10 Weird and Wonderful University Societies to Join Right Now

Here are 10 of the most bizarre but brilliant uni societies 🎭

There’s no time like the present to try something new – and when it comes to student clubs and socs, you won’t be short on choice!

We’ve all heard of debating societies, drama clubs and student radios – but this year, why not go for something a little bit more out of the box? We’ve put together a list of oddball clubs in UK universities that you HAVE to try.

Quidditch Society, Sheffield 

Make no mistake – Quidditch is not just fancy dress for Potter stans; it’s a full contact sport that is fast-growing across UK universities. Two teams go head-to-head from Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield – the Squids and the Steelfins – in a battle to catch the snitch (a tennis ball inside a long sock). Sure, you may not be soaring through the sky and facing the threat of someone cursing your broomstick from the side-lines, but it’s a fun way for mere muggles like us to get some cardio in, make some new friends and look utterly ridiculous in the process. 

For details on how and where to sign up, check out the page here!

The Honourable Paranormal, Conspiracy and Ghost Society, Bath

Scroll down the list of university clubs at Bath Spa and nothing will seem out of the ordinary – that is, until you spot this society. If you're fascinated with everything strange and supernatural, sign up and fall down the rabbit hole where you’ll be taken on hair-raising ghost walks, spook-tacular adventures and horror-themed pub quizzes and you’ll meet fellow lovers of anomalous phenomena.

Aliens, ghouls, zombies and vampires all welcome – no mummies, though. Hey - it’s a pandemic – we need all the loo roll we can get.  👻

The 20 Minute Society, Newcastle

Sign up to the 20 Minute Society and take part in mystery socials that span from themed pub crawls and cocktail masterclasses to extreme trampolining and holidays in secret locations. Why the name? We’re glad you asked: 20 minutes before the social takes place, you’ll get a text with a clue for where to meet. Yes, planning ahead is a little tricky – but who needs plans when you get surprise socials? This year, they’ve launched the Toontrucker Trials, a series of challenges ranging from solo missions to group trips out in Newcastle and online competitions with prizes up for grabs.

Sign up, send your number and wait for the signal 📲

Stitch ‘n’ Bitch, Leeds

Knitting isn’t reserved to nannies. At Leeds University, students gather to converse and craft with friends at the Stitch ‘n’ Bitch soc. If you’re big into mindfulness or love a good crafting sesh, this one’s for you. Even if you’ve never picked up knitting needles in your life or your crochet skills leave a lot to be desired, the committee can help with hints and tips to start stitching. 

Sign up today and you could have a new scarf by Christmas 😉

Chinese Lion Dance Troupe, Bristol

The University of Bristol has a range of student societies to suit a myriad of different interests, beliefs, religions and cultures. But who needs book club when you can dress up in an incredible lion costume with a friend and get involved in Chinese Lion Dance?! This traditional performing art is stunning to see and super fun to learn. It's performed with the aim of spreading happiness, luck and prosperity, and they’re always looking for new members to raise awareness of this key part of Chinese culture. 

You can’t say you’re not curious – see here for details to sign up 🦁

KPOP Dance Society, Coventry

Addictive melodies, slick choreography and an obsessive global fandom - the Korean Wave or “Hallyu” has swept the world and we’re fully on board. If you are too, join the KPOP Dance Society – they gather twice a week for dance classes to learn new routines and otherwise spend their time chilling together listening to the likes of BTS, Blackpink, EXO and Girls Generation. 

If you’ve got a passion for KPOP that needs satisfying, meet your new family – they’re every bit as hype as you are 🇰🇷

Role Playing Games Society, Brighton

This year, make like the kids from Stranger Things and let your imagination run wild for a series of gaming experiences like no other. From D&D to Monster of the Week, the Role Playing Games Society is one of Brighton University’s best kept secrets. Every week on a Wednesday, the club gathers to meet for long-term campaigns or one-shots for people who can’t commit for the long-haul. 

Bring an open mind and a couple of character ideas – you’ll be all set 🐉

Juggling and Circus Society, London

Joining university clubs is a great way to meet new people and dip your toe into new waters. This year, step outside your comfort zone and learn the skills of a circus troupe to impress your friends - including poi, hula hoop, juggling, diabolo and much more. With monthly fire nights where you can put your tricks to the test with added danger of fire, the Juggling and Circus Society is for those of us who fantasise about running off and joining the circus when things go pear-shaped. Even if you’re brand new to the talents of performers in the Big Top tent, this is a relaxed setting with plenty of workshops for beginners. 

They have sessions in the UCL North Cloisters every Monday between 7pm - 9pm usually followed by a social at the Huntley or Mully’s bar. Check it out 🎪

Human Powered Submarine, Southampton

Budding engineers studying in Southampton, look no further. This club was founded with a passion for designing, building and testing human powered submarines to compete internationally. Even if you aren’t a STEM student but want to take a deep dive in a passion project that appeals to your interest in science, there’s a place for you at the Human Powered Submarine soc.

To be honest, it’s this kind of society that makes for great stories – when someone asks you for an interesting fact about yourself, let this be it 🌊

The Bad Film Society, Norwich 

There’s something for everyone at the University of East Anglia, but this one in particular caught our eye. Exactly as you would expect, this society is dedicated to screening the best of the worst films out there. Recoil, cringe and laugh ‘til you cry at B movies, shoddy scripts and painful acting over some popcorn with a group of movie-buffs you’ll soon call your best friends. 

Sign up and join for their weekly, socially distanced screenings 🎥