Societies are great, they allow you to share your interests with others, meet new people and dig up talents that you didn’t even know you had.
The best part, however, might be the wide variety of choice you have when it comes to picking a society to join. Many students often think of things like the Debating society or the university’s student magazine when they first learn about societies, and while these are well worth joining, they’re not necessarily for everyone.
So if you’re looking for something a little different to tickle your fancy, here are some of Coventry University’s hidden gem societies…
1. Air Soft
Let’s dive right into something that’s different, whacky and involves guns… Air soft is a game that has you running through an assault course, or ‘Course of Fire,’ shooting targets as quickly as possible, whilst also being judged on your accuracy.
The society meets weekly for Course of Fire practice, they compete across the country and are also hoping to soon embark on a European tour. Who said guns and alcohol don’t mix? It is £10 to join the Air Soft society for the academic year and £5 per practice session. Well worth it if you ask me, so please visit the Air Soft society’s page for more information.
…On the other hand if you prefer your guns to be in a more virtual form, you should probably check out the Gaming society instead.
2. UNICEF
If you’d like to release your inner humanitarian, university is the perfect time to do this. There’re so many ways to get involved with campaigning through societies; RAG is popular across the country and there has never been a better time to be a part of LGBTQIA+. However, none come more recognised and have a more global impact than being a part of UNICEF.
The UNICEF society is highly active at events, collecting donations and spreading awareness of the work UNICEF does throughout the world.
It’s a fantastic cause to be a part of and from a more introspective standpoint, looks great on your CV. It’s only £4 for you to join for the entire academic year and start making your mark on the world.
3. Salsa Dancing
Who doesn’t love a bit of hip shaking and maracas? The Salsa Dancing society caters for all levels and experiences of dancing, with goals of learning more from their professional tutor, performing for the university and competing in competitions. And, of course, sharing their passion for music and dance!
Membership for the year is £5, with some great bonuses like access to auditions and cheaper classes. Even better, your first booked session is absolutely free!
Don’t forget, if salsa isn’t really your style of music, Coventry offers other societies such as Rock, Wind Band and Gospel Rhythms. Furthermore, there’s always the option to create your own. I’ve yet to see an old school hip hop society, so if you think you know your Wu Tang Clan from A Tribe Called Quest, why not start it up yourself?
4. United Nations
There’s no denying that we now live in a truly international world, and with the issues of other countries now becoming issues for all of us, it’s important that we know the score. So if you’re looking to improve your political understanding, the United Nations society is perfect for you.
Through stimulating and encouraging debates, field trips, fundraising events and networking opportunities you can really get to grips with the current issues of the world. Membership is only £8 and also allows you to interact with students from other universities so you can meet like-minded people from all over the country!
There are also societies for individual countries, such as the Chinese society and Bulgarian society. They’re great for international students who’d like to feel a little more at home, or any student that just wants to get a little taste of other cultures.
5. Crazy Cakes
Reckon you could give the people on Great British Bake Off a run for their money? Well why not join Coventry’s very own baking society, Crazy Cakes?
Crazy Cakes members aim to develop all bakers’ skills, hold bake sales, raise awareness of healthy eating and learn from a variety of cultures. Membership is £10 for the year, but well worth it considering the amount of cake you’re going to get out of it!
Plus, it always feels great to make something from scratch. Who knows, you might even be able to finally avoid Mary Berry’s dreaded soggy bottom… Sorry that came out wrong.
6. Post-Grad
Being a post-grad student can leave you feeling a little left out sometimes, so if you want to get to know your fellow students, do some networking and make your experience more memorable, why not join the Post-Grad society?
Membership is just £5 for the entire year and is a great way to continue your growth as a student. After all, just because you’re not an undergraduate anymore, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to get involved with student life.
7. Medieval
Finally, for a mere £2 you can slap on your best chainmail, sharpen your broad sword and fly your banners with pride at Coventry University’s very own Medieval and LARP society.
For those of you that haven’t seen Role Models, LARP stands for Live-Action Role-Playing, and can transform an average day into a full on battleground! Don’t be put off though, everyone is welcoming and ready to have fun. So if that sounds like your cup of tea (or mead) please contact medievalandlarpsociety.su@uni.coventry.ac.uk for more details.
Then again, if you’d rather watch battles than take part in them, there’s always the Film society instead.
Don’t forget, you can join more than one society. In fact, you should really have a go with as many as possible! Your time at university is a special one that gives the chance to do all the things you really want to. Plus, if the stresses of student life ever get too much, you’ll have so many great things and people to pick you back up again.
