From freshers fair to friends for life: university societies make all the difference

When you think about your university experience, the first thing that comes to mind is probably lectures and assignments – but there is so much more to university life. All the advice videos for students always say to join a university society and this is probably the best thing you can do. They offer a chance to explore new interests, meet lifelong friends, and unwind after a long day of lectures. Whether you’re into sports or crafting, there’s something for everyone. 

So, what is a student society?

A society is a student-run group that unites people with common interests. These can be academic (like the School of Life Sciences Society), based on a hobby (like reading), or even cultural (like the Hindu Society). Societies allow you to connect with people from all over the University and try something new.  

What type of societies can you expect to see at the University of Dundee?

Currently there are over 150 societies! If you want a sneak peek, there is an A-Z list on the student association website.  

For me, joining both an academic and a social society enhanced my university experience ten-fold. I got to connect with so many different people and try out yoga for the first time ever, something I had wanted to do for a while but never got the chance to. It is definitely a great way to discover new passions without feeling silly about it because most people will be in the same boat as you.

Are there any perks other than making friends?

Aside from trying out something new, being part of a society gives you access to any socials and meet ups they organise. These can be evening events or weekend getaways. Some examples are yoga classes, book discussions, cultural event celebrations, movie nights, and fundraisers. You can also take advantage of any sponsor deals and discounts your chosen society offers (from cafés to nightlife).

How to get involved?

Joining a society is very easy. Start by checking out the Freshers Fair, which usually happens during your first week at university. Most societies will have their own stalls, where you can come and chat with them, and sometimes you will also get to take home some freebies. A lot of these societies will also host taster sessions where you can really get a feel for what they offer and see whether it’s something you would be interested in. I remember back in my first year I was so worried about showing up to these by myself, especially if I did not really know what I was doing but everyone is always so friendly and this makes you feel at ease.

At the end of the year, societies will host mini-elections for committee members, which you can apply for if you want to be even more involved in running the society and organising the events. This can be a great way to develop key skills like time -management and team-working, and it also looks good on your CV.