How to choose a university society

Joining a group of like-minded people dedicated to your shared interests is one of the best ways to make friends at university. Societies are not just places where you can have fun outside your studies – they are also where you will form bonds that last a lifetime. Whether your passions are artistic, athletic or otherwise, you'll have an abundance of options. To help you pick the best university club or society for you, try our advice.

What is a university society?

Societies and clubs are organised social groups that can be found at universities worldwide. They usually bring students together around an interest or hobby they have in common, and encourage them to engage in activities that can be both related or unrelated to it.

You wouldn't have to continually talk about being an international student if you were in the international students society, for example. While it would be a great place to meet people and get support, knowing that your fellow members are on the same page as you might make discussing it less important.

The number and types of societies and clubs available to you will vary from university to university, with larger institutions tending to have more options. In general though, you are very likely to find something that interests you – and if not, you could always set up a club that does.

Now you know a little more about what university societies are and do, here are our top tips for finding one that suits you.

Think about what interests you

So, if you enjoy being active, for example, you could identify a few sport or exercise clubs that might suit you and begin contacting them. By the same token, it’s probably not a good idea to join a cross country club if you rarely run – but then again, you might just find that you enjoy it. If trying new things is your motivation, university societies offer you much to explore.

Many groups will also complement your course, providing academic benefits as well as social ones. Doing an English degree? Maybe the Creative Writing Society or University Book Club is right for you. Perhaps you’re doing a Spanish degree and would benefit from the practice the Spanish Society social events would provide.

Of course, it would be understandable if you instead want something that will give you a break from your studies. What better way to switch off from your nursing course than a regular meet-up with your Film and TV Society friends or a trip to the Debate Club?

No matter what type of student you are, there will be something that suits you – and that's also true of your academic and career choices. Discover more about how you can match your study path with your personality.

Try clubs before you commit

You may have concerns about joining a club or society only to decide that it’s not for you. This is completely normal. No one likes to let others down or feel that they have given something up. However, university clubs and societies encourage you to try them out before making firm commitments. Ultimately, there is no pressure to stay.

Perhaps you’ve joined the Star Wars Society and realised that you aren’t as much of a fan as you thought. Maybe you can’t fit the International Society into your busy course schedule. No matter what your reason for wanting to leave is, you are not obliged to continue at all.

This is great news if you are not sure what club or society you want to join. In your first few weeks of university, when academic life is quieter and you have time to settle in, try as many as you like until you find the right ones for you.

Finding that you have too many options? That's just as common when choosing societies as it is when choosing universities. For advice that can help you deal with both, read our guide to dealing with study abroad option overload.

Start your own society

Sometimes, you can’t find the society or club that is right for you. In this case, it might be a good idea to start your own. Universities actively encourage students to use their initiative, regularly helping them set up societies and clubs. This is one part of how they make international students feel at home.

It's also something that has become much easier in the age of the internet and social media. Posting about your new group in the relevant places online will quickly make people aware of it, and it won't be long before you find some who are interested.

For example, if you love rock music but are disappointed that your university doesn’t have a relevant group, it’s very likely that others feel this way, too. Make the necessary arrangements, and you’ll most likely have an established club in no time. Even if it doesn’t work out, you should still meet a few people who share your interest.

Societies are some of the best places to make friends at university

University is full of new experiences, and making lifelong friendships is a big part of that. Your friends will be there throughout your degree and can often feel like a second family, especially if you’re studying abroad.

If you're looking for somewhere to meet these people, societies are one of the best places to go. While you will see new faces at university every day, the people you get to know in societies are often very likely to be the ones you relate to the most. Form bonds with them, and your university experience will certainly be enhanced.

There is so much about university life that may be new to you. It might help to read our advice on how to live in a culturally different world. Alternatively, if you’re still in search of your perfect university and degree, our course matcher tool is here to help.