🤔 Society FAQs – Your Quickfire Guide to How It All Works

 

Whether you’re thinking of joining a society, starting one, or running one like an absolute boss — this guide is here to answer the questions everyone secretly wants to ask (but maybe didn’t want to email the SU about).

 

🎉 What are the benefits of joining a society?

 

Short answer: Loads.

Long answer: Societies are one of the best parts of student life. You can:

• Make friends who are into the same stuff as you
• Try something new or level up a hobby
• Go to events, trips, and socials
• Boost your confidence
• Add some sparkle to your CV (employers LOVE it)

Honestly just have fun and escape lectures for a bit

 

🧑‍✈️ What do I get for leading a society?

 

So much more than just a fancy title. If you’re on a society committee, you can:

• Log your hours through VolunTees (looks ace on a CV)
• Get leadership experience
• Learn to budget, plan events, and run meetings
• Access exclusive training, resources & support from the SU
• Apply for society grants & awards
• Make a real impact on campus culture

And yeah… it also just feels really good when people enjoy the stuff you help make happen 💪

 

🧢 How many societies can I lead?

 

You can be on multiple committees if you’ve got the time and energy (and maybe a colour-coded calendar).

BUT:

You can only be Chair of one society.

Make sure you're not stretching yourself too thin – it's meant to be fun, not a full-time job.

 

👥 Who runs the societies?

 

You do!

Societies are entirely student-led. That means students come up with the ideas, run the events, manage the socials, and create the vibes.

The Students’ Union is here to support you – not boss you around. They help with advice, forms, funding, and keeping things safe, fair, and inclusive.

 

💸 How are societies funded?

 

Each society has its own bank account run through the SU. Funding can come from:

• Membership fees
• SU grants (you can apply at the start of each semester!)
• Donations or sponsorships
• Ticket sales for events

The SU handles the banking stuff (so no one’s hiding cash in a shoebox), and you’ll have a Treasurer to keep track of spending.

 

🏫 How do I book a room for my society?

 

Room bookings = easy once you know the system.

You can:

• Email the SU Activities Team with the details (date, time, number of people, what it’s for)
• Or use the room booking portal if your uni has one (check the SU website or ask)

Want to use a bigger space, like a lecture hall or performance area? Give them a bit more notice so they can sort it out in time.

 

📝 How do I start a society?

 

Got an idea and 3 mates? You’re halfway there.

To start a new society:

• Fill out a New Society Application Form (get it from the SU)
• Have at least 3 committee members (President, Treasurer, Secretary)
• Come up with a name, description, and what you’ll do
• Attend Society Inductions for training

Boom – you’re official 🎉

 

👀 Do I have to be a committee member to get involved?

 

Nope!

You can totally join as a regular member and still go to all the events, join in group chats, go on trips, and vote on society decisions.

But if you ever fancy getting more involved, societies are always looking for volunteers, event helpers, and future committee members.

 

🧍 Can I join a society just for fun?

 

YES. 100% yes.

You don’t need to be an expert, or commit loads of time. You can join just to hang out, make friends, or dip your toes into something new.

There are zero expectations – it’s all about what you want to get out of it.

 

📆 When can I join a society?

 

Literally anytime during the year.

Most people sign up during Freshers Week or Societies Days, but new members are always welcome. Just head to the society’s SU webpage, send them a DM, or pop by an event.

 

🤝 Who do I talk to if I have questions or problems?

 

If it’s about a specific society:

→ DM their socials or email the committee (you’ll usually find contact info on their SU webpage)

If it’s more general or you need help:

→ Talk to the SU Activities Team. They’re friendly, helpful, and used to answering questions like “how do I pay for pizza from the society account?”

 

🎯 Final Thought:

 

Societies = friends, fun, leadership, free stuff, campaign days, epic socials, and some of the best uni memories.

Whether you’re joining, leading, or just curious – get stuck in and make the most of it.

Still got questions? Pop by the SU or shoot them a message – no question is too small or silly. That’s what they’re there for.