Exploring societies at the University of Edinburgh
By Amelia, from Edinburgh, studying Biomedical Sciences (BSc)
Starting university can be a daunting and isolating experience. For me, I worried about making friends during my first year, especially as a commuter student. I remember feeling disconnected and unsure of how to engage in campus life without physically being there all the time. However, I soon discovered that societies at the University of Edinburgh are great for connecting with people, even in challenging circumstances.
The University offers more than 290 student-led societies, ranging from academic groups to hobby-based clubs and niche communities focused on specific interests. These societies host a variety of socials and events such as balls, pub crawls, and picnics. Whether you’re passionate about debating world issues, practising a sport, or exploring a creative hobby, there’s something for everyone.
The benefits of joining societies
One of the best aspects of societies is the strong sense of community they create. Despite the initial challenges of feeling removed from campus, joining a society became a great way for me to meet people who shared my interests. These groups provided me with a social network and turned what felt like a lonely start into a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Beyond building friendships, societies can also help you to develop new skills. Many organise workshops, competitions, and events that help you grow beyond the classroom, offering experiences you wouldn’t typically encounter in your course. For me, it was a really good way to break away from academic work and help create a healthy work-life balance. Wednesday evenings became my favourite time of the week as I attended rehearsals with EUWB (Edinburgh University Wind Band), followed by a trip to the pub with my band mates.
The social side didn’t end there—we had two trips during the year. One in semester one, where we spent a weekend in Crianlarich away from our instruments and just getting to know each other, and another in May, after exams, when we travelled to Belgium for tour. These moments became some of the highlights of my university experience so far and allowed me to create amazing friendships and memories.
Getting involved
The thought of joining a society can feel intimidating at first, but it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same position, looking to meet new people and find their community. Societies at Edinburgh are designed to be inclusive, and you’ll be welcomed regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro in whatever activity you choose. Don’t hesitate to explore different societies before committing to the ones that feel like the right fit. University is not just about attending lectures and submitting assignments—it’s about discovering new passions, building life-long friendships, and immersing yourself in experiences that will make your university years unforgettable. Societies are the perfect way to open doors to all of these opportunities.
For more information, you can check the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) website (here: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/activities/list), where you’ll find a list of societies and details on how to join. Another great way to get a feel for societies is by attending the Welcome Week events, including the Freshers’ Fair at Potterrow student union on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet committee members like me, ask questions, and gain an insight into student life. Events like this are open to people of all years, not just first years, so come along and say hi!
Want to find out more?
Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA)
