can
even sometimes try them out!
• If students would like to join a society that
does not yet exist, they can group together
and create one!
I always encourage students and applicants to
get involved with sports, clubs and societies
as it made my student experience the full,
exciting and interesting one that it was, and it
helped me flourish as an individual. And with
us coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it will
really support students by feeling a sense of
community in a new setting after being isolated
for so long.