As we settle into the autumn term and the chaos of fresher’s week calms down, many societies will be holding their first welcome events and gatherings. Societies are a great way to build personal skills, meet new people with similar interests and gain practical experience in fields related to your degree.
For English and Journalism students, this can be especially helpful in narrowing down career paths and gaining a network of passionate individuals for your hobbies and creative pursuits! Here’s a list of societies that are on offer at most universities, or a starter for creating your own:
University Newspaper: A fantastic opportunity to practice reporting, news writing, editing, and interviewing and especially noteworthy for budding journalists, photographers and writers alike! You’ll build a portfolio and learn key skills for newsroom operations and editing content.
University Radio Stations: If you’re interested in journalism or media, joining the university’s student-run radio or TV station is perfect for hands-on experience in broadcasting, journalism, and producing.
Zines and Cultural Magazines: This may focus on a range of themes, from fashion to politics. Magazine societies provide experience in writing, editing, and design, often with more room for creative and long-form writing.
Film Society: English students can use this space to engage with visual storytelling, explore film criticism, and even scriptwriting, while journalism students might find opportunities for media coverage and critiques.
Photography Society: Useful for aspiring photojournalists or those who want to explore visual media, photography societies often run workshops, field trips, and exhibitions that could complement journalism.
Amnesty International or Human Rights Societies: These societies offer opportunities to cover important social issues, conduct research, and practice advocacy journalism or editorial writing about social justice.
Debating Society: Ideal for English and Journalism students to sharpen their argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Debate topics often involve current affairs and societal issues, directly feeding into journalism interests.
Book Club/Literature Society: For students who enjoy reading, discussing, and analyzing books. It’s an excellent way to engage in literary discussions beyond the classroom and explore various genres.
Poetry Society: If you have an interest in poetry, this society will allow you to share your work, attend poetry slams, and interact with like-minded poets.
Getting involved in these societies will definitely help enhance your writing and communication skills, and are a great way to build a network of friendships and opportunities for your creative expression. Get yourself to a welcome event and get stuck in!
Do you think societies like photography, poetry or debating is suitable for purely beginners?