My experience of societies at the University of Birmingham
The African Caribbean Society has exposed me to a massive variety of different people who I am certain I would not have met otherwise
For many students the main focus of attending University is to achieve a degree qualification, however, students must give themselves breaks by participating in other elements of student life. Societies are a great way of doing this. The Guild of Students at Birmingham is home to over 300 student groups and associations. These societies range from surfing to chess and politics to pasta.
As a nervous fresher, I was super excited to join a few societies at the start of the academic year. This interest was amplified after attending the societies' fair and learning more about what was on offer. My eagerness to fill my first year at university with groups dedicated to everything from cheerleading to radio broadcasting was at an all-time high.
After great deliberation, I decided to join the ACS (African Caribbean Society). My decision was fuelled by my interest in meeting a diverse group of people during my time at university and I felt that this society would aid me in doing so organically. After being a member for almost a year, I can honestly say that I have been successful in achieving this. Through its organisation of various activities such as games nights, career workshops, and social evenings, the ACS has exposed me to a massive variety of different people who I am certain I would not have met otherwise.
My positive experience with societies, however, is not unique. Many of my friends at university are also part of various student groups and they too have had a fantastic experience with the societies they have joined. I believe that the reason why we have all had such amazing experiences with societies is that we chose to join groups that we were passionate about and were willing to engage with.
At Birmingham, students are encouraged to be innovative and challenge themselves, if you notice that there is a gap in the market for a society that does not already exist, you can take the opportunity to set it up with the help of the Guild of Students. Similarly, you may wish to bring a society back that once existed but is now on the Save A Society list which is what my coursemates and I are in the process of doing with the Marketing Society!