Like most students across the country, your first term is now probably over. If not already, then you are entering the last few days of the first term. One of the biggest mantras you probably heard in September and October was to “get involved”, but like many, you probably didn’t. Either you were overwhelmed with the new-found freedom or you simply decided to do it when you get around to it.
But it’s not too late to join a student society. They will welcome new members all year. But what type of group should you join? Which are best?
Take Your Time
It’s the Christmas break so there is no hurry to sign up. If you’re determined to make a New Year’s Resolution of getting out more, then you have a few weeks to do it. There won’t be anybody around to sign you up anyway. Think about your own interests, naturally. But also think about the things you’ve always wanted to try; these groups welcome beginners and competitors alike. There are few opportunities in life to try something that new without spending a lot of money and people often find new interests at university.
If you’re still stuck on ideas, here are some you may wish to try.
Volunteering
Some students realise that university is a privilege, not a right. Many take the opportunity to give something back. RAG (Raising and Giving) Week falls in the winter-spring period, so you won’t have missed out for not getting involved until January. Student volunteer groups need people all the academic year, so if you’re looking to do something productive to break the cycle of study, this is one of the better options.
Sports Societies
Not everybody who signs up for sports societies are doing so to compete. There is no need to feel intimidated into signing up and being pushed into competitions. Naturally, competing is the end game of any sports society, but they tend to choose the best players they have from the group. If you don’t want to compete, you don’t have to. If all you want to do is have fun and keep fit, that’s possible too. Like volunteering, you won’t miss out for having missed a term.
Creative Societies
Fancy your hand at poetry, fiction writing or art? Once again, the lack of competitiveness in this type of society means there is no pressure to produce something in advance. You are at leisure to turn up to as many or as few sessions as you’d like, and you don’t have to produce anything. Sometimes, people go for the encouragement and for the advice. If you don’t have a creative muse, perhaps such a group might help you develop one.