The Odessy of Clubs and Societies
Beyond the lecture halls and books, the heart of your university experience lies within the vibrant tapestry of extracurricular activities. While many recognize these for their social appeal, there are myriad underappreciated reasons why international students should immerse themselves in this aspect of student life. With the “Beyond the Books” series, we'll unveil these hidden treasures that truly enhance your journey as an international student. In this chapter of the series, we’ll dive into Clubs and Societies.
What are clubs and societies?
Clubs and societies are student-run groups within the university where students share the same interests, hobbies, or goals. The groups enable students to meet and engage in activities related to their passion or interest.
The Clubs and Societies can cover a wide range of interests that include but are not limited to
Art & Literature
Academics
Sports and Fitness
Culture & Heritage
Pop Culture (anime, harry potter, pokemon, etc)
Political and Advocacy
Religious and Spiritual
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Gaming and Esports
These groups often organize meetings, workshops, events, and outings that align with their focus and are a great way to start meeting new people and making friends.
Should I join a Club or Society?
Yes, I definitely recommend joining one in your first semester as you are new to the country and have no one to share your excitement and interests with. A club or society is the best platform for you to mingle with others that share the same interests and build a rapport. Here are some more reasons why you should consider joining one.
Sense of Belonging
Joining a club or society can help you feel a sense of belonging. If you are feeling a little lost and homesick you can join one from your home country, if you cannot wait to talk to someone about the new jujutsu kaisen or one-piece (very excited for Gear 5) episode join the anime club and if you want to get ready for that summer bod you can join the sport and fitness clubs. Universities have over 100 clubs and societies on average, some have over 200 so you have plenty of options to choose from. If there isn’t one but you are very passionate about the topic you can go ahead and create your own (you will need to pitch and get it approved but you can create new ones).
Cultural Exchange Beyond Boundaries
Clubs and societies provide an authentic avenue for cultural exchange that goes beyond the surface. Joining these groups exposes you to the diverse traditions, perspectives, and customs of various parts of the world. It's a classroom where you learn from your peers and share your own unique heritage, and by participating you not only contribute to these groups but also become a bridge between cultures.
Forming Lifelong Friendships & Bonds
Navigating a new country can be frightening, and clubs and societies offer an instant network of friends who share your passions. After orientation this is where friendships start, you meet like-minded souls and bond over shared interests. These connections can be an invaluable source of advice, camaraderie, and understanding, ensuring that you're never alone on this adventure. The bonds formed within clubs and societies often transcend the university years, they evolve providing not just emotional support but also opportunities for collaboration and connection throughout your life. It’s a great way to expand your social circle and build meaningful relationships. Who knows maybe you’ll find a partner here?
A Playground for Exploring New Interests
University is the perfect time to experiment with new interests and hobbies. As clubs and societies cater to a broad spectrum of passions, they allow you to step out of your comfort zone and discover new facets of yourself. Maybe you’ve been thinking about learning how to box or joining a book club. Perhaps you want to play quidditch with the muggles, the possibilities are plenty. So don’t be afraid to try something new, take a step, and venture into the unknown, you might even like it, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Skill Development Beyond Academics
While your studies are essential, you also need to develop skills outside your curriculum. By participating in clubs and societies you'll gain hands-on experience in skills like leadership, teamwork, decision-making, creativity, and public speaking that will prove invaluable in your future endeavors. So actively engage in club activities and embrace the chance to contribute to club initiatives, this will help you build your skills and feel connected to the community.
Unlocking Exclusive Opportunities
Many clubs and societies offer opportunities for internships, workshops, and conferences related to your interests. They also offer opportunities to give back to the community through volunteering and service projects. These can be a gateway to industry insights, professional networking, and skill enhancement that directly aligns with your passions. By building relationships with people in your field of interest, you can gain insights and make valuable contacts with professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and potential career opportunities.
Addition to Resume
Membership in a club or society can be a valuable addition to your resume, demonstrating your involvement and engagement with the community. Consider taking on leadership roles. Having a president, secretary, treasurer, or other role will help you stand out from the crowd. When you don’t have a lot of work experience these little things will help build up your resume.
Clubs and societies often organize events and activities that allow you to explore and experience different aspects of student life. This can include cultural festivals, outdoor activities, and community service projects. They allow you to broaden your horizons and lead to a more well-rounded university experience. So make the most of it and join one if you haven’t already!