Walking into your first student societies fair in the UK feels like stepping into a carnival of chaos. There are 50 booths, 200 flyers, and a dozen people shouting over each other about whether their debate team is ‘the most intense in the North’. You walk away with ten brochures, a free pen, and zero idea which club you’ll actually go to. It’s not that you’re lazy. It’s that most societies promise everything - leadership, friendships, career connections - but only a few deliver real, weekly value.
Forget the flashy booths, find the quiet ones
The loudest table isn’t the best one. The drama society with the giant inflatable dragon? They’re great for show. But if you’re looking for something you’ll stick with, head to the quieter corners. Look for clubs where people are already talking to each other, not just handing out leaflets. A group of students laughing over coffee after a meeting? That’s a sign they’ve built something real. Societies that feel like a hangout, not a sales pitch, are the ones you’ll keep showing up to.At the University of Manchester last year, a student joined the Urban Gardening Society because the table had soil on it. No fancy banners. No music. Just a few people repotting herbs and talking about compost. They met every Wednesday at 5 p.m. - no pressure, no audition. Within a month, she was bringing her own plants. That’s the kind of club that sticks.
Ask the real questions - not the ones on the flyer
Don’t ask, “What do you do?” That’s what every first-year says. Instead, ask:- “How many people usually show up to meetings?”
- “What’s the last thing your group actually did outside of the fair?”
- “Do people just show up once and disappear?”
These questions cut through the marketing. The Robotics Club at Imperial College might say they’re “open to all,” but if only 3 out of 15 members showed up last term, you’re not going to learn anything. On the flip side, the Student-run Refugee Support Group at Edinburgh meets every Friday with 20+ regulars - even during exams. That’s commitment.
Time matters more than passion
You think you want to join the Mountaineering Society because you love the outdoors. But do you have two hours every Sunday? What about travel costs? What if it rains? A club that requires weekly weekend trips, expensive gear, or long commutes will burn you out fast. Most students drop out within six weeks because they overcommitted.Look for clubs that meet once a week, on campus, at a consistent time. The Board Game Club at King’s College London meets every Thursday in the student union basement. No travel. No cost. Just snacks and 30-minute games. It’s low-effort, high-reward. You show up, play, leave. No guilt. No pressure. And you still get to know people.
Watch how they handle newcomers
A good society doesn’t make you feel like an outsider. Watch how they talk to new people. Do they hand you a 10-page PDF and say, “Read this first”? Or do they say, “Come next week, we’ll just play around”?The Language Exchange Society at Bristol does it right. Newcomers get paired with a current member for a 20-minute coffee chat. No tests. No fluency requirements. Just “Tell me about your week.” That’s how real connections start. The Debating Society at Oxford? They make you prepare a 5-minute speech before your first meeting. That’s not welcoming - it’s intimidating.
Check the calendar, not the logo
Look at the society’s social media. Not their Instagram highlights. Look at their event calendar. Are they posting weekly updates? Do they have events in December or just September? Many clubs vanish after freshers’ week. They get their funding, run one big event, and disappear.At the University of Leeds, the Student Film Society posted a calendar with 12 monthly screenings - including one during Christmas break. That’s not luck. That’s structure. They’ve built a rhythm. That’s the kind of club that lasts.
Don’t join to impress - join to feel something
It’s easy to join a society because you think it looks good on your CV. “I’m in the Model UN” or “I volunteer with the Environmental Collective.” But if you don’t care about the topic, you’ll stop going. And then you’ll feel guilty.What matters more than the name? How you feel when you’re there. Do you leave feeling energized? Or drained? The Knitting Circle at Sheffield Hallam has no career benefits. But students say it’s the only place they feel calm during term. That’s worth more than a line on your resume.
Start with one. Then add one more.
Your first term is not the time to join five clubs. You’ll burn out. You’ll miss deadlines. You’ll feel like a failure because you didn’t do it all.Choose one club that fits your schedule, your mood, and your energy. Go to three meetings. If you still want to go after that, great. If not, you didn’t waste time - you learned what doesn’t work. Then, halfway through term, try one more. That’s how you build real habits, not a cluttered CV.
It’s okay to quit
You don’t owe a society your time. If you signed up and it’s not clicking - leave. No apology needed. No guilt. You’re not failing. You’re filtering. The best clubs are the ones you show up for because you want to, not because you feel obligated.At the University of Glasgow, a student quit the Opera Society after two meetings. She felt out of place. She didn’t sing. She didn’t know the music. But she told them: “I’m not the right fit.” They said thanks and gave her a chocolate bar. That’s how healthy clubs work.
What to look for in a club that lasts
- Meets weekly, on campus, at a fixed time
- Has regular attendance beyond the first month
- Welcomes newcomers without tests or pressure
- Has low or no cost to join
- Has a calendar that shows activity beyond September
- Feels like a place you want to be - not a box to tick
Student societies aren’t about collecting memberships. They’re about finding your people. The ones who make you laugh, remind you you’re not alone, and show up even when life gets heavy. That’s the real value. Not the logo on your hoodie. Not the LinkedIn line. The quiet Wednesday night where you forgot to check your phone.
What if I don’t like any of the clubs at the fair?
It’s common. Many students feel this way. Don’t panic. Check if your university lets you start your own society. Most do - you just need five interested people and a faculty advisor. One student at the University of Nottingham started a Quiet Reading Club because no one else offered it. It now has 80 regular members. Sometimes the best club is the one you create.
Can I join more than one club?
Yes, but start with one. Try to stick with it for at least a month. If you still have energy and time, add a second - but only if it doesn’t overlap with your study schedule or sleep. Two well-chosen clubs are better than five half-hearted ones.
Do I have to pay to join?
Most societies charge £1-£5 per year. Some, like sports clubs, may charge more for equipment or venue hire. If a club asks for more than £10, ask why. Many are funded by student unions and don’t need high fees. Avoid clubs that pressure you into paying upfront or demand membership for every event.
What if I miss the fair?
You’re not too late. Most societies still accept new members all term. Check your student union website or Facebook groups. Many post meeting times and contact info online. You can also walk into a meeting - most clubs welcome drop-ins. Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Just show up.
Are societies only for first-years?
No. Many societies have members from all years. Some, like the Postgraduate Writing Group at Cambridge, are specifically for older students. Don’t assume you’re too old or too experienced. If the club feels right, you belong there - no matter your year.