How to make the most of joining a University club or society
So, you joined a club and/or society during Welcome Fest... now what? We know that it can be daunting at first to take part in a new club or society, but with this guide, you’ll soon be ready to make new friends and get involved in student life on campus.
Congrats on signing up for a uni club or society! We know that you’re probably buzzing with excitement at all the possibilities this could bring, but we know it’s also normal to feel a bit stuck on what to do next. If this is you, don’t stress – we’ve got three simple tips to help you make the most of joining a cool new group of like-minded people.
1. Find out when events are being held
The hallmark of any university club and society is the events they hold for their members to socialise, learn new things and just have fun!
Each club will host different events tailored to their members, like the Women and Diverse Genders in Music Society (WADGIMS), which is hosting a fundraiser event and composer performance exchange for music students.
The best way to stay up to date on upcoming events is to follow your new club or society on social media or sign up for their newsletter if they have one. When we spoke to the Sydney University Medical Science Society (MedSciSoc), they explained that they share events on Instagram regularly, plus send a weekly email newsletter to registered members with upcoming information.
Find your club or society's main communications channels on the USU website.
2. Attend your first event!
Once you know what events are happening, all you have to do is show up! This can be easier said than done, especially if it’s your first event, but remember that everyone else is there because of shared interests and they’re eager to meet new people like you.
A student executive from the Sydney University Spanish and Latin American Society (SUSLAS) shares their advice for students attending their first society event: “Don't be scared and don't be shy because everybody's been there at an event where they don't know anybody, and we'll make sure to make you feel welcome.”
...everybody's been there at an event where they don't know anybody, and we'll make sure to make you feel welcome.
SUSLAS student executive
“...everybody's been there at an event where they don't know anybody, and we'll make sure to make you feel welcome.”SUSLAS student executive
Students from the Mechanical Undergraduates Society (MUGS) share similar advice: “Don't be scared. Definitely just come along. It's welcoming to everyone. Everyone's kind of scared to meet people, but if you just come to the events, you'll find your friends and it'll be a great time. No one's going to judge you for anything. We try to make our society events as inclusive as possible.”
If you’re unsure how to start a conversation with someone new at a society event, why not ask them what they’re studying? As members from MedSciSoc explained, the best part about being in a society is meeting new people and fellow students who aren’t necessarily in the same degree as you, allowing you to expand your social circles.
3. Put your hand up and get involved
After you’ve attended a few events and gotten to know your fellow club or society members, why not volunteer to help out? University clubs and societies are voluntarily run by students, so you can keep the good vibes going by pitching in to organise an event, designing some flyers, or helping manage the finances – all great things to add to your resume.
An executive from MUGS shares their experience: “The best part about being in a society is getting to meet new people and learn new skills in the different roles. I was secretary last year and I had a lot of fun learning about how to run the societies whilst also meeting new people and putting on events.”
The best part about being in a society is getting to meet new people and learn new skills in the different roles.
MUGS student executive
“The best part about being in a society is getting to meet new people and learn new skills in the different roles.”MUGS student executive
Many clubs are currently looking for students who are interested in building leadership skills to join their executive teams.
Executives from MUGS say that they’ve got two spots for new students and that they can attend their Annual General Meeting (AGM) if they’re interested in joining the executive team.
The executive team at SUSLAS is also interested in finding new recruits: “Students can reach out and look for us on Instagram or our WhatsApp group."
Regardless of what skills you have, there’s a way that you can get involved with your new club or society and make the most out of your time at university.
