Thinking of joining a university in Nottingham? Below is a list of the top ten society favourites from both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham to help you find your niche and put yourself out there! Societies are a great way to find your people and maybe try something different with new friends. Especially if Nottingham is a new area, what better way to settle in then to involve yourself in fun nights out and socialise with people!
10. NTU Fashion
For the future runway designers. The fashion society at NTU is an amazing way to open your horizon to new trends in the creative industry and relate to others on your interests in clothing or areas of the fashion world. They do weekly Ocean Wednesdays with creative themes each time, boat parties with fancy dress, design competitions, and hold stalls for unused costumes to be donated.
It’s a fun and friendly society that accepts anyone and everyone interested in their fashion and trends!
9. UON Cheerleading Society
Starting off strong for the athletes…The cheer society is a competitive group that performs in regular competitions and also performs in varsity games.Charity is often at the forefront of this society’s events – wearing pink for breast cancer awareness, annual bring a boy for Movember, and present wrapping for Operation Orphan. And of course, socials every week to Crisis at Rock City and themed bar crawls – all athletes need a break!
8. NTU Flylive
For more media interested students…FlyLive is the universities radio, broadcasting to over 30,000 students, playing all types of music and cover relevant events. It’s a great way to learn new skills especially if you’re in media-specific course and wanting to up your digital footprint.
The ‘Big O Show’ is an example of something the society host every Wednesday morning in honour of NTU’s famous Ocean Wednesday. Different people get called on air and have the chance to win free tickets to the club with friends. They are also a big part of varsity games such as the Ice hockey, making sure the games are covered in case you missed it!
7. UON Hide and Soc
For the nostalgic type…Do you ever wish you could just have fun and destress? With Hide and Soc, they play childhood games every Monday so people can connect with others and feel a little closer to home. It’s an incredibly inclusive group and a great alternative if you aren’t a drinker or just don’t feel like it! Different games they play are Duck Duck Goose, Wink Murder, Hide and Seek of course, and take everyone’s suggestions!
6. NTU Horror and Paranormal
For students that wish it was Halloween everyday…This niche society brings people together with interactive and ‘spooky’ activities that would be tricky to find due to the misunderstood world of horror. Some examples of the events held are horror movie nights, pub socials and ghost tours through Nottingham. It’s a great society to join if drinking and partying maybe isn’t your thing or if you’re looking for more budget-friendly activities to do with your friends!
In the future the group hope to host new events like going to escape rooms and perhaps even guided ghost hunting…Scary!
5. UON Football
For the premiere league stans…It’s not all about scoring goals in the football society, be prepared for chaotic socials, challenges and being a part of University of Nottingham’s largest sports team. An example of these bizarre challenges is the father and son challenge: a first year is practically ‘adopted’ by a third year where they are given different dares and tasks to complete. In the past these have included barking in a library and having a pint every morning… so be ready for anything!
4. NTU Cocktail Society
For the ‘it’s 5 o’clock somewhere’ girlies…If you’re looking for a fun group where a meet up every week is guaranteed, then Cocktail Society is definitely the one for you. With a cheap joining fee, the benefits of discounted entry into bars and on drinks will make you feel like a VIP on a night out. And whether it’s Christmas, Halloween or even St. Patricks Day, themed cocktail making sessions are always offered out.
Every Wednesday is of course Nottingham Trent’s favourite day as it’s time for the Ocean bar crawl. This society take Ocean nights seriously and if you show up late be ready to down your drinks or out of an old shoe…not for the weak.
3. UON Asian Society
For the people wanting to embrace their culture…A great way to feel at home when in a new, and often overwhelming place. Nights such as poker nights and ‘speed dating’ have brought people together no matter where you’ve come from or what your hobbies are. The Asian Society are also dedicated to raising money for charities alongside having fun events and socials, such as the Asian Soc Ball.
2. NTU Feminist
For the people ready for change in the world…The feminist society at NTU are devoted to the hope of living in an equal society. Open to anyone and everyone, events such as ‘galentines’, the famous ‘Reclaim the Night’ marches are hosted and important messages about social issues are regularly shared. What’s great about the feminist society is they’re always looking for people to fill out roles and it’s a great way to amp up your CV for future jobs/careers.
1. NTU Rugby leaguecc
For the Ocean Wednesday lads…One of the largest sports clubs at NTU, it doesn’t matter if you are experienced or there for the fun.The society do regular training sessions, competitive games and of course compete in the varsity games. For the social side though, it’s a ‘go hard or go home’ kind of thing. Bar crawls and Ocean Wednesday every week in silly outfits, Christmas dinners, gym sessions and they’ve have also supported the charity ‘Andysmanclubuk’, a mental health service for men across the UK.
Hi, I’m Zoe and I’m studying Journalism in Nottingham! I love pop culture, food blogs and emotive news. My dream is to have my own podcast one day and meet interesting people from all over the world.
Top tip for students? Take time for social activities and nights out, you deserve it!
