Why you should join a society at university

11 Oct 2017

From photography to philosophy, cricket to curry, scrabble to script-writing, there is a society for you. Source: Shutterstock.

The Freshers’ Fayre: a bustling mass of excitable students hoarding as many freebies as physically possible. Stalls eager to sell you on their product lavish you in free food and key-rings. Keen second-and third-years desperate to have you sign up to their society.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement, easier still to sign up for every society that interests you. Wind-sailing society? Yes, please! Break-dancing? Of course!

Do you actually participate in the activities, though? For many, the answer to that (the honest answer, that is) is often a ‘No’.

But we say you should. And here’s why:

1. You’ll gain a whole new friendship group

One of the best parts about university is meeting people and making friends. You will most likely meet many of your new friends in halls or other housing and through your course, but joining a society immediately increases your options.

Why? Because you’ll get to meet plenty of like-minded people with similar interests. In all likelihood, you’ll find a lifelong pal who shares your passion in a particular activity.

https://twitter.com/tianperryx/status/913140882131562498

2. It will make you more employable

Don’t forget your priorities: you’re there to get a good education, a decent degree and a fantastic job at the end of it all.

But all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy (or girl). In today’s job market, while a degree is valuable, it’s not a ticket straight to your dream job. You will need other things on your CV to help you stand out, and a hobby or interest will prove a great asset to your application.

Being an active member of a society shows dedication, improves your social skills, helps you become well-rounded, and shows you value the concept of balancing work and play. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re the founder, president, social-coordinator, or simply a passionate member of that society, you will be gaining valuable skills.

Omg I didn't mention I have set up a garlic bread society at my uni, just waiting for approval

— Finn the Tranny (@floating_egg) September 29, 2017

Plus… who wouldn’t want to employ the founder of the garlic bread society?

3. You can trial your leadership skills…

… if you want. Founding a society really isn’t too difficult. The job, of course, isn’t quite as easy but it is certainly rewarding.

If you’d rather just sit back and enjoy at your society meetings, then there’s no pressure to become any more involved than you wish to be. However, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, we say use this opportunity for self-improvement and to make a difference in your environment. You can gain valuable leadership skills and have fun. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!

Sooo i started a new society at my uni called #memesociety and the first sesh went really well 😀 pic.twitter.com/13Qi57bFu7

— Stefan Gutierrez Yildirim (@stefanisdayum) October 4, 2017

4. It’s so much fun!

Being a part of something is a fantastic feeling. You’ll get to explore something you love with people who love it just as much as you. You might learn some new skills or practice existing ones. Either way, societies are a great way to throw your energy into something other than studying.

uni is wild I got lost and met a girl and now we've signed up to the vegetarian and cheese and wine society together

— bec (@affectedbyed) September 28, 2017

5. It will be good for you

Whether you’re a member of the choir or the football team, the swing-dance society or quidditch, there will be plenty to do. What better way to spend some of your free time than exploring a personal passion?

After a long day of lectures, it can sometimes be tempting to hole up in a room with Netflix but do this every day and it will get boring. So maybe leave all that couch time for your time-starved 30s.

Joining a society will give you more of a reason to get out and do something with your time. Plus, it won’t feel like a chore because you’ll enjoy it – it’s a win-win!

uni is about broadening horizons and seeking out new knowledge where possible, therefore im now a fully fledged member of the curry society

— Ben Hart (@superbennyhart) September 27, 2017

6. International students, it’ll help you improve your language skills

Joining a society will inevitably involve speaking to lots of different people. This may seem daunting for some but trust us when we say you’ll settle in just fine and will be chatting away like the language is your mother-tongue in no time.