Looking for reasons to get involved in a society? Here’s the article for you! Sure, everybody knows you have to work hard at University (at least in second and third years anyway!) but the social side of University is just as important. Societies are a great way to get involved at University and joining multiple weird and wacky ones is a MUST during Fresher’s Week. There are so many different societies up for grabs such as sports societies, subject-based societies and then, of course, those societies that quite frankly don’t belong to any one category. I know for a fact that at my University: Queen Mary University of London, you can even opt to create your own society (yes, the rumours are true, the Harry Potter society DOES EXIST). Below are 10 reasons that will act as an incentive for you to get involved in a society at University:
This one is pretty obvious, but signing up to a society will enable you to meet lots of new people with similar likes and interests to you, and also expand your social network beyond the people outside of your academic course and flatmates. Societies can also help combat loneliness, especially if you have moved away from home, as regular meet ups ensure you do not become a hermit in your room, only leaving for lectures and seminars!
More reasons to get involved in a society? Getting involved in a society can have long-term benefits once you graduate from University. You will be able to present the skills and experience you have gained through your society on your CV which will, in turn, make you more eligible for a specific career. For example, if you become the captain of a sports society, you will gain vital leadership skills. Academic-based societies are also great networking platforms for you to converse with leading figures in the fields that interest you most when thinking about a future career. The more events you attend, the more potential employers and colleagues will remember you and consider you as a potential employee.
During Fresher’s Week, you will be exposed to so many societies that you would never have thought even existed. Why not sign up to something completely new or a society that makes you feel out of your depth because quite frankly, where else will you have the chance to explore and experiment so freely?
Even though societies originate on your University campus, depending on which society you join (cheerleading is a perfect example), there may be an opportunity to travel as part of a highly anticipated society tour. So as well as singing up for such societies, make sure your passport is valid on the off chance!
Exercise is key to balance the alcohol and takeaway consumption at University. Not to generalise all students, but the freedom of living away from home means you are less likely to stick to your 2 litres of water and your five-a-day! University societies are a great way to discipline your body, your mind, and also to keep healthy and toned. Great reasons to get involved in a society, to not only be motivated mentally but physically as well to be your best!
Linked to the point above, whilst your degree will be targeted towards developing and harnessing your academic potential, getting involved with a society will target your practical side and teach you valuable skills such as knitting, cooking, photography and much more!
Mounting essay deadlines and approaching exams each semester can be enough to make any student feel queasy and like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. However, joining a society is a great way to have a healthy balance between working and socialising and to decrease stress as your mind is forced to switch off from something purely academic.
It is well known that most University students are strapped for cash- in fact this is part of the fun of being a student and learning to get by on the bare minimum. Once you have paid the initial membership fee (a couple of pounds max) you won’t have to necessarily fork out throughout the year and there are also plenty of free societies to join. So you can breathe a sigh of relief if you have just spent the last pound of your holy student loan!
The beauty of a University society is that it is created to allow students to socialise in a group environment. This means that whether you are walking home after a wild night out or after a weekly meeting, you will always be surrounded by people and therefore feel safe. Similarly, there will always be someone willing to sit and listen to you if you are ever in need of a chat or want to get something off your chest. Seriously, one of the best reasons to get involved in a society.
Whether you feel strongly about animal rights, human rights, equality, or racial discrimination to name a few, joining a University society will allow you to join forces with people who feel just as passionately as you. Together, you will be able to make a difference and help spread awareness through methods such as charity runs, protests, and petitions.
Joining a University society will be the best decision you make. Period. You will learn so much about yourself as a person, make friends for life and amazing memories that will stay with you for many years after graduating…
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