With each university having hundreds of societies, knowing which society is the one for you can be difficult and overwhelming. This is especially true during the chaos of the Freshers Fair, where every committee is eager to tell you why their society is the best. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the endless possibilities, so I recommend taking a moment to consider what you’re looking for in a society to make a more informed decision.
Factors in choosing the right society for you
There are 4 main things I typically advise students to look out for to determine what society is really the best one for you. These include:
- Membership types
- Events
- Interests & Goals
- Commitment level
Read more on each below.
1. Membership types
Check what kind of membership the society offers. Some require you to pay a fee at the start of the year, which might be a big commitment if you’re unsure how regularly you’ll attend events. If you’re looking for something more casual or just want to test the waters, look for societies that offer free or low-cost memberships or allow you to attend a few events before joining officially.
2. Events
Consider the kind of events the society typically runs. Are you looking for structured events or informal socials? Are you interested in socialising, expressing your creativity, or networking and upskilling yourself? Common events include:
- Quizzes and movie nights
- Socials
- Art nights and workshops
- Author talks and speaker panels
- Balls and galas
- Outreach and volunteering activities
- Excursions or trips
- Sports matches or fitness sessions
- Group meals or pub meetups
Choosing a society that runs the kind of events you’ll genuinely enjoy will make it more likely that you’ll stay engaged throughout the year.
3. Interests & Goals
With so many different societies available, the key to knowing which one is the right one for you is finding one that aligns with your interests and goals. Ask yourself:
- Will this society keep me engaged regularly?
- Will it help me grow personally, academically, or professionally?
Here’s a breakdown of common society types to help guide your decision:
- Academic (Law Society, Economics Society)
- Cultural & Religious(ACS, ISoc, Jewish Society)
- Sports & Fitness (Rugby Club, Yoga Society, Running Club)
- Creative & Performing Arts (Drama, Art, Music)
- Hobby-Based(Anime Society, Chess Club, Book Club)
- Campaigning & Activism (World Development Society, Feminist Society)
- Career-Focused (Women in STEM, Law in Colour, Medical Society)
- Volunteering & Outreach (93% Club, British Red Cross on Campus, InterVol)
4. Commitment levels
Society involvement can range from casual drop-in events to regular weekly meetings. Before joining, consider how much time and energy you can realistically commit to being a member of a society. Consider how often events are held: weekly, monthly, or just a few times per term and if this suits your personal schedule. Also, ask yourself whether you’re looking for mid-week activities to get you out of the house or weekend events to make the most of your free time.
It’s also common to get overzealous and sign up for loads of societies that pique your interest. However, I would recommend starting with one or two societies you feel genuinely excited about. I think this is best as this makes it easier to balance your involvement with academic work and other responsibilities.
Ultimately the best thing is to do your research
The main advice I’d give to help you know what society is really for you is to reach out and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to contact committee members, as they are there to help and are more than happy to talk about their society. Whether it’s during the Freshers Fair, at a taster event, or over social media, vocalising your queries can help you make a more informed decision.
You can also have a chat with peers who are already involved, check out the society’s social media pages or your university’s student union website. A little research goes a long way in figuring out whether a society is right for you.
Joining a student society can be transformative to your university experience. It can help you make friends, explore new and old interests, build skills, and feel more connected to campus life. Whether you’re looking for something fun, career-focused, cultural, or creative, there’s a society out there that will fit your goals and schedule.
Still figuring out what’s right for you? If you’re interested in politics or activism, check out this guide on the best types of student societies for politics enthusiasts to explore some of the societies you should consider joining.
