Joining a society or sports club is a great way to enrich your university experience. International Student Ambassador Imran shares his tips to find the right student group for you and how to start getting involved.
Starting university is an exciting time filled with new experiences, opportunities, and friendships. One of the best ways to make the most of your time at the University of Portsmouth is by joining societies and sports clubs.
With a wide variety of options available, there's something for everyone - whether you're interested in honing a skill, discovering a new hobby, or simply meeting like-minded people. Here’s a guide to help you navigate and join the various societies and sports clubs available.
Why Join a Society or Sports Club?
1. Meet New People
University is not just about academics; it’s also about making lifelong friends. Joining societies and clubs provides a fantastic opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and courses who share your interests.
2. Enhance Your Skills
Whether you’re passionate about drama, coding, or a specific sport, there’s a society or club for you. These organisations allow you to hone your skills or learn new ones, often with the guidance of experienced peers or professionals.
3. Boost Your CV
Involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and leadership skills to potential employers. Taking on a committee role can further enhance these attributes.
4. Have Fun
Above all, university societies and clubs are about having fun. From movie nights to sports tournaments, there’s always something happening to help you unwind and enjoy your university life.
How to Get Involved
1. Explore Your Options
The University of Portsmouth offers a lot of different societies and sports clubs. You can find a full list on the Student Union website or at the Freshers' Fayre held at the beginning of the academic year. Some popular societies and clubs include:
- Sports Clubs: Football, Basketball, Rugby, Tennis, Swimming, Rowing, and many more.
- Cultural Societies: Afro-Caribbean Society, Indian Society, Chinese Society, and others.
- Academic Societies: Law Society, Business Society, Engineering Society, etc.
- Hobby Societies: Film Society, Gaming Society, Photography Society, and more.
- Special Interest Societies: LGBTQ+ Society, Feminist Society, Environmental Society, etc.
2. Attend the Freshers' Fayre and Give Me Sport
The Freshers' Fayre is your first chance to see what societies and clubs are available. Representatives from each group will be there to answer questions, and many will have sign-up sheets available. Don’t hesitate to ask about membership fees, meeting times, and upcoming events.
Through Give Me Sport weekend (26 - 29 September), you can try sport taster sessions and trials for any of 34 Team UOP Sports Clubs, use Ravelin Sports Centre's new 25m swimming pool, and take part in instructor led group fitness classes. You can try up to 10 sport tasters for just £8.
3. Follow Social Media Pages
Nearly every society and sports club at the University of Portsmouth has an active Instagram page where they post updates about events, meetings, and activities. Following these pages is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening and when. Look out for welcome events, as many societies offer free food and other perks to new members!
4. Try Something New
University is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Don’t be afraid to join a club or society that you know little about. You might discover a new passion or skill you never knew you had.
5. Stay Committed
While it’s important to balance your academic and social life, try to stay committed to the societies and clubs you join. Regular participation will ensure you get the most out of your experience, whether it's mastering a new sport or taking on a leadership role.
Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Experience
- Attend Events Regularly: Consistent attendance will help you form stronger connections and gain more from your membership.
- Volunteer for Roles: If possible, volunteer for committee positions. This is a great way to develop leadership skills and make a difference in your society or club.
- Network: Use these opportunities to network with peers and professionals, which can be valuable for your future career.
- Balance: Remember to balance your time between academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities to maintain your well-being.
Joining societies and sports clubs is a wonderful way to enrich your university experience. From making friends to developing skills and having fun, the benefits are endless. Be sure to explore your options, get involved, and make the most of your time at university. Whether you're playing on the field, performing on stage, or debating in a meeting room, you'll be making memories that will last a lifetime.
So, dive in, explore the diverse offerings, and have an unforgettable university journey!