Joining Societies at University: A Complete Guide
- Revision Notes
- Aug 2
- 18 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Joining a university society is one of the easiest ways to meet people, try something new and become part of student life outside your course.
Societies bring together students who share an interest, identity, subject, culture, belief, career goal or hobby. They can range from large academic and cultural organisations to wonderfully specific groups dedicated to crafts, films, food, games or activities you did not know existed until somebody offered you a leaflet at the Freshers’ Fair.
You do not need to be an expert to join.
Most societies welcome complete beginners, and many offer free taster sessions before asking you to pay a membership fee. You can also join later in the year, so missing Freshers’ Week does not mean missing your opportunity. UCAS advises that societies cover an enormous range of interests and can normally be joined at any stage of university.
This guide explains how university societies work, how to choose the right ones and how to turn signing up into a genuinely useful part of your university experience.
What Is a University Society?
A university society is a student-led group organised around a shared interest, activity, identity or goal.
Societies are usually affiliated with the students’ union, although the exact system varies between universities.
A students’ union may:
Approve and register societies.
Process membership payments.
Provide rooms and equipment.
Offer event support.
Provide training.
Set financial and safety rules.
Help promote events.
Support society committees.
Investigate complaints.
Provide insurance for approved activities.
Societies are normally run by a committee of current students rather than university employees.
Typical committee roles include:
President or chair.
Vice-president.
Treasurer.
Secretary.
Events officer.
Social secretary.
Welfare officer.
Communications or publicity officer.
Inclusion or accessibility officer.
A small society may combine several roles, while a large society might have an extensive committee and hundreds of members.
What Is the Difference Between a Society and a Sports Club?
Universities may use different terms, but societies generally focus on interests, identities, academic subjects, careers or activities.
Sports clubs normally focus on physical activities, training and competition.
A sports club may involve:
Weekly training.
Competitive fixtures.
Trials.
Coaching.
Specialist equipment.
Travel.
Additional insurance.
Fitness requirements.
A society might organise:
Talks.
Workshops.
Social events.
Trips.
Campaigns.
Performances.
Networking.
Competitions.
Volunteering.
Informal meetings.
Some activities could be placed in either category, depending on how the university organises its students’ union and sports services.
Both can help students meet people and become involved in university life. UCAS describes clubs, societies and sports as ways to build friendships, explore interests and develop skills outside academic study.
What Types of University Societies Are Available?
The exact selection depends on the size and character of the university.
Common categories include the following.
Academic and Subject Societies
These are linked to a course or academic discipline.
Examples include:
Psychology society.
Law society.
History society.
Engineering society.
Medical society.
Economics society.
Computer science society.
They may organise:
Guest lectures.
Revision sessions.
Conferences.
Career events.
Socials.
Academic competitions.
Networking.
Trips.
Peer mentoring.
You do not always need to study the subject to join, although some activities may be designed mainly for students on that course.
Career and Professional Societies
These focus on a career or industry.
Examples might include:
Consulting.
Finance.
Entrepreneurship.
Journalism.
Teaching.
Advertising.
Technology.
Law.
Healthcare.
Sustainability.
Publishing.
Activities may include:
Employer talks.
Skills workshops.
Application support.
Networking events.
Competitions.
Mentoring.
Visits to workplaces.
These societies can be useful even when you are uncertain about your future career because they allow you to investigate an industry before committing to it.
Cultural and National Societies
Cultural societies can help students:
Celebrate traditions.
Share food and music.
Discuss common experiences.
Meet people from similar backgrounds.
Introduce other students to their culture.
Build a sense of community.
You do not necessarily need to belong to the culture or nationality in the society’s title, although you should approach respectfully and check any membership guidance.
Faith and Belief Societies
These may provide:
Worship or reflection.
Study groups.
Social events.
Community.
Festivals.
Volunteering.
Support with religious observance.
They may also help students find local places of worship, suitable food and faith-sensitive support.
Identity and Liberation Societies
These groups can provide representation, community and campaigning around shared experiences.
Examples may include societies or networks for:
LGBTQ+ students.
Disabled students.
Neurodivergent students.
Women.
Black students.
Care-experienced students.
Mature students.
International students.
Student Minds highlights the importance of social integration and belonging to student wellbeing, while recognising that costs, accessibility and other barriers can prevent some students from participating fully.
Creative Societies
These can include:
Theatre.
Choir.
Dance.
Creative writing.
Photography.
Film-making.
Music.
Art.
Fashion.
Comedy.
Student radio.
Student newspapers.
Some require auditions for particular performances, but many offer non-performance roles or activities open to beginners.
Hobby and Interest Societies
These may cover almost anything, including:
Board games.
Gaming.
Chess.
Baking.
Books.
Crafts.
Anime.
Films.
Quizzes.
Travel.
Gardening.
Food.
Languages.
Outdoor activities.
These groups are often particularly useful for meeting people because the shared activity makes conversation easier.
Political and Campaigning Societies
These may represent:
Political parties.
Campaigns.
Debating interests.
Environmental causes.
Human rights groups.
Local or national issues.
Students should expect disagreement and debate, but societies should still follow university rules on safety, conduct, freedom of speech and harassment.
Volunteering and Fundraising Societies
These may support:
Local charities.
Schools.
Environmental projects.
Community organisations.
International campaigns.
Fundraising events.
Volunteering can help students meet people while developing experience and contributing to a cause.
What Are the Benefits of Joining a Society?
Societies can add much more to university life than an occasional social event.
Meeting People
Societies create repeated contact with students who share an interest.
This is valuable because friendships rarely form through one conversation. They develop when people see one another regularly, work on shared activities and gradually become more comfortable.
UCAS recommends societies as one of the main ways students can meet like-minded people, particularly when they do not rely on halls or nightlife for their social life.
Building a Sense of Belonging
University can feel large and anonymous.
A society can create a smaller community where:
People recognise you.
You have regular plans.
You share an interest.
You can contribute.
You begin feeling part of the university.
Student Minds identifies social connection and belonging as important elements of student wellbeing.
Trying Something New
University may give you access to activities that were:
Unavailable at school.
Too expensive elsewhere.
Difficult to find locally.
Never previously considered.
You might try:
Debating.
Radio.
Fencing.
Improvisation.
Dance.
Film production.
Volunteering.
Coding.
A new language.
Committee work.
You do not need to arrive with existing experience.
Continuing an Existing Interest
Societies also give you a way to maintain activities you already enjoy.
Continuing a familiar interest can provide stability during the transition to university.
It can also help you meet people who understand something that already matters to you.
Developing Skills
Society involvement can develop:
Communication.
Teamwork.
Leadership.
Organisation.
Budget management.
Event planning.
Marketing.
Public speaking.
Negotiation.
Problem-solving.
Digital skills.
Conflict management.
The skills become particularly valuable when you can explain what you actually did and what resulted from it.
Simply writing “member of a society” on a CV may add little.
Explaining that you organised an event for 100 students, managed a budget or increased membership shows evidence of achievement.
Exploring Careers
Academic and professional societies may provide access to:
Employers.
Alumni.
Guest speakers.
Mentors.
Application workshops.
Industry competitions.
Networking.
Work experience information.
You may discover a career you had not considered or decide that a particular industry is not right for you.
Both outcomes are useful.
Improving Wellbeing
A regular activity can provide:
Structure.
Enjoyment.
Time away from academic work.
Social contact.
Physical activity.
Creative expression.
A sense of achievement.
A society is not a replacement for mental health care, but belonging to a supportive community can form one part of a healthy university routine.
How Do You Find University Societies?
Start with the students’ union website.
It will normally provide:
An A to Z list.
Society descriptions.
Membership prices.
Contact details.
Social media links.
Upcoming events.
Committee information.
Instructions for joining.
UCAS advises students to use their students’ union to find official societies and events.
You may also find societies through:
The Freshers’ Fair.
University social media.
Course induction.
Posters.
Student newsletters.
Department emails.
Accommodation events.
Recommendations from other students.
Make sure a group is officially recognised before paying membership or sharing personal information.
What Happens at the Freshers’ Fair?
The Freshers’ Fair, Welcome Fair or Activities Fair is where societies promote themselves to new students.
Societies may offer:
Information.
Demonstrations.
Free taster sessions.
Event calendars.
Mailing-list sign-ups.
Social media details.
Membership offers.
Small freebies.
The fair can feel crowded and overwhelming.
You do not need to join immediately.
Instead:
Walk around the fair once.
Note groups that interest you.
Speak to committee members.
Take photographs of useful information.
Follow the society online.
Attend a taster session.
Pay only when you understand what membership includes.
Collecting a sticker, pen or slice of pizza does not require lifelong commitment to the society that provided it.
Questions to Ask at the Freshers’ Fair
Ask:
What does the society do?
How often do you meet?
What type of events do you run?
Are beginners welcome?
Is there a free taster session?
How much is membership?
Are there other regular costs?
Where do activities take place?
Are events accessible?
Do I need equipment?
Can I join later?
Are there alcohol-free events?
What is the usual age or experience range?
How active is the society throughout the year?
How do I contact the committee?
Committee members should be able to explain what joining involves.
Be cautious when the description remains extremely vague but the pressure to pay is unusually enthusiastic.
How Many Societies Should You Join?
There is no perfect number.
During Freshers’ Week, you might explore several groups before choosing one or two that fit your interests and timetable.
Think about:
Your course workload.
Travel.
Employment.
Cost.
Energy.
Existing commitments.
How often the group meets.
Whether you genuinely enjoy it.
Joining ten societies but attending none is less useful than becoming involved in one or two.
A practical approach is:
One society connected to something you already enjoy.
One society that helps you try something new.
Perhaps one academic or career-focused society.
This is a starting point, not a formula.
Do You Have to Join During Freshers’ Week?
No.
UCAS states that societies can generally be joined at any time.
You might join later because:
You missed the fair.
Your first choices did not suit you.
Your timetable became clearer.
You met somebody involved in another group.
A new interest developed.
You wanted to settle academically first.
Look for:
Refreshers’ fairs.
January recruitment.
Taster sessions.
One-off events.
Give-it-a-go programmes.
Society social media pages.
Do not assume groups are closed simply because the academic year has started.
Should You Pay for Membership Immediately?
Not always.
Before paying, check what membership provides.
It may include:
Access to regular meetings.
Reduced event prices.
Equipment.
Training.
Insurance.
Trips.
Voting rights.
Eligibility for teams or performances.
Members-only opportunities.
It may not include:
Travel.
Specialist clothing.
Competition fees.
Performance costs.
Food.
Social events.
Residential trips.
Equipment hire.
Ask for the complete likely cost, not just the initial membership fee.
Student Minds notes that the cost of living can prevent students participating in social events and paying society or club fees.
If cost is a concern, ask whether the society or students’ union offers:
Free taster sessions.
Reduced membership.
Payment plans.
Equipment loans.
Hardship support.
Free events.
Volunteer roles.
Access funds.
You should not be embarrassed to ask.
How to Choose the Right Society
Choose based on what you are likely to enjoy and attend, not which group looks most impressive online.
Consider the following.
Interest
Does the activity genuinely appeal to you?
You do not need to be deeply committed before trying it, but some curiosity helps.
Atmosphere
How do committee members and existing students behave?
Do they seem:
Welcoming?
Organised?
Inclusive?
Interested in new members?
Clear about expectations?
A brilliant activity can become unpleasant in a group with a hostile atmosphere.
Time Commitment
Check:
How often the society meets.
Whether attendance is expected.
Whether events happen during the day or evening.
Whether committee work is involved.
Whether travel is required.
Cost
Calculate:
Membership.
Equipment.
Clothing.
Travel.
Tickets.
Food.
Trips.
Competitions.
Accessibility
Ask about:
Step-free access.
Seating.
Lighting.
Noise.
Accessible toilets.
Online participation.
Quiet spaces.
Timings.
Dietary needs.
Communication formats.
Support for disabled or neurodivergent members.
Social Culture
Find out whether social activities mainly involve:
Alcohol.
Nightlife.
Daytime meetings.
Food.
Trips.
Online activities.
Workshops.
Informal gatherings.
Choose a group where you can participate comfortably.
What If You Are Nervous About Going Alone?
It is completely normal to attend a society alone.
Many other students will also be new.
Try:
Asking a friend to attend the first session.
Messaging the committee in advance.
Asking whether somebody can meet you at the entrance.
Arriving early.
Choosing a structured activity.
Setting a short initial time limit.
Preparing one or two questions.
Attending a smaller event.
Student Space recommends contacting organisers in advance when you feel uncertain. Committee members may be able to explain the event or arrange to welcome you when you arrive.
You could send:
“Hi, I’m interested in joining but I’m a little nervous about attending alone. Is the session suitable for beginners, and will somebody be available to show me where to go?”
A supportive society should respond kindly.
What Happens at the First Society Meeting?
The first session may involve:
Introductions.
An explanation of the society.
A taster activity.
Committee information.
Future event dates.
Informal conversation.
Membership details.
Food or refreshments.
It may also feel slightly awkward.
That does not automatically mean the society is wrong for you.
People may be nervous, the committee may be busy and conversations may remain brief.
Where possible, attend more than once before deciding.
Repeated attendance helps because people begin recognising you and conversations have somewhere to continue.
How to Meet People Through Societies
Paying for membership does not automatically create friendships.
To become involved:
Attend regularly.
Arrive a few minutes early.
Introduce yourself.
Take part in the activity.
Stay briefly afterwards.
Join the group chat.
Reply to event messages.
Volunteer for small tasks.
Speak to the same people again.
Suggest attending another event together.
Try saying:
“Have you been a member before?”
“How did you hear about this society?”
“Are you going to next week’s event?”
“Do you want to get coffee before the meeting?”
“Would you like to work on this together?”
Friendship develops through repeated contact, not through one heroic burst of networking.
Joining Societies as a Commuting Student
Societies can be particularly useful for commuting students who do not have an automatic social group in halls.
UCAS recommends societies as a way for students living at home to become involved and meet people.
Before joining, check:
Event times.
Last train or bus.
Travel costs.
Whether some activities happen online.
Whether daytime events are available.
Whether there is secure storage on campus.
Whether you can wait on campus between teaching and society meetings.
Consider societies connected to your course because meetings may be easier to combine with your timetable.
You could also ask whether the students’ union has a commuter network.
Joining Societies as an International Student
Societies can help international students:
Meet people.
Share cultural traditions.
Practise English.
Understand UK student life.
Find community.
Explore the local area.
Build friendships beyond their course.
You might join:
An international student society.
A society connected to your country or culture.
A language exchange.
A faith group.
A subject society.
A hobby group.
A volunteering society.
UCAS identifies societies, international offices and student events as important ways for international students to meet people and settle into university life in the UK.
Try a mixture of groups.
A cultural society can provide familiarity, while a broader interest-based society can help you meet students from across the university.
Joining Societies as a Mature Student
Mature students may have:
Employment.
Children.
Caring responsibilities.
A commute.
Less availability in the evenings.
Different social preferences.
Look for:
Mature-student networks.
Academic societies.
Professional groups.
Daytime events.
Online activities.
Family-friendly events.
Volunteering.
Course-based groups.
Contact the committee if you are unsure whether the membership is suitable.
Many societies include students of different ages, and a shared interest can matter more than age.
Joining Societies as a Disabled Student
Check accessibility before attending.
Ask:
Is the venue step-free?
Is accessible seating available?
Are there accessible toilets?
Is there a quiet space?
Can information be provided in another format?
Are online options available?
Can a support worker attend?
Are adjustments possible?
Who should be contacted about access needs?
Is transport accessible?
Do not assume the society will automatically know what you need.
However, you should be able to ask without being treated as an inconvenience.
Where a society repeatedly fails to respond to reasonable access concerns, contact the students’ union or disability service.
Joining Societies as a Neurodivergent Student
You may prefer:
Structured activities.
Clear schedules.
Smaller groups.
Predictable venues.
Written instructions.
Quieter events.
Online communication.
Shared-interest groups.
Before attending, ask:
What will happen during the session?
How many people normally attend?
Is participation required?
Can I arrive late or leave early?
How noisy is the venue?
Is there a quieter area?
Are instructions available in writing?
Student Space provides guidance created with neurodivergent students on navigating university and finding appropriate support.
A society based on a specific interest may be easier than an event organised entirely around unstructured socialising.
What If the First Society Is Not Right for You?
Try something else.
A society may not suit you because:
The activity differs from its description.
The atmosphere feels unwelcoming.
The schedule clashes with your course.
It costs too much.
The social culture is not comfortable.
The group is poorly organised.
You simply do not enjoy it.
Student Space advises students not to be discouraged when the first society or event is not a good fit. Trying an unsuitable group can still help clarify what you are looking for.
You do not need to continue attending because:
You paid a small membership fee.
You told somebody you would join.
Your flatmates enjoy it.
You think leaving looks unfriendly.
University is full of alternatives.
What If a Society Appears Inactive?
Signs of an inactive society may include:
No recent events.
Unanswered messages.
Old social media posts.
Missing committee information.
Cancelled meetings.
No clear membership activity.
Contact the students’ union.
It may:
Provide updated details.
Confirm whether the society is active.
Put you in contact with the committee.
Help students restart the society.
Explain how to create a new one.
An inactive society may simply need new students to revive it.
Starting Your Own Society
If the university does not offer a group you want, you may be able to create one.
Requirements vary, but you may need:
A minimum number of interested students.
A proposed committee.
A constitution.
Defined aims.
A membership plan.
A budget.
Students’ union approval.
Risk assessments.
Training.
An equality and inclusion commitment.
The students’ union should explain the process.
Before applying, consider:
Is there genuine demand?
Does a similar society already exist?
What would the society do regularly?
Who will help run it?
What will activities cost?
Which rooms or equipment are needed?
How will you recruit members?
How will leadership continue after you graduate?
Starting a society can provide excellent leadership experience, but it also requires consistent work.
Joining a Society Committee
Committee roles usually become available through elections or applications.
Serving on a committee may involve:
Planning events.
Managing money.
Booking rooms.
Promoting activities.
Communicating with members.
Completing risk assessments.
Working with the students’ union.
Resolving problems.
Maintaining records.
Organising elections or handovers.
Possible benefits include:
Leadership experience.
Stronger friendships.
Career evidence.
Greater involvement in the university.
Opportunities to improve the society.
Do not run solely for the title.
Ask:
What work does the role involve?
How many hours will it take?
What training is provided?
When are the busiest periods?
Will it fit alongside your course?
How Society Experience Helps Your CV
Society involvement can support job applications when you explain it effectively.
Instead of writing:
Member of the Business Society.
You might write:
Coordinated three employer events for more than 150 students, managed speaker communication and promoted registrations through email and social media.
Focus on:
What you did.
The scale.
The result.
The skills used.
Problems solved.
Improvements made.
Possible evidence includes:
Increasing membership.
Raising money.
Organising an event.
Managing a budget.
Leading volunteers.
Running a campaign.
Improving accessibility.
Securing sponsorship.
Creating digital content.
Coordinating a team.
Keep records while you are involved. Details are easily forgotten by the time you write a graduate application.
Balancing Societies With Your Degree
Societies should add to your university experience, not prevent you completing the course.
Use a calendar to include:
Lectures.
Seminars.
Deadlines.
Employment.
Society meetings.
Committee tasks.
Travel.
Rest.
Be cautious about:
Joining too many committees.
Attending every event.
Accepting responsibilities you cannot complete.
Letting society disagreements consume your study time.
Regularly missing teaching for optional activities.
During busy academic periods, tell the committee early when you need to reduce your involvement.
A healthy society should understand that members are students first.
Society Membership and Money
Different members have different financial circumstances.
A good society should avoid making expensive participation the only form of participation.
Look for:
Free events.
Low-cost socials.
Advance notice of costs.
Equipment sharing.
Subsidised tickets.
Payment plans.
Transparent membership fees.
Alcohol-free options.
Events that do not require spending.
When organising activities, committees should consider whether repeated restaurant meals, trips or ticketed events exclude members.
Students should not feel pressured to explain personal finances publicly.
Society Events and Alcohol
Some societies organise events involving alcohol. Others are entirely alcohol free.
Before joining, ask:
What proportion of socials involve alcohol?
Are alcohol-free events offered?
Is drinking expected?
Can members attend without drinking?
Are daytime events available?
Are sober committee members present at larger events?
You do not need to drink to belong.
Pressure, initiation activities or humiliation should never be treated as harmless tradition.
Report unsafe behaviour to the students’ union or university.
Inclusion and Respect
A society should not discriminate against or harass members.
Members should be treated respectfully regardless of characteristics such as:
Race.
Religion.
Disability.
Sex.
Sexual orientation.
Gender identity.
Age.
Nationality.
Financial background.
A society based on a particular identity may centre the needs and experiences of that community while still setting clear and lawful membership or participation arrangements through its students’ union.
Where you experience discrimination, harassment or exclusion:
Record what happened.
Save messages or screenshots.
Speak to a committee member where safe.
Contact the students’ union.
Use the university reporting process.
Seek wellbeing or safeguarding support.
Contact emergency services where there is immediate danger.
You should not have to tolerate harmful behaviour to remain part of university life.
Society Conflict
Disagreements can occur about:
Committee decisions.
Money.
Event planning.
Workload.
Communication.
Elections.
Conduct.
Social groups.
Inclusion.
Credit for work.
Try to address the specific issue rather than attacking the person.
For example:
“I was expecting the event details by Monday, and the delay meant we could not promote it. How can we prevent that next time?”
Where informal discussion does not work, use the society constitution or students’ union procedure.
Avoid turning every disagreement into a public social media campaign before attempting the appropriate process.
Red Flags in a Society
Be cautious when a society:
Pressures students to pay immediately.
Hides additional costs.
Uses humiliating initiations.
Pressures members to drink.
Ignores safety.
Excludes new members deliberately.
Tolerates harassment.
Handles money without transparency.
Demands excessive personal information.
Encourages dangerous or illegal activity.
Retaliates against complaints.
Prevents members leaving.
Has no clear students’ union affiliation.
A society should enrich university life, not make you feel unsafe, controlled or repeatedly humiliated.
Joining Societies Checklist
Before University
Look at the students’ union website.
Browse the society list.
Note groups that interest you.
Follow official accounts.
Check Freshers’ Fair dates.
Look for commuter, mature or international groups where relevant.
Consider accessibility needs.
Set a realistic membership budget.
At the Freshers’ Fair
Walk around before paying.
Speak to committee members.
Ask what membership includes.
Check regular meeting times.
Ask about additional costs.
Find free taster sessions.
Check accessibility.
Collect official contact details.
Avoid joining under pressure.
Before Paying
Attend a taster session.
Check the likely annual cost.
Read the society description.
Confirm the society is active.
Check whether beginners are welcome.
Consider your timetable.
Review the refund policy.
Decide whether you are likely to attend.
After Joining
Attend regularly.
Introduce yourself.
Join the official group chat.
Volunteer for a small task.
Speak to familiar faces again.
Attend a mixture of activity and social events.
Ask about accessibility or support when needed.
Keep track of spending.
Review whether the society remains enjoyable.
If You Want More Involvement
Help at an event.
Become a representative.
Join a project.
Run for a committee role.
Suggest a new activity.
Help improve accessibility.
Organise an alcohol-free social.
Keep evidence of your achievements.
Complete a proper handover when leaving a role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a University Society?
A university society is a student-run group organised around a shared interest, activity, identity, subject or career.
Most official societies are affiliated with the students’ union.
How Do I Find Societies?
Check your students’ union website and attend the Freshers’ Fair.
UCAS recommends using the students’ union to discover official groups and activities.
Do I Have to Join During Freshers’ Week?
No.
Students can generally join societies throughout the year.
Do Societies Cost Money?
Some are free, while others charge membership.
There may also be additional costs for equipment, travel, trips or events. Check the complete likely cost before joining.
Should I Join Every Society That Interests Me?
No.
Attend several taster sessions, then choose a manageable number that fits your timetable, budget and energy.
Can I Join a Society Alone?
Yes.
Many students attend their first meeting alone. Contact the committee beforehand when you would find it helpful to have somebody meet you.
Do I Need Experience?
Usually not.
Many societies welcome beginners. Ask whether any specific experience, audition, trial or equipment is required.
Can I Join a Subject Society If I Do Not Study That Subject?
Often, yes.
Membership policies vary, so check with the committee.
Can Commuting Students Join Societies?
Yes.
UCAS recommends societies as an important way for students living at home to meet people and become involved.
What If Society Meetings Finish After My Last Bus or Train?
Speak to the committee about daytime events, online activities or earlier sessions.
Never rely on an unsafe journey home.
What If I Cannot Afford Membership?
Ask about free tasters, payment plans, subsidised membership, equipment loans or students’ union support.
Cost barriers to student activities are recognised as a significant issue, so it is reasonable to ask what help is available.
What If I Do Not Drink?
Choose societies offering varied social events.
You can attend events where alcohol is available without drinking, and nobody should pressure you.
What If I Feel Unwelcome?
Try speaking to a committee member.
Where behaviour is repeated, discriminatory or unsafe, contact the students’ union or university reporting service.
Is It Too Late to Join in Second Term?
No.
Many societies hold January or Refreshers’ events, and students continue joining throughout university.
What If There Is No Society for My Interest?
Ask the students’ union how to start a new society.
You may need a minimum number of interested students, a committee and a constitution.
Are Committee Roles Good for a CV?
They can be.
The value comes from the responsibilities, skills and results you can explain, not simply the title.
Can I Leave a Society?
Yes.
You are not required to keep attending a group that no longer suits you. Check the students’ union policy if you want to request a membership refund.
Final Advice for Joining Societies
Joining societies can be one of the most rewarding parts of university.
A good society can help you:
Make friends.
Explore an interest.
Develop confidence.
Build career skills.
Find community.
Create routines outside academic work.
Contribute to university life.
You do not need to join everything.
You do not need to be an expert.
You do not need to arrive with friends.
Start by finding a few groups that interest you, attend their taster sessions and notice where you feel comfortable enough to return.
The most important step is not writing your email address on twelve Freshers’ Fair mailing lists.
It is showing up again.
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