Finding Your Society at a UK University: How to Join the Right Campus Group

When you first walk onto a UK university campus, it can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of students, dozens of buildings, and hundreds of societies all competing for your attention. You might think, ‘I just want to find my people’. That’s not just a nice thought-it’s one of the most important things you’ll do in your first term. The right society doesn’t just fill your free time. It gives you friends, skills, confidence, and sometimes even your next job.

What Even Is a Student Society?

A student society is any group run by students, for students. They’re not part of your course. They’re not a club your professor forced you into. These are the spaces where you explore who you are outside of lectures and essays. You’ll find societies for everything: board games, vegan cooking, robotics, hiking, debating, K-pop dancing, even one for people who collect vintage postcards.

Every UK university has a Students’ Union-a student-run body that funds and supports these groups. At big universities like Manchester or Edinburgh, there are over 300 societies. At smaller ones like St Andrews or Bath Spa, you might have 80 to 120. But size doesn’t matter as much as fit. A small society with five passionate members can feel more like home than a huge one with 500 people who never show up.

Where to Look: The Society Fair and Beyond

The biggest event of your first week is the Freshers’ Fair. It’s usually held in the student union building, packed with stalls, music, free food, and people waving banners. Don’t just stroll through. Go with a plan.

• Write down 3 interests you want to explore-like photography, volunteering, or martial arts.
• Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down contact info or meeting times.
• Ask questions: ‘How often do you meet?’ ‘Do you need experience?’ ‘Is there a fee?’

But don’t wait for the fair. Many societies don’t even have a stall. Check your university’s website. Look for the ‘Students’ Union’ or ‘Societies’ section. Most have searchable databases. You can filter by category-sports, culture, academic, arts, faith, politics-and read descriptions written by current members.

Some societies are so niche you won’t find them unless you know where to look. For example, the University of London has a ‘Society for the Study of Medieval Baking’. Yes, that’s real. The University of Glasgow has a ‘Climbing Society’ that organizes weekend trips to the Scottish Highlands. These aren’t advertised on posters. They’re passed along by word of mouth.

How to Pick the Right One (Without Overcommitting)

It’s easy to join five societies in week one and burn out by week three. You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be somewhere that feels right.

Here’s what to ask yourself:

• Do I want to learn something? If yes, go for a skill-based group like coding, public speaking, or photography.
• Do I want to relax? Try a yoga group, book club, or film society. These are low-pressure and great for unwinding after lectures.
• Do I want to meet people like me? Cultural societies-like the Nigerian Students Association or the Chinese Language Exchange-can be lifelines if you’re far from home.
• Do I want to lead? Some societies need volunteers to help run events. If you’re ready for responsibility, ask about committee roles.

Try one meeting before you pay anything. Most societies let you attend a session for free. That’s your trial run. Pay attention to the vibe. Are people welcoming? Is the meeting well-organized? Do they talk about future plans-or just sit around scrolling on their phones?

What You’ll Gain Beyond Friends

Joining a society isn’t just about having fun. It’s about building your future.

Students who join societies are 47% more likely to say they felt connected to their university, according to a 2024 survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute. That sense of belonging reduces stress and improves grades.

Employers notice it too. A 2023 study by the UK’s National Union of Students found that 68% of recruiters looked at extracurriculars when hiring new graduates. They didn’t care if you were president of the debate team. They cared that you showed up, showed initiative, and worked with others.

Think about it: if you join a charity fundraising society and help raise £5,000 for a local shelter, you’ve done project management, budgeting, teamwork, and communication-all without a single lecture. That’s real experience. Add it to your CV. Talk about it in job interviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most students make the same errors when joining societies. Don’t be one of them.

• Joining just because your roommate is in it. You’re not the same person. You might hate rock climbing. That’s okay.
• Waiting too long. Some societies fill up fast-especially sports teams or performance groups. Don’t wait until October to join the drama society if auditions are in September.
• Assuming you need experience. Most societies welcome beginners. The Ukulele Society doesn’t expect you to know chords. The Running Club doesn’t need you to run a 5K. They just need you to show up.
• Ignoring free options. Some societies charge £5-£20 a year. Others are completely free. Always ask. Financial hardship shouldn’t stop you from joining.

What If You Don’t Find One That Fits?

You’re not alone. Sometimes, you look through every list and don’t see anything that speaks to you. That’s okay. You can start your own.

Every UK university lets students create new societies. All you need is:

• At least 5 other students interested
• A simple idea (‘Society for Fans of Japanese Horror Films’)
• A faculty advisor (usually a staff member who agrees to be a point of contact)

The Students’ Union will help you with funding, promotion, and booking rooms. It’s easier than you think. In 2024, over 120 new societies were launched across UK universities. One student at Cardiff started a ‘Society for People Who Like Rain’. It now has 200 members and organizes ‘Rain Walks’ every week.

Don’t wait for the perfect group to appear. Build it.

Final Tip: Show Up, Even When You’re Nervous

The hardest part isn’t finding the society. It’s walking through the door the first time. You’ll feel awkward. You’ll think everyone already knows each other. They probably do. But here’s the truth: everyone else is just as nervous as you are.

Go early. Sit near the front. Say hi to someone. Ask what brought them there. Most people will be thrilled to talk. You’re not just joining a group. You’re starting a new chapter.

By the end of your first year, you’ll look back and realize: the people you met in that society became your family. Not because you shared a class. But because you chose each other.