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rachel-oelbaum
9th October 2016

Freshers’ Guide: Societies 101

Want to get stuck in to student life, but not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the societies that have something to offer everyone
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With over 400 societies at the University of Manchester, it can be tough to know where to start. Maybe competitive sports isn’t your thing, and you’d rather melt than appear on a stage. Don’t worry, there are still loads of ways to get involved! We’ve taken some of the more general interest societies and broken them into different groups. Take a whistle-stop tour through what else the Students’ Union has to offer, and you’re sure to find something to suit you!

Eating and drinking: We all have to eat, so what better way to meet new people than by doing something we can all enjoy? Manchester is full of great bars and restaurants, and this is a great way of exploring what the city has to offer. You can also pick up some extra skills, whether it’s how to make a bakewell tart or how to pick the best wine for your meal. As Julia Child once said, “people who love to eat are always the best people.”
Societies to join: Baking, Cheese and Wine, Coffee, Craft Beer, Veggie/Vegan

Keeping active: Ready to get stuck in and do something different? Look no further! We know that not everyone likes to sweat it out at the gym, but there are lots of other ways to keep your energy levels up, get out and about and meet new people. You might break a sweat, but you’ll be having fun doing it!
Societies to join: Swing Dance, Yoga, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), Ice skating, Folk and Ceilidh, Hiking

Adrenaline junkie: If your tastes are a little more adventurous, there’s lots of groups to choose from. Whether you want to scale the skies or burrow deep into the caves, there’ll be a society that gets your heart racing and the adrenaline pumping. Just don’t forget your harness!
Societies to join: Expeditions, Karting and Motorsport, Skydiving, Speleology, Sub Aqua, Mountaineering

Beyond the classroom: University is all about learning, and if you’re someone who likes to challenge themselves outside the lecture theater then there’s lots on offer. These groups offer a chance to explore original ideas and meet people who share your passion for what’s new, interesting and thought-provoking.
Societies to join: Book Club, Pint of Science, Board Games, Socionics Society, TedX, Debating

Arty: Whether you’re good with your paintbrush, your pen or your needle, these groups are for you! There’s lots of ways to explore your creative side and get involved with the artistic scene around campus! Don’t be put off if you’ve not tried something before; give it a go, you might find a hidden creative talent!
Societies to join: Comic Collective (MUCC), Blog Soc, Creative Writing, Craftivism, Film Making, Whitworth Young Contemporaries


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