10 Weird and Wonderful University Societies to Join Right Now

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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.

10 weirdest uni societies

1. Quadball (Quidditch) Society, various unis

Make no mistake – Quidditch, or Quadball as it is now often called, is not just fancy dress for Potter stans; it’s a full-contact, mixed-gender sport that is fast-growing across UK universities. Two teams go head-to-head in a battle to catch the Flag. Sure, you may not be soaring through the sky and facing the threat of someone cursing your broomstick from the sidelines, 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.

You can give a go at various universities, including Manchester, Leeds, Warwick, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, and more! 🧹

2. Assassins' Guild Society, Sheffield

Scroll down the list of university clubs at the University of Sheffield, and nothing will seem out of the ordinary – that is, until you spot this society. You'll typically be assigned a Target (someone you'll hunt) and an Assassin (someone who hunts you), and the game continues until there's only one person left standing.

If you're fascinated with 'murderous' amusements, sign up and enjoy a broad range of activities, each with adjusting levels of complexity. Learn more about the Assassins' Guild Society. 🔫

3. Sandcastle Society, Newcastle

Most students go to Tynemouth for a surf or a tan, but if you're looking for something more, the Sandcastle Society at Newcastle University could be for you. With this group, you'll be part of regular trips to the coast specifically to construct the most creative and competitive sand structures possible.

Worried about winter? Have no fear - this society also holds get-togethers away from the beach for those colder months. 🏖️

4. Stitch ‘n’ Bitch, Leeds

Knitting isn’t reserved for 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. 🧶

5. 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 a 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 to the Chinese Lion Dance Troupe. 🦁

6. 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 at Coventry 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. 🇰🇷

7. Lego Society, various unis

This year, join a creative hub for building in the Lego Society. Organising weekly Lego-based competitions and holding a completely varied collection of blocks (from Star Wars to Mindstorms), the Lego Society is one of the University of Nottingham's most unique, yet wholesome, groups. You can also find Lego-based events at other unis, including Lancaster, Reading, Bath, and more!

Just bring a creative mind – and you’ll be all set. 🏠

8. 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 at UCL 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 7 PM and 9 PM, usually followed by a social at the Students' Union bar. Check it out! 🎪

9. 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 into a passion project that appeals to your interest in science, there’s a place for you at the Human Powered Submarine Society.

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. 🌊

10. 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 screenings. 🎥

Find a place to call home

Whatever weird uni society you decide to try out, you'll need a place to call home whilst living out your best university experience. Fortunately, UniHomes features listings from letting agents and landlords across the UK, so you can find student housing close to your university - all with bills included.

Browse our student accommodation options today and filter by number of bedrooms, location, and budget!