Get Involved
Freshers' Week is a great time when you start uni. It gives you an opportunity to join all kinds of different clubs and societies which can really get university life off to a good start.
Joining clubs and societies is important because it's easier to get to know new people and form friendships if you've something in common. Over time, the shared experiences of playing matches or going on trips can create strong bonds between you and other club members.
At the Freshers' Fair you can find out what clubs and societies there are to join. The best way to find out which ones suit you is to walk around the fair and have a chat with those in charge of the activities that you feel you could be interested in joining.
Join as many as you want - you're not committed for life! Sign up for anything that appeals to you and then decide later on which ones to stick with.
Everyone attending the Freshers' Fair is in the same boat. Like you, they're all there to make the most of their time at uni. So don't be shy...get a conversation going with questions like:
“Where do you come from?”
“Which halls are you in?”
“What A levels did you get?”
“What course are you on?”
Most unis have a good range of clubs, societies, associations and teams. It's up to you to explore the ones you like. Expect to find these kinds of activities covered:
- Football
- Rugby
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Netball
- Hockey
- Cheerleading
- Basketball
- Rock climbing
- Yoga
- Thai Chi
- Photography
- Music
- Languages
- Performing arts
- Politics
- Debating
- Charitable work
But joining clubs is not only good for your social life, physical fitness and creative side, it can also help your career prospects! Being a member or holding office in a university society can look good on your CV and help you stand out from the crowd when you're applying for a job or work experience.
If you get involved in the student union for event and charity fundraisers, for example, it'll show that you have organisational and leadership skills. If you become a student rep, it could also show that you're comfortable speaking in front of a lot of people.
And if you come out of uni with a good degree, having kept up with all the coursework while also being involved in various clubs and associations, you'll have proved yourself to be pretty good at time management too!
