What are societies? 

Societies cover everything from academic support to performance, campaigning to networking, culture, language, hobbies, gaming, charity, and much, much more. We have more than 50 societies for you to join, and if you can't find one you're interested in you can start your own! 

Societies are an excellent source of friend-making, entertainment and an opportunity for skill development that can improve your student experience. 

What are the benefits of joining a society? 

• Meet new people in safe and friendly environments 

• Learn new skills 

• Build your network 

• Get additional academic learning opportunities 

• Have fun 

• Take part in activities you don’t normally cannot do 

• Get to know new locations 

What do society members have to say? 

• “No matter who you are, someone else enjoys the society activity you’re doing too and you’ll have someone who can support and encourage you” 
   – Rock Music Society member
   
• “I joined the society to be part of a community, somewhere that was accepting and welcoming to everyone with no pre-judgement. It is so nice to be a part of something where you know that you will be accepted for who you are matter what and you can truly be yourself” 
   – LGBTQIA+ Society Member
   
• “I was eager to meet new people and widen my network and as an international student, I always want to connect with diverse groups.  Society was a place where I could meet new people and have a calm distraction from my coursework. “ 
   – Art Society Member
   

Who can join a society? 

• Anyone who is a registered student can join a society  

• If you are no longer a student, you can join a society as an associate member 

How to join a society 

1. Find a society (or more) that you’re interested in on the Societies Webpage

2. If you’re not sure on whether you want to purchase the membership straight away you can sign up to their interested list and check their events calendar for any upcoming taster sessions 

3. When you’re ready to purchase a membership go to the society’s webpage 

4. On the page there will be the option to add the membership you’d like, this will show in your shopping basket 

5. When you’ve added all the memberships you would like to join, click on your basket to view all and proceed to payment 

6. You will need to purchase a one-off annual subscription of £3 to join any sports club or society (you only need to pay this once in an academic year); the subscription can be added to your basket at checkout 

7. Proceed to input your preferred payment method and complete the transaction. 

And that’s it! You’re officially a member.  

What are Give it a Go events? 

Give it a Go (GIAG) events are one off opportunities for you to go to society activities without needing to purchase a membership. These are usually offered during welcome periods however some societies may run GIAG events all throughout the year. If you plan to attend more than 3 or 4 society events throughout the year we recommend you purchase a society membership to keep you up to date with society communication and ensure that you are insured at society events.