Top 10 Best Kinds of Student Clubs and Societies to Sign Up for at University
I'm starting college very soon, and no matter which university you're attending, there are many ways they promote your extracurricular interests. When you start college, it's important to get involved in at least one activity - either to deepen an existing interest or to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.By participating in clubs or societies, you're making yourself more adaptable, competitive, knowledgeable, and socially confident (for that last part, THANK YOU!).
This list will explore some of the best types of activities you can join during your time at university, beyond your academic program, because university is meant to be fun.
However, don't join too many clubs, as you'll still want to focus on completing your degree!
Why did you come to university? Because you love your subject and want to explore it further! At many top-tier universities, a great way to delve deeper into your field and increase your passion is to join a club focused on it. This can be a department-organized club that fosters competition and debate with other departments, or something specific like an astronomy club or a poetry club.
You may already consider yourself an expert in your academic field, but the various debates about the past, present, and future of the subject, as well as trips to world-class institutions and exhibits, and group activities ranging from dissecting animals to tracking stars, are bound to expand your horizons. Every expert has a different scope of knowledge in their subject. For instance, I know some things about physics in intricate detail, but not everything. Thus, I know I can bring something unique to our discussions and activities, just like many others will.
Whether you're on an arts course and want to share experiences with like-minded people or on an analytical course and want to let off steam, a creative society is highly recommended. Amid the commotion of university, chances are you'll jump at any opportunity to let your mind wander, and creativity is the ideal way to express yourself.
There are societies for making art, from calligraphy to sculptures, and clubs for home filmmaking, creative writing, and professional photography. Some universities even have a network for publishing these works, whether in college exhibits or on college radio. You'll get many chances for your skills to stand out.
At university, you're enhancing your knowledge and aptitude for a successful, high-level career. But if you don't know what you're going to do with your degree, a career-related society will help you decide. There are societies that link directly to your subject, from law to chemical engineering, and those tailored to specific career paths, such as teaching or pediatrics. Even if you're studying a different course, a certain career society can enhance skills applicable to your desired career.
For instance, many lawyers have physics degrees and still contribute to science because both fields require critical analysis. If you don't believe that, look at the history of the field, and you'll find many scholars with qualifications far outside their academic works.
Everyone has different tastes in the arts, and at university, there's a lot of diversity. You can join a musical society built around rock and metal, electronic and dance, classical, jazz, you name it. These societies encourage and support the music scene, take you on social trips to gigs and festivals, and help you create your own music if you get into it.
The same is true for films, books, TV, and the like. You can explore societies for science fiction, horror, romantic drama, fantasy, or even specific genres from anime to old British comedy. Don't feel put off if you think it's not adequately categorized. There is a lot of diversity within the societies themselves. Whether you've joined the fantasy society for Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, you'll find your passion here and undoubtedly meet someone who shares it or is keen to discover more.
What better way to fulfill your generosity and self-worth at university than by doing something for good causes? Not everyone is as fortunate as you, and many people at university take that for granted. Volunteering to help these charities can be a very enlightening experience. The university will provide many opportunities for you to volunteer, whether by distributing information or actively raising money. The society will definitely support you in these efforts.
Don't think it's the same generic practice for AIDS research as it is for Amnesty International. The people you meet will share their views, giving you a greater opportunity to advocate for your charity. This develops you as a person and hopefully makes a change in the future. Only with support from you, and maybe even the government, can the charity achieve its goals.
At university, you'll undoubtedly be under a lot of pressure, and sometimes you'll have trouble letting it out. So why not release it through performance? Whether you're passionate about a performing art or want to discover a hidden talent, you can do it here. You can find clubs for street dancing, belly dancing, Irish dancing, comedy performance, chamber choir, a cappella, and drama and acting.
If you don't want to embarrass yourself with your performances, you can watch your equally passionate friends perform and learn from them.
Many high-level degrees exist because people disagree on various topics, whether it's scientific theories or political and religious controversies. Developing your argumentative skills is essential if you love arguing or want to get better at it. There are numerous debate-oriented clubs on various issues in society and your subject.
Even if it is unrelated to your subject, you can see what others think about political ideologies, the treatment of science by the government, the living conditions of ethnic minorities, the best ways to deal with pollution, and more. This is a great way to get your voice and opinion heard, especially if you think yours is unpopular. So, what are you waiting for?
Is your campus in the middle of nowhere? No worries, because the university knows there's a huge world out there. They emphasize this by advertising clubs for caving, canoeing, mountaineering, and many more fun outdoor activities.
Sometimes these clubs will be local, but they'll take you literally anywhere in the world, from deep crevasses in New Zealand to rapid rivers in Peru. This is a great opportunity for you to travel the world, which is exactly what you'll need if you're stuck in a small dormitory every night.
If you're coming from another country or have a different background, you may feel like you're not fitting in. Help is at hand because top-level universities are well known for being culturally diverse. They offer societies for people of certain ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and even disabilities. My college even has a society for Linux users.
If you feel like you're the only gay student, the only Argentine, the only Sikh, or the only bipolar student, these societies will bring people together through a broad range of social events and prove you wrong. If you're not one of these people but take an interest in these cultures or support their equal rights, you're equally welcome to join and explore.
These clubs are very popular and competitive. Doing something to keep you fit and healthy, as well as for pleasure, is a lot of fun and a good way to release your frustrations. Martial arts are one of the most popular, offering dozens of different types. Some focus on strength and power, while others on speed and wit.
There are also clubs for tennis, rugby, croquet, and even clay pigeon shooting. Joining one of these clubs can make you more agile and quick and help you perfect a game you were previously terrible at.