Cardiff University’s fresher’s fairs are sadly coming to an end, but what a (good) chaotic whirlwind of societies and organisations it was! For those of you who aren’t yet students and are reading this in advance to prepare for your first year of uni, these fairs occur over a manic five day period and free tickets must be purchased to confirm your time slots. We highly recommend booking one of the earliest available slots, as past eleven o’clock these fairs become heavily crowded and impossible to navigate ( essentially less chances of winning freebies and talking to different stalls, which is the main point of going!).
Another thing to consider is that, these fairs are often clearly labelled as either ‘Sports and Freebies Fair’ or ‘Societies and Volunteering Fair’, making it easier to weigh up the pros and cons of attending different ones. Considering the amount of Fairs on during this period, it’s better to prioritise your favourites, rather than getting overwhelmed trying to attend them all.
This year, I went with a couple of friends to the fairs to try and note down which societies stood out to us at first glance. Here is a guide to the societies that we believe deserve your attention this academic year.
Bridge Society
Whilst one of the more niche societies on offer, the Bridge community definitely have a lot to offer prospective students in terms of socialising and trips around Britain.
Speaking to the president Elizabeth, she suggested that prospective students would enjoy learning a new card game in a relaxing social environment. Everybody knows uno and black Jack, so bridge society perhaps represents an opportunity to dive into something completely new! Perfect for those who like to challenge themselves.
This academic year, the Bridge society will be asked to travel to Edinburgh (I mean wow) to represent Wales at a national level, for a competition. Definitely not what you’d expect from this seemingly small scale society.
Baking Society
As a baking society member, I may be slightly biased in my ranking – however, I can guarantee that this is one of the chillest societies you will encounter during your time at Cardiff. Speaking to Jazmyn (the social secretary) at her baking stall on day three of fresher’s fairs, she invited new students to come to the society’s bake offs, which happen once every fortnight.
“ The best thing about baking society is that there’s no pressure to be a professional baker. Whilst there are people here who could probably be on The Great British Bake Off if they wanted too, we are a society that believes in inclusion for people of all talents. Our meet ups are just a fun way for people to unwind after a busy day of lectures and eat some good food. Allergens and ingredients are written down alongside the baked, meaning those with allergies should be able to partake in the eating aswel!”
Past themes have included : Bake the first letter of your name, Valentines, Christmas feels, savoury week, favourites/classic week. Plus, if your bake comes out on top and places in the top three, you’re in with the chance of winning a sparkly wooden spoon! ( it’s fun I promise).
Medieval Reenactment Society
Talking to these individuals at the fresher’s fair was honestly the highlight of my experience there. The passion that they have for this hobby bleeds through everything they do and it’s really lovely to see. The opportunity to cool authentic medieval food, learn stunt fight choreography and even see you’re own clothes is definitely some hands-on experience that proactive students would enjoy. I’d definitely recommend checking out their give it ago events in which newcomers are taught how to make a little leather pouch which they can then keep. Bonus points for the little frog mascot with chain mail armour at the stall, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.
Quench Magazine Society
Every media student at Cardiff will undoubtedly have dipped their toes into this one. Quench is Cardiff university’s answer to major publications like Elle and Vogue, and contributors have a wide range of editorial categories to pick from : Music, Food, Fashion, Culture and much more are at your disposal. Pitches for writers go live for every new publication on the Facebook group but you’d better act quickly if you want to snag one! Competition for pitches is pretty fierce.It’s also worthy to note that Quench doesn’t just rely on student writers, but rather a whole network of editors, photographers and make-up artists. There is a role for everyone here
Express Radio Society
Established in 1994, Express radio is an award winning society which lets students of all talents have a go at using their broadcasting opportunities. No previous training is required, just pop on down and they will teach you all there is to know about hosting your very own radio show! Last year,I had an absolute blast tuning into this radio station to listen to my friend’s hour-long radio show every Wednesday. Although, she only played George Michael songs on repeat, so maybe you can be more creative when you sign up!, Experiences also include: learning how to DJ, and the ins and outs of running a podcast.
Act One Drama Society
As Cardiff’s largest drama society, they provide creative opportunities for all students interested in the performing arts – whether you enjoy on-stage work or set and programme design, this society acts as a fully functioning drama troupe. Alongside this, membership holders will also have access to their award winning night of original writing (Staging A Coup).
Cardiff University Book Club
This is the ideal society for book lovers everywhere! If you want to be introduced to a rich variety of authors and genres, support literacy and educational charities, and if you enjoy reading and want to meet new people in a chilled environment, come along! They host weekly meetings in which book related topics ( worse/favourite movie adaptations, best characters) — these discussions aren’t heavily specific, ensuring that everyone can bring their own knowledge to the table and get involved!
Cocktail Society
This society deserves an honourable mention for it’s fantastic stand at the freshers fair this year — free mocktail samples! But back to business, if you like (or perhaps have an overwhelming obsession) then this is the society for you! Interestingly enough, you don’t have to drink alcohol to be accepted here. Whether you like mocktails or cocktails, there is something for everyone here. We had a chat to some second year returning students who were members, and they suggested that the reason this society does so well for membership numbers was its neatly arranged social events at different bars and restaurants. Oh, and possibly the drinking.
As Fresher’s week comes to a close and everyone gets back to work on their new modules, it’s highly important that you allow yourself time to socialise and relax alongside your studying. So it’s worth thinking about joining one of the best student societies at Cardiff University – read more about the benefits of joining a society here! I’m not advocating for you to miss essay deadlines, just make time to go out and enjoy yourself at university. It’ll quite literally be over before you know it.
(A mention has also got to be given to the organisations and brands who were there alongside the societies, who arguably had the best freebies of any UK fresher’s fair:
- Cineworld, amazing posters of current films up for grabs! I am slightly in love with
- Dominoes and Pret, consistently serving up delectable food samples when it’s needed most after surviving the fair
- Handshake, if you’re looking for jobs and careers advice then it’s definitely worth checking out their expansive website ( they’re drinking tumblers were pretty great too)
FAQs on Our Favourite Student Societies from Cardiff University's Fresher's Fair 2025
Creative and performance groups, cultural and language societies, sports and fitness clubs, academic and career networks, and wellbeing or volunteering groups all had big crowds. These offer easy ways to meet people and settle into campus life in the first weeks of term.
Go to the Students' Union website, search the society list, and buy membership online. Most groups also post taster sessions on Instagram and in mailing lists, so you can try an event before paying for a full year membership.
Team sports, social dance, board games, and course based societies are friendly and low pressure. Many run weekly socials, coffee meetups, and beginner sessions, which makes it easy to meet people even if you come alone to the first event.
Yes. Academic and professional societies often host employer talks, skills workshops, case study nights, and networking events. Joining a committee role can build leadership and project experience that looks strong on a CV and helps with placements and internships later in the year.
Most memberships are student friendly, many under £10 for the year, with extra costs only for equipment or trips. Many groups run free or £1 tasters in the first two weeks of term so you can try activities before committing to a full membership.
Hi! I’m Ruby and I’m an undergraduate studying English and Journalism at Cardiff University. Outside of lectures, I’m either at the library or on the hunt for a spontaneous sweet treat.
