Being at university is, of course, about furthering your education and gaining a qualification that will help you find a career you love. However, there is more to your university experience than studying. Joining a society while you’re at university is a brilliant way to ensure you have a fulfilling three years. We’ve laid out some reasons below as to why you should join a society at your uni!

 

You’ll make friends for life

 

There are so many chances to make friends while you’re at university, and joining a society is another way to do so. You’ll know that these friends have similar interests to you, and if you’re shy then it means you don’t have to go out of your way to introduce yourself to people – they’ll already be there. As these friends will mostly be from outside of your course, it’s a fantastic chance to switch off from your studies and talk about something else.

 

It looks good on your CV

 

Your CV doesn’t have to be all about your studies and job experience. Employers are looking for well-rounded people, and joining a society at university shows that you have multiple interests outside of work and study. It is also a way to show that you have the ability to work well as part of a team, have tried something new and so on.

 

Step out of your comfort zone

 

On the topic of trying something new, joining a society at university is an ideal way to jump right outside of your comfort zone. There are endless different societies, from debate club to rowing, knitting to quidditch and so much more… the beauty of a university society is that you can join as a beginner and learn a skill that is brand new to you. Many people will be in the same position as you in this way too!

 

A chance to develop leadership skills

 

One thing future employers will look for is good leadership skills. Your course may not provide an opportunity for you to develop these important skills, but a society could be the perfect place to nurture this side of yourself. You can work your way up to becoming vice-president or even president. Or, if you have a hobby that isn’t present at your university already, you can start your own! You’ll lead from the get-go, which will look incredibly impressive on your CV.

 

Enjoy a work-life balance

 

We touched on this in the first point, but joining a society is a great way to ensure you have some sort of work-life balance. University can be overwhelming, and it is imperative that you have something to focus on alongside your studies. Partying and napping are all well and good, but joining a society gives you a sense of achievement too.

 

Improve your fitness

 

Not all societies are about sport, but the majority are. From hockey to football to badminton, most universities will have a huge range of sports to choose from. Remember, you don’t even have to be good at it! It’s a chance to get your body moving at least once a week, keep your blood flowing and release endorphins – the happy chemicals. Moving to a new city, meeting new people and having a heavy work schedule are all things which can contribute to loneliness and a decline in your mental health. Joining a society at university and maintaining or improving your fitness is a great way to combat this.

 

These are just some reasons to join a society during your time at university. If you’re already in your second or even third year, it’s not too late. Learning a new skill and making new friends are important at any stage of your degree, and it definitely gives you something to focus on alongside the increasing pressure throughout your studies. Here at Cityheart Living, we want to ensure you have the best experience you can. We understand that this is often your first long-term stay away from home, so our onsite accommodation team is on hand to offer a warm welcome and support you.