Exploring societies at the University of Birmingham

Hi! I’m Annice and I’m studying Social Anthropology. It is my second year at UoB and I am enjoying still finding new extra-curricular activities to enrich my time at uni in addition to my studies.

In first year, I tried out as many clubs and societies as I could, to explore new activities and make friends. Throughout first year I was a member of the Art society and attended multiple life-drawing sessions as an amateur. I played basketball for the women’s development team, which was great fun and a really welcoming space for someone who had never played before. I was also a member of the Jazz, Funk and Soul society (JFS), which I am still involved in now and is always a great way to dance into the weekend on a Friday night.

In second year, I decided it was time to really push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new again. I was an enthusiastic but irregular runner throughout first year and I also enjoyed swimming during school. So, I thought I would try out the Triathlon society. After the first training session, a group run, I realised that this was the club for me. Everyone was so friendly; the atmosphere was so energetic and everything could be done at my own pace and at a distance that suited me.

The club offers swimming, spin classes (cycling) and running coaching for members to take part in, as well as other sessions. There is no pressure to attend all the sessions and training can be catered to any ability. It is a relaxed and social club that also holds lots of activities for socialisation outside of club training sessions and group trips to races, including BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sports). It is a great way to improve your fitness; I now have a gym and swim membership to help me enjoy triathlon training even more! As well as being a fantastic way to meet friends outside your course or accommodation, even in second year, the sessions are also a fab way to energise you for a productive day or help you unwind.

There is a society for everyone at UoB! They are a great way of making and catching up with friends and explore something new, or familiar by yourself. Societies are also a great way to do something outside your studies and take your mind off the day or week you have had and do something for yourself.