Find your crowd: weird and wonderful societies you have to check out

Every uni has a whole host university societies university societies for you to join. Most universities have their own, unique list of the student run societies on their Student’s Union website and many even have stalls at freshers fair, so you can see what’s on offer within your first week of joining.

Types of societies at university

Sports clubs

Whether you want to join and compete in tournaments against other unis or just looking for some sporting fun with friends, there will be sports clubs for all levels and abilities for you to check out.

Subject societies

These are a great way to get to know the people on your course outside the lecture hall, as well as chat to students from other years.

Culture and faith

Discover and celebrate world cultures and religions. If you’re an international student, these societies can help you settle into student life in your new city.

Hobbies and common interests

Whether you share a love for a certain celebrity or a gamer looking for an opponent, there are always tons of societies like this to help you find your crowd. Baking societies, book clubs, DnD and so much more.

Campaign and charity

Passionate about Feminism? Looking to make sustainable change or support charity initiatives on and off campus? There’s so much opportunity at university to do just this. Find other students that share your passion and make a change.

Media and creative

For the creatives, join in producing the on campus radio show, write for the student newspaper or perhaps join the panto. With the resources available across the uni, this is a great opportunity to try out a creative pursuit you haven't tried before.

Uni Compare’s top society picks for you!

For the creatives, join in producing the on campus radio show, write for the student newspaper or perhaps join the panto. With the resources available across the uni, this is a great opportunity to try out a creative pursuit you haven't tried before.

Roller Disco Society - University of York

Roll on through to University of York and join the Roller Disco Society. They offer some training for beginners as well as hosting themed discos throughout the year. So, get your skates on and go!

Ghost Hunting Society - University of East Anglia

If you air on the side of spooky, UEA have the society for you. Their main event is heading out to haunted hives of activity to see if they can spot something from beyond the grave.

Allotment Society - University of Sheffield

The Allotment Society at Sheffield University is a growing bunch of students spending time in nature. They also host workshops to show you how to get crafty with produce, as well as make your own food and tea with the produce.

Cocktail Society at Nottingham Trent

If a tipple is more your bag, join the Cocktail Society at Nottingham Trent University. Learn the art of mixology and how to craft your own version of your favourite cocktails. You can also secure discounts for some of the best cocktail spots across the city of Nottingham.

Biscuit Investigation Society - University of Liverpool

For this group to Liverpool University, biscuits mean business. If you’re looking to dissect a digestive, get to grips with the inner workings of a ginger nut, join the Biscuit Investigation Society. Their ultimate goal: find the crème de la crème of biscuits.

20 Minute Society - Newcastle University

If you’re a spontaneous person looking to throw yourself into new situations, Newcastle University’s 20-Minute Society gives you twenty-minutes notice before their mystery social begins. Previous spontaneous socials have included summer balls and weekends abroad. Our tip: always have your sunglasses and a scarf in your pocket at all times if you join this one!

Harry Potter & Quidditch Society - University of Warwick

Potentially the society that prospective students are most intrigued by. This once fictional sport is now very much apart from student life at many universities, including Warwick University. Warwick’s society offer Quadball training and a chance to join the team that competes both nationally and internationally.

Can’t find the society for you? Make your own!

Students themselves run and create the societies you see. If you can’t spot a society that you’d like to join, speak to your Student’s Union when you arrive to see about setting one up. If you have a passion, it’s likely that there’ll be many other students who share that same passion!

Our advice: have a look at your universities offering of societies before you join, and head to the freshers fair or first society meeting of the year to get a taste of what they offer. Try a few different ones; you might be surprised how much you enjoy them!