The Benefits of Joining a Society at University

Meet Like Minded People

University is about more than lectures and coursework, it’s about finding your people and thriving in a new environment, these bigger life changes are what will set you up ready for the world of work. Joining a society gives you a ready made group of like minded students who share your passions, because your coursemates might be interested in studying the same thing as you, but that’s often where the similarities end. You’ll of course make friends with your coursemates and bond over shared study and maybe even a love of shared films or food, but if you have another passion, you should join a society! Hobby groups not only let you have fun, but you’ll make friends who are not on your course and broaden your social network. From sports teams to cultural groups, societies bring people together and often are the starting point for friendships that will last far beyond first year university life.

Learn Something New

Don’t currently have a hobby? Societies are a brilliant way to try something new. Fancy giving rowing a go or trying out debating or photography? Universities have dozens (sometimes hundreds) of societies to choose from and beginners are always welcome. Plus, beyond having fun, many societies offer leadership roles or committee positions, which can make your CV stand out and help you after graduation.

An Escape from Exam Stress

Let’s be honest, University life IS stressful. Balancing coursework, deadlines and looking after yourself can feel overwhelming. Joining a society provides structure, fun and an escape from course pressures. Knowing you’ve got an evening of training, rehearsals or even board games gives you something to look forward to even on the most stressful days and it helps create a healthier balance between work and play

Societies in Your City

Exeter

If you’re living at Verney Street, you’re only a short walk from the University of Exeter campus, which has over 250 societies. From sports teams like rowing and rugby to niche interests like the Hide and Seek Society, there really is something for everyone. It’s also a great way to expand your student experience in Exeter, as societies usually organise social nights around the city, think quiz nights, pub crawls and even theatre trips. Living at Verney Street means you’re pretty much bang smack in the middle of the city centre so meeting up with your new society friends for a trip to the cinema, coffee or pizza couldn’t be easier.

Lincoln

At College Mews, you’ll be just a 7-minute walk from the University of Lincoln, which has more than 150 societies to choose from. Want to meet people who love Disney films? Join the Disney Society. Fancy keeping active? Try one of the many sports clubs. Lincoln societies are well known for their volunteering projects which is a brilliant way give back and feel good doing good, and of course will look great on your CV. Having your own studio apartment at College Mews means you can enjoy the social buzz of societies while still having a quiet, private space to recharge afterwards. It’s the perfect balance of student housing in Lincoln and a lively social life.

Leicester

Living in student accommodation in Leicester with OR Students means you’ll be close to both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, so whichever Uni you go to, you’ll be in easy reach of a society. Whether you’re based at The Button Factory, Hops House or The Oval, you won’t be far from Uni which makes joining a club super easy.

DMU societies cover everything from dance and drama to gaming and faith groups, while UoL offers a huge mix of academic, cultural and sports clubs. And when you’re done, Leicester’s city centre is on your doorstep for post-society socials, nights out gigs, or catching a film at the Curve Theatre.

Newcastle

If you’re staying at Step House, you’re in the heart of a buzzing student city and not far away from Newcastle University and Northumbria. Newcastle Uni alone has more than 200 societies, while Northumbria offers another 100+. Societies at both Unis will give you a chance to not just enjoy your hobby, but to explore the city, expect your society to take you on bar crawls down Osborne Road, charity events and inter-uni sports matches. Living close to both campuses means you won’t miss out, and your Newcastle uni accommodation puts you right in the heart of the action.