🚀 So You Wanna Start a Society?

 

Here’s how to make it happen (without losing your head).

 

Starting a society might sound like a big deal, but honestly – if you’ve got a cool idea and a couple of mates who are into it too, you’re already halfway there. This guide will walk you through the why, how, and what-you-need-to-know of launching your very own society.

 

🤔 Why Start a Society?

 

Because no one else is doing what you want to do – yet.

Starting a society lets you:

• Bring people together around something you care about
• Organise events, trips, meetups – you name it
• Build your CV with leadership and organisation skills
• Leave your mark on campus life
• Have a ton of fun along the way

Whether it’s something niche (like a board game society or Doctor Who society) or something missing (like a new faith or cultural group), if you think there’s a gap – fill it!

 

🛠️ How to Start a Society: Step-by-Step

 

Get a few people on board.

You’ll need at least three students to be on the committee: a Chair, a Vice Chair Communication, and a Vice Chair Membership.

 

Come up with your society’s name, purpose, and goals.

What are you about? What kinds of events or activities will you run? (Don’t stress – this can evolve.)

 

Find students who are interested.

You need to have 10 current students registered to be an active society. This is to comply with HMRC rules.

 

Complete an email to Activities Team.

Put all these details in an email to the Activities team and copy in the 10 students. This covers all the basics: your society’s aims, committee info, and ideas.

 

Submit it to the SU.

The SU will review your application, and if everything checks out – boom, you’re official!

 

📋 Requirements & Regulations (A.K.A. The Boring but Important Stuff)

 

You need to have three committee members who are all current students.

 

Your society must be inclusive and open to all students.

 

You’ll need to stick to the SU’s code of conduct (aka don’t be a jerk).

 

You can’t make a profit or run your society like a business – it’s all about community.

 

Once approved, you’ll need to attend a Society Induction (more on that below).

 

🧠 Committee Roles – Who Does What?

 

Chair: The boss. Keeps everything running smoothly, chairs meetings, and is the main contact.

 

Vice-Chair Membership: The people person. Attracts new members and speaks to current members to ensure ideas and activities are shared.

 

Vice-Chair Communications: The organiser. Takes minutes, handles emails, and makes sure everyone’s in the loop.

 

You can always add more roles once you're up and running (Social Media Officer, Events Manager, etc.).

 

🏫 Society Inductions – Yes, You Have to Go

 

Before you officially start, you’ll need to go to a short Society Induction run by the SU. It’s not scary – it’s actually super useful.

You’ll learn:

• How to book rooms
• How to update your website page
• What funding is available to apply for
• What support the SU can offer
• Who to contact if things go sideways

Plus, it’s a good way to meet other new society leaders.

 

💡 Got the Idea, But Don’t Know Where to Begin?

 

Start small. Ask yourself:

• What would a first event look like?
• Who would be interested?
• What’s something fun and easy we can organise to kick things off?

It could be a chill meet-and-greet, a quiz night, a film screening – whatever suits your vibe. You don’t need a 10-year plan. Just start with something doable and grow from there.

 

✨ Final Thoughts:

 

Starting a society is way easier than it sounds, and way more rewarding than you think. You get to build something from the ground up, meet people who share your interests, and maybe even create a legacy that sticks around after you graduate.

 

Got questions or not sure what to do next? The SU Activities Team is literally there to help – just drop them a message or swing by the office.