How to Start a Society at University
Starting your own student society is a great way to bring people together around a shared interest, campaign, culture, or cause. Whether it’s a niche hobby or a social justice movement, creating a society can be one of the most rewarding things you do during your time at university. Here’s what it takes to get one off the ground.
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Understand the student union process
Every university has its own procedure for starting a new society, and most of it will go through your student union or students’ association. You’ll usually need to:
• Check that a similar society doesn’t already exist
• Draft a basic constitution or aims of the society
• Recruit a small number of founding members
• Nominate key committee roles (such as president, secretary, and treasurer)
• Submit a formal application and attend a society approval meeting
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Have a clear vision
Before applying, be clear about what your society stands for. Think about:
• The purpose of the group
• What kinds of events or activities you’ll run
• How often you’ll meet
• How you’ll attract and retain members
• How your society adds value to the student community
A clear identity makes it easier to attract interest and secure union approval.
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Get your core team together
Most unions require a minimum number of students (often three to five) to form a society. These founding members typically take on the committee roles. Choose people who are reliable, enthusiastic, and ideally have different skills such as event planning, finance, or promotion.
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Plan your first steps
Once approved, you’ll be given access to union resources such as:
• Funding or grants
• Room bookings for meetings or events
• A web page or social media support
• Training sessions for society leaders
Use these tools to organise a launch event, promote your society at the next freshers’ fair, and build a membership base.
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Be inclusive and sustainable
Successful societies are welcoming, well-organised, and adaptable. Be sure to:
• Make events accessible to a range of people
• Listen to feedback from members
• Keep your finances in order
• Plan for handovers so the society can continue after you graduate
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Why it’s worth it
Starting a society can help you develop valuable skills in leadership, communication, budgeting, and teamwork. It can also make a real difference to student life by giving people a space to connect, explore new ideas, and belong.