The best societies to join at uni

We’ve all seen the films set on American university (or college) campuses, centred around the incredible bonds and friendships that come from societies and sororities. And that’s the same here in the UK – albeit without the Greek stuff.

Joining societies at uni has many benefits. From making new friends to learning new skills and getting participating in exciting activities, just to name a few. Below, our guide will take you through what a university society is, how to join one and what types of society might be best for you.

Jump to section:

• What are university societies?

• What are the different types of uni societies?

• The best societies to join at uni

• The benefits of joining societies at uni

• How to join a uni society

• FAQs

What are university societies?

A university club or society is a student-led group, organisation or club where everyone has the same interests, hobbies, or academic goals.

There are several ways university societies are formed. They can be stand-alone organisations, a part of a subject or course, or, more commonly, affiliated with the student union.

Ultimately, a university society can be defined as any group of students coming together to practice a shared interest. This can be related to study, but it doesn’t have to be – many societies are based on:

• Culture

• Sport

• Hobbies

• Career paths

• Niche interests.

There are many benefits to joining societies while at uni, and different types of groups can offer different perks. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, expand your skillset, or just do something you enjoy with a group of like-minded people, there will likely be a society for you at university.

What are the different types of uni societies?

Student Union societies cover a range of themes and areas. If there’s something you’re passionate about and would love there to be a club or society for it, chances are there’s already one. For example, the UK has not one, but two Nicolas Cage appreciation societies. One at the University of Lincoln and one at the University of Sussex.

Societies for appreciating actors not your thing? Below are some other areas where you can discover a range of societies and clubs.

• Academic societies (Law, Psychology, Engineering). Discover speakers, workshops, events and more, all tailored specifically to a subject you might be studying.

• Cultural & international societies. Help to promote heritage, highlight traditions and build a connection.

• Hobby societies (gaming, photography, book clubs). Great for pursuing interest and passions beyond your course.

• Performance (drama, dance, music). Can help you do something you love and help boost confidence by performing in front of people.

• Volunteering & charity groups. A great option to give back to the community.

• Faith-based societies. Connect with people with the same beliefs and maintain connections while you study and celebrate moments throughout the year.

University clubs and societies: What’s the difference?

While the terms ‘university club’ and ‘university society’ are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Clubs tend to focus on sports, or physical activities – so you can expect a bit of competition.

While societies are generally broader and cover a range of areas, such as photography or music. However, more recently, clubs and societies have become very similar, and both are usually run under student union structures.

The best societies to join at uni

Societies to make friends

One of the hardest parts of uni life is settling in – joining societies makes it easier to make friends in your first few weeks.

• Subject societies. Choosing a society related to the subject you’re studying means you can meet people taking your course. You’ll also have a ready-made topic of conversation.

• Hobby societies. Joining a society based on a hobby you’re passionate about means meeting others with similar tastes, as well as getting to do something you love.

• Sports societies. Sports societies can be competitive or just for fun. You can join sports clubs, which might have annual leaderboards and events, or attend groups of people getting together, say, for a morning jog.

• Niche societies. Many people have highly specific interests and passions. The good news is, in a decent-sized university, there’s a high chance that your niche will also be someone else’s.

Societies to get fit

Societies based on physical activity have the added benefit of helping you to stay fit and healthy while you socialise. Many UK universities have 40 or more individual sports clubs. Most sports clubs will have an annual league and the opportunity to progress.

• Climbing. A climbing society may do anything from indoor bouldering to weekend trips away. Many will also have equipment you can rent or borrow, so, even if you’re new to climbing, you’ll be able to give it a try.

• Work-out classes. A work-out class may not be what you would traditionally consider a society. However, they have most of the same benefits, and the flexibility to attend as and when it suits you. For that reason, these are usually popular choices among uni students.

• Walking/hiking clubs. Not only will you likely meet some great people, but you’ll also explore more of the local surroundings than you might otherwise.

Societies to boost your career prospects

University is the perfect place to expand your repertoire of transferable skills, and you will likely have free access to high-end resources during your time as a student.

• Debate society. Debate society can give you a multitude of transferable skills that will help boost your career prospects, as well as being a lot of fun. These skills include:

  • Public speaking

  • Organising and structuring ideas

  • Research techniques and digital skills

  • Active listening

  • Communication skills

  • Improved diction

  • Boosted self-esteem and confidence.

• Student newspaper. A role on the student newspaper shows prospective employers that you have a talent with words, can work well as part of a team, and can meet deadlines. If you’re looking at a career in journalism, this can be a great way to start building your portfolio.

• Student council. Being on the student council demonstrates leadership qualities, teamwork, organisation, communication and public speaking ability – all soft skills that impress employers.

• Foreign languages. Speaking more than one language is a definite plus in today’s multi-cultural, multi-national business world. Join a foreign language society and add another string to your bow before you leave uni.

Societies for your next hobby

From learning to play a musical instrument to honing your macrame skills, uni societies can be great places to find new hobbies or meet others who share your love for existing passions.

• Crafting. If you’re already a bit crafty, or, you just fancy learning some new skills, arts and crafts societies could be for you. You can join classes for skills such as pottery, painting, jewellery making and more.

• Knitting/sewing. Even if you don’t know how to knit or can’t tell one end of a crochet hook from the other, there will be people who can help you learn. Clubs such as “Stitch & Bitch” at the University of Leeds are designed to be social as well as crafty.

• Gaming. If video gaming is your passion, then you could meet like-minded people by joining a gaming club, such as H.U.G.S (Hull University Gaming Society).

• Music. If you already play a musical instrument, you could look for an orchestra or band to join. If not, you could find a society where you can learn to play something beyond chopsticks on the piano.

Ready to make friends, learn new skills and make the most of the unique opportunities at uni? Sounds like it’s time to join a society.

The benefits of joining societies at uni

Unsure why you should join a society? There are actually many benefits that come with being part of one of your university’s clubs. These include:

• Making friends. Unless you’ve gone to the same uni or are studying the same subjects as your friends from school, you probably won’t know anyone. Joining a society tailored around something you love and enjoy can be a great way to meet like-minded people and build a friendship from that.

• Improving wellbeing. A society can help give you purpose and a sense of belonging, help you feel part of something bigger. All of this can help boost your wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and build a community.

• Gaining leadership skills. There are rankings in societies, such as president and treasurer. You can climb the rankings over your time at university and gain useful skills to carry with you through your career.

• Boosting your CV. You might not have had any work experience yet, so having something extra to add to your CV, along with your education, can help you stand out from the crowd.

• Building confidence. Joining a society and making new connections with strangers (chances are, in a new city, too) can be daunting. A society that you attend regularly can help boost your confidence.

• Networking opportunities. Who knows what doors the society you join can open? If it’s sport, for example, you may meet scouts from teams you’re interested in, which can help your prospects.

How to join a uni society

Feel inspired to join one of your university’s societies? They can be fun, informative, and a great way to feel involved at your uni. Below, we detail the steps you can take to join a uni society:

• Go to the Fresher’s Fair. Attending the Fresher’s Fair at your university can help you see what clubs and societies are available there.

• Visit your Student Union website or search online. Be sure to do some extra research to avoid missing out on a society that interests you. You can also look for active societies on social media or search your SU social accounts for related hashtags.

• Word of mouth. Speak to other people taking your course or student accommodation about joining societies they’re part of.

• Sign up and pay the membership fee (if required). Some societies might have a limit on the number of people who can join, so if you see something you love, sign up.

• Try it out. Go to a few taster sessions to see if there’s something new you might enjoy.

How many societies should I join at uni?

There is no limit to the number of societies you can join at uni. However, remember that your uni work still needs to be your top priority. Perhaps you can join one or two in your first year. You can always join new ones later if you find yourself with free time once you’ve settled in and found balance.

FAQs

Are university societies free?

Some university societies might offer free sessions, but you might find you have to pay for the majority. The money doesn’t go to waste, though. What you pay typically goes back into the society to contribute to running activities. Prices can vary and are set by the society each year.

What are student union societies?

Student union societies are those clubs, groups and organisations affiliated with the student union. You can contact your student union to find out which societies and groups they organise.

What do uni societies do?

Depending on the subject of the society, a uni society can do a range of different things. From organising gatherings, events, and socials to helping and supporting its members. They can be a great place to meet like-minded people, build friendships and help settle into uni life.

Can I join more than one society?

Yes, you can definitely join more than one society at university. Bear in mind your workload and seminar commitments, however. It might be a good idea to settle into university before filling your schedule with extracurricular activities. But if there are a few societies you’re interested in, there’s no harm in joining them and then adjusting as the terms go on, depending on your workload.

Do university clubs and societies look good on a CV?

Yes, university clubs and societies look great on a CV, especially if you are in a leadership role. Being in a club or society shows initiative, teamwork, timekeeping, organisational skills and much more. These transferable skills are very desirable in a candidate applying for a job.