Looking to hug a cat or destigmatise Eurovision? 6 unusual societies to join this term
By Tom Taylor, Deputy Features Editor
Are you wanting to broaden your horizons this term and gain some new hobbies? Looking to pet a cat, lift 160kg or idolise Eurovision? Maybe not, but regardless, here are some newly affiliated societies that represent the spectrum of niche interests at the university!
Barbell Club
Have you ever watched Olympic weightlifters on TV and thought ‘I could do that?’ Me neither. But if pumping iron in an inclusive and accepting space sounds appealing then the University of Bristol Barbell club is for you. The society brings together beginners, athletes and everyone in between who enjoy powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting for training sessions twice a week. The society’s committee aims to ‘provide support with form, training programs, competition entry and equipment.
Image: Flickr / Dom Gomez
Cat Soc
Cat pub visits, film nights with pizza and volunteering at a cat shelter called The Moggery. I’m already sold, and I don’t even have a cat. The society’s mission is to ‘connect students with Bristol’s cat scene and foster a feline friendly and inclusive environment’. If you’re feline like you need some more kitties in your life, then you should sign up right meow. It will be paw-some. I have no more cat puns fur you. I’m sorry.
Image: UoB Cat Soc Facebook
Eurovision Soc
The society aims to break the ‘fight club’ stigma Eurovision has which I think is one of the best mission statements I’ve read on the SU website. If you know your Conchita from your Jacques Houdek then head down to a Eurovision Soc pub quiz or impress your friends with a rendition of Rise like a Phoenix on karaoke night. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a Euro-casual, Eurovision Society is waiting to welcome you.
Image: UoB Eurovision Soc Facebook
Bristol IFP Society
Bristol IFP is a space for all International Foundation Program students to meet and transition into IFP from overseas together. They hold ‘culture-mingling’ activities including drama performances, music and food. The society connects students with IFP alumni who canoffer guidance and insight into undergraduate study and future careers.
Bristol Students for Life
Claiming to open conversation and develop the pro-life feminist philosophy, Students for Life holds debates, panel discussions and socials where they discuss issues such as euthanasia, abortion, surrogacy and capital punishment. ‘Pro-life feminism’, the group states, ‘seeks to protect the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death. The society encourages those sceptical of their views to come along.
Ukrainian Society
The Ukrainian Society hopes to ‘present a new colourful world’ of Ukrainian culture to students. The society brings Ukrainian students together with the wider Ukrainian communityand welcomes ‘everyone who is curious to learn more’’. Whether you want to try Ukrainian food, sample the country’s culture or just make some new friends, Ukrainian Society is for you.
Image: University of Bristol Ukrainian Society Facebook
Featured Image: Canva / Niamh Rowe