At the Freshers Fair in intro week the option to sign up for every society under the sun was far too tempting! There are societies that offer something totally new: a chance to learn a new skill, or develop an interest in something unusual, societies that offer the opportunity to extend prior skill or knowledge, societies just for fun and societies that offer an extension to our studies.
After much debating, I eventually decided to join the History Society (very cool-y named LUSH), the Philosophy Society, Ballet, the ULMS Choir, LUTG (Lancaster’s theatre society) and LUDANS (The dance society). Looking at that list written down seems like a lot, but I have to admit that taking the time out from studying and getting away from my desk (to a place that is not the kitchen) has given me a bit of space.
When attempting to describe something new it’s so difficult! I did find it interesting speaking to my flatmates this week about their society experiences too. A discussion about society ultimately becomes a discussion about new friends and experiences – so, clearly the two are linked. However, there’s no doubt that I had my preconceptions and fears when I went to my first meetings: walking into a room full of people who had already made friends and who already knew the ins and outs of the society: who’s who and what’s what, not being up to the standard expected and just being totally overwhelmed by everything new. Despite this angst I can sit here now and honestly say (well, type) that those preconceptions were demolished within the first 10 minutes of walking in.
Armed again with the three-absolutely-essential-questions survival kit, as discussed in my first post, it soon became easy to start chatting with people before the society meeting or rehearsal started. To share a few hours of the day with like-minded students beyond lectures and seminars is so great! I have met third years studying physics and post-grads studying international relations, as well as more Freshers (which is always good) – societies are a great way to network with people you probably wouldn’t come across otherwise. The welcome from each society was fantastic, we could get stuck in right away. In choir and ballet, as some examples, there was no shyness – everybody was so involved and it was so great to see! I’m just gutted that I missed the social this week thanks to a bout of the flu! I really must highlight though, the variation in what the societies have to offer. LUSH and PhilSoc provide such a wide variety of activities – there have been lectures, trips to Lancaster Castle, social events as well as opportunity for discussion and general chat. In fact, looking at the schedule there’s even the chance to go over queries from within the course, alongside peer assessment, which, for me, is wonderful. The fact that it isn’t the same thing every week and that there are social activities beyond the rehearsal room or lecture theatre will hopefully create a close-knit group of people.
At the end of my sessions this week, when I was all sung out or left puzzling over questions posed, I couldn’t help but wonder what was coming next week. For me, this indicates I’ve had a good time! Genuinely, I look forward to going and learning more each session. When faced with opportunities like this, where, as students, we can engage in something we love it is worth asking ‘what is there to lose?’ – In all honesty, from what I’ve learnt this week – nothing! It’s all unfamiliar for First Years, but these societies offer invaluable opportunity.
When I sat down to write this post I considered the importance of each society to me as a student. I had to consider what I wanted to get out of my time there: fun, new friends, an opportunity to carry on what I’d started and, I guess, guidance. Choosing a society was a challenge, a bit like a maze, but finding my way out into the clearing of socials, rehearsals, guest lectures and dance classes was a challenge worth taking!