By Emilia Ibarguen Donoso, Head of Photography
Spread throughout the Clifton Downs, the Student Union held their annual showcase of over 300 student groups who for over 5 hours must give their best elevator pitch to convince students to join their society; with some offering wonderful treats to lure them in- thanks Somali Society, those Xalwo definitely worked on me! With the vast number of societies offered, it can become quite overwhelming to appreciate them all before they just become another WhatsApp group you don’t remember you signed up for.
And so- here are 8 student groups that deserve to be spotlighted. Looking for a group to join after Christmas? Here's a refresher.
- The Bristol Cheese Society
To start off, what is better than cheese? While I am aware this society may not be for my lactose intolerant fellows (fear not, this article features a society that might be the perfect fit), for those that can indulge in it, this society offers wine pairing events and cheeky raclette evenings. In other words, join a cult build around cheese. Simply beautiful!
*They even sell a cute tote bag!
- Free-From Society
“Freed from desire mind and senses purified, freed from desire, na na na...(Gala Rizzatto”). What a great song, though it has nothing to do with this society.
Inclusivity is at the society’s core, welcoming students with dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other intolerances. So, if you’ve ever felt alone at the Jason Donervan queue knowing you can’t relish in cheesy chips, you no longer must walk alone but feel miserable together.
- Avant Garde Society
When I asked the committee members what this society was about, given their empty bulletin board, they proceeded to give me a full-on shark tank proposal on how my life would radically change if I joined the society. And well? It might just.
If you are a fan of all that encompasses music, film, and the arts., and wish to procure a Letterboxd to brag (and confuse) others, this might be for you! Is it presumptions? Maybe. Does it have free membership? Absolutely.
- Coppafeel!
On a more serious note, this society is one of the important ones. They are the on-campus team of the cancer awareness charity brining breast cancer awareness to the youth throughout the UK. For more information, please visit their page!
- Peruvian Society
Including the Peruvian society in this list might originate from a relative bias, as a national of their next-door neighbouring country Bolivia, but I am thrilled that another Hispanic society has emerged. I hope the start of this society inspires more cultural groups to start their own (ahem Colombians and Bolivians where are you?) Wishing all the best to this new society!
- Rock Society
It seems like an unwritten requirement to join this society is to have cool hair, I mean look at some of the members! The society aims to grow from only speaking to Led Zepplin and Judas Priest fans, heavy dark rock if you will, and is now calling out to all those who love “70s/80s dad rock”, Radiohead fanatics, and Arctic Monkey lovers. Hopefully Argentinian rock, my personal favourite, gets thrown in the mix - viva Soda Stereo!
- Chinese Lion Dance Troupe
These were the sweetest leaders I talked to today! You could feel the energy and fun that the society is built on. It celebrates the lion dance that appears in numerous East Asian cultures, typically performed in special events like the Chinese New Year. Even if dancing is not of interest, make sure check them out whenever they perform, it promises to be a one-of-a-kind performance!
- Spotlights
Now this is a society I had absolutely no clue existed but has quickly intrigued me. Members of this society get the opportunity to face all the encompassing facets of a play, from the writing process, direction, and production. In collaboration with the DramSoc, this society opens a new door for students to participate in the arts.
- Epigram...!
Oh, and of course... yours truly.
We are an award-winning paper that covers basically everything under the Bristolian rain; news flash, there's no sun-welcome freshers.
And the best part is that anyone can participate! Not only writers, but also illustrators and photographers. Our paper is made by students, for students. We also work with our sister magazine, The Croft, to cover an even greater range of topics.
Isabel Hebbron
I hope that you consider giving a chance to one of these societies, but most importantly I hope you give chance to opportunity. This is a reminder to take advantage of your youth to explore and develop interests of all sorts.
Featured Image: Epigram / Emilia Ibarguen Donoso
What society will you be joining this academic year?
