Life beyond academics through societies at Birmingham

One of the best things about studying at the University of Birmingham is the incredible range of clubs and societies on offer. With over 300 societies and 56 sports clubs, there really is something for everyone, no matter your interests or experience level. From the very start, during Welcome Week, I loved how every society hosted taster sessions. It gave me the chance to try everything from badminton and climbing to business events without any pressure to commit. Over time, societies became such an important part of my university experience for helping me find my community.

A standout experience for me has been the Marketing Society. In my second year, a group of us decided to bring the society back after it had become inactive post-COVID. As marketing students, we knew there was real demand for a space where like-minded people could connect. I took on the role of Publicity Officer, and it ended up being one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made at university. We organised a variety of events such as guest speakers, networking opportunities and social events, including a society ball. It was amazing to see something we rebuilt grow and thrive. But more than that, it gave me friendships that have defined my university experience, as these are people I now see almost every day and will stay connected with long after graduation.

In my fourth year, after returning from my placement year in Marketing, I wanted to try something completely new, so I joined the Benchball Society. I’ve always enjoyed sport, but this was something different, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s such a fun, inclusive sport, and I quickly met a great group of people who I now spend time with both in and outside of sessions. One of my favourite moments was being selected for the varsity team, where we travelled to Sheffield to compete against other universities which was such a fun and memorable experience.

Looking back, what I love most about Birmingham is the variety of societies available. While Marketing Society and Benchball have been key parts of my journey, I’ve also had the chance to explore so many other activities along the way. Whether it’s academic societies where you meet people with shared career interests, or sports clubs where you can try something new, there’s always an opportunity to get involved. My advice would be to try as much as you can. Go to taster sessions, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to commit to something new as it has the capability to influence your entire university experience