University societies are a great way for you to meet new people with a common interest, much like after-school clubs. They cover a variety of topics: academic, sporting and general interest. If it exists, there is probably a society for it!
General interest societies or clubs cover a range of topics: from wellbeing to drama societies, you can get involved in activities that you are interested in, such as creating fundraisers, going on trips and weekly games, activities and quizzes.
Academic societies support you in specific subject areas, creating a community by bringing together students who are on the same course but may not be in the same classes. These societies can help you 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 you can pick and choose which elements you 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. You will automatically become a
member of your SU unless you 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, you can pay online
or in person at your SU. The payment is
not associated with the tuition loan and is
separate from your studies, even if you 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), you can attend fairs
where you can meet the students who run
the clubs and societies and can often try
them out!
• If you would like to join a society that does
not yet exist, you can group together and
create one!
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