Understanding university societies

Please note - this text was created based on text provided by Ellie Mace, Student Union President at Harper Adams University for the Teachers' Guide to University brochure

Clubs, societies, groups, associations, networks... You’ve probably heard all of these terms.

But whatever they're called, their purpose is the same: to bring like-minded groups of students together to socialise.

Your students will likely find a society or club that suits their interests. It could be:

• taking part in the same hobby
• playing or competing in sports
• helping the wider community
• sharing knowledge
• developing skills.

For example, here at Harper Adams University, we have a range of societies, groups, and clubs. They range from astronomy, cricket, dance, and conservation to off-roading, rugby, and LGBT+. There’s also political, cultural, and academic groups to join. There’s something for everyone.

Freshers’ Fairs are a great chance to sign up for societies. The first few weeks of university are a good time to do a trial run. Your students can try something new, or continue with an existing hobby. They can see what fits, and then maybe take a society forward from there.

And, like at most universities, if a student can’t find a society they wish to join, they can get together with some like-minded individuals to set up their own group.

It’s usually the responsibility of the Students’ Union or Guild of Students to provide societies with the support they need to operate. However, most of the activities undertaken within societies are run by the students themselves.

At Harper Adams University, members of each society vote the next leaders into committee positions the following year. These roles typically include a:

• Chair
• Vice-Chair
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Social Executive.

These elected students work together to plan and deliver the activities of the society with support from the Students’ Union, as well as external people such as sports coaches, if needed. Societies arrange their own agendas, including when they meet to train or carry out the objectives of the society.

Sports teams, for example, will meet during the week to train, and compete in local, regional, or national leagues. They also socialise outside of formal meeting hours. Meanwhile, a non-sport society may have fewer formal meetings and require members to meet less frequently.

Not all of your students will want this level of responsibility when they join a society. However, if they do put themselves forward, this is a great way for them to develop future skills and gain new experiences.

Your students don’t have to be part of a club or society.

Although, as a recent graduate, I always recommend that students join at least one or two societies if they can commit a couple of hours a week. Having those hours in the week to socialise with others, and do something they enjoy, will contribute to good health and wellbeing.

By joining our netball club, I was able to relax, get fit, laugh with (and make) friends, and compete in a game that I loved by committing a few hours a week. I didn’t have to worry about anything but being in the moment.

Remind your students: university is about more than just their studies. It’s about the memories and friends they can make too.