Every Uni has its mix of societies, but the University of Leicester genuinely stands out for some of the most unique ones you’ll ever come across. With over 200 societies, you’re guaranteed to find a few that push the boundaries. Whether you want to try something completely new or just explore what’s on offer, here are the top 10 most unique societies at UoL!
1. Women in Law Society
I placed this first because it genuinely offers something rare, and I’m a proud member myself. Many universities across the world do not do enough to support underrepresented women in the legal field. I take a lot of pride in the fact that our university set up the Women in Law society to support female law students. Baroness Hale, who currently sits in the House of Lords, conveyed her congratulations to the law students at University of Leicester. They set up a society which will meet their needs as aspiring women lawyers of the future.
Membership is only £5 for one academic year. This is to take part in some great events, workshops and mentoring opportunities. These can improve networking skills and really help you to shine during your time as a law student. The society exists to create a safe, empowering place where women can progress in field that can often feel intimidating and competitive.
I recently had the chance to be a mentee in the Women in Law Future Females in Law Mentoring Scheme. Everyone selected was paired up with a practising solicitor to provide tailored career advice. Most mentors were UoL alumni, which created a warm, encouraging experience. Refreshments and a relaxed setup made the experience even better.
If you’re a woman studying anything law-related, this society offers a unique incredible value and community.
2. Empathic Healthcare Society
This is another degree-specific unique society that promotes empathy across all healthcare-related degrees at University of Leicester. This society has many reps for each healthcare course. Instead of focusing solely on clinical skills, it explores how empathy shapes patient experiences. It also looks at decision-making and professional wellbeing across fields like medicine, nursing and psychology.
Its interdisciplinary nature makes it stand out. Anyone from any degree can join, learn valuable communication skills and understand the human side of healthcare. And what’s more, lifetime membership (or any less), is completely free!
I know a few members of this society, and they’re so friendly! 100% recommend for anyone more interested in the human side of healthcare!
3. Flying Team
Okay, now this is one of my favourites! I saw the Flying Team with their aircraft on the lawn in front of the law building at last year’s Student Union fair and had to go over! I assumed it was a physics demo before realising it was an entire flying society.
Being a member of this society means you can go from no experience to gaining a solo flying qualification. Then you can go onto complete a type of Pilots License. Talk about a unique society! I had no idea when I first came to Uni that such unique societies even existed. One of their members has even flown in the French Alps!
In addition to all the flying events and competitions you’d be part of, there is also the opportunity to stay in a caravan in the society’s designated airfield. Here, you can fly during summer with no accommodation costs. As with any other society, there is also your typical social events like barbecues, movie nights and of course the themed socials on Wednesdays.
Full flying membership costs £45, while social membership costs £20. It’s pricier than most societies, but the value matches the experience you get.
4. Kendo Club
Kendo club is one of the most unique societies at UoL, offering something that most students have never tried before. Kendo is a Japanese martial art that uses a bamboo sword and protective armour to practise controlled, full-contact sparring. It’s rooted in traditional samurai training, but the club at University of Leicester keeps things accessible and beginner friendly.
Members learn together and get plenty of guidance from an experienced instructor. The semester 1 membership is £30, which allows attendance to all sessions and access to equipment. The full membership is £50 and includes your own ‘shinai’ – the bamboo sword, plus access to a trade discount for future gear. Instalments are also available for a limited number of students. The experienced membership is £20 and is for those who’ve done Kendo before and don’t need beginner sessions or a starter sword.
All university sessions are free to attend once you’re a member. The atmosphere is welcoming whether you’re trying out Kendo for the first time or already know the basics.
If you want a society that’s different from standard sports teams and teaches something completely unique, Kendo Club is a standout choice.
5. Leicester Universities Society of Change Ringers
Now this one was really a surprise to me as a new society for this academic year! Change ringing is the traditional English art of ringing church bells in organised patterns rather than melodies. Instead of playing songs, ringers follow sequences that require timing, teamwork and concentration. Despite how niche and unique it sounds; the society seems surprisingly social and beginner friendly.
Being part of this society means learning the basics from experienced ringers. The society teaches you how to control a bell safely. This happens before slowly introducing you to the group ringing in a supportive, relaxed setting.
Practises take place on Wednesdays 7-8:30pm at a church in Leicester City Centre and include De Montfort Students too. The society has also run a visit to Nottingham previously. You don’t need musical knowledge or strength to join, just patience and a bit of curiosity. Their lifetime membership is £20, while their standard membership for the academic year is £5.
For anyone looking for a peaceful weekly activity that is a change from typical student life, this society offers a unique opportunity for just that!
6. Officer Training Corps
University of Leicester hosts one of only 8 Officer Training Corps in the region, making it one of the most unique and ambitious societies available. Whether you have an interest in joining the actual armed force after Uni or not, there is no commitment. There is no deployment and you can attend as little or as much training as you like.
In addition to military training, they also offer a range of other great activities. To name only a few: cycling, bouldering, kayaking, skiing, and horse riding. Members can even plan training trips abroad and get paid for it. Of course there is also the standard socials too, they even have their own subsidised bar!
Free transport is provided to the training sessions which take place on Wednesday afternoons in Nottingham. There are also extra opportunities like weekend exercises and annual camps for those who are really enjoying their time with the society.
It is important to note that there is a selection process, but most people pass. This is provided you have no serious health problems. And membership is completely free! I really think that this unique society is amazing value – but only if you enjoy the physicality of such activities.
7. Re-Enactment
The Re-Enactment Society is one of the most unique societies at UoL, offering students the chance to step back in time and experience early medieval history in a hands-on way.
Members take part in living history encampments, where they learn and demonstrate skills like sewing, food preparation, and other crafts. They do this while wearing clothing authentic to the period. Combat displays are also a major part of the society, sometimes involving hundreds of participants on the field. This gives a real sense of the scale and excitement of historical battles.
Beginners can borrow kit, while more experienced members work on building their own equipment. They also learn skills such as leatherwork and shield painting. The society meets weekly for craft and combat training. Members can attend additional weekends and events across the country, including major re-enactments like the Battle of Hastings. Here, they immerse themselves in full living history displays.
Membership is only £3 for the academic year. Kit can be expensive, but they lend their own selection to new people to use, including clothes, weapons and footwear. There is no expectation to get your own kit. In fact, their craft sessions can help you in making your kit yourself!
For anyone looking for a unique society that combines creativity and a living connection to history, the Re-Enactment Society offers a hands-on, immersive experience.
8. Nintendo Society
Every university has its casual gaming societies, but the Nintendo Society at UoL carves out a unique space. It focuses purely on the nostalgia and fun of the Japanese giant.
This is a society built around a collective love for all things Nintendo. Whether you are an ‘encyclopaedia of Nintendo knowledge’ or someone who impulsively bought a Switch for Animal Crossing during lockdown and hasn’t touched it since, everyone is welcome.
While the primary focus is Nintendo, the society stresses that it is a ‘safe space for all members’ and is fundamentally a casual gaming hub. The society encourages members to discuss any games, gaming news, films or anime, etc. This makes it a friendly spot to connect over shared interests beyond just Mario and Zelda.
They aim to host exciting in-person gaming tournaments for classics like Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart. The society also offers relaxed meet-ups for general gameplay and discussing the latest Nintendo news. They also frequently seek collaborations with other societies, which is a great sign of an active, social group!
Membership is only £5 for the academic year. I reckon that’s pretty good considering you’ll be part of such a unique community that lets you relive your childhood comfort hobbies and make new friends with similar interests.
If you’re keen on finding a low-pressure social group with a fun competitive side, you should check out the Nintendo Society!
9. Food Rescue Volunteers
This is one of the newest and most uniquely meaningful societies at UoL. This is because it tackles 2 huge issues: food waste and the cost-of-living crisis right here on campus.
The idea is simple but brilliant: volunteers collect food that campus outlets can no longer sell due to sell-by dates. They then deliver it to the Community Kitchen in the Percy Gee Building, where students can take it for free. I was particularly impressed to learn that in their first year, they saved over 2,600 food items. They stopped almost 470kg of food from going into the bin!
What I really like is how easy they make it to get involved. It’s a low commitment society, only asking for one short 15–30-minute commitment per week to collect and deliver. It’s a small-time commitment for a huge benefit to the community.
And, of course, there are some great perks! You get first choice of the food being rescued. Plus they give you free food vouchers to spend at campus outlets. It’s rewarding in every sense of the word. That’s probably why members have described it as ‘eye-opening’, ‘rewarding’ and ‘amazing’.
It’s also completely free to join! If you’re looking for an impactful, unique society that helps people and the planet, this is the one to check out.
10. Rubik’s Cube Society
For the final spot, I’m going with a society that proves you can build a whole community around a specific passion: the Rubik’s Cube Society. Everyone knows what a Rubik’s Cube is, but who knew you could have a whole society dedicated to mastering it? Whether you’ve never solved a cube in your life or you can do it in seconds, they make it clear that you’re welcome. It’s all about enjoying the challenge and potentially learning something new without pressure.
If you do get into it, there are weekly chances to take part in the University Cubing League. This is where you can track your progress and compete against other universities. It turns cubing from a casual pastime into something that actually feels like a sport, which is pretty cool.
They also balance it out with relaxed socials – last year’s end-of-year party and bowling night were big highlights. Membership for the academic year is £3. If you’re after a society that combines quirky skill with friendly community and a hint of competition, this is a great choice!
I’m currently in the final year of my Law degree, but when I’m not buried under case law, you’ll usually find me on a hike in the Peak District or curled up with a book. I love spending quality time with friends and family and am always looking for my next adventure!
