New or returning student?, you might think of joining a new society. But where to start? There are so many to choose from, so if you’re struggling to decide, let Unifresher guide you this semester with the best student societies in Manchester! We have a hand-picked list for you of the top societies to join this year. Of course it is not every society however, we have covered our bases frpm sport, to faith all the way to robotics and hiking. University is your chance to go beyond what feels comfortable or safe. Haven’t played netball since Year 10? no stress!
Joining open sessions or trying things out once to know if it is right for you is a part of life. The best thing about student societies is they’re low commitment and are really there to foster your social life and personal growth. So be picky (but not too picky) and enjoy these tailored recommendations.
Sports
Sporticipate
Sports in Manchester can be competitive, but joining in for a little extra exercise a week is nothing short of accessible. If you want to play sports socially or as a casual player, rather than being part of the official university team, consider Sporticipate. Sporticipate is a university-run social sport program for you to join if you’re a beginner player or need an outlet during the busy week to burn off some steam. They run mixed sports like dodgeball, netball, and more, as well as sex-separated sports like the women’s only football session. There’s plenty for everyone, regardless of your fitness level so give it a go by signing up for sessions on Playwaze
Hiking Club
The University of Manchester’s Hiking Club is open to hikers of all abilities and is agreat way to see more of the UK and maybe go out ofyour comfort zone as hikes range from casual t challenging terrain. Places the Hiking clb frequents include the Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia, perfect for a day in nature to break up city life. Membership for this society costs £30 for students and £35 for non-students, which is pricey but worth the money and accounts for the whole semester considering the access to trips and a warm community. The club hosts weekly socials as well as their regular hikes and even challenges to test your limits! To join the hiking club, click here.
Motorsports Society
If physical sport isn’t your thing, the motorsports society has space for you. This group holds regular F1 watch-along sessions and socials. Their focus is competing in the BUKC national karting league, and are open to both beginner and experienced members. A yearly membership costs £5, so to join the motorsports society, click here.
Dance Society
I had to plug the UOM dance society as a member myself. There is a range of different dance styles you can participate in, from beginner to advanced levels. When I started out I was severely out of practice but the weekly sessions helped me challenge myself and the environment is definitely one you can grow into. Beyond the UOM dance society they hold regular socials, and spring and winter showcases to take part in at any level. Manchester has opportunities depending on your interests beyond the classical styles from separate burlesque to salsa societies to go the extra mile and try something new!
Sports at MMU
American Football
If you’re looking to try something new, or familiar if you’re an American student, why not try the American Football society? As a player in the Eagles team, you’ll compete in a league against other Universities playing soccer. It’s a great way to keep fit and make friends as part of a team. Is American Football not your thing? No worries! Have a crack at the Men’s and Women’s Football teams at MMU instead.
Mountaineering
The MMU Mountaineering club is perfect for students that love the outdoors and want to escape the city for a while, in parallel to the UOM Hiking Society. Like most MMU sports clubs, this society is open to people of all experiences. Don’t let a lack of ability hold you back, as the MMU Mountaineering Club will be there to help you climb! This is a great choice if you’re a passionate climber, as there’s no rock-climbing society at MMU, unfortunately. There is, however, a Rock society if you also happen to have an interest in rock (the music genre, not the minerals).
Culture/Religion
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Locating your place in Manchester whether as an international, first/ second generation or mixed student doesn’t have to be hard when there is such a comprehensive collection of cultural and religious societies in Manchester. Some even fuse culture/ religion with a specific subject/ interest areas such as the Muslim Law society or Hong Kong public affairs society to help us meet more likeminded people within our communities. Manchesters student body is increasingly diverse yet collaborative between these cultural societies which is what makes them such safe spaces to learn about ones own heritage and the heritage of others. A lot of these societies do have straightforward membership processes but also hold events that are open to all students to get involved through volunteering and working with social services in Manchester to foster ties with international and local students.
Faith societies
Specifically, faith societies across Manchester tend to be open to participation even form students outside of the faith. This way Manchesters student union also fosters understanding of interfaith relations. The Manchester Christian Union and MMU Christina Union, newer societies like the Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association and Jewish Society are great places to start but no doubt does manchester stem beyond this into Pentecost Students and Associates’ Society, Hindu, Buddhist and more. You are bound to find a familiar community, I know when I joined the JSOC in first year it curbed a lot of home sickness and my craving for Friday Night traditions with my family. Even beyond what you are familiar with, it is important to learn about others and continue fostering interfaith relations on campus to keep it a safe and democratic space for all.
MMU Faith and Cultural Societies
A list of MMU faith and nationality/cultural societies can also be found through their Students Union. Many culture and religious societies overlap between the two main city campuses too, and students in the societies can always get involved to organise events to create more cross-institutional collaboration.
International Society
Most notably, the International Society helps to amalgamate all the best culturla societies in manchester different cultures together. The International Society runs weekly events through from crafting sessions, volunteering, to trips across the UK. What makes the I International Society special is its focus on collaboration with other hobby or subject specific societies, and encouraging students to put forward motions for events and projects they would like to see happen and create. The International society has prized itself as Manchester “home away form home” for international student communities and the bst thing about it is, membership if free for students and staff across UoM!
Hobbies
Run clubs
Although not a society, you could join one of Manchester’s running clubs. They’re located all across the city and have different vibes. Some go at it, whereas some are more leisurely and all about the drinks at the end. Either way, it’s a good way to meet people. Some run clubs even specialise in musical genres or LGBTQ+ specific run clubs to inspire collective identity alongside exercise!
The MMU Book Club Society
Reading can help us destress, but reading with others can also help you meet people with similar interests and tap into reading on a more active level. Whether its to discuss the newest theories of your favourite booktok fantasy series, or winding down with a classical tale of love and war, the MMU Book club meets on the first Monday of each month to feed your literary cravings. They discuss books that are chosen by the members so it is a sure fire way to find something new to read or or revisit that classic you gave up on 10 pages in before it began collecting dust on the shelf. They also engage in other events such as movie nights and game nights.
Cheese and Wine society
Don’t worry vegans and sober students! This un-brie-lievable (sorry) society is friendly for all but has a serious passion for cheesing and wining. The Cheese and Wine society at MMU hosts all kind of events, from cheese and wine nights to live music events and art nights. Sign up here if this sounds like your cup of tea (or glass of wine).
The Mancunion and the Manchester Historian
If you’re looking for somewhere to get involved in student journalism, The Mancunion is the place to go. It is the largest university campus newspaper in the UK, taking on the perspectives of both UOM and MMU students. There is a spot above andbelow the fold for everyone wanting to get involved no matter your journalism experience. Their team is super welcoming and encourage students to attend their weekly meetings to delegate articles and pitches for each issue. Whether your into sports, lifestyle or investigation, the world of student journalism is open to all in Manchester and by far one of the best societies that represent the student voice.
The Manchester Historian also offers subject specific journalism, not just for History students but across the SALC (School of Arts, Languages and Culture) department. They have ways to get involved via email where they publish 2-3 issues a year. The team is always welcoming to those with or without editorial or design expertise and writing for them allows students to do more deep dive article and academic writing on the theme of the issue. Some past issues have been about global development, and resistance and rebellion.
Robotics Society
STEM societies across manchester campuses are nothing short of exciting with weekly social, pub crawls and competitions. The UOM Robotics society definitely stands out as one of the most project driven, offering opportunities for students across the science and technology departments to practice and improve their skills. They offer competitions and projects throughout the year to get involved from beginner to advanced level. This year the EEEsoc in connection with Robosoc had their annual Hack-a-bot competition, 24 hours of a group hacking/ creating project with prizes to be won. From the causal coder to the vigilant robotics enthusiast, your bound to find a collaborative community here.
That rounds off my selection of some of the best student societies in Manchester. From sports to robotics down to a cozy collective of cheese and wine enthusiasts, there is no reason why one shouldn’t get involved during their time at university. Societies are the best way to try something new, go out of your comfort zone or simply disrupt the monotonous schedule of classes and late night essays.
If, for some reason, you are still not convinced by my suggestions and overuse of internal links, there is always room to create your own! Both UOM and MMU offer outlets for students to create their own societies and open up more space for niche interests. The more the merrier and with that, this article could help guide any of you lovely readers looking for a better way to represent your community.
Last Updated on August 3, 2025
Published on October 12, 2022
I’m Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can’t reach me, I’m probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.
