By Lucie Weston, Community Deputy Editor
The first few weeks of uni are overwhelming, to say the least- a new room, new flatmates and non-stop social events. On top of that is attempting to understand societies, so here is a guide to help you!
- Use the Bristol SU (Students’ Union) website to explore Bristol’s societies
The University of Bristol has over 400+ societies to choose from, from ice skating and cheese societies to goat photography! Therefore, whilst it may seem overly enthusiastic to start exploring societies online before starting university, this can be really helpful!
Since taster sessions are released in September and October on the SU website, having previous knowledge of the societies will allow you to decide which taster sessions you would like to try!
https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/student-groups
- Follow the society’s instagram page and join their WhatsApp group
This is essential for keeping up to date with:
-Audition dates(eg: drama society, various acapella societies)
-Finding out about the dates for trial sessions known as GIAG (‘Give it a go’) sessions
-Activities/trips/socials throughout the year
In some cases, you will be put into ‘families’ as part of a society family scheme. This is a great way to meet new society members and be ‘looked after’ by older members of the society.
3.Sign up to GIAG taster sessions for societies
GIAG sessions were designed as free trial/taster sessions open to all Bristol University students to try out a society before deciding if you want to commit and pay the membership fee.
How do I sign up for these?
Simply go to the SU website, look up the society that interests you, click on their page to add a GIAG session to your basket and show the QR code on the day!
These usually get booked up quite fast so it is worth signing up to these quickly. You could also create a quick timetable of the times and dates of these sessions as many of them tend to overlap.
- Join the society of the subject you are studying
This is a really easy way to make friends with people on your course from the start if you sign up to their taster sessions. Creating moments before lectures start with your coursemates is really important.
Going to a pottery painting session with History Society in September allowed me to meet some of my closest friends!
- Explore activities at the Freshers’ Fair
This is a great opportunity to find out about different societies in person-ask as many questions as you can.
In 2026, it will be held on the 18th of September from 9:00-18:00 on Durdham Down. Make sure to organise your transport to get there if you live far away too (eg: Metal Works)
- Become a member of maximum four societies
Whilst it is very difficult to choose between so many societies, a realistic amount of societies to take part of in would be a maximum of four. Juggling social activities, lectures, seminars and extra work means there are only certain moments during the week where it is possible to take part in societies!
To become a member, simply go to their page on the SU website and pay the membership fee.
https://epigram.org.uk/sports-societies-why-you-should-try-as-many-as-possible-as-a-fresher/
It is also worth noting that sports socials are every Wednesday too so be prepared to bring your most ridiculous dressing up outfits for themed sports nights.
Overall, the role of societies is to meet people within and outside of your course whilst developing your interests. Navigating societies becomes easier throughout the year, especially when trying skills that are out of your comfort zone.
<small>Featured image: Epigram/Lucie Weston</small>
