During the first few weeks of term, many societies offer taster events to give you a small insight into the society [...] My suggestion is to go to as many tasters as you can - especially since they are free!
In addition to moving to a new city and adapting to a different education system, one challenge new students face is making new friends. With over 400 societies, UCL’s Students’ Union has a myriad of options for everyone. Alongside cultural and religious societies, there are opportunities to become involved in sports, arts, music and departmental societies.
However, deciding which societies to join can be daunting. Whilst you may want to continue with activities you have previously done, you may want to try a new activity. Luckily, during the first few weeks of term many societies offer taster events to give you a small insight into the society. Even if you don’t find a society that you want to join until later on in the year, some societies still allow you to get taster memberships before committing.
Although I was not organised enough in first year to attend many tasters, I made the most of this in second year and went to tasters for karate, cheerleading, mahjong and yoga. My suggestion is to go to as many tasters as you can - especially since they are free!
Each society has different commitment levels, meaning that you can be involved as much or as little as you like. Depending on your availability, I would recommend joining two or three societies. Some societies are more relaxed about membership and allow non-members to attend events.
In the first year, I joined the Women’s Football Club. Apart from providing a form of exercise, it enabled me to meet people from different degrees and stages of university.
Alongside training and matches, the society held various socials. For example, the team went to watch the Lionesses [England women’s football team] play at Wembley. We also saw Arsenal versus Chelsea in the London derby [a local football match between London teams] at the Emirates Stadium. These events were fun, especially as I had never seen a live football match before.
Joining an academic society is also worthwhile and could include your departmental society. Alongside expanding your academic knowledge, departmental societies help you become closer with people on your course.
Apart from organising talks, some academic societies also offer you the chance to write for a publication. This can strengthen your writing skills and contribute to your CV.
Another benefit of joining a society is the opportunity to join a society committee. Not only does it improve your time management, organisation, communication and teamwork skills, it also helps you become more involved within societies. Joining Asiatic Affairs Committee has helped me to meet students from more diverse backgrounds through arranging collaborations with other societies and has developed transferable skills that will help me in the future.
Societies are an amazing way to help you integrate into university life and make new friends. Put yourself out there and enjoy!
Mia Rainbird, UCL European and International Social and Political Studies
Discover the range of student societies at UCL.
Published: 25 June 2026