8 reasons to join a UCL Union club or society

org/" target="_self">The UCL Union (UCLU) has more than 200 clubs and societies for you to join, and now is the best time of the year to get involved! You can either sign up online via the directory, or you can attend taster sessions during UCLU's 'Look Try Join' period. 

'Look' for clubs and societies that interest you at UCLU's Welcome Fair on 1 and 2 October, and 'try' your choices out for free during 'Try it Fortnight'. Once you've figured out which ones are for you, you can 'join' as soon as memberships become available online.

There's a huge range of areas to pique your interest, from coffee appreciation to magic, and Buddhism to knitting. But if you're still not convinced, here are eight more excellent reasons to 'look', 'try' and 'join':

1. Give your CV an edge

Set yourself apart from other applicants. Thinking about a career in human rights? Perhaps choose the Amnesty International Society. Looking to get into the world of design? Then try out the Free Hype Society, a pro bono creative agency for charities. Sustainability? Maybe join Engineers Without Borders. There's something for everyone.

2. Gain a new hobby

Maintaining a regular activity or hobby in London can be expensive. By joining a club or society you can do this for a fraction of what it would ordinarily cost, and all membership fees go directly towards a group's running costs.

3. De-stress

Wind down after a long day at the library with the Yoga and Meditation Society, Book Club or Mindful Society.

4. Keep fit

Break free from the shackles of the gym and get creative with your fitness regime. The Union offers a whole host of interesting sports* and activities to keep you fit, including: badminton, baseball, boating, Capoeira, dance, dodgeball, fencing, gliding, hiking, handball, judo, juggling, mountaineering, salsa, surfing and frisbee. On the other hand you could…

5. Indulge

Your choice needn't be overly virtuous. Join a foodie society that enjoys baking, cheese, gastronomy or mixology, or sign up for the Chocolate Society's 'truly decadent evenings'.

6. Make new friends

You've got your course mates and you've got your flatmates, but what if none of them share your passion for traditional Chinese board games or scuba diving? Then you'd better get out and join a society where you can meet others with similar interests!

7. Explore your creative side

Get your creative juices flowing and find collaborators at the Writing, Film or Origami Societies, to name but a few.

8. Surprise yourself

What if you are the world's best hang glider and you just don't know it yet? What if you have an 8,000-page tome inside you waiting to burst out? What if you're the missing ace at the Bridge Society? You get the idea.

So, if you simply want to continue your current passion or get inspiration from a new venture, then make sure you head down to the UCLU Welcome Fair. You can also find out what's happening, where and when on UCLU's What's On page.

*Check the UCLU website for information on pre-season training for British University and College Sports (BUCS) clubs, as this may have begun before the start of term.

Lucy Jordan
UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

Image: Lara Cosford